Mbekezeli Ncube

A recent Community Media Indaba, organized by Community Podium, has ignited a spark of empowerment in local communities. Held under the theme “Access to Information for Local Development,” the indaba shed light on the new Freedom of Information Act and its potential to transform communities.

Facilitated by the Zimbabwe Media Commission, the event drew a diverse crowd: Emakhandeni Luveve legislator Descent Bajila, local councillors Thandiwe Moyo and Lizzy Sibanda, journalists, media officials, and resident associations all came together to learn and discuss.

“This workshop was a real eye-opener,” shared Bajila in an exclusive interview. “It highlighted the challenges faced by residents who lack access to crucial information. Having the Zimbabwe Media Commission present was invaluable for both reporters and ourselves. I urge these initiatives to reach the grassroots, empowering our people. After all, access to information fuels activism and paves the way for community development. There are times when I need information on developmental issues but cannot get it, for example the Ministry of Agriculture in its budget lines can say “and other grains were supported,” but what are these other grains when they have mentioned every grain we know? We have also heard that the ministry of Public Service is conducting career guidance fairs all over the country, you want to find out where that is happening. I have not seen these activities and it is difficult to get such information but today we got empowered by the Zimbabwe Media Commission in terms of what should be done to acquire such information and I am very grateful for this.”

Councillor Moyo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of communication. “We gained valuable insight into communication strategies,” she said. “We’re better equipped now to collaborate with the media and other stakeholders to ensure effective information dissemination.”
For Councillor Sibanda, the takeaway was the importance of transparency. “I’m committed to finding ways to share information with residents who might not have smartphones or social media access,” she stressed.

Lorraine Phiri, Communications Manager for Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), underscored the importance of information access for women. “Empowering women with information equips them to make informed decisions,” she explained, “ultimately driving their socio-economic development and participation in public decision-making processes.”

The event culminated in the recognition of outstanding achievement, with three Community Podium reporters – Providence Moyo, Thembelihle Mhlanga, and Victor Sibanda – receiving awards for their exceptional news coverage.

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Community Indaba empowers citizens with information access

admin Send an emailApril 2, 2024

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Mbekezeli Ncube
A recent Community Media Indaba, organized by Community Podium, has ignited a spark of empowerment in local communities. Held under the theme “Access to Information for Local Development,” the indaba shed light on the new Freedom of Information Act and its potential to transform communities.


Facilitated by the Zimbabwe Media Commission, the event drew a diverse crowd: Emakhandeni Luveve legislator Descent Bajila, local councillors Thandiwe Moyo and Lizzy Sibanda, journalists, media officials, and resident associations all came together to learn and discuss.

“This workshop was a real eye-opener,” shared Bajila in an exclusive interview. “It highlighted the challenges faced by residents who lack access to crucial information. Having the Zimbabwe Media Commission present was invaluable for both reporters and ourselves. I urge these initiatives to reach the grassroots, empowering our people. After all, access to information fuels activism and paves the way for community development. There are times when I need information on developmental issues but cannot get it, for example the Ministry of Agriculture in its budget lines can say “and other grains were supported,” but what are these other grains when they have mentioned every grain we know? We have also heard that the ministry of Public Service is conducting career guidance fairs all over the country, you want to find out where that is happening. I have not seen these activities and it is difficult to get such information but today we got empowered by the Zimbabwe Media Commission in terms of what should be done to acquire such information and I am very grateful for this.”

Councillor Moyo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of communication. “We gained valuable insight into communication strategies,” she said. “We’re better equipped now to collaborate with the media and other stakeholders to ensure effective information dissemination.”
For Councillor Sibanda, the takeaway was the importance of transparency. “I’m committed to finding ways to share information with residents who might not have smartphones or social media access,” she stressed.


Lorraine Phiri, Communications Manager for Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), underscored the importance of information access for women. “Empowering women with information equips them to make informed decisions,” she explained, “ultimately driving their socio-economic development and participation in public decision-making processes.”

The event culminated in the recognition of outstanding achievement, with three Community Podium reporters – Providence Moyo, Thembelihle Mhlanga, and Victor Sibanda – receiving awards for their exceptional news coverage.

Freedom of Information Act Chapter 10.34 (FOIA) mandates public entities to have a written information disclosure policy for transparency and accountability.