There’s also a robust group of Information literacy enthusiasts in South Africa operating under the auspices of the International Centre for Information Ethics (ICIE), an academic community dedicated to the advancement of the field of information ethics, whose training goes beyond the SADC region. ICIE is a collaborative network to exchange ideas for colleagues, who work in the field of MIL. The organisation has hosted symposia, and workshops and published a book series and the International Review of Information ethics bi-annually since 2001. Also noteworthy are the initiatives by the Zimbabwe Centre for Media and Information Literacy (ZCMIL), a non-profit-making media organisation working to support transformational media innovations in service to civic engagement by hosting networking and educational events. There is room for more to be done in the field of MIL. All stakeholders should collectively find solutions for citizens to become more critical and conscious of the information and media we consume and create, as well as the sources and broadcasting platforms we use. MIL — GOING FORWARD A strategic, multi-pronged approach is required to develop and implement sustainable media and Information Literacy policies and programmes, which will have a real impact on individuals and communities regarding their information needs, critical thinking skills and informed decision-making. and Information literacy education and lifelong learning programmes for all citizens as an alternative to punitive measures that affect freedoms. Governments should adopt MIL education in the formal education system and other stakeholders, including the corporate sector, should develop and financially support more MIL programmes, which will include rural citizens, minority groups, and the elderly, who often don’t have access to high quality formal education. The benefits of MIL for citizens and users of social media should be promoted. “SADC member states should provide policy frameworks and a conducive environment that support universal media and Information literacy education and lifelong learning programmes for all citizens as an alternative to punitive measures that affect freedoms. There is a need for more governments and civil society organisations to conduct MIL research to understand the current status quo, but also to provide data to inform policy reforms and educational initiatives. SADC member states should provide policy frameworks and a conducive environment that support universal media All citizens should accept the responsibility to educate themselves through available free resources and scholarship opportunities. Consumers and producers of media and information messages should also adopt a reflective attitude and verify information before posting and sharing. Indications are that information and media messages will only increase — and therewith the danger of quality decreasing. Therefore, action needs to be immediate and sustained by all members of society. If we want humans to prosper with its democratic values intact, each player needs to do what they can to obtain the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes to engage responsibly with media and information. Benjamin Franklin’s truism should be the key driver in the endeavours of MIL initiatives in the SADC: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA REPORT 2021 69 that they were able to identify fake news better and shared this information with their connections on social media, some who complete the traditional modules for photography mentioned that they were aware of the messages they communicate through the photos they share online, while others said they appreciate their mother tongue on radio so much more as it carries information that is essential for their communities.