Shrinking the Democratic Space: The Dictator, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Is at It Again - By Panyika Karimanzira

30^th May 2025

This week, kleptocrat and dictator Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled the Zimbabwe Media Policy.

Cloaked in colourful language and lofty rhetoric, the policy might appear progressive at first glance. But a closer, more critical examination reveals a different reality.

To the discerning citizen, this policy is yet another addition to the regime’s ever-expanding arsenal of repressive tools. Far from promoting transparency or freedom of expression, it resurrects the spirit of the long-repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). It now joins the ranks of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act of 2023—infamously dubbed the “Patriotic Act”—and the Cyber and Data Protection Act. Collectively, these laws constitute a systematic erosion of Zimbabwe’s democratic space.

The Zimbabwe Media Policy is a framework designed to curtail free speech and media independence. It grants the state sweeping powers—not only over traditional media but also over social media—thus extending its surveillance and control into the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

Central to this policy is a requirement for licensing under a centralised, government-controlled system. In the hands of a dictator, such a mechanism becomes a potent weapon. Media outlets and journalists operate at the mercy of the state. Those who refuse to conform, or who dare to expose corruption and abuses of power, face harsh reprisals.

Journalists are particularly vulnerable. Recent pre-trial detention cases—such as that of Blessing Mhlanga and, before him, Hopewell Chin’ono—demonstrate the real consequences of exposing the corruption and shenanigans of the ruling elite, as well as speaking truth to power. Under this policy, reporters who shine a light on government failures or corruption risk imprisonment.

Foreign journalists are also targeted. They must obtain security clearance from the intelligence services, pay hefty fees, and surrender copies of any documentaries produced during their stay in Zimbabwe. This not only discourages external scrutiny but also tightens the regime’s grip on its international image.

Clause 4.8 (Page 31) of the policy outlines a chilling array of penalties: loss of licenses or accreditation, forced content removal or blocking, mandatory apologies and corrections, disqualification from media awards, and potential legal action.

Big Brother is not just watching us —he is silencing us.

About the author

Panyika Anselm Karimanzira is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a board member of and spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at anselm.karimanzira@yahoo.ie OR panyika.karimanzira@rohr-zimbabwe.org 

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Constitution of Zimbabwe

Article number: 20

(1) Except with his own consent or by way of parental discipline, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his correspondence.

This right is one of the most precious of all guaranteed freedoms. It serves four broad special purposes. It helps individuals obtain self fulfillment, it assist in the discovery of truth, it strengthens the capacity of an individual to participate in decision making and provides a mechanism by which it would be possible to establish a reasonable balance between stability and social change. Activism is by no means merely a freedom of expression being exercised. Many Zimbabwean activists share a deep desire for change, a purpose greater than oneself.

Broadcasting licenses have been consistently denied to independent and community radio stations but granted to government-affiliated organizations. Moreover, independent outlets that campaign for licenses face harassment and persecution from the authorities. That's why the #ThisFlag campaign exists - to challenge people to speak out about injustice without fear. With a global following its no wonder the Zimbabwean government is so intimidated by the internet. They have resorted to every form of political intimidation to place fear in every Zimbabwean citizen. The disappearance of Itai Dzamara is a prime example of the length the government will go, to detract from the country’s deteriorating socio-economic and political conditions in the country.

As activists we know that social media has by far contributed to the freedom of expression in Zimbabweans. In 2016 Zimbabwe had an internet penetration rate of around 16.4% and yet social movements like #Thisflag #Tajamuka #Thisflower have made an impact.

While it may seem like activists in Zimbabwe have been left to do the dirty work on the ground, whilst activists in the Diaspora are considered less significant because they are able to hold peaceful demonstrations without the fear of the police and national army. - albeit they face numerous risks as returnees to Zimbabwe.

Online discussions by ordinary people brings to the fore liberation and a freedom of expression to the previously unheard voices. The internet and social media has given the ordinary citizen a voice and self expression which has made it possible for debates and tensions to be expressed. This has helped expose critical issues that are at the root of a lot of Zimbabwe’s problems. In my opinion it's more selfish to be aware of the problems happening in our beloved country and turn a blind eye because we are in the Diaspora.

The right to freedom of expression, assembly and association allows for healthy and strong democracy in any country or political system. In order for this right to be protected the Government of Zimbabwe should:

• Uphold its constitutional obligations to respect the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.
• Amend repressive legislation that is incompatible with international human rights law and standards on freedom of expression, assembly and association such as POSA( Public Order &  Security Act, AIPPA ( Access to Information & Privacy Protection Act) and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
• Repeal the Broadcasting Services Act which also impinges on journalists' rights.
• Ensure that laws and regulations governing the media are in accordance with regional and international human rights law and standards regarding freedom of expression, assembly and association