217 Powers of Zimbabwe Media Commission An Act of Parliament may confer powers on the Zimbabwe Media Commission, including power to– (a) conduct investigations and inquiries into-(i) any conduct or circumstance that appears to threaten freedom of the press; and (ii) the conduct of the press, print and electronic media, and broadcasting; and (b) take disciplinary action against journalists and other persons employed in the press, print or electronic media, or broadcasting who are found to have breached any law or any code of conduct applicable to them. CHAPTER XIV PUBLIC PROTECTOR 218 Public Protector (1) There is a Public Protector and, where the President has deemed it desirable, a Deputy Public Protector, whose offices shall be public offices but shall not form part of the Public Service. (2) The Public Protector and his or her deputy are appointed by the President after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission and the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. (3) If the President does not follow the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission in appointing a Public Protector or Deputy Public Protector, the President must cause Parliament to be informed as soon as practicable. (4) The Deputy Public Protector shall– (a) assist the Public Protector in the exercise of his or her functions and duties and the Public Protector may authorise him or her to exercise any of his or her functions or duties on his behalf; (b) act as Public Protector whenever the office of the Public Protector is vacant or the Public Protector is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office. (5) An Act of Parliament may make provision for the qualifications and remuneration of the Public Protector and the Deputy Public Protector. 219 Functions of Public Protector (I) It is the function of the Public Protector to investigate action taken by any officer, person or authority referred to in subsection (2) in the exercise of the administrative functions of that officer, person or authority in any case where it is alleged that a person has suffered injustice in consequence of that action and it does not appear that there is any remedy reasonably available by way of proceedings in a court or on appeal from a court. (2) Subject to such exceptions and conditions as may be prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament, the provisions of subsection (1) shall apply in respect of any action taken by the following officers and authorities– (a) any Ministry or department or any member of such Ministry or department; and - 80 -