Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Former editor and reporter for defunct “Okavango Observer” newspaper summoned to appear before court
(MISA/IFEX) – A former editor and reporter for the defunct “Okavango Observer” newspaper have been summoned to appear before the magistrate court in Botswana over a story published two years ago. On 9 December 1997, Caitlin Davies was verbally summoned by officers in the Botswana Criminal Investigations Department (CID) who visited her husband’s office in […]
Government expels two South African journalists
(MISA/IFEX) – On 19 November 1997, two South African television journalists were expelled from Zambia because they were allegedly a “threat to national security”, reports the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA). Reggie Marobe and Abraham du Preez of Phenyo Film and Television Production were ordered to leave Zambia within 24 hours by Zambia’s Ministry of […]
MISA-Swaziland passes resolution government media bill
(MISA/IFEX) – On 21 and 22 November 1997, the Swaziland Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Swaziland) held a consultative forum to debate the way forward in opposing an imposed government media bill. The forum had representatives from civil society and from international organisations such as ARTICLE 19 and Freedom of Expression Institute. […]
At least four journalists fired or suspended following failed coup in October
(MISA/IFEX) – At least four journalists have either been fired or suspended from the national broadcasting station since the failed 28 October 1997 coup in Zambia. On 31 October, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) management suspended announcer Loveday Haachiyumba for allegedly speaking approvingly of the coup by rebellious army officers. On 3 November, journalist Goretti […]
Journalist detained over critical articles and alleged role in October coup plot
(MISA/IFEX) – On 14 November 1997, the government of Zambia detained writer and journalist Frederick Mwanza under the Preservation of Public Security Act of 1960. Mwanza was detained in connection with a failed coup attempt on 28 October. He appeared in court on 26 November, but has not been charged. His lawyer, Patrick Mvunga, says […]
Continuing concern over proposed media legislation
(MISA/IFEX) – Media workers in Botswana are still concerned about a broadcasting bill proposed by the government. A meeting of the Media Task Force on the bill has been called for 27 November 1997 to review the situation. The proposed bill comes after an earlier one on mass media communications was rejected by the media […]
Two journalists harassed and assaulted
(MISA/IFEX) – On 10 November 1997, freelance journalist Lewis Gaba was assaulted by angry ex-combatants of the armed wings of Zimbabwe’s liberation movements for asking what they called “provocative questions”. Gaba sustained a cut below his eye and his trousers were ripped open during the attack. The editor of “The Herald” newspaper, Tommy Sithole, was […]
Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) director demoted and ordered to dissociate himself from media organisations; journalist admonished and put on surveillance by MBC management
(MISA/IFEX) – Mollande Nkhata, Director of News and Current Affairs at the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), has been demoted to chief editor and ordered to withdraw from media activism. In a letter handed to him on 17 November 1997, Nkhata was also ordered to resign from the Malawi chapter of MISA, of which he is […]