Zimbabwe: Ruling Party Denies Reporter Annahstacia Ndlovu Access to Annual Conference

Earlier this year, the journalist was assaulted by supporters of the same party

Location: Zimbabwe, Gweru
Date: October 27, 2023

Two journalists from Voice of America Studio 7, Annahstacia Ndlovu and Kudzanai Musengi, were denied access to cover the Zanu PF's annual conference in Gweru. This incident follows a previous assault on Ndlovu by party supporters, raising serious concerns about targeted actions against the journalist. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the ban and calls for the unimpeded coverage of political events by reporters.

On October 27, journalists Annahstacia Ndlovu and Kudzanai Musengi traveled from Bulawayo to Gweru to prepare for their coverage of the Zanu PF annual conference. Ndlovu says they have previously submitted application letters for accreditation, receiving confirmation that their requests were under consideration.  Upon their arrival in Gweru, they were informed that their names were not on the list of accredited journalists, effectively barring them from covering the event.

These recent events are part of a larger pattern of press violations involving political parties in Zimbabwe. Earlier this year, Annahstacia Ndlovu was attacked by Zanu PF supporters as she documented street skirmishes leading up to the presidential elections in August. On October 26, Zimbabwean journalists faced pressure from the vice presidential security detail to delete photos and videos of Second Vice President Kembo Mohadi collapsing at a campaign rally. This drew criticism from media organizations and rights advocates, highlighting the ongoing threats to journalistic rights and constitutional freedoms.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly denounces the decision to bar Annahstacia Ndlovu and Kudzanai Musengi from Zanu PF's annual conference and the unequal treatment of journalists. This incident further casts a shadow over press freedom in Zimbabwe and emphasizes the critical need for equality and non-discrimination for all journalists. We call upon Zanu PF to provide an explanation for the denial of access and to ensure that all journalists can report on future party events without hindrance.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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