ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 REGULATIONS VIS-À-VIS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE SADC REGION could use the lengthy state of emergency to ‘deal with political rivals and business competitors.50 the public. Access to information is essential in many respects during this deadly pandemic. It is crucial to note that the media complement the role of the state in disseminating essential information about COVID-19 and should be viewed in that light and treated with respect not as adversaries.55In addition to the constant threat of physical violence, some journalists are vulnerable to the virus due to lack of personal protective gears while others also suffer the psychosocial impact of the immense pressure of reporting the evolving nature of the outbreak as well as concerns for job security, especially for freelance reporters.56The violence, threats, arrests and intimidation of journalists undermines the watchdog role of the media which should be well-regarded during this crisis. Banning of radio programmes In Madagascar, radio phone-in programmes were banned to inhibit listeners from criticising the government’s measures against Covid-19.51 Revocation of licenses In Tanzania, the licence of Mwananchi daily newspaper was suspended after the paper reportedonthefailurebyPresidentJohnMagufuli to follow social-distancing requirements while shopping.52 In Zambia, Prime TV’s license was revoked by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), the broadcasting regulator “in the interest of public safety, security, peace, welfare or good order.” 53Prior to the closure, Prime TV had been critical of the government stance on COVID-19.54 Covid-19 and disinformation The aforementioned incidences which occurred regardless of the recognition of the media as essential service during the pandemic in some jurisdictions, have a chilling effect on freedom of expression which is an essential element in the fight against COVID-19. The violations have a potential to force journalists and media houses into self-censorship and compromise the flow of the much-needed information about the pandemic. The crackdown on the media compromise the media’s duty to inform COVID 19, being a novel virus, plunged people into an unchartered terrain, intensified panic, exacerbated anxieties and grew uncertainties. Falsehoods about it gained traction and flourished.57As a result, an information disorder emerged which the World Health Organisation (WHO) referred to as an ‘infodemic’. WHO defines an ‘infodemic as an “over-abundance of information, some accurate and some not, that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it.” 50Civicus Monitor: ‘Authorities Accused of Abusing Covid-19 Restrictions to Stifle Expression despite Improved Ranking’ 30 June 2020 https://monitor.civicus.org/updates/2020/06/30/authorities-accused-abusing-covid-19-restrictions-stifle-expressiondespite-improved-ranking/ (accessed 20 July 2020). 51 W Gumede ‘Freedom of Expression and Covid-19 in Africa’ 20 April 2020. https://democracyworks.org.za/freedom-of- expressionand-covid-19-in-africa/ (accessed 10 June 2020). 52 Amnesty International: ‘Tanzania: Authorities must end crackdown on journalists reporting on COVID-19’ 21 April 2020 53 ‘Zambia cancels broadcaster Prime TV’s license, police shutter office’ 13 April 2020 https://cpj.org/2020/04/zambia-cancels- broadcaster-prime-tvs-license-polic/ (accessed 10 June 2020). 54 ibid. 55 See Media Institute of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe) statement https://zimbabwe.misa.org/2020/04/09/covid-19-is-the-enemy- notthe-media/ (accessed 10 June 2020). 56 As above, UNESCO (n 32). 57‘During this coronavirus pandemic, ‘fake news’ is putting lives at risk: UNESCO’ 13 April 2020 https://news.un.org/en/ story/2020/04/1061592 (accessed 10 June 2020). https://zimbabwe.misa.org 15