Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill

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  • Year:
  • Country: Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Document Type: Domestic Law or Regulation
  • Topic:

Ai i

H.B. 8, 2019.]

Zimbabwe media Commission
B

Zimbabwe media Commission
i

ZIMBABWE MEDIA COMMISSION BILL, 2019

M emorandum

This Bill makes additional provisions with regard to the Zimbabwe Media
Commission which is established by section 248 of the Constitution and whose functions
are detailed in section 249 of the Constitution with the objective to protect the rights
to the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media granted under section 61
of the Constitution. The Bill will also extensively amend the Access to Information
and Protection of Privacy Act [Chapter 10:27 ] by repealing all provisions relating
to the regulation and control of the media. The Bill must be read with and subject to
various provisions of the Constitution such as Part 1 of Chapter 12 relating to the nature
of independent commissions supporting democr acy of which the Zimbabwe Media
Commission is one; Part 1 of Chapter 18 with respect to general and supplementary
provisions relating to all constitutional commissions (covering the juristic status of
Commissions, terms of office of members, funding of Commissions, etc); section 17
relating to gender balance. These aspects have not been restated in this Bill.
Essentially, the Bill elaborates on the functioning of the Media Commission. For
ease of ref erence, the relevant provisions of Chapter 12 of the Constitution relating to
the establishment and functions of the Commission are set out in extenso as a preamble
to the Bill. So too is 61 which sets out the right to freedom of expression and freedom
of the media.
In more detail, the Bill provides as follows:
Part 1: Preliminary
This Part deals with preliminary matters.
Clause 1 sets out the short title of the Bill as the Zimbabwean Media Commission
Bill, 2019.
Clause 2 defines some of the terms used in the Bill. Of significance is the definition
of “person” which points to the fact that government and governmental institutions are
bound by this Bill.
Part II: Zimbabwe Media Commission and Staff
Clause 3 provides that only the chairperson shall be a fulltime member of the
Commission. Clause 4 provides additional functions of the Commission and these relate
to ensuring compliance with any laws governing media practitioners and media services
and any international instruments to which Zimbabwe is a party. The Commission is
also enjoined to work together with other independent constitutional Commissions in
supporting human rights and democracy. Other ancillary powers of the Commission
are set out in the First Schedule to the Bill ( clause 4(2) ).
Clause 5 provides for additional matters relating to qualifications, vacation of
office and the procedure at meetings of the Commission and these are detailed in the
Second Schedule to the Bill.
Clause 6 provides for the appointment of the Deputy Chairpers on of the Commission
who must be of a different gender from the Chairperson.
Clause 7 provides for the appointment by the Commission of an executive Secretary
and other staff of the Commission to run the affairs of the Commission but appointments
must be made with the approval of the Minister, and the Minister responsible for finance.

(i)

Zimbabwe media Commission
ii

The staff of the Commission are not members of the Civil Service but their offices are
public offices. The functions of the Secretary are set out in clause 7(3) . Under clause
7(4) , experts may be appointed to provide such services with respect to the functions
of the Commission as the Commission may require.
Part III: Investigations and hearings
Clause 8 of the Bill provides for the investigation by the Commission of any
violation which falls to be investigated under this act. The investigation may follow
a complaint made to the Commission or may be instigated by the Commission itself
if it thinks that a violation has or is likely to occur. A complaint must be submitted
to the Commission within 3 years of the occurrence of the action complained of. The
Bill shall however not apply to actions which took place prior to its promulgation.
Investigations will not extend to matters which may be before the courts or before any
other independent Commission.
Clause 9 provides for the procedure for the submission of complaints and the
obligations of the Commission where it declines to investigate or continue with the
matter.
Clause 10 provides for the conduct of investigations or hearings and for that
purpose, some provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act [Chapter 10:07 ] will
apply with respect to the conduct of any investigations, inquiries or hearings of the
Commission. If the circumstances so require and subject to the rights of the persons
concerned, hearings or inquiries may be held in camera. Information disclosed in camera
may not be disclosed to the public without the authority of the Commission or be used
for the benefit of any member or staff of the Commission.
Under clause 11, the Commission may grant any person who has an interest in a
matter before it an opportunity to make representations at the proceedings or to have
access to or to comment on any representations made at any of its proceedings. The
Commission is required to conclude any matter in the shortest possible time especially
where time is of the essence in any such matter. Where time is of the essence, matters
should be concluded within 60 days.
Under clause 12 , the Commission, following the investigations, must produce its
report, accompanied by its order or recommendations for the redress of the violation
complained of.
Clause 13 provides for the enforcement of orders of the Commission by way of
registration of such orders with the High Cou rt. If an order is registered, it is enforceable
as any judgment of the High Court.
Clause 14 requires that any member of the Commission who may have a conflict
of interest with respect to any matter before the Commission not to participate in any
proceedings relating to that matter and it is an offence on the part of any member who
contravenes this clause. Any decision in which a member with a conflict of interest
took part in may be voided.
Clause 15 authorises the Commission in its name, to pursue violations through
the courts of its own motion or following any complaint made to it.
Clause 16 provides for appeals against the decisions of the Commission to the
High Court.
Part IV: Financial provisions
Clause 17 of the Bill provides for the source of funds of the Commission which

