SECTOR 4 “Race is an issue we disregard in Botswana: we tend to think it is not an issue.” Some media houses do appreciate that foreigners can contribute to local media. “Journalists from Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, for example, can give our local staff a feel of how things are done internationally.” According to the Employment Act, however, employers must justify why foreigners should be given work above locals. With the assistance of MISA and Gender Links in the last three years, many media houses have revamped their workplace policies, especially with regards to HIV and AIDS, and gender, as these were areas that needed attention. Some panellists felt that other areas – race, social group, religion, disabilities and age – are still neglected. 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: 2.7 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a) 4.5 Journalists and editors do not practise selfcensorship. Analysis: Journalists practise self-censorship to a great extent in Botswana. Legislation such as the Media Practitioners Act (MPA); the Public Service Act (PSA); the National Security Act (NSA); the Corruption and Economic Crime Act (CECA); the Cinematography Act; the Intelligence and Security Services Act and the Police Act all impact heavily on freedom of “Those working in the media cannot even entertain criticism of government, because the economic repercussions could be so severe.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009 61