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.
News
Mozambique Government repeals decree setting absurd media fees
MISA Mozambique welcomes the decision of the Council of Ministers to repeal decree no. 40/2018, dated 23 July, which sets fees and fines due for licensing services, renewal, registration, advertising inserts by the print, radio and television media, including digital platforms, as well as accreditation and accreditation of journalists in Mozambique.
Journalists charged under COVID-19 regulations remanded in custody
Journalists Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira were on 23 May 2020 denied bail and remanded in custody to 26 May 2020 on charges of breaching Section 11 (b) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 in terms of the COVID-19 regulations when they appeared before the court in Harare’s suburb of Mbare.
MISA meets Media Commission over accreditation categories
The Zimbabwe Media Commission has assured MISA Zimbabwe that there were no ill intentions on its part with regards to the new accreditation categories and that it would be as flexible as possible when the accreditation process for 2020 commences next week.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill entrenches surveillance
MISa Zimbabwe’s analysis of the recently gazetted Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill, 2019.
Newsday journalist charged with contravening COVID-19 regulations
NewsDay journalist Rex Mphisa and Zimpapers sales representative Charles Marerwa were arrested in Dulivhadzimu, in Zimbabwe’s southern border town of Beitbridge on 15 May 2020 and charged with contravening Coronavirus regulations.
MISA Malawi condemns use of swearwords by MBCTV
It is appalling that the public broadcaster acted in such a manner.
COVID-19 – Placing communities at the heart of the response efforts
Covid-19 pandemic has led to economic and emotional stress to rights holders and overburdening the Zambian government.
‘Journalism without fear’ – Amid Covid-19
May has been celebrated as a day when governments must take accountability and recognise the importance of a free media in a democracy.
Zimbabwe: Protecting media freedom and access to information in 2020
MISA Zimbabwe shares its Way Forward recommendations for defending media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information to mark World Press Freedom Day 2020.