PRESS STATEMENT BY HON. DR. ZHEMU SODA, MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES, ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Theme: Press Freedom as a Bridge, Not a Barrier – Uniting Zimbabwe Through Responsible Journalism
Zimbabwe joins the global community in observing World Press Freedom Day. This day reminds us of the fundamental value of a free, independent, and responsible press as a cornerstone of democratic society.
The Second Republic, under His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, has recorded landmark achievements in press freedom: the progressive Freedom of Information Act, operationalisation of the independent Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Media Policy, over 40 newly licensed radio stations including community broadcasters, and a transparent access to information regime. These demonstrate a Government that trusts its people and recognises that an informed citizenry is essential to democracy.
It is time to move beyond the old habits of polarisation. Press freedom should not be a weapon to divide, but a bridge to connect communities, amplify diverse voices, and build a shared national story. Let this freedom be used to celebrate what unites us, even as we respectfully debate our differences.
With freedom comes responsibility. The rise of fake news, disinformation, and deepfakes – hyper-realistic manipulated content generated by artificial intelligence – poses a grave threat to social cohesion, national security, and individual dignity. Press freedom does not mean freedom to lie, to manipulate, or to destroy. Every journalist, editor, media house, and citizen sharing content online is called upon to uphold the highest ethical standards: verify before sharing, correct mistakes, reject sensationalism, and never become a vehicle for disinformation.
Recognizing the growing challenge of disinformation, the Government has now embarked on a national programme to promote Media Literacy. This initiative is designed to equip citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate information, distinguish credible sources from false ones, and identify manipulated content such as deep fakes. Media literacy is important because press freedom alone is not enough. A free press must be matched by a discerning public. Without media literacy, even the most ethical journalism can be undermined by a citizenry unable to tell fact from fiction. This programme will target schools, community centres, and digital platforms, ensuring that all Zimbabweans become active, informed, and responsible consumers of media. We call upon educators, civil society, and media houses to partner with Government in rolling out this vital initiative. An empowered citizen is the best defence against disinformation.
Press freedom must not become an excuse to import and propagate ideas alien to Zimbabwean values, traditions, and way of life. Our rich cultural practices – respect for elders, communal spirit, Ubuntu, languages, and heritage – deserve to be honoured. The media has a sacred duty to be a custodian of our culture, telling our stories and celebrating our heroes, while critiquing from a place of love for the nation.
The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services is not an adversary but a partner in building a better Zimbabwe. To every media worker – from veteran editor to rookie reporter, community radio volunteer to digital content creator – let us work together, critique constructively, correct lovingly, and never forget that we are building one nation, under one flag, with one future. The Second Republic has granted freedom; it must be used wisely.
Happy World Press Freedom Day to all Zimbabwean media practitioners. Your work matters. Your freedom is precious. Protect it, and use it well.
Hon. Dr. Zhemu Soda
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
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