Digital rights
As people turn to digital environments as a way of expressing views they may not feel safe expressing through other channels, more and more governments are using legislation, including privacy and national security laws, to gain control over digital spaces and infrastructure.
In addition, rights such as the right to privacy online have not yet been entrenched in the minds and actions of many citizens and yet citizens across the continent are using various technological services (email, social networking, banking etc.) every day, without adequate safeguards.
Digital rights news from our chapters
The Freedom of Expression Climate survey 2025- Now Available!
Southern Africa has in its history never faced such crossroads in the wake of the USA’s global funding cuts and dealing with high stakes that are borne of elections and rapid technological changes. The headwinds are further compounded by the debilitating effects of...
MISA Botswana, BDF collaborate on Media in Peace Support Operations
On August 20, 2025, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana chapter partnered with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) to deliver a guest lecture on: Media in Peace Support Operations at the BDF Staff College in Gaborone. The initiative, the second of its...
MISA launches fifth annual state of press freedom report
MISA Regional officially launched the fifth edition of the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report on 8 May 2025, a key evidence-based advocacy tool for improving the safety of journalists in the region. The 2025 report was launched at the belated...
Increased urgency and momentum key to addressing barriers and biases women face
This year’s International Women’s Day theme Accelerate Action should spur Zimbabwe to domesticate and actively implement the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Resolution 522 on protecting Women Against Digital Violence in Africa. The theme...
Shadow Report of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services public hearings on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill H.B 9, 2024
Compiled by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Zimbabwe) and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) INTRODUCTION This report presents key highlights and a summary of submissions made by organisations and members of the public during the parliamentary public...