HARARE- Zimbabweans have reacted with mixed reviews on the upbeat view President Emmerson Mnangawa has of Zimbabwe, when he wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times this week.
His critics have called on him to repeal harsh laws and give freedom of expression and association to all including to former president Robert Mugabe.
Writing in the New York Times Mnangagwa said “Zimbabwe is changing, and quickly”.
He continued, “I commit that in the new Zimbabwe, all citizens will have the right of free speech, free expression and free association,”
His critics have hit back saying it is a false statement because tough security and press laws known by their acronyms POSA and AIPPA remain in place.
A twiiter user @mr_dimz commented, “As long as he doesn’t talk of repealing draconian laws such as POSA, AIPPA that is fake news,”
Former education minister David Coltart also commented on the opinion piece he said on twitter, “It will be so much more believable if the Constitution is complied with – especially sec 61 (4) – free the airwaves!!,” He was referring to a section of the national charter that says state media should be “impartial” and give voice to “divergent views and dissenting opinions”.
But the state media is still heavily biased in favor of the government and the ruling party.
Photo Credit- BulawayoTimes
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