Mangwana threats unsettles media lobby groups

Media lobby organizations in Zimbabwe have raised alarm over recent threats made by Information Ministry Secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana against the Masvingo Mirror, a provincial newspaper, following its coverage of alleged voter misconduct in the Mozambican elections. The remarks, which have drawn widespread condemnation, are seen as a direct attack on media freedom and freedom of expression in the country.

Mangwana, writing in the State-controlled Herald newspaper on Thursday, accused Masvingo Mirror of spreading allegations of Zimbabwe's involvement in Mozambique's post-electoral conflict. He specifically singled out the publication for its reports on how two of its undercover journalists allegedly voted in the Mozambican elections despite being ineligible. Mangwana did not clarify what laws the paper had allegedly broken, but warned ominously that "the writing is on the wall" for the publication.

"Initially, these accusations were not coming from any participants in the Mozambican elections, but some media outfit in Masvingo which has been wantonly breaking the law with brazen frequency. For this outfit, the writing is on the wall," Mangwana wrote.

These remarks have raised serious concerns among media advocacy groups, who see the threat as an attempt to stifle investigative journalism and intimidate the press. Perfect Hlongwane, Chairperson of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), expressed regret over the Information Secretary's stance, urging the government to address grievances with the media through appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to threats.

"We should now be moving from a culture of veiled threats and intimidation to that of engagement in a manner that guarantees the safety of the media and enhances freedom of expression," Hlongwane said. "The media should be challenged on the basis of facts and if, indeed, they are proven wrong, alternative means of clarifying stories are available without the threats of harassment."

Hlongwane emphasized that the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe advocates for professional channels such as the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Media Commission, which can mediate complaints against the media in a democratic and constructive manner.

The Community Newspapers Association of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Online Content Creators echoed these sentiments, calling for a collaborative relationship between the media and the government, especially during ongoing negotiations for media reforms.

The Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (Zinef), which represents editors across the country, also condemned the threats. Zinef's National Coordinator, Njabulo Ncube, expressed shock at Mangwana's comments, describing them as an affront to media freedom guaranteed under the Zimbabwean Constitution.

"Zinef is shocked by the threats against The Mirror, which was the first to alert the southern region, if not the world, of these shenanigans ahead of the Mozambican polls," Ncube stated. "We stand ready to support all staff at the publication. Zinef views these threats in a very serious light as we believe it is an affront to media freedom and freedom of expression as enshrined in the Zimbabwe Constitution."

The controversy stems from Masvingo Mirror's investigative reports, which highlighted potential voter irregularities involving its journalists participating in the Mozambican elections. These revelations have not only drawn public attention to the electoral processes in Mozambique but have also stirred tensions between the publication and government officials in Zimbabwe.

The media sector in Zimbabwe has long faced criticism for its lack of independence, with state-controlled outlets dominating the national discourse. In this context, the latest threats against Masvingo Mirror highlight the fragile state of media freedom and the risks faced by journalists who step outside the boundaries set by the state.

As the situation unfolds, media organizations and free speech advocates are rallying behind the Masvingo Mirror, calling for an end to intimidation and greater protections for the press in Zimbabwe.