A Breakthrough in Transparency, POTRAZ Sets The Pace In Zimbabwe

By Shingirai Vambe

In a remarkable turn of events, the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to transparency. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), a stalwart advocate for press freedom and journalists’ safety, has honored POTRAZ with a prestigious transparency award.

This accolade comes on the heels of POTRAZ’s groundbreaking seminar, held in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Online Content Creators (ZOCC) and media practitioners. The event brought together representatives from various media houses, fostering an open-door policy and promoting accountability.

Dr. Gift Machengete, POTRAZ Director-General, beamed with pride as he accepted the award. “This recognition is a testament to our dedication to transparency and accountability. We’re committed to working closely with the media and online content creators to ensure Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector remains vibrant and responsive to citizens’ needs.”

MISA Zimbabwe’s endorsement of POTRAZ’s transparency efforts is particularly significant, given the organization’s reputation as a champion of media freedom and access to information.

“POTRAZ’s commitment to transparency is a shining example for other government agencies to follow,” said Tabani Moyo, MISA Zimbabwe’s Director. “We hope this sets a precedent for increased openness and accountability across the public sector.”

The Kadoma seminar marked a significant shift in POTRAZ’s engagement with stakeholders, promoting collaboration and openness. By reaching out to media practitioners and online content creators, POTRAZ bridged the information gap, keeping the nation abreast of developments in the telecommunications sector.

In stark contrast, the Ministry of Skills and Ministry of Skills Audit & Development recently restricted media access to their conference, inviting only select state-owned media outlets. This move raised concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

POTRAZ’s transparency award serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that collaboration between government agencies and the media is possible. As Zimbabwe navigates its complex information landscape, POTRAZ’s commitment to openness and accountability sets a powerful precedent.