(ii)

Zimbabwe media Commission
iii

is mainly the fiscus and as such, public finance management principles and audit
requirements are to be observed by the Commission ( clauses 17 -19 ).
Part V: General provisions
Clause 20 requires the Commission to maintain proper records and the records
can be accessed by the public on payment of a fee.
Clause 21 provides for the making of regulations by the Commission with the
approval of the Minister.
The First and Second Schedules provide for matters which govern the Commission
and for ancillary powers of the Commission. Matters which are the subject of provisions
under the Constitution have not been repeated.

(iii )

1

Section
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
PART I
Preliminary

PART II
Zimbabwe m edia Commission and staff
3. Discharge of functions by Commission.
4. Additional functions of Commission.
5. Disqualification for appointment and procedure at meetings.
6. Deputy chairperson.
7. Secretary and other staff of Commission.
PART III
investigations and H earings
8. Power to investigate.
9. Submission of complaints.
10. Conduct of investigations.
11. Rights of interested persons.
12. Measures following investigation.
13. Enforcement of orders of Commission.
14. Conflicts of interest.
15. Commission may institute actions for redress of violations.
16. Appeals from decisions of Commission.
PART IV
finanCial Provisions
17. Funds of Commission.
18. Accounts of Commission and appointment of internal auditor.
19. Audit of accounts.

20. Records of Commission.
21. Regulations.
PART V
general Provisions
first sCHedule : Ancillary powers of Commission.
seCond sCHedule : Provisions Applicable to Commission.

2

3

BILL

TO make further provision with regard to functions of the Zimbabwe Media
Commission; to provide for the manner in which the Commission
exercises its functions; to provide for the investigation and hearing
5 procedure by the Commission of complaints received; to provide for the
secretariat of the Commission; to bring the Commission into operation
and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.

WHEREAS section 61 of the Constitution provides as follows —

“61 Freedom of expression and freedom of the media
10 (1) Every person has the right to freedom of expression, which includes —
(a) freedom to seek, receive and communicate ideas and other information;
(b) freedom of artistic expression and scientific research and creativity; and
(c) academic freedom.
(2) Every person is entitled to freedom of the media, which freedom includes
15 protection of the confidentiality of journalists’ sources of information.
(3) Broadcasting and other electronic media of communication have freedom
of establishment, subject only to State licensing procedures that —
(a) are necessary to regulate the airwaves and other forms of signal
distribution; and
20 (b) are independent of control by government or by political or commercial
interests.
(4) All State -owned media of communication must —

H.B. 8, 2019.] Printed by the Government Printer, Harare

4

(a) be free to determine independently the editorial content of their broadcasts
or other communications;
(b) be impartial; and
(c) afford fair opportunity for the presentation of divergent views and
dissenting opinions. 5
(5) Freedom of expression and freedom of the media exclude —
(a) incitement to violence;
(b) advocacy of hatred or hate speech;
(c) malicious injury to a person’s reputation or dignity; or
(d) malicious or unwarranted breach of a person’s right to privacy. 10
AND WHEREAS section 248 to 250 of the Constitution provides as follows —

“248 Establishment and composition of Zimbabwe Media Commission
(1) There is a commission to be known as the Zimbabwe Media Commission
consisting of—
(a) a chairperson appointed by the President after consultation with the 15
Committee on Standing Rules and Orders; and
(b) eight other members appointed by the President from a list of not fewer
than twelve nominees submitted by the Committee on Standing Rules and
Orders.
(2) Members of the Zimbabwe Media Commission must be chosen for their 20
integrity and their competence in administration and their knowledge and understanding
of human rights issues and the best practices in media matters.

