would give society the right to access information that affect the governance of the country. As this case demonstrates, government business is closed even to legislative bodies such as Parliament. As it appears, without an access to information law, such bodies as BoB are not obliged to release vital information to the public. • ALERT Date: November 17, 2008 Person/Institutions: Mmoloki Mothibi and Radio Botswana Violation/issue: Censored Radio Botswana presenter Mmoloki Mothibi was forced to bring to an end his morning show, Masa-a-sele, on November 17, 2008 on instructions from the station director, Mogomotsi Kaboyamodimo. The discussion on the programme was on the recalling of a ruling party Member of Parliament, Pono Moatlhodi. Moatlhodi, an MP for the Tonota constituency, was recalled from standing for the upcoming elections after he criticised what he called the “militarisation of the civil service”. Mothibi said he had invited the ruling BDP to come and explain the reasons for the MP’s recall, which the party declined, saying they are not prepared to discuss the issue. Moatlhodi was also invited but was dropped since BDP was not coming. Political analyst Dr Botlhale was invited instead to present his analysis. As the phone lines opened, the station director entered the studio to stop the programme. Masa-a-sele is a popular Radio Botswana morning show. It has different segments including live interviews, discussions and phone-ins from the general public. • ALERTS Date: December 3, 2008 Person: Kebofhe Mathe Violation/issue: Beaten On December 3, journalists in Botswana petitioned the Botswana Football Association (BFA) over the reported assault of photojournalist Kebofhe Mathe by the chairperson of Mochudi Centre Chiefs football club, Earnest Molome. The petition, which is in the possession of MISA Botswana, was signed by a number of sport journalists, including newspaper editors. The scribes threatened to boycott fixtures of Mochudi Centre Chiefs until the football body, through its Premier League Committee, reports back on the investigations after receiving the complaint from the photographer. Molome is reported to have assaulted Mathe on November 30 after his team lost to Gaborone United in Gaborone. He allegedly charged at the photographer and hit his camera. MISA Botswana has in the past raised concerns about press freedom violations at sports events, where journalists are routinely abused. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -29- Media Institute of Southern Africa