The report documents urgent media issues such as the legal environment impacting access to information and media freedom across the region. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.10 and is part of the Media 4 SDGs Series.
Media freedom monitoring
MISA Regional Chairperson Jeremias Langa’s Opening Remarks for the Regional World Press Freedom Day commemorations –
This has a chilling effect on freedom of expression and the media. Such laws have been used in other jurisdictions to target political opponents, journalists, and activists.
MISA Malawi calls for safety of journalists, free speech, responsible AI during elections
Safety and security of journalists covering elections is important
Southern Africa should intensify fight against online gender-based violence
This calls for developing more rigorous and coordinated strategies to stem the growing menace of GBV at national, continental, and global levels. Female journalists should be capacitated to vigorously deal with technologically facilitated GBV.
MISA Regional 2023 Annual Report (Now Available!!!)
In these precarious conditions, expression and truth-telling are the first layers of casualty, as nations recoil, become inward looking, focusing on narrow national issues at the expense of a holistic picture. Suffice to say the entire construct of humanity is highly vulnerable due to such inward-looking approaches.
Botswana President calls for solutions to issues affecting the media in Southern Africa
President Masisi, who was the guest of honour, paid tribute to MISA Regional, MISA Botswana and UNESCO for organising the event, which is now a mainstay on the regional calendar.
Press freedom declines significantly in Southern Africa
However, improvements were recorded in Tanzania, Malawi, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Declines were recorded in Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia.
2023: Just another year of persistent, unwarranted hostility towards journalists in Malawi
The attacks on journalists, in whatever form, instill fear in journalists and promote self-censorship.
Police officers delete pictures in phone of Zodiak’s Raphael Mlozoa
Police officers forced Mlozoa to open the phone gallery and deleted the pictures.
Information disorders during elections in Southern Africa
The media, citizens, and governments have a role to play in ensuring the dissemination of accurate and factual information while curbing misinformation and disinformation through regulations, programmes, and awareness.