The Report features an interview with our Director Dr. T Moyo who is recognised by CIPESA as one of the 10 change makers in Internet Freedom in Africa.
Digital rights
Concern over exposure of journalists’ personal data on social media platforms and threats to journalists
MISA Botswana is concerned that the dissemination of the journalists’ personal data exposes them to targeted attacks as it has lately been the case with journalists, Kealeboga Dihutso of Duma FM and Kabo Ramasia of the Patriot on Sunday newspaper.
Media development in Zimbabwe: Imperative need to connect the dots
Developments in information technologies are now revolutionising entire facets of life through advances in AI, which requires agility in the government playing a facilitatory role in responsive communication ecosystems in Zimbabwe that speak to the broader league of nations that have since embraced the same.
Violence against women serious breach of human rights
Resolution 522 highlights that: Digital violence is increasingly gendered and disproportionately affects women, through inter alia threats of sexual violence, misogynistic disinformation campaigns and “revenge pornography…”
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS (Statement)
A report by Citizen Lab in December 2020 revealed that at least three Southern African countries – Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe – had acquired surveillance equipment from Circles, an Israeli firm.
Reduction in crimes against journalists should spur Zimbabwe to adopt UN Plan of Action
No media violations involving the police or other security arms of the state were recorded during this period. However, on this day, we call upon the police to investigate all reported cases involving the assault or harassment of journalists.
Prevent, protect and provide justice to end impunity for crimes against journalists
The Southern African region had in the past few years experienced an improvement in the media freedom environment. However, the last year has been characterised by democratic backsliding that has manifested in growing impunity for crimes against journalists and...
Judiciary must serve all, leave no one behind
“Chief Justices and judges, please allow me to bring to your attention that in Africa, as of 2022, only 36% of the citizens have access to the internet, according to the World Bank,” he said.
MISA STATEMENT TO THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AT THE 77th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS.
In 2022, we were optimistic that Southern Africa had turned the corner regarding attacks against journalists. However, we were jolted back to reality by the death of Ralikonelo Joki, the Lesotho broadcaster, who was shot and killed as he drove out of his work of employment. Before his death, Joki received death threats through social media platforms.
MISA Zimbabwe Way Forward Post-2023 Zimbabwe Elections
As highlighted earlier in this report, the media operating environment drastically improved during the 2023 elections compared to previous election seasons.