SECTOR 1 the chance that government may use this registration process to block or filter internet content. Currently, government has not blocked or filtered internet content within Botswana. However, it is well known that the state monitors the debates on the online editions of mainstream publications. A weekly newspaper, the Botswana Gazette, has removed its interactive aspect “because we had had no control over it. It was the safest thing to do to protect ourselves. Of course it is self-censorship, but the reality of the law is there”. 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: 1.0 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a) 1.11 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. Analysis: “...because of our current political situation, very few people are prepared to stand up and speak out.” Civil society groups have in the past been reluctant to speak out on certain issues, including media freedom. Even under the umbrella organisation, the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO), Batswana have been fearful of raising certain issues. “There are many reasons for this, but it is partly because Batswana are not activists. We did not gain our independence from our own frontal expression. It was negotiated with Britain … But also, because of our current political situation, very few people are prepared to stand up and speak out.” (See indicator 1.2.) 22 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009