249 Functions of Zimbabwe Media Commission
(1) The Zimbabwe Media Commission has the following functions —
(a) to uphold, promote and develop freedom of the media; 25
(b) to promote and enforce good practices and ethics in the media;
(c) to monitor broadcasting in the public interest and, in particular, to ensure
fairness and diversity of views broadly representing Zimbabwean society;
(d) to encourage the formulation of codes of conduct for persons employed
in the media and, where no such code exists, to formulate and enforce 30
one;
(e) to receive and consider complaints from the public and, where appropriate,
to take action against journalists and other persons employed in the media
or broadcasting who are found to have breached any law or any code of
conduct applicable to them; 35
(f) to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe have fair and wide access to
information;
(g) to encourage the use and development of all the officially recognised
languages of Zimbabwe;
(h) to encourage the adoption of new technology in the media and in the 40
dissemination of information;
(i) to promote fair competition and diversity in the media; and
(j) to conduct research into issues relating to freedom of the press and of
expression, and in that regard to promote reforms in the law.
(2) An Act of Parliament may confer power on the Zimbabwe Media Commission 45
to—

5

(a) conduct investigations and inquiries into —
(i) any conduct or circumstance that appears to threaten the freedom
of the media;
and
5 (ii) the conduct of the media;
and
(b) take or recommend disciplinary action against media practitioners who
are found to have breached any law or any code of conduct applicable
to them.
10 (3) An Act of Parliament may provide for the regulation of the media.”;
AND WHEREAS it is desirable, as provided by the Constitution, to make further
provision with regard to the Zimbabwe Media Commission;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it enacted by the Parliament and the President of
Zimbabwe as follows —
15 PART I
Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act, 2019.
2 Interpretation
20 In this Act —
“act” or “action” includes an omission to act;
“appropriate Minister” in relation to section 12(2), means the Minister
responsible for the relevant matter under consideration;
“Commission” means the Zimbabwe Media Commission;
25 “Committee on Standing Rules and Orders” means the committee referred to
in section 151(2) of the Constitution;
“complaint” means a complaint made to the Commission in terms of this Act
and “complainant” shall be construed accordingly;
“Deputy Chairperson” means the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission
30 appointed in terms of section 6;
“legal representative” means the representative recognised by law of any person
who has died, or is a minor, or of unsound mind, or is otherwise under a
legal disability;
“media” means the various forms by which information is disseminated by any
35 media service to the general public including the following forms —
(a) the print media; or
(b) broadcasting, whether by way of radio or television; or
(c) cable television; or
(d) the internet or any other electronic means; or
40 (e) any other form of dissemination of information which may be
prescribed by the Minister;
“media practitioner” means a person engaged in the writing, editing or
transmitting of news and information to the public, and includes a
broadcaster, a journalist and an editor;

6

“media service” means any public or private service for the provision of
information to the general public through the media;
“member”, unless the context otherwise indicates, means a member of the
Commission and includes the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson;
“Minister” means the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting 5
Services or any other Minister to whom the President may, from time to time,
assign the administration of this Act;
“order” includes recommendation;
“principal officer,” in relation to any entity, means the head of the Ministry
or department in question, or the chairperson of the governing body or 10
chief executive officer of any entity, by whatever title such person may
be called;
“Secretary” means the Secretary of the Commission appointed in terms of
section 7.
PART II 15
Zimbabwe m edia Commission and staff

3 Discharge of functions by Commission
Members of the Commission other than the chairperson, shall not be fulltime
employees of the Commission.

4 Additional functions of Commission 20
(1) In addition to the functions set out in section 249 of the Constitution, the
Commission shall have the following functions —
(a) to monitor and secure compliance with any —
(i) law which regulates media practitioners and media services including
broadcasting, print and electronic media, in order to ensure respect 25
for the rights protected by section 61 of the Constitution;
(ii) international treaty to which Zimbabwe is a party with respect to
the protection, promotion or advancing of people’s rights in relation
to the media in Zimbabwe;
(b) to collaborate and co -operate with other independent constitutional 30
Commissions in supporting and entrenching human rights and democracy.
(2) For the Commission to better discharge its functions, it shall have the powers
specified in the First Schedule.

5 Disqualification for appointment and procedure at meetings
The Second Schedule shall apply with respect to— 35
(a) additional disqualifications for appointment as a member of the
Commission; and
(b) the procedure to be followed by the Commission at its meetings.

6 Deputy chairperson of Commission
The members of the Commission shall elect one of their number to be the Deputy 40
Chairperson of the Commission, who must be of a different gender from its Chairperson.

