CONCERNS over media freedom and public participation were raised at a Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers’ pass-out parade in Chinhoyi after private media journalists were barred from covering the event and relatives were denied the chance to record the proceedings.
The incident highlights persistent restrictions on independent media coverage of high-profile State events involving the First Lady, as well as growing intolerance of public documentation at official ceremonies — practices critics say undermine transparency, accountability and basic civil freedoms.
Journalists were barred from carrying out their duties during a ZimParks rangers’ pass-out parade held at the Chinhoyi Caves grounds, an event officiated by wildlife ambassador and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The restriction followed a directive circulated by the acting provincial information officer, Johanne Kachikuli, instructing journalists to desist from normal coverage of the event.
In a message sent to local journalists, Kachikuli wrote:
“Friends, hope you are all well. Don’t forget you are cordially invited to the Parks Graduation/Pass-Out Parade at Caves grounds. Don’t worry about cameras and media jackets, you will be VIPs. The First Lady will be the guest of honour, so she will move around with her media team as usual.”
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When contacted for clarification on whether the instruction applied to private media — given that the First Lady’s media team is drawn from State media — Kachikuli said it was a long-standing practice.
“My friend, it is well known that the First Lady doesn’t need coverage as she moves around with her trusted journalists,” he said. “Even local public media journalists do not cover her, she has her own journalists.”
ZimParks provincial spokesperson Prosper Vengai later apologised for the confusion, saying journalists were invited before organisers were aware that the First Lady would officiate.
“Sorry, guys, for the confusion. We did not know at first that the First Lady was coming when we invited you. As you are aware, her presence means no coverage from local journalists,” Vengai said.
Members of the public attending the ceremony were also subjected to restrictions.
Parents and relatives who attempted to take photographs or record videos of the graduating rangers were ordered to stop, with warnings that their mobile phones will be confiscated.
“Parents and friends taking videos and pictures is not allowed here. Please stop,” the master of ceremonies announced over the public address system.
One parent, who declined to be named, expressed frustration at the directive.
“I am not happy to be stopped from taking videos and pictures of my daughter on such an important day of her life. What kind of security prevents me from enjoying my only daughter’s graduation?”
A total of 118 rangers, including 32 women, graduated under the theme, Human Capital Development for Sustainable Wildlife Conservation.