ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT (SHOWING AMENDMENTS MADE BY ACT 5/2003) (g) to conduct investigations in terms of Part IX to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act; and (h) to advise the Minister on the adoption and establishment of standards and codes relating to the operation of mass media; and (i) to receive, evaluate for accreditation and consider applications for accreditation as a journalist; and (j) to enforce professional and ethical standards in the mass media; and (k) to review the decisions of public bodies in terms of Part X; and (l) to bring to the attention of the head of a public body any failure to meet the prescribed standards for fulfilling the duty to assist applicants; and (m) to authorise a public body, at the request of its head, to disregard requests that would unreasonably interfere with the operations of the public body; and (n) to accredit journalists; and (o) to monitor the mass media and raise user awareness of the mass media; and (p) to register mass media in Zimbabwe; and (q) to investigate and resolve complaints against any mass media service in terms of the provisions of this Act. (2) In the exercise of its functions, the Commission shall have regard to the desirability of securing the following objects— (a) to foster freedom of expression in Zimbabwe; (b) to make information easily accessible to persons requiring it; (c) to ensure accurate, balanced and unbiased reporting by the mass media in Zimbabwe; (d) the development of mass media that uphold professional and ethical codes of conduct; (e) to promote the preservation of the national security and integrity of Zimbabwe; (f) to foster a Zimbabwean national identity and integrity; (g) …26 (3) Subject to this Act, for the better exercise of its functions, the Commission shall have power to do or cause to be done, either by itself or through its agents, all or any of the things specified in the Third Schedule, either absolutely or conditionally and either solely or jointly with others. 40 Appointment and composition of Media and Information Commission (1) The operations of the Commission shall, subject to this Act, be controlled and managed by a Board. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the Board shall consist of no fewer than five members and not more than seven members (at least three of whom shall be nominated by an association of journalists or an association of media houses, or both) appointed by the Minister after consultation with the President and in accordance with any directions that the President may give him. 27 26 Paragraph repealed by s. 25 of as read with Schedule to Act 5/2003. 27 Subsection amended by s. 2 of Act 21/2004. 23