7

7 Secretary and other staff of Commission and experts
(1) The Commission shall, after consultation with the Minister and the Minister
responsible for finance, appoint —
(a) a Secretary; and
5 (b) such other staff of the Commission as may be necessary for the proper
exercise of its functions.
(2) The offices of the Secretary and other members of staff of the Commission
shall be public offices but shall not form part of the Civil Service.
(3) The Secretary shall, subject to the general control of the Commission —
10 (a) be responsible for carrying out the decisions of the Commission and the
execution of the day -to-day administration and management of the affairs,
staff and property of the Commission;
(b) be the custodian of the Commission’s records;
(c) attend all meetings of the Commission, but shall have no vote on any
15 matter before the Commission; and
(d) perform any other functions in connection with this Act as may be assigned
to him or her by the Commission:
(4) The Commission —
(a) may appoint, on fixed term contracts, such experts, including experts
20 from other countries, where no such expertise is available in Zimbabwe,
as it may consider necessary to assist it in the exercise and performance
of its functions in terms of the Constitution and this Act; and
(b) shall fix the terms, conditions, remuneration and allowances payable to
any expert and the work to be performed or service to be rendered by
25 virtue of such appointment in a written agreement entered into between
the Commission and the expert concerned.
(5) The Commission shall require the expert to submit a report in regard to the
work performed to the Commission for its consideration and, on receipt of the report,
may refer the matter back to the expert —
30 (a) for such further attention as may be determined by the Commission; or
(b) to perform such further work as the Commission may deem necessary or
desirable.
PART III
investigations and H earings
35 8 Power to investigate
(1) The Commission may on its own motion, investigate or inquire into any
action on the part of any person that constitutes, or is likely to result in, a violation of
any of the rights protected under section 61 of the Constitution.
(2) Any person who is aggrieved by any act in violati on of any right protected
40 under section 61 of the Constitution may make a written complaint to the Commission
requesting it to investigate the act complained of.
(3) A complaint in terms of this section may be brought by a legal representative,
a family member or any other person who the Commission considers suitable so to do,
acting on behalf of another person who for any reason is unable to do so in his or her
45 own behalf.

8

(4) The Commission shall not investigate, hear or inquire into any complaint —
(a) unless the complaint is submitted to it within three years of the date the
action complained of occurred:
Provided that such investigation, hearing or inquiry shall not relate
to any action that occurred before the date of commencement of this Act; 5
or
(b) where the action complained of is the subject of any court proceedings
or of any investigation, hearing or inquiry by any other independent
Commission.
9 Submission of complaints 10
(1) The Commission shall, in regulations made in terms of this Act, prescribe
the form in which complaints shall be made, indicating the particulars to be provided
in the prescribed form and any supporting documents to accompany the form.
(2) The Commission shall not refuse to investigate, hear or inquire into a
complaint solely on the grounds that the complaint is not in the prescribed form or in 15
any way fails to comply with any of the prescribed requirements.
(3) If the Commission for any lawful reason refuses to investigate or discontinues
any investigation, hearing or inquiry, it shall in writing —
(a) inform the complainant and the person against whom the complaint is
made of its decision, stating the reasons for its decision; and 20
(b) where appropriate, advise the complainant of any other remedy that
appears to it to be available to him or her.
10 Conduct of investigations
(1) Subject to subsection (7), the Commission may in its discretion conduct an
investigation, hearing or inquiry in the form of public or closed proceedings. 25
(2) The principal officer of any entity shall represent the entity in any dealings
with the Commission.
(3) For the purposes of any investigation, hearing or inquiry in terms of this
Act, the powers, rights and privileges of members of the Commission shall be the 30
same as those conferred upon a commissioner by the Commissions of Inquiry Act
[Chapter 10:07 ], other than the power to order a person to be detained in custody, and
sections 9 to 18 of that Act shall apply, mutatis mutandis , in relation to an inquiry by
the Commission under this Act and to a person summoned to give evidence or giving
evidence at the inquiry.
(4) The Commission may request the assistance of the police during an 35
investigation, hearing or inquiry.
(5) In the conduct of any investigation, hearing or inquiry, the Commission
shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence, and may ascertain any relevant fact
by any means which it thinks fit subject to the rules of natural justice.
(6) The Commission shall afford the person against whom a complaint has 40
been made an adequate opportunity to respond to such allegations.
(7) Subject to section 86 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, the Commission may,
having regard to any special circumstances of the case based on the grounds of public
interest, which grounds shall be recorded in writing, hold any inquiry or hearing in
camera and any information disclosed in camera may only be disclosed to any person — 45

