Lusaka — The minister of state for Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province has come under fire for his recent actions against journalists Sydney Mubaiwa and Stephen Chadenga. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for an immediate rescindment of the order barring the journalists from covering government events.
The incident occurred during a briefing on plans to open a regional office in Gweru, a town in the Midlands Province. Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, singled out Mubaiwa and Chadenga, accusing their outlets of attacking the government and subsequently banning them from future government meetings in the province.
This move has raised concerns about press freedom and transparency in Zimbabwe. CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo emphasized the importance of allowing journalists to scrutinize public officials. The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists has also condemned the minister’s actions, stating that they will not tolerate any attempts to divide the media.
Despite the apology from Zimbabwe Gender Commission Chairperson Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe, Mubaiwa and Chadenga have expressed fear of attending government events in the Midlands Province since the incident. The lack of response from government officials, including Ncube and Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, has further fueled concerns about press freedom in the country.
It is crucial for the minister to reconsider his decision and ensure that journalists have access to report on government activities without fear of reprisal. The media plays a vital role in holding public officials accountable and promoting transparency in governance. The international community must also monitor the situation closely to safeguard press freedom in Zimbabwe.