Advocate Thembeka Mpofu has recently made a bold statement, arguing that the Government of National Unity (GNU) does not allow for the right of freedom of expression to viewers. This statement has sparked a debate among legal experts and the general public, with some agreeing and others disagreeing with her stance.
The GNU was formed in Zimbabwe in 2009, after a period of political instability and violence. It was a power-sharing agreement between the ruling party, ZANU-PF, and the opposition party, MDC, in an effort to bring about peace and stability in the country. However, Advocate Mpofu believes that this agreement has failed to uphold the fundamental right of freedom of expression.
Freedom of expression is a basic human right that is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the right to express one’s opinions, thoughts, and ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation. This right is crucial in a democratic society as it allows for the free flow of information and ideas, which is essential for the development and progress of a nation.
Advocate Mpofu argues that the GNU has failed to protect this fundamental right, especially when it comes to the media. She believes that the media in Zimbabwe is heavily controlled and censored by the government, which goes against the principles of freedom of expression. This has resulted in a lack of diverse and independent voices in the media, leading to a one-sided narrative being presented to the public.
The media plays a crucial role in a democratic society, as it serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable and providing a platform for different opinions and perspectives. However, in Zimbabwe, the media is heavily restricted, and any dissenting voices are silenced. This not only goes against the principles of freedom of expression but also hinders the country’s progress towards a truly democratic society.
Moreover, Advocate Mpofu also argues that the GNU has failed to protect the right of freedom of expression for individuals. She believes that there is a culture of fear and intimidation in Zimbabwe, where individuals are afraid to express their opinions openly. This is due to the government’s history of cracking down on dissenting voices and human rights activists. As a result, many people feel that their right to freedom of expression is being violated, and they are unable to exercise it without fear of reprisal.
The right to freedom of expression also includes the right to access information. However, in Zimbabwe, this right is also heavily restricted. The government controls and censors the flow of information, making it difficult for citizens to access unbiased and accurate information. This not only goes against the principles of freedom of expression but also hinders the public’s ability to make informed decisions.
In her argument, Advocate Mpofu also highlights the role of social media in today’s society. She believes that the government’s control over traditional media has led to an increase in the use of social media as a means of expressing opinions and accessing information. However, even on social media, there have been cases of individuals being arrested and charged for expressing their views. This further demonstrates the lack of protection for the right of freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.
It is essential to note that the right to freedom of expression is not absolute and can be limited in certain circumstances, such as hate speech or incitement to violence. However, Advocate Mpofu argues that the restrictions in Zimbabwe go beyond what is necessary and are used to suppress any dissenting voices.
In conclusion, Advocate Thembeka Mpofu’s argument that the GNU does not allow for the right of freedom of expression to viewers is a valid one. The government’s control and censorship of the media, as well as the culture of fear and intimidation, have resulted in a violation of this fundamental right. It is crucial for the government to take steps towards protecting and promoting freedom of expression in Zimbabwe, as it is a crucial aspect of a democratic society. Only then can the country truly move towards progress and development.
