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Media Commission demands accreditation cards back
Media Institute of Southern Africa - Zimbabwe Chapter (MISA-Zimbabwe)
May 20, 2003

The government appointed Media and Information Commission is demanding accreditation cards it issued to four journalists to be returned saying that the journalists have changed jobs and need to apply again and also that they cannot work for their new employer who is not licensed.

The Chairperson of the Commission, Tafataona Mahoso wrote to the Associated Newspapers Group (ANZ) the publishers of The Daily News demanding that Nqobile Nyathi, Sydney Masamvu, Luke Tamborinyoka and Abel Mutsakani return accreditation cards issued when they were in the employment of The Financial Gazette. The four have since joined The Daily News. Mahoso said that it is fraudulent for journalists accredited while in the employment of one Newspaper Company to work for another.

In his letter Mahoso said "the Commission wishes to warn the publishers and the editor that it is fraudulent and highly unethical for journalists who were accredited under a duly registered publication to use their cards under that publication when in fact they are now working for the unregistered Daily News".
"The Commission will inform the law enforcement authorities of this position", He added.

In his letter Mahoso does not however indicate the clause in the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) under which journalists are barred from working for another publication of their choice once they are accredited under another employer. Luke Tamborinyoka who is one of the affected journalists said that he has never applied for accreditation with the commission. Tamborinyoka is the Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists.

ANZ legal advisor Gugulethu Moyo said that it is not apparent from the act on what basis the commission is making its claim.

ANZ is challenging the registration of newspapers clause in AIPPA.

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