AIPPA Discarded, Freedom of Information Bill Signed Into Law
The Freedom of Information Bill became law on Tuesday after the final amended version from Parliament was approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and gazetted.
The Freedom of Information Bill repeals the draconian Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) which was enacted at the turn of the Millenium.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said:
The enactment of the Freedom of Information Act is indeed a momentous occasion, not only for Government but for the media fraternity and the citizens. AIPPA had aroused a lot of animosity over the years.
The new law states that all information held by public institutions, including State-owned companies, can potentially be made public, with the exception of Cabinet discussions and certain information in victim-friendly courts.
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The new mandatory information officer in each entity, who is either the head of that entity or a person appointed by the head, has up to 21 days to consider each request for information.
The information officer can refuse to make all or some of the requested information public, but under strictly set criteria, and all these decisions are subject to appeal.
However, defence and national security information, plus certain financial matters like proposed taxes in the pipeline, secret industrial processes, diplomatic matters, and some personal details of individuals can be withheld.
Moreover, where third parties are involved in the requested information, they have the right to agree or to make representations on why the information should not be released.
