The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Second Republic has established platforms to facilitate dialogue among Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation to ensure democracy and freedom of expression prevails, a senior Government official has said.
Speaking to South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News last week, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said Government has liberalised the media sector over the last five years in an effort to entrench media diversity and freedom of expression.
“As a Government, we have been working hard since the inauguration in 2018,” she said.
“This is why, as a party (ZANU PF), it is important to continue this good work.
“Our economy, which was a former colony, did not cater for a lot of people . . . we have done a lot in terms of infrastructure building, and changing people’s lives.
“The President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has made it a point that he leaves no one and no place behind.
“We have opened up for business, as well as re-engaging with those who love us and those who do not.
“We have made it a point to talk to everyone.
“We would want to be friends with every country in the world and enemy to none.”
She said Government takes the issue of entrenching democracy seriously.
“It is an obligation,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“It is something we fought for.
“It was conceived from the armed struggle; it was not given on a silver platter.
“As such, we are happy when democracy is being practised.”
Senator Mutsvangwa said the media reforms implemented over the past five years have witnessed the introduction of multiple players in the sector.
She said: “As a Minister of Information, my mandate was to bring Zimbabweans together and remove polarisation that was there during the First Republic.
“We have also aligned our laws to our Constitution.
“We have done a lot of media reforms and that has brought a lot of our media institutions together.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government had nothing to hide and the amendment of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act would not curtail freedom of expression in the country.
“We have been working with them (opposition parties); we have held several workshops.
“We have brought everyone on board to talk about who we are as Zimbabweans as we go into elections.
“We have taken secretary-generals of political parties, and everyone who is interested in learning about elections.
“We have done several election workshops, which have brought fruitful results,” added Senator Mutsvangwa.
“The Zimbabwean Government has nothing to hide; (we are) very transparent and have nothing to hide.
“We introduced post-Cabinet briefings so that we are accountable to the electorate.
“I have told you about the opening of airwaves.
“After 42 years with one national broadcaster, we have managed to license six commercial television and 14 community radio stations.
“All this is done to fulfil what is in our Constitution, which is freedom of expression.
“I would be surprised to hear that there are people who have not been having an opportunity to speak on these platforms.”
