WELEAD Trust, Magamba Network partner to promote freedom of expression in Zimbabwe

HARARE, Zimbabwe-In an effort to promote constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information in the country, WELEAD Trust, in partnership with Magamba Network, has launched the Free2Express campaign, writes Oppressor Chogurwei.

The campaign aims to educate young people and other demographics of the Zimbabwean population who may not fully understand these fundamental rights, which are interconnected with other human rights.

The team has been travelling around the country promoting Sections 61 and 62 of the Zimbabwean constitution, with recent stops in Chitungwiza and Marondera. This week, the team will be in Bulawayo and Hwange to continue their mission.

During the training sessions in Chitungwiza, 33 young people received education on their rights. However, many of them expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the Zimbabwean justice system in upholding these rights.

"We are living in a neighbourhood where we cannot freely utter our political affiliations, in as much as you have taught us that we have freedom of expression," said one participant.

"For us, the constitution is just a book; we do not live."

Despite the low turnout in Marondera, WELEAD Trust has noted that many young people are aware of the existence of Section 61, but lack knowledge of the specifics and limitations of the section.

Through the Free2Express campaign, WELEAD Trust and Magamba Network hope to promote the effective participation of all citizens and prevent violations of fundamental rights.