Zim - the ups and downs - 16 Aug 2010

Economically, Zimbabwe is finally on the mend after adopting the US currency and opening up the market to imports. Politically, the country is still in a bit of turmoil with the inclusive government not quite seeing eye-to-eye on certain issues. Zimbabwe needs to hold a referendum on a new constitution in order to see a new free and fair election taking place. These are some of the issues the SADC will be addressing regarding the progress of this Southern African country during the SADC summit currently underway in Namibia.

Media abuse by the state, however, continues. If you are limited with access to the Zim national broadcaster (ZBC) via TV and radio, you will be subject to an insert that touts Mugabe and his two deputies as "the winning team" and their counterparts as the "losers" played at 30-minute intervals. Analysts believe ZANU-PF is preparing for elections, but is low on cash and therefore using the state-owned broadcaster to rally support. Essentially the party is using the people's money - in the form of TV / radio licences - to pay for its campaign efforts. The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation has become yet another tool in shackling the country's citizens, of a once thriving nation.

Many in South Africa fear a situation similar to that of Zimbabwe, comparing the Protection of Information Bill and the Media Appeals Tribunal to the Zimbabwe government's assault on its media. Hopefully, South Africa's constitution is strong enough to win the fight for media freedom in the end.

Long live the free press!