MISA Malawi Congratulates Chakwera-Chilima Presidency with a call for media freedom
Media freedom, freedom of expression and ATI are central to the fight against poverty and promotion of participatory democracy.
New information law should set pace for repeal of other draconian laws
The signing into law of the Freedom of Information Act as part of the processes of repealing the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) is a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s law reforms agenda.
Masvingo journalist charged with undermining authority of President
Freelance journalist Godfrey Mtimba who is based in Zimbabwe’s southern town of Masvingo was on 29 June 2020 charged with undermining the authority of or insulting the President.
MISA writes to Parliament: Submissions on the Cybersecurity Bill
MISA Zimbabwe has written a letter to Parliament in response to the august house's call for submissions on the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill which was gazetted on 15 May 2020.
Zimbabwe Cyber Bill should promote and protect digital rights
Following the gazetting of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill, MISA Zimbabwe convened a capacity-building workshop on the proposed law in Harare with parliamentarians during which it highlighted its concerns with some of its provisions.
MISA Malawi launches digital platform to fight disinformation
Once the verification is complete, the complainant will be notified and the determination made public
Malawi Police develops guidelines to ensure safety of journalists
The production of the guidelines follow MISA Malawi’s Media Advocacy Group engagement with MPS leadership.
Removal of tax on broadcasting equipment commendable-MISA Malawi
We expect government consider scrapping off duty on newsprint but also set the date for the implementation of the ATI Act
Malawi media mourns MISA Trustee Dr. Tikhala Chibwana
His passion for the media sector will always be in our hearts.
Government surveillance should be lawful, justified and necessary
MISA Zimbabwe takes note of the chain of events that have transpired in these last few months in Zimbabwe, which seem to point to increased attempts by the government to promote and entrench mass surveillance of citizens.
Malawi to operationalise Access to Information law
MISA believes the operationalization of the Access to Information Law is a step in the right direction as the former President Peter Mutharika had assented to the law but the minister responsible did not set a date for the law to come into effect.
Situation Point: Journalist Ibraimo Mbaruco still missing 90 days later
7 July 2020 marks ninety days since the disappearance of journalist Ibraimo Mbaruco, announcer of Palma Radio and Television, in the north of Cabo Delegado province.
Two freelance journalists assaulted by soldiers in Harare
Soldiers have assaulted journalists Munashe Chokodza and Leopold Munhende this evening, 24 June 2020, who were returning home from work. The duo was assaulted with military whips at the Warren Park shopping centre in Harare.
SADC govts should cushion media against COVID-19 threats
While the media, particularly print, have been able to innovate and survive these challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic presents an existential threat to an industry that was already limping in the SADC region.
Uphold freedom of expression online, Zambian govt told
The Civil Society Organizations working group on Cyber Laws in Zambia is concerned with government officials’ threats to curtail citizens using social media platforms to exercise their freedom of expression.
MISA mourns the passing on of trustee Dr Tikhala Chibwana
The MISA Trust Funds Board (TFB), Regional Governing Council (RGC), National Governing Councils (NGC) members and staff in all its National Chapters have learnt with great sadness of the passing of TFB member Dr Tikhala Chibwana on June 7, 2020, after a short illness.
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.
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.
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.