Many governments in Southern Africa still repress independent, critical media. Journalists are arrested or condemned as convicted criminals for what they write. In the worst-case scenario, they may even be murdered.

Governments can also prevent radio frequencies from being allocated to independent stations, close down newspapers with a display of military force or impose direct censorship. Many countries still have laws that make a free and independent media an absolute impossibility. Some governments are even introducing new legislation that curtails the media even further.

NiZA’s Media Programme helps partner organisations in Southern Africa that defend independent journalism. These organisations work on lobbying and advocacy, ensuring that laws and regulations are created and enforced in ways that respect media freedom and the freedom of expression.

Partner organisations in the Media Programme also support specific groups in society, such as women, by encouraging the media to report news about them with integrity and accuracy. The organisations also teach these groups how they can use the media to request attention to improve their position in society.

Donat M’Baya Tshimanga, director of JED

An example: Journaliste en Danger (JED)

One of the partners in the Media Programme is Journaliste en Danger (journalist in danger), a non-government organisation that stands up for the rights of journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organisation is based in the capital city, Kinshasa, and operates under extremely difficult conditions.

JED registers human rights violations committed against journalists, or unjustified shutdowns of editorial boards. The reports are drawn up at the main office or via JED’s network of national correspondents. Jed issues a press release to notify national and international media, governments and media freedom organisations of the abuses of power. Jed also offers legal aid and other support to journalists or organisations. Finally, JED lobbies for journalists’ rights and for reforms in media legislation and policy. The organisation issues an annual report on the situation in Congo with regard to freedom of the press.

In the run-up to the elections in July 2006, JED organised training programmes on the importance of media ethics. The organisation also set up workshops on the role of the media during the elections.

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