News and press statements
ACHPR raises concern over mass surveillance
In a statement following the 77th Ordinary Session held from 20 October to 9 November 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania, the ACHPR reminded African nations that Principle 41 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa states that countries should only engage in targeted surveillance in conformity with international human rights law.
Parly issues adverse report on court electronic management system
The IECMS in Section 2 of SI 153 of 2023 is defined as:
The electronic platform operated by the Judicial Service Commission to enable litigants in the High Court to file and serve process electronically, pay court fees electronically, track their cases electronically, and participate virtually in the proceedings of the court.
A Decade of Internet Freedom in Africa: Report Documents Reflections and Insights from Change Makers
The Report features an interview with our Director Dr. T Moyo who is recognised by CIPESA as one of the 10 change makers in Internet Freedom in Africa.
Spaces of Solidarity analysis of the South African Broadcasting Corporation SABC Bill
The government says the Bill proposes, among other changes, the streamlining of the board of the SABC, which will strengthen its responsibilities and accountability. It also proposes reforms in the SABC’s funding model and the TV licensing system, the government says.
MISA welcomes enactment of ATI legislation in Zambia
On signing the Access to Information Act into law on 22 December, President Hakainde Hichilema said the enactment of the legislation was a major milestone in the media sector and the country, as it would promote access to information by the media and other players.
Concern over exposure of journalists’ personal data on social media platforms and threats to journalists
MISA Botswana is concerned that the dissemination of the journalists’ personal data exposes them to targeted attacks as it has lately been the case with journalists, Kealeboga Dihutso of Duma FM and Kabo Ramasia of the Patriot on Sunday newspaper.
Media development in Zimbabwe: Imperative need to connect the dots
Developments in information technologies are now revolutionising entire facets of life through advances in AI, which requires agility in the government playing a facilitatory role in responsive communication ecosystems in Zimbabwe that speak to the broader league of nations that have since embraced the same.
Presentation by MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo at the Africa Electoral Justice Network (AEJN) webinar on disinformation and electoral justice
I will start with the theme of the Windhoek Declaration +30 – Information as a public good. With this in mind, we push forward the main argument that electoral management bodies (EMBs), have a critical responsibility as custodians of elections.
Violence against women serious breach of human rights
Resolution 522 highlights that: Digital violence is increasingly gendered and disproportionately affects women, through inter alia threats of sexual violence, misogynistic disinformation campaigns and “revenge pornography…”