Throughout the democratic world, May 3rd, is known as World Press Freedom Day, as recognized by the United Nations, to celebrate and protect fundamental democratic rights to free expression, including the right to be informed. For the past six years, these rights have been systematically trampled by the government of Zimbabwe in its campaign to silence criticism of its policies and activities including the right to alternative opinion.

Four newspapers have been closed in 18 months, throwing hundreds of media workers into the streets. Scores of journalists have been arrested and harassed by the government using repressive media gag laws that have crushed the life out of any efforts to make the business of communication an attractive or viable enterprise.

The constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and the right to information in Zimbabwe are not just in the intensive care, but have almost become extinct. As a result of this, the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, grouping MISA-Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, and the Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe, calls on the government of Zimbabwe to put an end to this persecution.

We note that the main instrument the government has used to subdue the independent media in Zimbabwe is the notorious Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), which criminalises the business of gathering and disseminating information without a licence. We, the journalists, professionals and workers in the media community, have not forgotten the recorded havoc and turmoil wrecked by AIPPA since its enactment in 2002.

We further note the draconian contents of the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) and the Public Order and Security Act. We remind the people of Zimbabwe that all these laws do not just affect journalists and media houses – they affect every Zimbabwean citizen. The licensing mechanisms under AIPPA and the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) effectively paralyse the development of the private media.

We also note with concern that the authorities have stalled the liberalisation of the broadcasting sector by putting in place stringent if not insurmountable entry conditions for new broadcasters. Hence, Zimbabweans still endure unbalanced coverage from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings' (ZBH). We call upon authorities to transform the ZBH into a true public broadcaster, representative of all Zimbabweans in their diversity.

We also call upon authorities to re look at the cases of foreign journalists hounded out of Zimbabwe despite court orders in their favour. Access to information and free exchange of ideas are at the core of a vibrant democracy and inextricably linked to empowering the public to make informed decisions and choices. We contend that a free media plays an important role in the social and economic development of Zimbabwe.

We note that a vibrant media is critical in fighting hunger, HIV-AIDS and political intolerance. Citizens of Zimbabwe must be able to share ideas and information thorough various and free media outlets. It is for this reason the media environment in Zimbabwe must be opened, as part of efforts to find solutions to the many challenges we face as a nation.

Consequently, our theme this year: "We haven't forgotten AIPPA", is the result of a sombre reflection on the evident fact that freedom of expression in Zimbabwe has been savagely curtailed. We welcome efforts by the new Minister of Information, Dr Tichaona Jokonya to create a cordial professional relationship between the government and the media practitioners, particularly his call on media practitioners to suggest amendments to AIPPA.

We also stand ready to work closely with him towards improving the media environment in Zimbabwe. In that vein, we urge the government to replace the Media and Information Commission (MIC) with a professional self-regulatory media Council. MAZ demands that government repeal or amend these laws in order to create an enabling environment for the free and unfettered operation of the media and journalists.