Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

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.

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.

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’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.

“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.

MISA-Zimbabwe notes with very grave concern recent attacks and threats against the privately owned media, by Zanu PF and government officials, including the First Lady Grace Mugabe.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa recently observed the conduct of the media and electoral bodies during Botswana’s 2014 parliamentary and local government elections, held on 24 October 2014. The mission found that the media performed well, though there could be improvements.

Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili has threatened to dismiss reporters at UNZA Radio, and has accused them of being sponsored by his enemies.