If signed by the President, this Bill will join other pieces of draconian legislations such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) notes with concern the growing paranoia within the government of President Robert Mugabe. The government has taken it upon itself to stifle whatever little freedom the Zimbabwean citizens had. The ruling party has perceived and convinced itself that is has enemies bent on toppling it. A government elected by the people, for the people, as ZANU (PF) claims they were elected, surely has nothing to fear from its people.

It also boggles the mind why government would want to pass on the cost of acquiring and installing the spying equipment on the service providers. This will push some small service providers out of business as they might have to purchase the equipment outside Zimbabwe’s boarders.

If President Mugabe, has any decency left in him, he will not put his signature to this ill-thought and ill-timed Bill. The ZCTU urges President Mugabe instead, to concentrate on finding solutions to the Zimbabwean crisis rather than continue to find ways of harassing and violating innocent people’s rights.

18 June 2007

Wellington Chibebe, Secretary General