9

(a) without disclosing the identity of any person who gave the information
in camera for the purposes of the investigation, hearing or inquiry and
for any report to be made thereon; or
(b) for the purposes of any proceedings for perjury alleged to have been
5 committed in the course of an investigation, hearing or inquiry.
(8) The Minister may, at any stage during the investigation or hearing of or
inquiry into a complaint by the Commission, produce to the Commission a certificate
in writing signed by him or her to the effect that the disclosure of any information
specified in the certificate is, in his or her opinion and subject to section 86(1) and (2)
10 of the Constitution, contrary to the public interest on the grounds that it may prejudice
the defence, external relations, internal security or economic interests of the state,
whereupon the Commission shall make arrangements for any such information to be
given in camera and shall take such other action as may be necessary or expedient to
prevent the disclosure of that information.
15 (9) The complainant may, in accordance with the Administrative Justice Act
[Chapter 10:28 ], appeal against a certificate issued in terms of subsection 8, and the court
hearing the appeal shall treat any evidence or documentation subject to the certificate
in the manner specified in section 8 of that Act.
(10) The law relating to the competence or compellability of any person on
20 the grounds of privilege to give evidence answer any questions or produce any record
or document before the Commission shall apply.
(11) Any member of the Commission or member of staff of the Commission
who, without the authority of the Commission, discloses any information, evidence or
documentation referred to in subsection (7) or (8), or makes any use of such information
25 for his or her own benefit, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding
level 12 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine
and such imprisonment.

11 Rights of interested persons
(1) The Commission shall give every person who has an interest in a matter
30 an opportunity to make representations during any investigation, hearing or inquiry.
(2) The Commission may determine whether —
(a) representations are to be made orally or in writing; and
(b) any other person is entitled to be present during any proceedings or to
have access to or to comment on representations made to the Commission
35 by another person.
(3) Every person appearing before the Commission at any investigation, hearing
or inquiry may be represented at the proceedings by a legal practitioner.
(4) Any investigation, hearing or inquiry into any matter shall be completed —
(a) where time is of the essence, within the shortest possible time in order to
40 afford the complainant an appropriate remedy in such circumstances;
(b) in any other case, within a period not exceeding 60 days from the date of
the complaint.

12 Measures following investigation
(1) If, after conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry, the Commission
45 is of the opinion that the act complained of constitutes a violation in terms of this Act
and that —

10

(a) the act relates to a decision or practice on the part of any person which
must be stopped, reversed or altered; or
(b) the act should be redressed in such manner as the Commission may order;
or
(c) any law on which the act or omission was based should be reconsidered; 5
or
(d) reasons should have been given for the decision complained against; or
(e) any other steps should be taken in relation to the act complained against;
the Commission shall make such order or recommendations in the matter as it considers
appropriate in the circumstances for the redress of the violation and the order or 10
recommendations shall be accompanied by reasons therefor and by a report of the
findings of the Commission.
(2) If the report makes any recommendation in terms of subsection (1)(c), a
copy of the report shall be sent to the Minister or any other appropriate Minister having
regard to the administration of the law concerned. 15
(3) The Commission may, where it considers it necessary, recommend —
(a) the payment of compensation to the complainant; or
(b) that the complainant seek redress through the courts.
(4) The determination of the Commission following the conclusion of any
investigation, hearing or inquiry shall be in writing and a copy shall be made available 20
to the parties and any other party considered by the Commission to have an interest in
the matter.

13 Enforcement of orders of Commission
(1) The Commission shall require the person against whom or which it made
any order or recommendation to notify it, within a specified period not exceeding 14 25
days or such shorter period as the circumstances of the matter may reasonably require
where time is of the essence, of the steps, if any, that it proposes to take to give effect
to its order or recommendation.
(2) If no action has been taken within the time specified in subsection (1), the
Commission may, if it thinks fit after considering the comments, if any, made by the 30
parties concerned —
(a) notwithstanding subsection (3), apply to the High Court for an appropriate
redress of the matter; and
(b) cause a special report to be submitted, through the Minister or appropriate
Minister, to Parliament on the matter. 35
(3) Subject to this section, the Commission or a complainant may apply to the
High Court within three years of the date of an order, and in such form and manner
prescribed in rules of the court, for the registration of any order made by the Commission
in terms of section 12 and, upon registration, the order may be enforced in the same
way as a judgment of the High Court. 40

14 Conflicts of interest
(1) A member of the Commission shall not in any way participate in, nor be
present at, any proceedings before the Commission in which the member is aware that
he or she has a direct or indirect interest that may be in conflict with his or her functions
as a member of the Commission. 45

11

(2) If at any stage during the course of any proceedings before the Commission
it appears that any member has or may have an interest which may cause such a conflict
of interests to arise on his or her part —
(a) the member shall forthwith and fully disclose the nature of his or her
5 interest and leave the proceedings so as to enable the remaining members
to discuss the matter and determine whether the member is precluded from
participating in such meeting by reason of a conflict of interests; and
(b) such disclosure and the decision taken by the remaining members
regarding such determination, shall be recorded in the minutes of the
10 proceedings in question.
(3) If any member of the Commission wilfully partakes in the proceedings of
the Commission concerning any matter in respect of which he or she knows that he or
she has a direct or indirect interest that conflicts with his or her functions as a member —
(a) he or she shall be guilty of gross misconduct and dealt with in accordance
15 with section 237(3) of the Constitution;
(b) the decision of the Commission concerning such matter shall be void
if the deliberations or vote of the member was decisive in bringing the
decision about.

