Story by Silence Mugadzaweta, Online Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has raised alarm over the growing misuse of social media, warning that Government will act decisively to protect citizens and national values, particularly children, from harmful digital content.
“I note with grave concern the increasing abuse of social media by some unscrupulous persons and groups,” he said during the 46th Independence Day celebrations in Matabeleland South Province. “The recording of road traffic accidents and the subsequent distribution of such material is totally unacceptable, inhumane and against the values of Ubuntu.”
He added: “My Administration will, without apology, protect our citizens, especially children, as well as our culture, beliefs and way of life, from the hazards of media and new technologies.”
The President said policy frameworks governing information and communication technologies are being reviewed to ensure ethical and responsible use, as Zimbabwe embraces digital transformation.
He highlighted progress in expanding access to information, noting that broadcasting services are being widened to keep citizens informed, educated and entertained.
In Matabeleland South, a Radio Zimbabwe FM transmitter has been installed in Plumtree, while another now covers Matabeleland North province. Community broadcasting has also been strengthened through the licensing of stations such as Bayethe Community Radio in Maphisa.
President Mnangagwa said the country is aligning its independence gains with technological advancement, citing innovation hubs and research initiatives across sectors. He pointed to the launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as a milestone in integrating emerging technologies into the economy.
Beyond technology, the President reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the welfare of liberation war veterans, describing programmes to improve their living standards as ongoing. He said efforts are also underway to restore and preserve Zimbabwe’s heritage, including the repatriation of cultural artefacts such as the Zimbabwe soapstone bird, Chapungu.
On governance, he stressed the need for a professional and results-oriented public sector, anchored by performance contracting and an Integrated Results-Based Management System to improve service delivery.
“Our Vision to attain an upper middle-income society is now five years away. It is therefore urgent and critically important that our people be serviced by public sector officials who are devoted, patriotic, loyal, professional and agile,” he said.
He added that a comprehensive remuneration framework and retirement planning programme for civil servants is now in place, while the National Formalisation Strategy aims to promote decent work and protect those in the informal economy.
On foreign policy, President Mnangagwa reiterated Zimbabwe’s stance as “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” noting expanding ties across multiple regions and preparations to host the COMESA Summit later this year. He also confirmed ongoing efforts to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
Concluding his address, the President called for unity and collective responsibility in safeguarding the country’s independence and future.
“No one else will build our country Zimbabwe for us. That duty lies with us all,” he said.
