Media, elections and good governance
To play their role, the media need both access to information and the freedom to freely and safely communicate their findings. Media and electoral bodies, therefore, need to work together to recognise the roles and responsibilities of each party and to acknowledge the necessity and importance of each other’s roles in delivering fair elections.
MISA’s role in fair elections
The MISA chapters play an active role in monitoring freedom of expression violations in their respective countries during the election period. They also advocate for governments to uphold the safety of journalists and their rights to freedom of expression and access to information when reporting on elections.
Media freedom news from our chapters
The Quiet Return of Media Capture in Botswana
From the 2001 advertising ban that nearly crippled private newspapers to fresh claims of influence over both state and private media, familiar patterns are re-emerging in Botswana’s media landscape. As early optimism for reform fades, deeper questions arise about...
MISA urges parliament to ensure security of journalists
MISA Zimbabwe National Director Dr Tabani Moyo has written to the Parliament of Zimbabwe to ensure the safety and security of journalists covering the public hearings of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. In his letter to Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, Dr...
Trailblazing journalist Zaba has defied challenges faced by female journalists
MISA Zimbabwe congratulates its Trustee and veteran trailblazing journalist Faith Zaba on winning the 2025 Human Rights Tulip Award in Zimbabwe, recognising her investigative journalism and pioneering leadership. Zaba is undoubtedly a pacesetter and an inspiration to...
Legislators pledge to support co-regulation of the media
On 23 October 2025, MISA Zimbabwe engaged members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, along with several other stakeholders, regarding the proposed Zimbabwe Media Practitioners Bill and Zimbabwe Media Commission...
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...