15 Commission may institute actions for redress of violations
20 (1) The Commission may, if it thinks fit, where it has completed an investigation,
hearing or inquiry in respect of any violation in terms of this Act, of its own motion or
on the basis of a complaint made to it, in its own name or on behalf of any complainant
or class of complainants, pursue any action in any court of competent jurisdiction for
the redress of any violation and, where it acts on the basis of a complaint, be cited as
25 a joint party with the complainant or class of complainants in question.
(2) Where the Commission institutes any action against the State, the provisions
of the State Liabilities Act [ Chapter 8:14 ] shall apply to such action.

16 Appeals from decisions of Commission
(1) Any person who is aggrieved at any order or finding of the Commission in
30 terms of this Act may appeal to the High Court within 30 days of the date of the order,
recommendation or finding concerned.
(2) The High Court shall not set aside any order or finding by reason only of any
informality in the proceedings of the Commission which did not in any way prejudice
the appellant in any proceedings before the Commission.
35 PART IV
finanCial Provisions

17 Funds of Commission
(1) The funds of the Commission shall consist of —
(a) such moneys as may be payable to the Commission from moneys
40 appropriated for the purpose by an Act of Parliament.
(b) any donations, grants or bequests made by any person or organisation or
any government of any country to the Commission:
Provided that the Commission shall accept such donations, grants
or bequests after it has consulted the Minister;
45 (c) fees, levies and charges for services rendered by the commission to its
clients:

12

(d) and any other moneys that vest in or accrue to the Commission, whether
in terms of this Act or otherwise.
(2) The Commission shall ensure that fees, levies and charges referred to in
subsection 1(c) —
(a) are prescribed by regulations with the approval of the Minister; 5
(b) uphold, promote and develop freedom of the media.
(3) The Commission shall apply its funds to the fulfilment of its functions and
shall further observe public finance management principles established in terms of
section 298 of the Constitution.
18 Accounts of Commission and appointment of internal auditor 10
(1) The Commission shall ensure that proper accounts and other records
relating to such accounts are kept in respect of all the activities, funds and property of
the Commission, including such particular accounts and records as provided for by the
Public Finance Management Act [ Chapter 22:19 ].
(2) As soon as possible after the end of each financial year, the Commission 15
shall prepare and submit to the Minister a statement of accounts in respect of that
financial year or in respect of such other period as provided for by the Public Finance
Management Act [ Chapter 22:19 ].
(3) Upon receiving the report in terms of subsection 2, The Minister shall within
28 seating days of the Parliament, lay such report before Parliament. 20
19 Audit of accounts
(1) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Auditor -General
who, for that purpose, shall have the powers and functions conferred on him or her by
sections 7 and 8 of the Audit Office Act [ Chapter 22:18 ].
(2) Any person under the authority or supervision of the Commission who 25
refuses to provide the Auditor -General with an explanation or information required by
him or her for the purposes of an audit or knowingly provides the Auditor -General with
a false explanation or information, or an explanation or information that the person has
no grounds for believing to be true, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not
exceeding level 8 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both 30
such fine and such imprisonment.
(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in subsection (1), the
Auditor -General may appoint a suitably qualified person to audit the accounts of the
Commission and if he or she does so—
(a) subsections (1) and (2) shall apply in respect of the person so appointed 35
as if he or she were the Auditor -General; and
(b) any expenses incurred by the person so appointed in carrying out the audit
shall be met from the funds of the Commission.

PART V
general Provisions 40

20 Records of Commission
(1) In addition to the minutes it is required to keep in terms of this Act, the
Commission shall keep proper records of all its proceedings, findings, orders and
recommendations made in terms of this Act.

13

(2) The records referred to in subsection (1) shall be kept at the offices of the
Commission and be open to inspection by interested parties during normal office hours.
(3) The Commission shall, at the request of any member of the public and on
payment of such fee as may be prescribed, furnish him or her with a certified copy of
5 or an extract from any record.

