Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Home 9 News 9 MISA launches JournoSOS application

MISA launches JournoSOS application

13 Apr, 2018
MISA Zimbabwe on 13 April 2018 launched its JournoSOS App, a mobile application aimed at enhancing the media freedom lobby organisation’s work in promoting the safety of journalists and media practitioners.

MISA Zimbabwe on 13 April 2018 launched its JournoSOS App, a mobile application aimed at enhancing the media freedom lobby organisation’s work in promoting the safety of journalists and media practitioners.

The application, which was launched at a breakfast meeting in Harare,  is currently available for devices running on the Android platform.

The event was graced by Police National Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and Honourable MP James Maridadi who sits on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Media, Information and Communication Technology and Cybersecurity.  

The application is aimed at facilitating the accurate and informed collection of data on various violations experienced by media practitioners in the country. Media practitioners can use the facility by sending records of violations such as Assault, Censorship, Detention, Expulsion and Threats, whenever they occur.

This application also comes with a Call Me Back feature,  which media practitioners can dial when the media violation is of a nature not covered by either of the pre-listed violations.

The Call Me Back feature is linked to MISA Zimbabwe’s  hotline number:  078 443 7338.  These facilities fall under MISA Zimbabwe’s  Media Defence Fund which is there to foster and promote a safe working space for journalists in Zimbabwe.

Once a media practitioner in distress sends a notification of a specific violation, MISA Zimbabwe  will follow this up to verify whether it is a legitimate report or a false alarm. It is important to note that a number of media practitioners working in Zimbabwe are not registered  with MISA Zimbabwe  or any other professional body.

It was therefore, necessary for MISA to open registration for use of the application to people who are not on its membership list. The verification process is essential to ensure that the facility  is not abused or spammed with illegitimate reports on media violations.

This is the first phase of a two-phase project which will culminate in the production and release of a Panic Button App, which is more convenient in times of danger.

Meanwhile, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, said the police are also being trained on how to interact with media practitioners, especially as we head into the 2018 elections. These initiatives were aimed at improving relations between the two parties, which she likened to that of “fish and water”.

Honorable Maridadi, who officially launched the application, urged the media to be ethical and fair in their reportage especially where it pertains to stories that have the potential of damaging one’s esteem and dignity.

MISA Zimbabwe Vice Chairperson, Rutendo Mawere, said professional interactions with the police were beginning to yield the desired fruits.

“Allow me to extend our great appreciation to Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and indeed, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, for their support and co-operation as we work towards securing a safe environment for journalists and media practitioners,” said Mawere.

She said the interactions which followed meetings held with the police in September 2016 and December 2017, had seen the decline in the number of cases involving the assault of journalists while on duty.

Mawere urged the media to be professional at all times, saying this responsibility was even more critical during election time.

“On the other hand, the government should prioritise the implementation of envisaged media reforms ahead of the 2018 elections. This is critical in underpinning the right to media freedom, freedom of expression and the citizens’ right to make informed decisions and choices during the forthcoming elections,” she said.

 

End

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.

Share this

Related news

MISA Regional Annual Report – Now Available!

MISA Regional Annual Report – Now Available!

Thanks to the number of elections worldwide, 2024 was unofficially declared the year of democracy. The year was dominated by elections across the region, with at least four countries — Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa — heading to the polls. There was...

African Commission study on AI and emerging technologies in Africa

African Commission study on AI and emerging technologies in Africa

Introduction In February 2021, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) adopted Resolution 473 regarding the need to conduct a study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other new and emerging technologies in...

MISA regional director appointed to African Union Working Group on AI

MISA regional director appointed to African Union Working Group on AI

MISA Regional Secretariat Director, Dr Tabani Moyo, has been appointed as member of the African Union (AU) Working Group on Artificial Intelligence. “We accept the responsibility thrust upon our shoulders with humility and honour in service of the peoples of Africa  …...

The State of Press Freedom  in Southern Africa 2025 – Now Available

The State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa 2025 – Now Available

FOREWORD REPORTING IN THE BRAVE NEW WORLD THE past few years have witnessed a surge in the use of artificial intelligence(AI), a technology poised to revolutionise journalism and other media processes. The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day Commemorations —...