By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — MISA Zimbabwe has marked World Press Freedom Day with a sharp warning that the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act continues to undermine journalists’ ability to report safely and independently.
The event, held in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Peace Project, brought together journalists from different media houses to assess the state of press freedom in Zimbabwe.
Commemorated globally on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day focuses on journalist safety and access to information. This year’s Harare gathering centered on digital threats and legal constraints facing the media.
Advocate Mlondolozi Ndlovu, MISA Zimbabwe Harare Advocacy Chairperson, said the legal environment remains hostile to independent journalism.
“The cyber security law in its current form creates fear and uncertainty among journalists. We need reforms that protect digital rights without criminalizing legitimate reporting,” Ndlovu said.
Nigel Nyamutumbu, representing the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, led presentations on the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act. He warned that vague provisions and broad definitions risk being used against investigative journalists.
“While cyber security is necessary, the law must not become a tool to silence the press. Journalists need clarity and protection, especially around source confidentiality and online publishing,” Nyamutumbu said.
Kudakwashe Matambo, Communications and Advocacy Officer at the Zimbabwe Peace Project, outlined how ZPP monitors and responds to violations against journalists.
“We document threats, arrests, and harassment of journalists across the country. Our role is to verify cases, connect affected journalists to legal support, and push for accountability through advocacy,” Matambo said.
Journalists in attendance raised concerns about online surveillance, harassment, and the chilling effect of broad cyber crime provisions. Participants called for more engagement between media stakeholders and lawmakers to align digital laws with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
MISA Zimbabwe said it will continue to push for amendments to the Cyber Security Act and to strengthen safety networks for journalists nationwide.
World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder that independent journalism remains central to democracy, accountability, and the public’s right to know.