News / National
MISA Zimbabwe Condemns Shava's 'Media Gag' Ahead of Innovation Fair
2 hrs ago |
162 Views
HARARE - The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe has condemned Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Frederick Shava for barring private media from questioning him during a press conference ahead of the 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair.
The move has been widely criticised as a blow to press freedom, sparking outrage among media stakeholders and civil society.
"MISA Zimbabwe finds the decision by Minister Shava to restrict journalists from private media concerning. It undermines the principles of freedom of the media and access to information as enshrined in Sections 62 and 61 of the Constitution," said MISA Zimbabwe Chairperson Passmore Kuzipa.
Kuzipa stressed that journalists must be allowed to hold public officials accountable regardless of whether they represent public or private media.
"It is important that we safeguard the freedom of the press and ensure that all voices are heard. I therefore urge government to work with both public and private media, giving them equal access to public information," he added.
The controversy comes amid criticism of Shava's handling of disputes among Zimbabwe's universities over innovation patents and intellectual property rights. Experts argue the ministry's emphasis on innovation overlooks rural areas still lacking basic infrastructure, branding the initiative a "reserve for elites."
Sources within the ministry claimed Shava pre-wrote questions for state media to avoid technical queries, raising fears of embarrassment.
"Instead of reading the press statement, he demanded journalists ask questions while he responded," one official said.
The Presidential Innovation Fair, scheduled for 11 December 2025, will showcase Zimbabwe's advancements under Education 5.0, focusing on commercialising innovations and promoting rural industrialisation. Shava has highlighted plans to boost patent support and strengthen industry linkages, but critics argue the gag order undermines accountability.
MISA Zimbabwe has urged government to ensure equal access to public information for all media houses, warning that restricting private media erodes constitutional freedoms.
The move has been widely criticised as a blow to press freedom, sparking outrage among media stakeholders and civil society.
"MISA Zimbabwe finds the decision by Minister Shava to restrict journalists from private media concerning. It undermines the principles of freedom of the media and access to information as enshrined in Sections 62 and 61 of the Constitution," said MISA Zimbabwe Chairperson Passmore Kuzipa.
Kuzipa stressed that journalists must be allowed to hold public officials accountable regardless of whether they represent public or private media.
"It is important that we safeguard the freedom of the press and ensure that all voices are heard. I therefore urge government to work with both public and private media, giving them equal access to public information," he added.
The controversy comes amid criticism of Shava's handling of disputes among Zimbabwe's universities over innovation patents and intellectual property rights. Experts argue the ministry's emphasis on innovation overlooks rural areas still lacking basic infrastructure, branding the initiative a "reserve for elites."
Sources within the ministry claimed Shava pre-wrote questions for state media to avoid technical queries, raising fears of embarrassment.
"Instead of reading the press statement, he demanded journalists ask questions while he responded," one official said.
The Presidential Innovation Fair, scheduled for 11 December 2025, will showcase Zimbabwe's advancements under Education 5.0, focusing on commercialising innovations and promoting rural industrialisation. Shava has highlighted plans to boost patent support and strengthen industry linkages, but critics argue the gag order undermines accountability.
MISA Zimbabwe has urged government to ensure equal access to public information for all media houses, warning that restricting private media erodes constitutional freedoms.
Source - Byo24News
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