21 Regulations
(1) The Commission, with the approval of the Minister, may make regulations
providing for all matters which by this Act are required or permitted to be prescribed or
which, in its opinion, are necessary or convenient to be provided for in order to carry
10 out or give effect to this Act.
(2) Regulations may provide for the terms and conditions of service of the
Secretary and staff of the Commission.
(3) Regulations may provide for offences and penalties which may be imposed
for contraventions of the regulations, not exceeding a fine of level 6 or imprisonment
15 for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

first sCHedule (Section 4(2) )
ANCILLARY POWERS OF COMMISSION
1. To acquire premises necessary or convenient for the exercise of its functions and
for that purpose to buy, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire
20 immovable property and any interest therein and any rights concessions, grants,
powers and privileges in respect thereof.
2. To buy, take in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire movable property necessary
or convenient for the exercise of its functions.
3. To maintain, alter or improve property acquired by it.
25 4. To mortgage any assets, or part of any assets and, with the approval of the Minister,
to sell, exchange, lease, dispose of turn to account or otherwise deal with any
assets or part of any assets which are not required for the exercise of its functions
for such consideration as it may determine.
5. To open bank accounts in the name of the Commission and to draw, make, accept,
30 endorse, discount, execute and issue for the purposes of its functions promissory
notes, bills of exchange, securities and other negotiable or transferable instruments.
6. To insure against losses, damages, risks and liabilities which it may incur.
7. With the approval of Minister, to establish and administer such funds and reserves
not specifically provided for in this Act as the Commission considers appropriate
35 or necessary for the proper exercise of its functions.
8. To pay such remuneration and allowances and grant such leave of absence and to
make such gifts, bonuses and the like to staff of the Commission as it considers fit.
9. To provide pecuniary benefits for staff of the Commission on their retirement,
resignation, discharge or other termination of service or in the event of their
40 sickness or injury and for their dependents, and for that purpose to effect policies
of insurance, provident funds or make such other provision as may be necessary
to secure for its staff and their dependents any or all of the pecuniary benefits to
which the provisions of this paragraph relate.
10. To purchase, take on lease or in exchange or otherwise acquire land for residential
45 purposes or dwellings -houses for use or occupation by staff of the Commission.

14

11. To construct dwellings, outbuildings or improvements for use or occupation by
members of the Commission.
12. To provide or guarantee loans made to members of the Commission for the
purchase of dwelling -houses or land for residential purposes, the construction of
dwelling -houses and the improvement of dwelling houses or land which are the 5
property of its members, subject to any conditions that may be imposed by the
Commission from time to time.
13. To provide security in respect of loans by the deposit of securities, in which the
Commission may invest such money as it may consider necessary for the purpose.
14. Subject to any conditions that may be imposed by the Commission from time to 10
time, to provide loans to any members of the Commission —
(a) for the purpose of purchasing vehicles or other equipment to be used by the
members in carrying out their duties; or
(b) not exceeding six months’ salary or wages payable to the members concerned,
for any purpose on such security as the Commission thinks adequate. 15
15. To do anything for the purpose of improving the skill, knowledge or usefulness
of members of the Commission, and in that connection to provide or assist other
persons in providing facilities for training, education and research, including the
awarding of scholarships for such training.
16. To engage in any activity, either alone or in conjunction with civil society 20
organisations and other organisations or international agencies, to promote better
understanding of gender issues.
17. To do anything which by this Act or any other enactment is required or permitted
to be done by the Commission.
18. Generally to do all such things that are conducive to the performance of the 25
functions of the Commission in terms of this Act or any other enactment.
Section
seCond sCHedule (Section 5)
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COMMISSION
1. Disqualification for appointment to Commission. 30
2. Vacation of office by members of Commission.
3. Procedure of Commission.
4. Committees of Commission.
5. Minutes of proceedings.
6. Validity of decisions and acts of Commission. 35
Disqualification for appointment to Commission
1. In addition to sections 236 and 320(3) of the Constitution, a person shall not
be qualified for appointment as a member of the Commission, nor shall he or she hold
office as a member, if—
(a) he or she is not a citizen of Zimbabwe or ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe; 40
or
(b) in terms of the law in force in any country —
(i) he or she has been adjudged or otherwise declared insolvent or
bankrupt and has not been rehabilitated or discharged; or

