Media freedom monitoring
MISA Chapters track media freedom violations which we publish here. We also collate these incidents in our annual publication, So This is Democracy which is available for every SADC country.
In conjunction with fesmedia Africa, MISA also publishes the African Media Barometer – a general analysis of the media landscape and press freedom trends in selected southern African countries.
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 Zimbabwe Analysis of the Zimbabwe Media Policy – Now Available!
Introduction On 28 May 2025, Zimbabwe launched the Zimbabwe Media Policy, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa urging government ministries, business entities, professional bodies, cultural and artistic groups, and media practitioners to unite in ensuring the realisation...
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...
MISA Regional Chairperson Jeremias Langa’s Opening Remarks for the Regional World Press Freedom Day commemorations –
MISA Regional Chairperson Jeremias Langa’s Opening Remarks for the Regional World Press Freedom Day commemorations – May 7, Johannesburg, South Africa The Regional Representative of the Regional Office of OHCHR in Southern Africa Ms Abigail Noko Secretary General of...
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...