Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
“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 […]
Draft legislation could punish reporting of “false information”; call for powers to ban reporters who report on classified information
Draft legislation currently being debated by Namibian law makers could outlaw the deliberate or unintentional publication of “false information” on Parliament and its proceedings. The Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Bill, which has been passed by the National Assembly and is now being debated by the National Council, would also make it an offence for […]
United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) concludes that contempt charges against “The Post” editors violate International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Source: Inter Press Service (IPS) **Updates IFEX alerts dated 1 April, 27, 25, 20 March, 23 February, and others** Wrapping up its hearing on the upholding of and respect for human rights in Zambia, the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) says that “Zambia’s human rights record has not improved.” The UNHRC, which convened in […]
Journalist Professor Malema under investigation
Professor (sic) Malema, a journalist for the privately-owned newspaper “Botswana Guardian”, is currently under investigation by the Office of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), which operates out of the Office of the President. Rodger Batty, Head of Prosecutions for the DCEC, confirmed that he is investigating Malema. He stated that his office […]
Case of Mamonyane Matsa’ba postponed indefinitely
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 14 March and 24 January 1996** The disciplinary case against journalist Mamonyane Matsa’ba has been postponed “indefinitely.” However, it seems that this latest delay in Matsa’ba’s case will have “bad effects” on the journalist. “The pending case is haunting her…and it serves as a censorship,” said MISA-Lesotho Chairperson Bethuel Thai, adding […]
Namibian Broadcasting Corporation refuses to release video footage
**Updates IFEX alert dated 27 March 1996** The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has refused to release video footage to a German television crew which wanted to make a programme on the holding of truth commissions in Namibia and South Africa. On 29 March 1996, the crew, which works for the German television station ZDF, sought […]