Information Minister Soda urges an end to polarisation and disinformation, calls for wise use of press freedom to celebrate what unites Zimbabwe
PRESS freedom should not be a weapon to divide, but a bridge to connect communities, amplify diverse voices, and build a shared national story, a government official has said. In a statement to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day today, May 3, Information and Publicity Minister Zhemu Soda said press freedom should be a bridge, […] The post Information Minister Soda urges an end to polarisation and disinformation, calls for wise use of press freedom to celebrate what unites Zimbabwe appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
Black News 
PRESS freedom should not be a weapon to divide, but a bridge to connect communities, amplify diverse voices, and build a shared national story, a government official has said.
Zimbabwe joins the global community in observing World Press Freedom Day.
“This day reminds us of the fundamental value of a free, independent, and responsible press as a cornerstone of democratic society.
“It is time to move beyond the old habits of polarisation. Press freedom should not be a weapon to divide, but a bridge to connect communities, amplify diverse voices, and build a shared national story.
“Let this freedom be used to celebrate what unites us, even as we respectfully debate our differences,” Soda said.
The minister urged the media not to use press freedom as an excuse to bring in unwarranted foreign values that undermine the country’s traditions.
“Press freedom must not become an excuse to import and propagate ideas alien to Zimbabwean values, traditions, and way of life. Our rich cultural practices – respect for elders, communal spirit, Ubuntu, languages, and heritage – deserve to be honoured.
The minister warned that “with freedom comes responsibility. The rise of fake news, disinformation, and deepfakes -hyper-realistic manipulated content generated by artificial intelligence – poses a grave threat to social cohesion, national security, and individual dignity.
“Press freedom does not mean freedom to lie, to manipulate, or to destroy. Every journalist, editor, media house, and citizen sharing content online is called upon to uphold the highest ethical standards: verify before sharing, correct mistakes, reject sensationalism, and never become a vehicle for disinformation.”
He added that having recognised the growing challenge of disinformation, the government had now embarked on a national programme to promote media literacy.
“This initiative is designed to equip citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate information, distinguish credible sources from false ones, and identify manipulated content such as deep fakes.”
Further, Soda highlighted the importance of media literacy as press freedom alone was not enough.
“A free press must be matched by a discerning public. Without media literacy, even the most ethical journalism can be undermined by a citizenry unable to tell fact from fiction,” said the minister.
According to Soda, the programme will target schools, community centres, and digital platforms, ensuring that all Zimbabweans become active, informed, and responsible consumers of media.
“We call upon educators, civil society, and media houses to partner with government in rolling out this vital initiative.
“An empowered citizen is the best defence against disinformation. To every media worker – from veteran editor to rookie reporter, community radio volunteer to digital content creator, let us work together, critique constructively, correct lovingly, and never forget that we are building one nation, under one flag, with one future.
“The Second Republic has granted freedom; it must be used wisely. Happy World Press Freedom Day to all Zimbabwean media practitioners. Your work matters. Your freedom is precious. Protect it, and use it well,” said Soda.
The post Information Minister Soda urges an end to polarisation and disinformation, calls for wise use of press freedom to celebrate what unites Zimbabwe appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
