The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), with the approval of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services recently gazetted the registration and accreditation fees for media companies and journalists in terms of Statutory Instrument (SI) 22 of 2021.
Section 61 of the Constitution provides for freedom of expression and freedom of the media, which includes the right to seek, receive and impart information.
Access to information is, therefore, a critical component of media freedom, of which that access facilitates further dissemination of information to the general public. For journalists to fully undertake their professional duties and access public institutions without hindrance, being duly accredited is of crucial importance in that regard.
The gazetting of the new fees is therefore welcome, as it will ensure that journalists undertake their professional duties with valid accreditation cards and without fear of arrest, harassment or assault.
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