MISA seeks to livestream recalled MPs' court challenge

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) and Technomag Private Limited have jointly submitted a request to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) seeking permission to livestream court proceedings related to a case in which 15 opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators are contesting their recall by the party's self-proclaimed interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu. The hearing for this case is scheduled to take place at the High Court on Thursday.

In their request, Misa and Technomag, represented by Scanlen and Holderness law firm, emphasized the national significance of the case and their commitment to promoting media freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information. They proposed broadcasting and livestreaming the court proceedings using video cameras and audio equipment to facilitate real-time airing of the proceedings.

The lawyers argued that the JSC possesses the authority to grant such a request, citing Section 190 (2) of the Constitution, which empowers the JSC to promote the effective and transparent administration of justice in Zimbabwe. They contended that granting permission to broadcast and livestream court proceedings falls within the scope of the JSC's powers under this section.

The JSC has already established an online platform known as the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for managing cases, involving electronic handling of all court proceedings and documents. It also encourages virtual trial proceedings. However, the current setup limits access to the proceedings to the parties involved in the cases, disadvantaging the general public who may wish to follow the proceedings.