Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Meet 9 southern African women doing outstanding work in media and human rights
From a journalist following in the footsteps of her idols at Harvard, to an activist fighting for a world where children are free to express themselves, the Media Institute of Southern Africa introduces you to 9 women who are “making it happen.”
Gilles Cistac, professor and former government advisor, assassinated in Mozambique
Over the past few weeks, Cistac had been the subject of verbal abuse by commentators aligned with the ruling party for his vocal support of opposition party Renamo’s demand for the creation of autonomous regions in Mozambique.
Tanzanian government bans “The East African” for circulating without registration
The East African was removed from newsstands in Tanzania on 21 January 2015. The paper was ordered to stop publishing because it been circulating without registration, contrary to section 6 of the Newspaper Act 1976.
South Africa: Two journalists mistreated during riots in Soweto
Two journalists were mistreated in separate incidents in the Soweto area of Johannesburg. Three people have been killed since the violent unrest began last week, after a foreign business owner shot a 14-year-old boy accused of trying to rob a shop.
Environmental groups score big win in access to information case
The Centre for Environmental Rights used the country’s Promotion of Access to Information Act to access records from a company accused of dumping illegal hazardous waste.
In landmark decision, African court rules imprisonment for defamation violates free expression
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights decision in the case of journalist Issa Lohé Konaté sends a strong message that governments may not use severe criminal penalties to stifle public debate and reporting on matters of public interest.
Mozambique fourth southern African country to adopt access to info law
Mozambique’s access to information bill seeks to create greater transparency and generate public participation. However, it has also been the subject of some criticism with respect to whether it adequately enforces the right in all its dimensions.
Political parties, security forces must uphold journalists’ safety during election period
“The safety Namibian journalists enjoyed is waning, and those committed to democracy, media freedom, access to information and freedom of expression need to join our call for the safety of journalists,” MISA Namibia’s national director Natasha Tibinyane says.