SECTOR 1 “MPs and ministers, even, cannot access government information...” are not allowed to speak to the media directly and their only function seems to be the dissemination of approved press releases. . “With the Kalafatis story, even the president’s spokesperson was not empowered to speak about the issue.” (See indicator 1.2) The Botswana chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) continues to push for an Access to Information Act, despite the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology telling Parliament that such legislation was not a priority. This is in the face of Vision 2016, a document outlining the long-term goals for the country, stating that the country should have a Freedom of Information Act in place by 2016. “She (Minister of Communications, Science and Technology) even told the media that access to information legislation will not be passed because government has secrets to keep!” There is a sense that the appointment of PROs at ministries is a means to stall or even block such legislation, as government could argue that these appointments make an access to information law redundant. Members of the public, especially those from rural areas with little money who travel all the way to Gaborone, also battle to access government-held information and are “exposed to the caprice of government officials”. “MPs and ministers, even, cannot access government information as the executive ‘up there’ does not inform or brief them.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 20 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009 1.1 (2005 = 1.0; 2007 = 1.1)