Promoting free speech in Zimbabwe

MISA Zimbabwe has launched its revamped website to make it easier to keep up with freedom of expression and access to information developments in Zimbabwe and across southern Africa.

The overhauled  website provides in-depth analysis and commentary, as well as the latest developments in the media and information sectors. Notably, it holds an extensive collection of papers, publications and legislation in the website's Resource Centre (APO.af/6roXKS).

To allow stakeholders to easily track the state of media freedom and freedom of expression in the country, MISA Zimbabwe publishes alerts documenting media violations and victories directly to its website.

The website also includes a comprehensive media directory with contact details of all media outlets in Zimbabwe, from community broadcasters to newspapers and media training organisations.

“Free speech and access to information are basic human rights. Importantly, they are also essential to making government and other institutions transparent and accountable,” said Tabani Moyo, Acting Director of MISA Zimbabwe. “That's why we have spent months redesigning and reorganising our new website – to make sure those looking for information can find it quickly and easily.”

With our support for the MISA website, we aim to help everyone, from stakeholders and politicians to journalists and ordinary citizens, know more about their fundamental rights.

“Articles on the website are now simpler to understand now and shed more light on issues at hand,” said Tamuka Charakupa, a blogger and MISA Zimbabwe member, adding that the redesigned site is much easier to navigate.

DW Akademie, a German media development organisation, provided technical and editorial support for the website development.

“With our support for the MISA website, we aim to help everyone, from stakeholders and politicians, to journalists and ordinary citizens, know more about their fundamental rights to information and freedom of expression,” said Natascha Schwanke, head of DW Akademie’s Africa Division. “And also help everyone know why it’s so vital to support these rights and find out when they are being eroded and how they can be better upheld.”