Media Institute of Southern Africa : Promoting Media Diversity . Pluralism . Self-Sufficiency . Independence

divergent voices all serve to limit the way in which the media communicates certain information that may be perceived as offensive to the authorities in the present status quo.

Freedom of expression and particularly as pertains to the media thrives on diversity and a plurality of voices and therefore, the present fetters – albeit imposed by cultural considerations - severely truncate the effectiveness of the media as a platform for exchange and dissemination of information as well as rigorous debate of national issues. This is particularly a concern with regards to issues relating to culture and the monarchy.

For fear of offending and the recrimination, the media is forced to be extremely selective in the manner in which it chooses to convey matters relating to custom or royalty: issues that have a potential to elicit sanction are either not dealt with at all or a large degree of self-censorship is exercised, in both cases resulting in lack or misinformation.

1. Capacity-building for Media Practitioners: Ensuring the Growth of an Empowered Profession

Amongst other challenges to the journalism profession has been the scarcity of credible national training institutions for journalism that produce professionals who contribute positively to the quality and advancement of the profession. The highest qualification in the country is that of a diploma which is awarded by a severely under-resourced Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Swaziland . It has also been proven that the majority of trained journalists do not enter the profession but are diverted to working in areas related to publicity and public relations. There are a variety of reasons for this, amongst which are the poor conditions of service that exist in media houses often which makes media practice unattractive. Consequently, the profession as well as the practice of journalism is not dynamic.

Not only is there a need to capacitate the training institutions to ensure quality training but also there is need to avail continuous capacity building in the light of changing socio-economic dynamic and the unavoidable advent of technology and the use of ICTs.

Chapter Objectives in the next five years

1.Repeal legislations, policies and practices that impinge media freedom Advocate for the establishment of a legal framework for the adoption and Implementation on the right of information legislation.

2.Empower civil society with the understanding of the right to information, FOX as a basic need Monitor press freedom violations and professionalism in the media throughout SPP. Educate civil society on FOX and Media Freedom .

3.Monitor violation of the right to access information.

4.Monitor national media legislation and policy development. Conduct Annual general Meetings (AGM) Commemorate Press Freedom Day.

5.Integrate a gender perspective in the legal framework for the transformation of the open three-tier broadcasting system. Sensitize policy makers and civil society to know and understand the principles that underpin the transformation of the open three tier system.

6.Empower civil society to understand issues on convergence, ICT and broadcasting Facilitate adoption and implementation of code of ethics by journalist.

7.Influence the establishment of Self Regulatory Mechanism (SRM). Promote media awards to ensure responsible and professional journalism.

8.Encourage media houses to respond positively on HIV/AIDS pandemic and gender.

9.Ensure gender mainstreaming across all programme areas. Capacity building of staff to understand convergence of ICT in Freedom of Expression.

10.Formulate guidelines and policies for the establishment and operationalising of LDF. Empower law and journalism students, journalists and media owners on LDF and media law.

11.Advance media freedom through strategic legal action

Chapter Contacts

Comfort Mabuza	National Director
Michael Motsa	Information Officer
Philile Mlotshwa	Advocacy Officer
Lomalanga Nxumalo	Administrative Assistant
E-Mail	misa_admin@africaonline.sz

Tel	+268 40 49700 / 46677
Fax	+268 404 6699
Cell	+268 605 1142

Postal Address	PO Box 681 Mbabane , H100

Physical Address:	Dlanubeka House
6th Floor, Office 604	(corner of Mdada & Lalufadlana Streets) Mbabane

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