Social media experts in Zimbabwe have expressed concern over the announcement of a new censorship board, and specifically the appointment of President Robert Mugabe's daughter Bona, as well as Charity Charamba, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The State-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation reported that an 11-member board of censors had been appointed to control and regulate the media and film industry, as well as ensure that freedom of artistic expressions do not fringe on other people's rights.

It also said the board's mandate will deal with what it referred to as "rampant abuse of social media while also taking into consideration that the general elections in Zimbabwe are set for next year."

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Ignatius Chombo announced the new board on Tuesday and said the government will fund its operations.

Other new members appointed to the board, headed up by former Education Minister Aeneas Chigwedere, include traditional leaders, lawyers and accountants.

Mugabe's administration has been increasingly critical of social media platforms and has positioned the new Computer and Cyber Crimes law to regulate Over the Top (OTT) services.

Godknows Homwe, a social media strategist from Harare told ITWeb Africa on Wednesday that the appointment of Mugabe's daughter to the censorship board is likely motivated by her keen following of social media trends as she is the youngest among the board members.

Homwe said censoring radio, television and other traditional media content could be possible, but gagging people on social media platforms would be detrimental to online content.

"We have a number of people who are (producing) good social media content marketing and creation on social media. Censoring social media will affect these," said Homwe.

The Mugabes are regularly the subject of social media jibes.

Local legal expert Fadzai Mahere tweeted: "Please tell me Bona's appointment to the Censorship Board is fake news."