Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring access to information by fostering a free and enabling environment for all citizens.
This was highlighted during the belated commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, held this Thursday in Selous, Chegutu.
The event underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusive communication in national development.
A local farmer, Mr Raymond Gwanzura, is now a regular face at the newly commissioned Selous Digital Centre, where he frequents to use the free internet services for research.
“I am a farmer and use this facility to research and participate in online classes on agriculture,” he said.
The facility, also being used by learners from surrounding schools, has since bridged the digital gap which was faced by the local community.
“We are now able to conduct research and use the internet in our studies. This is important, especially for examination classes,” a student said.
“I implore my traditional leaders, as custodians of the land, to ensure that all our learners go to school. We need to have an empowered,” Traditional Leader, Chief Chivero said.
In his keynote remarks, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, emphasised the Government’s ongoing digitalisation drive, anchored in the Zim Digital Phase Two programme.
“We are primarily focused on ensuring that we broadcast in all 16 official languages as enshrined in the Constitution. The Second Republic is now implementing the Zim Digital Phase Two, which is expected to be completed in the next two years. This will see the digitisation of the broadcasting and transmission ecosystem,” Dr Muswere said.
Echoing this vision, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, highlighted how the government is leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to close the digital divide.
“As a government, we want to reaffirm our dedication to fostering an inclusive digital landscape, bridging the digital divide, and promoting transparent accountability. And participation in government. In that regard, we need to ensure that our people have access to government services, participating in the digital economy, looking for jobs, online communication, and also making sure e-learning is promoted in schools,” she said.
The commemoration, attended by several stakeholders in the information sector including the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), underscored the role of media in advancing development.
ZBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sugar Chagonda, reaffirmed the national broadcaster’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Access to accurate, timely, and reliable information is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone for democracy, development, and accountable governance. In line with Vision 2030, ZBC remains committed to ensuring that citizens, especially young people, women, and rural communities, have equitable access to information that empowers them to make informed decisions. We continue to embrace digital transformation and expand our platforms so that no Zimbabwean is left behind in the information age,” he said.
The belated International Day on Universal Access to Information, commemorated globally on September 28, was held under the theme ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.
