Isabella Carter
Zimbabwe's media landscape has been dominated by state-controlled media, with national companies Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and Zimpapers being the largest media groups. However, oppressive media laws and restrictions on press freedom have been a significant concern in the country, with journalists facing challenges such as censorship, self-censorship, and persecution. While there have been some signs of improvement and increasing diversity in the media since the fall of former dictator Robert Mugabe in 2017, media freedom advocates continue to raise alarms about new laws that pose threats to journalism and access to information. This raises the question: Is there true freedom of the press in Zimbabwe, and what steps need to be taken to ensure it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current state of freedom of the press | Limited |
| Media landscape | Dominated by state-controlled media |
| Diversity | Encouraging increase |
| Self-censorship | Decreasing |
| Internet and social media access | Limited |
| Obstruction of reporters during elections | Present |
| Obstruction of journalists' work | Present |
| Media freedom violations | Present |
| Oppressive media legislation | Present |
| Draconian laws | Present |
| Confidentiality of sources | Not guaranteed in practice |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of Robert Mugabe's rule on press freedom
Zimbabwe is one of the least open countries for press freedom worldwide. During Robert Mugabe's rule, the country was ranked 122nd out of 139 countries for press freedom in 2002 and 127th out of 180 countries in 2019. Mugabe's government clamped down on independent media and their efforts to question his rule.
In 1999, Mugabe's government illegally arrested and tortured Mark Chavunduka and Ray Choto, both journalists with the independent newspaper, The Standard. The journalists had published an article claiming that 23 army officers had been arrested for plotting a coup. Mugabe supported the army's arrest of the journalists, defied a court order to release them, and threatened "very stern measures" against the independent press.
Mugabe's government also announced plans to introduce more stringent measures to regulate private media organizations in Zimbabwe, including broadening the country's criminal-libel laws to restrict journalists. The government-controlled the two main newspapers, all radio, and television during his rule. Journalists had to be accredited, and foreign correspondents were arrested and deported.
Mugabe dominated Zimbabwe's politics for nearly four decades, and his rule was marked by violence, electoral fraud, and nationalistic appeals to his rural Shona voter base. He was praised as a revolutionary hero who helped free Zimbabwe from British colonialism and white minority rule. However, his policies also contributed to economic decline, food shortages, and foreign sanctions.
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Current challenges to press freedom
The media landscape in Zimbabwe is dominated by state-controlled media, with the national companies Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and Zimpapers being the largest media groups. Zimpapers, for instance, asked editors to publicly support the ruling party ahead of the 2023 election. Local and international journalists were also prevented from covering the election process.
There are also concerns about the influence of the authorities on the selection of members of the board of the media regulator, the Zimbabwe Media Commission. The country's Cyber Security and Data Protection Act, amended penal code, and Official Secrets Act continue to hamper journalism.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has urged Zimbabwe to abandon a proposed “sovereignty and national interest” law that poses a major threat to journalism. RSF has also called on the Zimbabwean authorities to not obstruct journalists’ work during elections, guarantee Internet and social media access, and respect press freedom.
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The role of the state in the media
The national companies, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and Zimpapers, are the largest media groups in the country. Zimpapers, in particular, has been known to support the ruling party, with its head asking editors to publicly endorse the party ahead of the 2021 election. Local and international journalists also faced obstacles in covering the 2023 election process, indicating that the state continues to play a significant role in shaping media coverage and access.
The state's influence extends to the regulatory bodies that oversee the media. The authorities influence the selection of members of the board of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, which can impact the independence and objectivity of media regulation. Furthermore, the state has enacted laws that directly affect journalism and freedom of expression, such as the amended Penal Code, the Official Secrets Act, and the new Cyber Security and Data Protection Act. While the confidentiality of sources is protected by law, this has not been effectively implemented in practice.
The presence of state-controlled media and restrictive legislation has led to self-censorship among journalists. They fear reprisals and arrest if they write critical stories about the government or powerful individuals. This has hindered the development of a free and open media environment in the country. Media freedom organisations, such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI), have called on the Zimbabwean authorities to respect press freedom and abandon proposed laws that pose a threat to journalism.
