Fearless defence of free speech and media freedom despite adversities

LOOKING back, it was a time of trials and tribulations. Zimbabwe was on the edge. The media was under siege. The government was pursuing journalists. Seasoned scribes who stood up to the current government were scattered all over the world. There we were,unrelenting and vigilant, with the remaining journalists, under siege, prepared to protect and tell the Zimbabwean story.

In January 2004, I walked into the MISA Zimbabwe offices along McChlery drive in Harare. I was not really sure of what I was going to be doing and who I would be working with. This was to become the greatest time for my journalism training in Zimbabwe.

Leading the pack was Dr Sarah Chiumbu. What a visionary and iconic iron lady who chose to stand against the regime at a time when doing so was volatile and unheard of.

Leading the information desk was Rashweat Mukundu, a vociferous fellow who spoke his mind and led the dissemination of the Zimbabwean story without fear. In the advocacy department stood a gigantic, fearless maverick, Takura Zhangazha, who mentored me to become the journalist that I am today.

Not forgetting Annie Musemburi - Musodza, who I regard as the face of MISA Zimbabwe. During this volatile era, she carried out her administration work with boldness and clarity.

Well, the first days were not so remarkable. I was the first Intern at Misa and I cherish that forever. The team didn’t quite know exactly what to do with me. I was almost everywhere. At one time in the advocacy department, another in the information office, and another , at the front desk.

Occasionally I was asked to practise my culinary skills in the kitchen. I excelled in all departments. The (empty) plates testified to this when I took them for washing.

Journalists were under siege. Week in week out, we were at the courts in support of journalists arrested on frivolous charges. Even today, the regime still hounds journalists who do not follow their narrative.

That is why Zimbabwe is where it is today, with no economic development and a largely subverted Constitution. The Zimbabwean story is still muffled, fear persists among journalists and as long as this subsists, reforms consistent with democratic values remain a mirage.

During that time, Misa Zimbabwe managed to defend journalists through legal representations, moral support and financial assistance to ensure that they remained focused in their mandate. We conducted workshops to empower them with skills that were critical for such a time.

It was a difficult time and journalists were under immense pressure to tell the Zimbabwean story against all odds.

Personally, I appreciate my time at the organisation. After my internship, which was very much appreciated by the whole team as evidenced by the farewell dinner and kind encouraging words from the team, I set forth to make a difference in my own way.

Although I remained so much in touch with the team and the overlapping activities in my subsequent endeavors, what prompted my advocacy skills was the fire ignited at MISA Zimbabwe.

Going on to lead the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS), as the national director, revealed to me that MISA Zimbabwe had raised a giant who could defend people’s voices fearlessly with intellectual acuity.

It’s over a decade that I have left MISA Zimbabwe, and when I look back, I cherish the work that was done by the team which subsequently took over the great mission. The team has not relented in standing for what is right in terms of media freedom and access to information.

That MISA Zimbabwe still remains in this fight proves that the mandate was and is still legitimate, people-centered and on the course to accomplish what it represents.

I went on to become an international freelance journalist. My eyes were opened beyond the hills. I wanted to see yonder. I left for North America where I am now.

Looking back, it was indeed a time of turmoil. The team at MISA Zimbabwe are at the centre of the defence of the fourth estate.

A lot needs to be done in Zimbabwe in terms of freedom of expression and access to information.

But this comes at a price. But the battle continues, albeit in new dimensions brought by social media.

Journalism remains a noble profession, and those who remain to tell the true Zimbabwean story deserve a pat on the back.

Well done Comrades. Happy 25 years of existence. Keep the fire burning.