Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT has taken a significant step towards safeguarding children from cyber-related threats following Cabinet’s approval of the National Online Child Protection Policy.
The development was announced during a post-Cabinet media briefing held in Harare this Tuesday.
As digital technologies become increasingly accessible, children are being exposed to the online environment at an earlier age, with some beginning to use digital platforms as young as six years old. While technology presents opportunities for learning and development, it also exposes children to risks such as online abuse, sexual exploitation, cyberbullying and deepfake content.
To address these emerging challenges, Government has adopted the National Online Child Protection Policy, which seeks to strengthen measures aimed at protecting children in the digital space.
Speaking during the post-Cabinet media briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, outlined the policy’s key objectives.
“The policy will, among other things, provide a single national framework for Government, the private sector, academia and communities to keep children safe online. It will ensure that all decisions and matters relating to children’s experiences in the digital space are aligned with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Children’s Act [Chapter 5:06]. The policy will also promote accountability across all sectors of society and establish conditions and practical measures to mitigate online risks faced by children. Going forward, Government will promote relevant legislation with enforceable sanctions to safeguard children,” said Dr Soda.
Cabinet also approved the National Youth Policy 2026-2030, which is designed to harness Zimbabwe’s youthful population and address emerging challenges affecting young people.
The policy seeks to establish robust mechanisms to support youth development and participation in the country’s socio-economic transformation.
Dr Soda said the new policy represents a strategic shift from previous frameworks by prioritising contemporary issues affecting young people.
“In a strategic departure from the previous policy vision, the National Youth Policy 2026-2030 boldly prioritises interventions to address emerging issues such as drug and substance abuse, mental health, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, automation and climate change.
The policy also opens up new entrepreneurship opportunities for youth-led enterprises through concrete mechanisms for financing, incubation, business development services and market linkages,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also considered the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) Amendment Bill, which seeks to streamline the institution’s operations.
According to Dr Soda, the proposed amendments will separate ZINWA’s regulatory and service delivery functions.
“The principles will specifically entail the streamlining of ZINWA’s dual and conflicting roles as regulator and service provider. The regulatory function will be transferred to the Ministry, with ZINWA evolving into a purely service-providing agency of Government,” he said.
Cabinet further considered the Water Act Amendment Bill, which seeks to align the legislation with the Constitution and support the country’s current development agenda.
