Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Police visit offices of “The Post” looking to question reporter
(MISA/IFEX) – On 22 and 23 December 1997, police visited the offices of the independent daily “The Post” looking for reporter Dickson Jere, reports the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA). Although the visiting police officers said they merely wanted to have a “friendly chat with Jere”, the paper’s editors link the sudden visits to a […]
Broadcaster fired for reporting on public disturbance
(MISA/IFEX) – Part-time broadcaster for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Gerry Jackson has been fired by ZBC for reporting on a disturbances that took place in Harare on 9 December 1997, reports the Media Institute of Zimbabwe chapter (MISA-Zimbabwe). Jackson received a letter terminating her contract with the ZBC on 13 December. ZBC Radio 3 […]
Former editor and reporter appear in court
(MISA/IFEX) – On 10 December 1997, the former editor of the defunct “Okavango Observer” newspaper, Caitlin Davies, and reporter Cobrie Kgaodi appeared before the magistrate court in Botswana to take a plea over an offending story published two years ago. **Updates IFEX alerts dated 9 December 1997 and 3 September 1996** Davies was verbally summoned […]
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 […]