THE Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) has declared Press freedom “non-negotiable” for democracy, warning that attacks on journalists ultimately silence millions of informal workers who depend on the independent media to expose their realities.
World Press Freedom Day, commemorated annually on May 3, highlights the importance of independent journalism in safeguarding democracy, combating censorship and holding power to account.
In Zimbabwe, VISET says shrinking media space directly worsens the vulnerability of informal traders, as their struggles with harassment, raids and policy exclusion go undocumented and unaddressed.
The day traces its origins to a 1991 Unesco seminar in Namibia, where African journalists adopted the Declaration of Windhoek, calling for a free and pluralistic Press. It continues to serve as a global reminder of the need to protect media freedom and honour journalists who face persecution or death in the line of duty.
In its statement, VISET said media repression left vendors, cross-border traders and other marginalised groups defenceless against harassment, forced eviction and exclusion from policymaking.
“Press freedom is the only safeguard for vulnerable communities shut out of policy and development,” VISET said.
“When journalists are silenced, vendors are erased.”
Zimbabwe’s informal sector sustains millions of livelihoods but remains exposed to frequent raids, confiscation of goods and limited social protection. VISET said only a free and independent media could document these conditions and compel accountability.
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“A free media documents our reality. Without it, the informal economy is invisible,” the group said.
The organisation called for the protection of Press freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution and international law, an end to intimidation, harassment, censorship and arbitrary arrest of journalists, and improved access to information on decisions affecting citizens.
It also urged ethical, people-centred journalism that prioritises public interest and greater coverage of socio-economic justice issues affecting vendors, women traders, youth and persons with disabilities.
VISET warned that restrictions on media freedom have wider societal consequences.
“You cannot achieve sustainable development or democratic governance when citizens are denied credible information or when journalists work in fear,” it said.
The warning comes as journalists, human rights defenders and citizens face a growing threat to free expression.
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with journalists and free expression defenders, saying fear in newsrooms ultimately translates to fear and insecurity for informal workers on the streets.
