This research was compiled by Izak Minnaar, to assist MISA Zimbabwe to strategically advocate for the right to access information and the internet, using the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms and other advocacy instruments.
MISA
High Court orders Zimbabwe Media Commission to suspend accreditation process
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has been ordered by the High Court to suspend its accreditation process following an urgent application instituted by the Zimbabwe Online Content Creators Trust (ZOCC).
Tanzania’s cybercrime law anathema to democracy and free speech
Tanzanian journalist Mary Victor, with the Raia Mwema newspaper was charged for sedition after she allegedly shared a video clip of patients allegedly fleeing a COVID-19 centre in that country.
COVID-19, fake news laws being used to stifle free speech
Governments in Southern Africa are coming up with several regulations under the pretext of regulating the scourge of misinformation, particularly in the COVID-19 period, yet, they are using these laws to target dissenting voices, civil society, the media and opposition political parties.
MISA Malawi engaging political parties, police on attacks against journalists
The trend is shameful, criminal and retrogressive as Malawi seeks to build on the gains of democratic rule.
MISA Malawi establishes Media Advocacy Group to advance free expression
MISA Malawi has established the Media Advocacy Group in partnership with International Republican Institute
Malawi Constitutional Court quashes ban on ‘phone-in programmes’
We believe the ruling is a victory for the media, Malawians and democracy.
Journalists charged under COVID-19 regulations granted bail
Journalists Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira were granted bail when they appeared in court and remanded out of custody to 15 June 2020 on charges of breaching Section 11 (b) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 in terms of the COVID-19 regulations.
Content creators file court application against ZMC accreditation
Zimbabwe Online Content Creators Trust (ZOCC) has filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking an order for suspension of the Zimbabwe Media Commission’s accreditation process set to commence in Harare on 26 May 2020.
Regional governments intensify crackdowns on media during COVID-19
As the continent commemorates Africa Day on 25 May, it is worrying that the majority of Southern African countries, typical of fragile states, are taking advantage of the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus to tighten their grip on power.