Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

(MISA/IFEX) – On 10 May 2000, Minister of Information Newstead Zimba warned of unspecified action against radio stations labelled as “political”. He told the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA) that “I am going to take action against them.” Zimba’s remarks followed efforts by ZIMA to get him to clarify remarks attributed to him in the […]

(MISA/IFEX) – Two local businessmen have filed an application in the Zimbabwe Supreme Court challenging the country’s Broadcasting Act, which gives the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) a monopoly. Media consultant Michael Auret Jnr and broadcaster Gerry Jackson, who plan to invest US$45 million in an independent broadcasting station, are challenging Section 27 of the Broadcasting […]

(MISA/IFEX) – The following is a MISA media statement: MAY 3, 2000 SO THIS IS DEMOCRACY? – THE STATE OF MEDIA FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is honoured to use the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2000 A.D. to present its sixth annual report on the state of […]

(MISA/IFEX) – On 2 May 2000, members of parliament (MPs) in Namibia’s National Assembly called for action against the country’s state-owned newspaper, “New Era”, because of its reporting. The calls came during the debate on the budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, which is responsible for “New Era”, the Namibia Press […]

(MISA/IFEX) – On 2 May 2000, Associated Press photographer Obed Zilwa was cleared of all charges and allowed to leave Zimbabwe. Zilwa was released from detention on Saturday 29 April after spending just over forty-eight hours in jail. He was released into the custody of his lawyer, and had his passport and plane ticket confiscated. […]

(MISA/IFEX) – State-owned media editors have been told to comply fully with official views in the run-up to the general elections, the “Zimbabwe Independent” reported in its 28 April 2000 edition. Information Minister Chenhamo Chimutengwende reportedly told the state editors at his Linquenda House offices that they had an obligation to support and amplify government […]

(MISA/IFEX) – On 28 April 2000, the Zimbabwe police charged South African journalist Obert Siyabuliza Zilwa under Section 38 (b) (ii) of the Law and Order Maintenance Act (LOMA). Zilwa’s lawyer, Jonathan Samkange, told MISA-Zimbabwe that they were preparing for an initial remand hearing at the Rotten Row Magistrate’s Court, but that he was prepared […]

(MISA/IFEX) – The trial of journalist Domingos Mussamo has been postponed indefinitely because his defence lawyer could not get a place on the only plane going to Cuanza Norte. The trial had been due to start on 26 April 2000. No new date was set for the trial. Background Information Mussamo, formerly chief editor of […]