(MISA/IFEX) – The following is a MISA Botswana statement: MISA Botswana speaks out on Mass Media Bill The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Botswana Chapter, wishes to correct the misrepresentation that was made in an April 7, 2006 MISA alert in which it was alleged that Botswana’s Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Pelonomi […]
(MISA/IFEX) – The following is a MISA Botswana statement:
MISA Botswana speaks out on Mass Media Bill
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Botswana Chapter, wishes to correct the misrepresentation that was made in an April 7, 2006 MISA alert in which it was alleged that Botswana’s Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Pelonomi Venson, announced that she would be presenting the controversial Mass Media Bill to Parliament soon.
MISA Botswana has received numerous inquiries about whether the draconian bill will soon be tabled in Parliament. It wishes to put on record that the said draft Mass Media Bill was done away with in 2004 during the reign of the former Minister Honourable Boyce Sebetela who, together with media practitioners, deemed it draconian.
When Honourable Venson took over the portfolio, she created a task force from the Media Advisory Council, a body which deals with media issues and makes recommendations to the Minister. The Council consists of media associations, government media departments and other representatives and it is chaired by the Minister. The Task Force – comprised of the Press Council of Botswana, MISA Botswana and government media heads – has been making consultations throughout the country on the principles which should inform a new draft bill. These principles will ultimately be integrated into the proposed law. The Government of Botswana has a policy that all bills be drafted by the Attorney General’s (AG) department, and currently Cabinet has passed a list of principles to the AG.
It is recommended that the proposed law recognise the Press Council of Botswana and its Complaints and Appeals committees. The Code of Ethics developed by media practitioners, led by the Press Council of Botswana, would guide journalists to ensure adherence to standards and promote professionalism. These are principles that MISA would approve of and consider very favourably.
