Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Kindness Paradza, who is Makonde MP, said that the government will ensure that journalists operate in a free and safe environment.
Paradza made the remarks while speaking at the Zimbabwe Community News Awards ceremony in Harare on Friday. He said:
Zimbabwe under the Second Republic has made the safety of journalists an issue of high priority.
We do not condone any acts of violence against journalists.
Government under the able leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is committed to providing a safe operating media environment and ensuring that media practitioners exercise their duties freely without any harassment from anyone or any court.
Government has achieved major milestones in enabling an environment for the media and this includes repealing some laws and crafting new pieces of legislation.
You’re aware that we repealed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and replaced it with the Freedom of Information Act.
Paradza, a former journalist, however, urged the media to abide by the country’s laws to ensure that it continues to enjoy the freedom of the press as enshrined in the constitution. | The Standard