While there are some positive signs, such as increasing diversity in the media landscape and acts of solidarity between private and state media journalists, the role of the state in the media remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. The country continues to face the task of reforming oppressive media laws and ensuring that the media can operate independently and without fear of censorship or persecution.
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International perspectives on Zimbabwean press freedom
Zimbabwe's history of colonial rule has been central to debates and struggles surrounding press freedom and media activism in the country. On the one hand, nationalist political leaders have accused the media and media activists, mostly part of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), of colonial work, even characterising the private media as "running dogs of imperialism". On the other hand, media activists and journalists have accused the government of limiting meaningful engagement in media work through harsh laws and the arrests of journalists, as well as starving private newspapers of government advertising revenue.
Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has been regarded as an enemy of the media, CSOs, and the clergy, which he saw as serving an imperial agenda in post-colonial Zimbabwe. Mugabe's legacy is marked by confronting imperialism and neo-colonialism, while also violating human rights, including presiding over a genocide between 1983 and 1987. Mugabe's anti-colonial rhetoric, aimed at outfoxing the international media, was undercut by his attacks on press freedom.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on Zimbabwean authorities to respect press freedom, particularly during elections, when journalists often face obstruction and abuse. RSF urged Zimbabwe to abandon a proposed "sovereignty and national interest" law that poses a significant threat to journalism. Despite a more peaceful political climate under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the authorities continue to intervene in editorial decisions and influence the composition of the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
The liberal perspective on press freedom, as articulated by Curran and Seaton, argues that a free market for publishing enables a diversity of viewpoints, making the press a representative institution. However, this view has been criticised for neglecting the positive role governments can play in enabling and supporting media freedom.
In conclusion, international perspectives on Zimbabwean press freedom highlight the complex ideological differences surrounding media performance and activism in the country. While journalists and activists accuse the government of imposing harsh restrictions, political leaders push back against what they perceive as colonial agendas promoted by the media. These contrasting viewpoints reflect the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Zimbabwe, with international organisations like RSF advocating for greater media independence and protection of journalists' rights.
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The future of press freedom in Zimbabwe
However, the media in Zimbabwe continues to face significant obstacles. The re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023 has resulted in increased persecution of the press. State-controlled media still dominates the landscape, with national companies like the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and Zimpapers holding significant influence. The media is often subjected to abuses during elections, and journalists face restrictions due to oppressive media legislation and harsh laws such as the amended Penal Code, the Official Secrets Act, and the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act.
The Zimbabwean government has also proposed new laws that threaten journalism, such as the "sovereignty and national interest" law. A long-awaited law on freedom of information could be a positive step forward, but its impact remains to be seen. While there is a constitutional provision for press freedom, it is often not respected in practice. The confidentiality of sources, for example, is supposed to be protected by law but has not been effectively implemented.
Moving forward, media freedom advocates are concerned about the government's planned laws, particularly those related to cybercrime and cybersecurity, which could further restrict journalistic activities. To improve press freedom in Zimbabwe, it is essential to address oppressive media legislation and ensure that international laws and standards for freedom of expression are upheld. Encouraging a diverse and independent media landscape, protecting journalists from obstruction and persecution, and guaranteeing access to the internet and social media are crucial steps towards a more open and free press in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there isn't. Although the media situation has improved since the fall of Robert Mugabe in 2017, oppressive media legislation and self-censorship continue to threaten press freedom in Zimbabwe.
The media landscape in Zimbabwe has become more diverse, but it is still dominated by state-controlled media. There are some independent media outlets, but they are outnumbered by state-owned media.
Reporters in Zimbabwe face many challenges, including restrictive laws, censorship, and persecution. The government has also been known to obstruct journalists' work during elections and influence the selection of members of the media regulator.
Yes, there are a few independent media outlets in Zimbabwe, including privately owned newspapers such as Daily News and The Financial Gazette, as well as online news sites like Zimlive and The Newshawks. However, these independent outlets are outnumbered by state-controlled media.
Media freedom advocates have been working to improve the situation, but progress has been slow. There is hope that a long-awaited law on freedom of information will be implemented soon.
