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Zanu PF blocks MDC's voice of real change
Movement
for Democratic Change
June 21,
2010
The MDC notes with concern
attempts by Zanu PF to derail the party's efforts to provide
the people of Zimbabwe with a new information platform launched
last week. The audio service, dubbed the Voice of Real Change, is
meant to give the people of Zimbabwe a new and exciting platform
to know what is happening in the country and in their party.
However, the service
has since been terminated and suspended after Zanu PF, through the
regulatory authority put pressure on Econet to block some of the
lines used for the service.
Within three days of
operation, Zanu PF threatened cellular phone service providers,
Econet Wireless, Net-One and Telecel with closure following the
MDC's use of cellular lines for the audio service. It is heartening
to note that the other lines, Net-one and Telecel lines used in
the audio service have not been blocked and continue to operate
without any hindrances. The Telecel and Net-one numbers such as
0734142600 and 0713 102 917 have not been blocked.
It is telling to note
that our service was disrupted hard on the heels of a threat to
one of the cellular phone service providers by one Nathaniel Manheru,
who is widely believed to be a senior but misguided civil servant
in the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity.
These political threats
on our audio service are a threat to plurality and the basic freedoms
of speech and association and we will not take them lightly. As
a party, we value the need for Zimbabweans to have many platforms
to converse and interact. Our audio service is not a violation of
any laws of the country, but provides a new, unique and exciting
platform for Zimbabweans to exercise their basic freedom of speech
within the law. We believe in plurality and a multiplicity of voices
across the spectrum. We believe in the sacrosanct right of Zimbabweans
to exercise this right without any fear of self-appointed demi-gods
who have a penchant to stifle democracy and reform.
Under the MDC
new information platform, Zimbabweans will call a set of cellular
phone numbers which include Econet, Net-One and Telecel lines. The
numbers will immediately cut off and our call-back facility will
ensure that people are called back to receive various options in
all languages. The options will include, news round-up, President
Morgan Tsvangirai's weekly message, the MDC's position
on the Constitution
making process, party events and a feedback platform where Zimbabweans
can leave their messages to the party.
The MDC will continue
to fight tenaciously for the people's right to enjoy this
exciting service. The opposition to diversity and pluralism should
not be allowed to stifle this unique experience for the people of
Zimbabwe.
Email mdcnewsbrief@gmail.com,
mdcpress@mweb.co.zw
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
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