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NCA worried over journalist's ban
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
February 27, 2008

The National Constitutional Assembly is disturbed by news of prominent Zimbabwe journalist Brian Hungwe's ban to practice journalism in the country.

The defunct Media and Information Commission (MIC) has banned senior Zimbabwean journalist Brian Hungwe from practicing journalism in the country posing serious questions of the role the MIC is still playing especially after its ban.

The (MIC) ceased to exist in January 2008 following the signing into law of amendments to the repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Hungwe, a former correspondent with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), on 27 February 2008 confirmed that the MIC had imposed a one-year ban against him backdated to 20 August 2007 following his appeal against its earlier decision banning him from working as a freelance journalist in Zimbabwe.

The MIC's illegal ban will be in force until 19 August 2008.

The MIC ceased to exist on 11 January 2008 when President Robert Mugabe signed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act No. 20 of 2007.

NCA therefore insists that anything purportedly done by the MIC after 11 January 2008 is of no legal force and should be declared null and void. The NCA is also concerned that the freedom of press is also being infringed by the government.

NCA castigates the partisan MIC's decision as it is well known that such efforts are meant to counter balanced reporting especially this time when the country is facing a crucial election.

The NCA therefore calls for the government to quickly implement what it has agreed on especially on the amendments of the AIPPA agreed under the SADC mediations. The continued existence of Tafataona Mahoso led MIC clearly shows the government's defiance of SADC talks which were being mediated by President Thabo Mbeki.

NCA is worried that the ban of Hungwe will be extended to other independent and freelance journalsists still operating within Zimbabwe as elections nears.

"I was born in Zimbabwe and this is where I will die. Journalism is my source of livelihood and I cannot understand why this country would want to ban journalists from reporting in their own countries." said Hungwe.

"I have been patient with the MIC for more than a year now because I did not want to seen as being confrontational, but this latest development leaves me with no option but to seek recourse through the courts."

The MIC was under the AIPPA amendments replaced with Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) which will be composed of nine members who shall all be appointed by the President from a list of not fewer than 12 nominees submitted by the Parliamentary Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.

The ZMC which is empowered with the accreditation of journalists is still to be constituted.

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