Journalists, together with other essential priority groups, are frontline workers that need to be prioritised as well given the critical role they play in keeping the nation informed on developments and measures the government is taking to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access to information
Judge orders government to disseminate comprehensive information on COVID-19
High Court judge Justice Dube has ordered the ministers of Health and Information to widely disseminate “comprehensive and adequate information” on both private and public testing, isolation and treatment of COVID-19.
MISA Zimbabwe position on 2021 registration, accreditation fees
Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), with the approval of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services recently gazetted the registration and accreditation fees for media companies and journalists in terms of Statutory Instrument (SI) 22 of 2021.
Uganda blocks social media platforms ahead of elections
Ugandan authorities have ordered internet service providers in the East African country to block access to social media sites ahead of elections on 14 January 2021.
Licensing of community radio stations step in the right direction
MISA Zimbabwe welcomes the licensing of the country’s first-ever three community radio stations as a step in the right direction towards opening up the broadcasting sector to new players.
Government should expedite enactment of ATI law
This piece of legislation is not just for the media, but is a Bill for all Zambians, and empowers them to hold government to account while encouraging transparency
Lack of access to information, its implications on vital institutions in Zimbabwe
In light of the recent enactment of the Freedom of Information Act and the gazetting of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill, it is imperative to explore the intended benefits of such legal instruments to the broader generality of Zimbabwe’s society.
Knowledge for All, not Ignorance, could restore Hope in Zim
“Corruption related to PPE … is actually murder because if health workers work without PPE, we’re risking their lives. And that also risks the lives of the people they serve.”
Centrality of access to information in the enjoyment of rights: Lessons from Covid-19
The centrality of access to information in this pandemic cannot be overlooked, in particular, as it relates to timeliness, relevance and adequacy of information.
MISA Malawi calls for universal access to Covid-19 information
Unfortunately, information gap created a fertile ground for fake news on issues around Covid-19..