Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Incoming president Hakainde Hichilema intimates an improved freedom of expression and media landscape under his leadership.

Ahead of, during and after the elections, MISA is particularly concerned about the safety and security of journalists and the media, the enactment of claw-back laws, and the need for citizens to access information at all times, both online and offline.

In submissions to the Universal Periodic Review process, the Zimbabwe chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa notes improvements in the legislative environment, but condemns clawback provisions in proposed new laws.

To counter the misinformation and disinformation defining the social media and street narrative on the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi, MISA-Malawi draws on providing expert-based information.

IFEX is among the groups that have endorsed a MISA letter to King Mswati III expressing deep worry and calling on authorities to do everything possible to ensure that media workers are protected and are not subject to wanton attacks by security forces.

IFEX joined a number of groups in petitioning the Prime Minister to ensure that the internet, social media platforms, and all other communication channels are open, secure, and accessible regardless of the protests that were taking place in Eswatini.

MISA regional governing council reaches out to current SADC chair, Mozambique President Nyusi, to highlight deterioration of media landscape in the region.

Although Zimbabwe has implemented a raft of new legislation that create a partially media friendly environment, the harassment of journalists and threats of surveillance are a major cause of concern.