The right to freedom of expression and press freedom are integral to a healthy democracy. South Africans, who have promoted these ideals before and after the Apartheid years – through turmoil and struggle – are well aware of this fact. As Nelson Mandela was quoted as saying in February of 1994:

"A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour. It must enjoy the protection of the Constitution so that it can protect our rights as citizens."

South Africans live with the comfort of knowing that they are allowed to preach what they want when they want and how they want – all under the protection of our robust Constitution.

Our neighbours to the north, under the leadership of Emmerson Mnangagwa, have eschewed freedom of expression, preferring to quell dissent wherever it may be present.

Hopewell Chin’ono, a journalist who has investigated alleged corruption in Zimbabwe's ruling government, represents the most high-profile case of authoritarian ZANU-PF practices utilized to quash free expression.

Two arrests and a failed bail application later, Chin’ono remains in prison, unable to make his case and speak his mind.

His is not an isolated example.

Across Zimbabwe, journalists and activists live in dread, knowing that their every move and utterance might be monitored by the government. These Orwellian practices have been well documented by the free press in South Africa, and yet, little has been done foreign policy-wise by The Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation. It is time for both of these bodies to act.

I am writing to ask that you put your weight behind pressuring the Presidency and DIRCO to demand the release of Hopewell Chin’ono and those like him. This is an opportunity for us to prove that we cherish ideals of freedom and that South Africa's foreign policy is focused on promoting human rights abroad.

As a member of parliament, you hold sway over the everyday affairs within our country. People listen to you and respect you. Don’t let them down.

Utilize your position to share our ideals of free expression with neighbouring nations.

Please support the following three demands:
• That the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa must immediately release Hopewell Chin’ono and other journalists who are imprisoned for utilizing free expression.
• That the presidency and DIRCO must request the release of Hopewell Chin’ono and other journalists who have been imprisoned for using their right to free speech.
• That the presidency and DIRCO must open a dialogue with the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa concerning the rights of Zimbabwe’s citizens – a dialogue where the right to free expression is emphasized.