Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Zimbabwe’s first lady lashes out at privately-owned media
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.
Botswana: Access to information, balanced coverage essential for fair, credible elections
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 minister threatens to dismiss University of Zambia radio staff
Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili has threatened to dismiss reporters at UNZA Radio, and has accused them of being sponsored by his enemies.
South Sudan: Sweeping powers in National Security Service Bill will undermine free expression
The proposed bill would mandate the National Security Service to monitor communications systems, newspapers and radio stations “in respect to security interest so as to prevent misuse by users.”
Report examines southern Africa’s most open and secretive institutions in 2014
On 28 September, the Media Institute of Southern Africa marked International Right to Information Day by launching Government Secrecy in an Information Age: 2014 Report on Open & Secretive Public Institutions in Southern Africa.
On Right to Know Day, calls for UN to include free expression rights in development goals
More than 100 civil society organisations ask the UN Secretary General to recognise the importance of free expression rights in the sustainable development goals.
Zambian government launches code of ethics for journalists
The information minister said the government did not expect the media to have any difficulties in complying with the new code of ethics, as the principles and ideas were already known to media practitioners.
Botswana: “Sunday Standard” editor arrested, colleague flees following threats
Editor Outsa Mokone was arrested by police on 8 September 2014. His colleague, reporter Edgar Tsimane, recently fled Botswana after being threatened over an article for the Sunday Standard.