Nightmare at ZimParks graduation

Questions about media freedom and public participation arose during a Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers' pass-out parade in Chinhoyi after private media journalists were barred from covering the event and relatives were prevented from recording the proceedings.

The event, officiated by wildlife ambassador and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, saw journalists instructed not to carry out normal media coverage, a move critics say undermines transparency and accountability at official ceremonies.

The restrictions followed a directive circulated by acting provincial information officer Johanne Kachikuli, who told local journalists:

"Friends, hope you are all well. Don't forget you are cordially invited to the Parks Graduation/Pass-Out Parade at Caves grounds. Don't worry about cameras and media jackets, you will be VIPs. The First Lady will be the guest of honour, so she will move around with her media team as usual."

When asked whether this applied to private media - given that the First Lady's media team is drawn from State media - Kachikuli insisted it was standard practice, stating that the First Lady "doesn't need coverage as she moves around with her trusted journalists."

ZimParks provincial spokesperson Prosper Vengai later apologised for the confusion, explaining that journalists had initially been invited before organisers were aware that the First Lady would officiate.

"Sorry, guys, for the confusion. We did not know at first that the First Lady was coming when we invited you. As you are aware, her presence means no coverage from local journalists," Vengai said.

Members of the public attending the ceremony were also subject to restrictions. Parents and relatives attempting to take photos or record videos of graduating rangers were ordered to stop, with announcements warning that mobile phones could be confiscated.

One parent, who asked not to be named, expressed frustration:

"I am not happy to be stopped from taking videos and pictures of my daughter on such an important day of her life. What kind of security prevents me from enjoying my only daughter's graduation?"

A total of 118 rangers, including 32 women, graduated under the theme "Human Capital Development for Sustainable Wildlife Conservation."

The incident has sparked renewed debate over media access and public participation at official events, particularly those involving high-profile State figures. Critics say such restrictions erode transparency and limit citizens' ability to document events of public interest.