Main drivers/actors for positive change: o The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, designed to focus efforts and project a united front on media issues o Lobbying shifted from international to African organisations (SADC, African Union) o Opposition parties are more aware of dangers to freedom of expression Possible obstacles for further development: o The overall political environment o Fear and intimidation o Economic deterioration o Weak opposition o Government’s reluctance to involve citizens in political processes o Uninformed and counterproductive statements by the international community likely to jeopardize internal reform efforts o Lack of interest of SADC and AU in media freedom issues o Inadequate funding of civic society groups Activities needed over the next few years: o Better coordination of pro-democracy groups o Journalists to form a united front across the political divide o Mobilisation of communities for freedom of expression issues o Strengthening of support for the Voluntary Media Council o Intensifying of advocacy efforts in the SADC region The panel meeting took place at the Holiday Inn, Mutare, January 18 - 20, 2008. The Panel: Loughty Dube - Media Institute of Southern Africa- Zimbabwe Chapter Chairperson Emilar E Vushe – Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe Vongai Tinarwo, Patricia Magorokosho – Federation of African Media Women Zimbabwe Earnest Mudzengi – National Constitutional Assembly Stanford Matenda – Department of Journalism and Media Studies, NUST Guthrie Munyuki – Journalist and media activist Abigail Gamanya – Media Alliance of Zimbabwe Lifaqane Nare - Journalist The panel also had a practising journalist (male) The Rapporteur: Ms. Reyhana Masters The Facilitator: Mr. Hendrik Bussiek So This Is Democracy? 2008 -281- Media Institute of Southern Africa