ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 REGULATIONS VIS-À-VIS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE SADC REGION Media and information literacy Navigating the infodemic is complex when one does not have the requisite skills.135Media and information literacy is an essential skill when faced with the infodemic of this magnitude that has been witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Media and information literacy activates one’s critical thinking skills and sets one in a position to meaningfully engage with the information that they receive including verifying suspicious news and to detect false information.136Due to increased use of digital technologies and internet connectivity, information that may cause unnecessary confusion and panic can be easily disseminated on social media very fast from an individual to various parts of the world. As a result, there is need to use social media responsibly to share or disseminate reliable information that creates awareness on the pandemic and eliminates unnecessary confusion or panic. Media literacy is important in that it equips a person with sills that enables them to be sceptical and scrutinise the information that they receive before sharing it137. reporting on the excesses of those entrusted with enforcing the government directives (security and law enforcement agencies); and facilitating debate on issues relevant to COVID-19 SADC member states should adopt measures in line with article 9 of the Africa Charter and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa. Alignment with these standards creates and sustains a favourable environment for the enjoyment of the right of access to information and freedom of expression. An environment where independent and professional media should be promoted in crisis circumstances. This can be enabled through, for example, transforming government-controlled broadcasters into public service broadcasters that are accountable to the public through the legislature or other mechanism for public accountability.138A public service media can serve as a reliable source of information at a time when false news is proliferating at an alarming rate. The media must adhere to highest professional and ethical standards on COVID-19 without bias.139 The media must disseminate factual, accurate and comprehensive information to the public timeously, while taking into account the needs of different groups in society. Credible and verified authoritative information should be given prominence. In this time of crisis, professional journalism is important for reliable information dissemination on the pandemic and Recommendations Freedom of expression and freedom of the media should always be prioritised. The media has a role in information dissemination, demanding transparency; holding the government accountable; scrutinize various government interventions and responses to the COVID-19 and identify gaps in government responses to COVID-19, 135 Media and Information Literacy https://en.unesco.org/themes/media-and-information-literacy (accessed 22 June 2020). 136 Media and Information Literacy https://en.unesco.org/themes/media-and-information-literacy (accessed 22 June 2020). 137 C Bernardo n 69 above. 138 Declaration, principle 11. 139 ‘Coronavirus: ARTICLE 19 briefing on tackling misinformation’ 6 March 2020 https://www.article19.org/resources/coronavirus-new-article-19-briefing-on-tackling-misinformation/ (accessed 10 June 2020). https://zimbabwe.misa.org 28