By Admire Chitsungo
The Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Omphile Marupi, is leading consultations in Kadoma on the proposed Media Practitioners Bill, which seeks to reform the regulation of Zimbabwe’s media industry.
The two-day workshop, held at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre, has brought together government officials and media stakeholders to contribute to the drafting of the Bill’s framework.
Participants include representatives from the Zimbabwe Media Commission, officials from the Attorney-General’s Office Legislative Drafting Division and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana.
According to officials, the proposed law aims to introduce a co-regulation model in the media sector. Under this framework, media practitioners would play a role in regulating their profession, with oversight from the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
One of the key proposals under discussion is the establishment of a Zimbabwe Media Practitioners Council. The body would be responsible for promoting professional standards, enforcing ethical conduct and overseeing training within the industry.
If adopted, the framework would mark a shift from a fully statutory regulatory system to a shared model in which the proposed council handles initial complaints, while the Zimbabwe Media Commission acts as an appellate authority.
The Bill also seeks to introduce clearer accreditation requirements and entry qualifications for media practitioners, with the stated aim of improving professionalism and accountability.
Stakeholders are also considering measures to address misinformation and disinformation, amid concerns about the spread of unverified content, particularly on digital platforms.
In addition, the proposed legislation includes provisions aimed at protecting journalists and safeguarding sources, while addressing unethical practices such as the solicitation of inducements, commonly referred to as “brown envelopes”.
Officials said the Bill would also take into account emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence and social media, as part of efforts to ensure the legal framework remains relevant to technological developments in the media sector.
The consultations are expected to produce recommendations that will inform the final draft of the Media Practitioners Bill before it is tabled for further legislative processes.
