Zim Now Writer
Leaders and media organisations from across Southern Africa gathered in Gaborone, Botswana, to commemorate World Press Freedom Day under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis.” The event, co-hosted by Misa Regional, Misa Botswana, and Unesco, highlighted ongoing challenges to press freedom in the region, with a focus on media viability and the spread of misinformation.
The guest of honour, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, acknowledged the issues, urging participants to “reflect deeply on these challenges and generate solutions to deal with them effectively”. He pointed to recent legislative advancements in Botswana, including the repeal of the restrictive Media Practitioners Act and the enactment of a new Media Practitioners Association Act. President Masisi also commended Zambia’s recent Access to Information Act, calling it “a significant step forward for our region”.
However, concerns remained regarding media viability in a changing media landscape. Nisha, the Unesco Regional Director for Southern Africa, noted the growing influence of online content and artificial intelligence, which threaten media independence and financial sustainability. Golden Maunganidze, Chairperson of the Misa Regional Governing Council, echoed this concern, emphasising the need for “deepened regional collaboration to improve freedom of expression”.
The commemorations also paid tribute to fallen journalists, including former Namibian President Hage Geingob, a champion of press freedom. Misa launched its annual State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report, documenting legal and access-to-information challenges across the region.
Rutendo MazhinduZim Now ReporterThe much-anticipated Mbudzi Interchange project, a significant infrastructure development aimed at easing traffic congestion in Harare, is nearing completion. As of n..
ZimbabweZIFA Congress members snubbed his freebies and now he attacks his rivalsOscar J JekeZim Now WriterTemba Mliswa has come out to move for the elimination of all viable rivals in the Zimbabwe Football ..
ZimbabwePhilemon JambayaZim Now EditorIn a bid to recover outstanding debts, the Bulawayo City Council has taken the drastic measure of cutting off water supplies to 59 schools in the city. This move has sp..
Zimbabwe
Leave Comments