Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Journalists tell of death threats and plot to kill critical media workers
Two Zimbabwean journalists say their lives have been threatened, and that there is plot — said to be hatched by people close to the government and ruling party — to kill media workers critical of President Robert Mugabe. The Reuters bureau chief in Zimbabwe, Chris Chinaka, says he was warned that he would be killed […]
Government assumes control of Zimbabwe’s largest media group
The Director of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Posts and Telecommunications in Zimbabwe has confirmed that the government has assumed direct control of the country’s largest media group, the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT). Bornwell Chakaodza said that a 29 April 1996 amendment to the ZMMT’s deed gives the state the authority to oversee the […]
Bomb explodes at “Times of Zambia” office; death threats issued against three of the newspaper’s editors
On 31 May 1996, a bomb exploded at the offices of the state-owned “Times of Zambia” newspaper in the town of Ndola. No one was hurt in the blast which reportedly caused extensive damage to the newspaper’s computer room. Previously, on 23 May, death threats against several “Times of Zambia” editors and reporters were posted […]
National Council scraps two draft clauses of the Privileges and Immunities Bill
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 26 and 23 April 1996** The National Council in the Namibian Parliament has scrapped two controversial clauses in the Privileges and Immunities Bill, saying that they are “unconstitutional” and run contrary to Article 21 of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of the press as well as freedom of expression.
Judge dismisses an appeal by lawyers from “The Post” asking that the President of Zambia not be treated differently from other citizens before the law
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 29 and 11 April 1994** The 12 April 1996 edition of “The Post” newspaper reported that Zambia’s Supreme Court Judge, Matthew Ngulube, had thrown out an appeal by lawyers for “The Post” that President Frederick Chiluba should be “treated equally like any other citizen before the law.” On 11 April, Ngulube […]
“The Post” editor-in-chief Fred M’membe to appeal “contempt of parliament” ruling
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 12 April, 27, 25, 20 March, 23 February, and others** Contrary to what Judge Kabazo Chanda ruled on 27 March 1996, the lawyer for “The Post” editor-in-chief Fred M’membe has stated that his client will not appear before Parliament to hear the final ruling in a contempt of parliament charge, which […]
South African Broadcasting Corporation bans three songs for alleged “bad taste”
According to the 21 April 1996 edition of “The Sunday Times”, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has banned three songs, claiming that their lyrics were “in bad taste” and would “cause offence.” Sung in the Afrikaans language, the songs are said to have contained swear words which are considered “undesirable” to some members of […]
Prime Minister says that he will scrap clauses of draft legislation that infringe on press freedom if circumstances are right
**Updates IFEX alert dated 23 April 1996** Namibian Prime Minister Hage Geingob says that he will scrap clauses in a new bill that conflict with constitutional guarantees of press freedom if the bill is referred back to the National Assembly. The bill is currently being debated by the National Council, and if the National Council […]