Media freedom

MISA has launched a regional report on the state of press freedom in Southern Africa, which looks at media violations, the state of gender media and digital rights in the region among other topics.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered the re-opening of media houses that were shut during the term of her predecessor, the late John Magufuli.

A senior Zambian government official marched to the police headquarters in Lusaka demanding that law enforcement agents do more to protect journalists who are facing increased attacks and harassment.

Mozambican authorities on 16 February 2021 deported British journalist Tom Bowker whom they accused of violating the country’s immigration laws.

Independent Member of Parliament for Norton, Honourable Temba Mliswa on 11 February 2021 threatened to move a motion in parliament for the enactment of a harsh media law that imposes custodial sentences for unethical journalists.

MISA Zimbabwe’s Advocacy Committee in Masvingo led by chairperson Passmore Kuzipa on 31 January 2021, held a meeting with Officer Commanding Masvingo Province who pledged to work with the media during and after the COVID-19 lockdown.

MISA Zimbabwe’s Mutare Advocacy Committee represented by chairperson Kenneth Matimaire recently held a meeting with police in the eastern border town of Mutare during which they discussed the safety of journalists during the current COVID-19 national lockdown.

MISA Zimbabwe welcomes the bold step taken by the legislature to put the 2013 constitutional provisions into effect by facilitating the establishment of the commission that will handle public complaints involving security forces.

Police in Zimbabwe’s Midlands town of Kwekwe on assured journalists of their safety and security while conducting their lawful professional duties. This followed a meeting on 8 January 2021 between MISA Zimbabwe Kwekwe Advocacy Committee chairperson and the Officer Commanding Kwekwe District.