Journalists charged under COVID-19 regulations granted bail
Journalists Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira were granted bail when they appeared in court and remanded out of custody to 15 June 2020 on charges of breaching Section 11 (b) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 in terms of the COVID-19 regulations.
Regional governments intensify crackdowns on media during COVID-19
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.
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.
‘Attack on journalist Brian Banda barbaric’
Brian Banda was attacked by alleged Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.
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.
MISA Malawi calls for media independence, professionalism
We call on President Mutharika and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to free MBC and ensure its independence
MISA Namibia condemns detention of Japanese journalists; confiscation of footage, equipment
MISA Namibia strongly condemns the detention, questioning and confiscation of equipment belonging to journalists Motoi Araki and David Bush at the Hosea Kutako International Airport on Friday, 15 April. Bush and Motoi were in Windhoek to investigate the existence of a munitions factory built by North Korean labourers for Japan’s biggest television network Asahi. Their detention happened approximately two hours after they interviewed Deputy Prime...
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AFEX condemns imprisonment of 17 Angolan human rights activists
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is alarmed at the farcical conviction of 17 Angolan activists on charges of attempted “acts of rebellion” and “criminal conspiracy” against the state. The 17 activists, all members of the “Luanda Book Club” were first arrested in June 2015 by the Angolan police at a book club gathering. The meeting was convened to read and critique the unpublished...
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MISA applauds investigative journalists, whistleblowers on ‘Panama Papers’ exposé
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) applauds the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) who coordinated the efforts of hundreds of journalists and news agencies from around in an investigation that has culminated in the release of the ‘Panama Papers – Politicians, Criminals and the Rogue Industry that Hides Their Cash’. The investigation lifts the lid on how offshore companies are used by the...
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Basotho march for media freedom
“#HANDSOFFMEDIA” a historical march to the rescue of media freedom in Lesotho was staged by Concerned Citizens of Lesotho, a group led by one Pali Masenkane. Presenting the petition to the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Khotso Letsatsi together with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Kimetso Mathaba, the petitioners gave a 14 days ultimatum to the Government of Lesotho to respond to...
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ATI advocates celebrate Cabinet approval of Malawi’s draft ATI Bill
A coalition of access to information advocates have lauded Cabinet for approving Malawi’s draft Access to Information Bill. The coalition comprising MISA Malawi, the Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA), Citizens for Justice (CFJ) and the Open Democracy Advice Centre (ODAC) made the following statement at a press conference on February 19, 2016. Ends/ …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… MISA is a regional non-governmental organisation with members in 11 of...
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FACE OFF: Preaching pragmatics versus clamping down
The new face of Tanzania, President John Pombe Magufuli, is taking the continent by storm. He’s won the hearts of many for his efforts to clamp down on excessive government spending. However, a closer look reveals a sinister campaign against the media and freedom of expression. President Magufuli’s entry onto the political scene was as a fairly unknown player yet in a short time the...
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MISA celebrates World Radio Day, 2016
The Media Institute of Southern Africa joins the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the world in marking the fifth annual World Radio on February 13, 2016. This year’s theme for World Radio Day – “The Role of the Radio in Humanitarian Emergency and Disaster Situations” emphasises the essential role this medium plays during a critical period. “Communication and communication technology are...
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ANALYSIS: Facts and implications of Zim ruling on criminal defamation
The landmark ruling delivered by the Zimbabwean Constitutional Court to outlaw criminal defamation is progressive and as lawyer Proceed Manatsa points out in his analysis: “The ruling marks the dawn of a new era for Zimbabwean media practitioners and is a great leap forward toward the alignment of the domestic legal order with international benchmarks on media freedom and freedom of expression.” His observation is...
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MISA seeks support for more transparency in elections
“Access to information and transparency … that’s the link between media freedom, democracy and elections”, MISA Regional Director Zoe Titus proposed to a meeting of civil society representatives from southern Africa. Titus was addressing delegates to the 11th Southern Africa Civil Society Forum (CSF) convened by the Regional Apex Alliance, i.e. Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA), Southern Africa Trade Unions Coordinating Council...
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Include us in budget preps – MISA children
Some children at the MISA regional ambassadors and media meeting in Pretoria have called on African governments for their inclusion in the preparation of budgets. Children who spoke in separate interviews expressed concern over the lack of their views in national budget preparations. Natasha Mwansa (14) of Zambia noted that children should be consulted during the national budget preparation. Natasha said the decisions made regarding the...
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