A report by Citizen Lab in December 2020 revealed that at least three Southern African countries – Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe – had acquired surveillance equipment from Circles, an Israeli firm.
Digital rights
Prevent, protect and provide justice to end impunity for crimes against journalists
The Southern African region had in the past few years experienced an improvement in the media freedom environment. However, the last year has been characterised by democratic backsliding that has manifested in growing impunity for crimes against journalists and...
Judiciary must serve all, leave no one behind
“Chief Justices and judges, please allow me to bring to your attention that in Africa, as of 2022, only 36% of the citizens have access to the internet, according to the World Bank,” he said.
MISA STATEMENT TO THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AT THE 77th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS.
In 2022, we were optimistic that Southern Africa had turned the corner regarding attacks against journalists. However, we were jolted back to reality by the death of Ralikonelo Joki, the Lesotho broadcaster, who was shot and killed as he drove out of his work of employment. Before his death, Joki received death threats through social media platforms.
Regional governments commit to more openness as MISA launches press freedom report
MISA Regional Director Tabani Moyo gave a synopsis of the report, explaining that while there were improvements on some aspects, the issue of impunity for crimes against journalists remained a worry.
The State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report 2022 ( Now Available)
The rise of digital technologies has presented new challenges in terms of the legislative environments in the region.
World Press Freedom Day Commemorations – 30 years on!
The year 2023 has seen the bulk of the southern African countries making positive steps in the rankings of the Reporters Without Borders Index. Of the 15 countries that were ranked, six slid down the ladder of rankings. One of the six that had a negative movement is Namibia dropping from position 18 to 22 yet maintaining the number one position in Africa.
MISA Regional World Press Freedom Day Statement
Thus, the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day – Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights – is quite apt as it serves as a reminder of the centrality of freedom of expression in the enjoyment of all other human rights.
Region should pay attention to shrinking civic space
The summit was organised by Accountability Lab, Ford Foundation, WFD, NED, Alliance for Finance Monitoring, African Election Observation Network, Christian Churches Monitoring Group, International IDEA, Kofi Annan Foundation, Southern African Human Rights Defenders Network, The Carter Centre, Zambia, the European Partnership for Democracy, the European Union, the Westminster Foundation, the African Election Observation Network and MISA Regional Office.
Malawi should rethink its broadcasting licence regime
The Spaces of Solidarity platform, thus, calls on the government, through MACRA, to address concerns of high annual fees broadcasters have to pay to the regulator. These subscriptions are pegged in US dollars and the recent devaluation of the Malawi kwacha against the all major convertible currencies has made the licence fees more expensive and unsustainable for broadcasters in the country.