Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
MISA protests irregularities in the granting of broadcasting licences by the government
(MISA/IFEX) – It has been reported that the government of Malawi is to issue a broadcasting licence to presidential press officer Alaudin Osman to operate a private radio station. However, MISA points out that this announcement is being made at a time when the country has not established an independent regulatory mechanism that should oversee […]
Bill threatens to limit freedom of expression
(MISA/IFEX) – Civil and human rights groups in Zimbabwe have objected to the retention of several clauses in the revised Public Order and Security Bill. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Parliamentary Legal Committee to determine its constitutionality, while the House will reconvene on 18 November 1997. The clauses infringe directly on the […]
Government reportedly clamping down on perceived opponents, including journalists, following attempted coup
(MISA/IFEX) – The Zambian government has detained opposition leader Dean Mungomba and is said to be hunting for outspoken civil rights leaders and journalists following the failed coup against the government of President Frederick Chiluba on 28 October 1997. A Zambia police spokesman said that Mungomba, who is President of the opposition Zambia Democratic Congress […]
Coup plotters temporarily take control of national broadcaster
(MISA/IFEX) – Coup plotters in Zambia briefly took control of the Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) on 28 October 1997. Staff member Margaret Chikwete was taken captive during the aborted coup attempt. An official, who spoke to MISA, said that Chikwete was on morning duty when she was forced to operate the station. The official, […]
Resolution compelling individuals to reveal sources of information to be tabled in Parliament; Speaker of National Assembly states that journalists’ rights will be protected
(MISA/IFEX) – Speaker of the National Assembly Mose Tjitendero is to go ahead and table a resolution in Parliament that will broaden existing powers to enable parliamentary committees to subpoena people and force them to reveal sources of information. However, Tjitendero has also recognised the right of journalists to protect sources, and says this right […]
Corruption body probes director of journalism training institute; opposition MP introduces motion in Parliament calling for privatisation of state-owned media
(MISA/IFEX) – The Zambian government’s corruption investigation organ, the Zambian Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), has launched a probe into Mike Daka, Director of the autonomous Zambia Institute of Mass Communications Educational Trust (ZAMCOM), reports the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA/MISA-Zambia). No charges against Daka have been specified. On 6 August 1997, Daka was suspended from […]
Authorities suspend plans to halt re-transmission of South African Broadcasting Corporation signals
(MISA/IFEX) – Public protests have forced Swaziland Television to suspend its decision to stop the re-transmission of the signals of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Swaziland Television Director Mike Conwell first announced the decision on 15 October 1997, saying his station would switch off the transmitter that makes it possible to view the SABC […]
Trade unions want government to scrap legislation to regulate media
(MISA/IFEX) – Scraping the recently-approved media regulation bill and a review of the Constitution-making process are among the 27 points which influenced a two-day mass work boycott in Swaziland on 14 and 15 October 1997. The boycott, which paralysed the formal sector in the country including government offices, was organised by the Swaziland Federation of […]