Regulate internet activity in Zim

THANK you for allowing me space in your widely read publication to air my musings on a pertinent subject matter: the Regulation of Internet in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole.

Legally, all states are in a quagmire as to how to enforce regulated activity of Internet as the territorial jurisdiction of the virtual world that is the Internet is intangible and not terra-cognita.

By this, I mean the web affords one bent on causing anarchy and disorder a potent weapon with which to communicate rousing vitriol that finds room in the turbulent and impassioned hearts of our beautiful nation’s youth who follow blindly these Internet Anarchists-(IAs).

Here in Zimbabwe, we have our own locally recognisable gang of Internet Anarchists, such as Tajamuka and Evan Mawarire of the dubious this flag campaign. Yes, indeed these IAs are out to destroy and not build, so should be regulated.

In any such, legal framework to be tabled before Parliament by the Minister for ICT and Postal and Courier services, Honourable Mandiwanzira must ensure that out-rightly a ban is enforced with a mandatory custodial sentence the broadcast of anti-government political propaganda on all social media as this contravenes a section of the Public Order And Security Act which makes it an offence for anyone to hold illegal political rallies. Zimbabweans rally to the call of these IAs and embark on campaigns and tirades of terror.

Precisely, Tajamuka and #This Flag where formulated by their designers based on the blueprint of the Arab Spring that resulted in the instability and anarchy still prevalent in once strong and solid states.

We want peace as Zimbabweans and therefore demand peace not anarchy. Use of all social media networks in Zimbabwe should be outlined exhaustively detailing what content can be posted in online media in Zimbabwe.

This should include custodial penalties to be faced by those who share or distribute anti-government messages emanating from foreign jurisdictions.

The use of the Internet particularly social media should be restricted in Zimbabwe to only socialising, not to ferment and encourage anarchy. This regulation will not be a form of gag on our freedoms of speech and expression, but will be in the greater national interest a protective measure to guarantee all our peace and tranquillity. These IAs have the compunction to urge the destruction of our nation’s infrastructure through arson an anarchy punctuated by looting.

So my plea is for Internet use to be regulated by making it a custodial offence for anyone to breach the Public Order And Security Act by holding illegal political rallies in the form of live and pre-recorded videos denouncing authority and promoting anarchy.

We proud Zimbabweans have no room for anarchy.

All this nonsense must be spat at by enforcing comprehensively detailed legislation that defines what is and is not permissible on the Internet in Zimbabwe and certainly all of Africa. Tongowane Mambishi Mlambo Vengere, Rusape