15

(ii) he or she has made an assignment to or composition with his or her
creditors which has not been rescinded or set aside; or
(c) he or she is, or, within the period of five years immediately preceding
his or her proposed appointment, he or she has been sentenced in any
5 country to a term of imprisonment imposed with or without the option
of a fine, whether or not any portion thereof has been suspended, and has
not received a free pardon; or
(d) he or she is convicted in any country of any offence involving dishonesty.
Vacation of office by members of Commission
10 2. (1) A member may resign from his or her office at any time by giving the
Minister and the Commission at least one month’s notice of his or her intention to
resign such other period of notice as he or she and the Minister may agree.
(2) In addition to section 236 of the Constitution, a member shall immediately
cease to hold office and his or her office shall become vacant if he or she becomes
15 disqualified in terms of paragraph 1.
Procedure of Commission
3. (1) Subject to subparagraph (2), the Commission shall meet at such dates, times
and places as may be fixed by the chairperson:
Provided that the Commission shall meet at least once every 3 months.
20 (2) The chairperson —
(a) may convene a special meeting of the Commission at any time; and
(b) shall convene a special meeting of the Commission on the written request
of at least 2 members, which meeting shall be convened for a date not
sooner than seven days and not later than 30 days after the chairperson’s
25 receipt of the request.
(3) Written notice of a special meeting convened in terms of subparagraph
(2) shall be sent to each member not later than 48 hours before the meeting and shall
specify the business for which the meeting has been convened:
Provided that a failure by a member to receive such a notice, or an inadvertent
30 failure to send a notice to a member, shall not invalidate the meeting.
(4) No business shall be discussed at a special meeting convened in terms of
subparagraph (2) other than —
(a) such business as may be determined by the chairperson where he or she
convened the meeting in terms of subparagraph (2)(a); or
35 (b) the business specified in the request for the meeting, where the chairperson
convened the meeting in terms of subparagraph (2)(b).
(5) In the absence of the chairperson the deputy chairperson shall preside over
the meeting of the Commission as chairperson.
(6) In the absence of the chairperson or deputy chairperson, the members
40 present shall, if they constitute a quorum, elect one of their number to preside over the
meeting of the Commission as chairperson.
(7) At any meeting of the Commission, five members of the Commission shall
form a quorum.
(8) Any decision of the Commission shall be decided by a majority vote of the
45 members at that meeting.

16

(9) At all meetings of the Commission each member present shall have 1 vote
on each question before the Commission:
(10) With the approval of the Commission, the chairperson may invite any
person to attend a meeting of the Commission where the chairperson considers that
the person has special knowledge or experience in any matter to be considered at the 5
meeting.
(11) A person invited to attend a meeting of the Commission under subparagraph
(9) may take part in the meeting as if he or she were a member of the Commission, but
shall not have a vote on any question before the meeting.
(12) Any proposal circulated among all members of the Commission and agreed 10
to in writing by a majority of them shall have the same effect as a resolution passed at
a duly constituted meeting of the members and shall be incorporated into the minutes
of the next meeting of the Commission:
Provided that, if a member requires that such a proposal be placed before a
meeting of the Commission, this subparagraph shall not apply to the proposal. 15
(13) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the procedure for the
convening and conduct of meetings of the Commission shall be as fixed from time to
time by the Commission.
Committees of Commission
4. (1) For the better exercise of its functions, the Commission may establish one or 20
more committees in which it may vest such of its functions as it considers appropriate.
(2) The vesting of a function in a committee in terms of subparagraph (1) —
(a) may be made absolutely or subject to conditions and may be amended or
withdrawn at any time; and
(b) shall not divest the Commission of that function; 25
and the Commission may amend or rescind any decision of the committee in the
exercise of that function.
(3) On the establishment of a committee under subparagraph (1) the Commission —
(a) shall appoint at least one of its members as a member of the committee,
and that member or one of those members designated by the Commission, 30
as the case may be, shall be chairperson of the committee; and
(b) may appoint as members of the committee persons who are not members
of the Commission and fix the terms and conditions of their appointment.
(4) Meetings of a committee may be convened at any time and at any place by
the chairperson of the committee. 35
(5) If the chairperson of the committee is absent from a meeting of the
committee, the members present may elect one of their members to preside at that
meeting as chairperson.
(6) A majority of members of a committee shall form a quorum at any meeting
of a committee. 40
(7) Anything authorised or required to be done by a committee may be decided
by a majority vote at a meeting of the committee at which a quorum is present.
(8) At all meetings of a committee each member present shall have one vote
on each question before the committee:

17

(9) Subject to this paragraph, the procedure to be followed at any meeting of
a committee shall be fixed by the Commission.
Minutes of proceedings
5. (1) The Commission sha ll cause minutes to be taken at its meetings and at
5 meetings of its committees and enter them in books kept for the purpose.
(2) Any minutes which purport to be signed by the person presiding at the
meeting to which the minutes relate or by the person presiding at the next following
meeting of the Commission or committee, as the case may be, shall be accepted for all
purposes as prima facie evidence of the proceedings and decisions taken at the meeting
10 concerned.
(3) The Commission and any committee of the Commission shall cause copies
of all minutes that have been signed to be sent to the Minister for his or her information.
Validity of decisions and acts of Commission
6. (1) No decision or act of the Commission or act done under the authority of
15 the Commission shall be invalid solely because there were 1 or more vacancies on
the Commission when the decision was taken or the act was done or authorised or a
disqualified person partook in the act or decision.
(2) If any decision or other act of the Commission is rendered invalid through
a procedural irregularity, the Commission may at a duly convened meeting ratify the
20 decision or act, and any decision or act so ratified shall be valid in all respects with
effect from the date of its ratification.