By Elvis Dumba | Harare
HARARE — The Zimbabwean government has announced that only Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs are now authorized to issue official press statements on government policy, a move aimed at eliminating “confusing statements” and self-promotion by other officials.
The directive was delivered by Tafadzwa Muguti, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, during a press briefing in Harare, where he also unveiled a new ban on tinted car windows.
“Some politicians have been issuing statements for self-promotion, which leads to confusion,” Muguti said.
Under the new communication policy, all other government officials, including permanent secretaries, will no longer speak to the press on policy matters.
The government says the change is intended to streamline messaging and ensure consistency in public communication.
This directive comes as part of a broader crackdown on crime and drug abuse.
Muguti also announced that all vehicles with tinted windows are now banned, except for those used by government VIPs or security services.
The move aligns with the recently launched Zimbabwe Media Policy 2025, which emphasizes centralized communication structures.
However, critics argue the policy may limit transparency and restrict media access to a broader range of government voices.
The shift places Ministers of State at the center of provincial communication, effectively elevating their role as the sole spokespeople on public policy within their regions.
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