By Elvis Dumba
Chinhoyi – The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Marian Chombo, has emphasized that access to information is not merely a privilege, but a constitutional right for all citizens.
Speaking at the Mashonaland West Provincial Heads’ training workshop on the Freedom of Information Act held on Wednesday, the Minister underlined the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Access to accurate, timely, and relevant information is not a privilege—it is a constitutional right enshrined in Section 62 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” she stated.
Minister Chombo noted that significant progress has been made in enabling the public to access information held by public institutions.
“The Freedom of Information Act operationalises this right, allowing citizens to obtain information from public bodies while balancing legitimate concerns around national security, privacy, and public interest.”
She urged heads of government departments to play a proactive role in facilitating access to information at the local level.
“As Provincial Heads, you are the custodians of this right. You are often the first point of contact for citizens seeking information about government programs, policies, and services.
“ This responsibility calls for transparency, efficient management of public records, and professionalism in handling every information request.”
Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) Chairperson, Commissioner Ruby Magosvongwe, echoed the Minister’s sentiments.
She highlighted that the spread of misinformation is often a result of limited access to accurate and factual information.
“As ZMC, part of our mandate is to ensure that the public has unimpeded access to information, promoting transparency and professionalism.
“These training sessions are crucial for enhancing the public’s ability to obtain information from our institutions,” she said.
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