is determined to push through these two widely criticized pieces of legislation designed to curb the freedom of the media, the perceived normalisation of relations between government and the media could perhaps just be a lull before the storm. • There have also been increasing harassment and assaults of photo-journalists at the courts of law and in full view of law enforcement officers who did not bother to arrest the culprits. MISA Botswana has already met with the Commissioner of Police over this matter – who acknowledged that this is unacceptable. Unfortunately, most media houses seem to be doing nothing while members of their staff are being abused and the Botswana Editors’ Forum has also been silent on this matter. • Government is planning to revive its own printing press and stop relying on commercial printers which could dent profitability in the industry. • There is still no access to information legislation in place. • Foreign journalists perceived to be critical of government have been deported. • There is a general apathy among editors in Botswana to take part in discussions on media issues. The main drivers or actors for change • Currently, change is mainly technology driven: Developments in information communications technology might make the media more accessible to more people – costs for production and distribution of media content could come down. • The general public demands more local content. • Various pressure groups like MISA, BOCCIM continue lobbying. • The newly-established Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology should be able to focus on its mandate and on media issues in particular without these being crowded out by the diversity of other issues being handled by the Office of the President where the media was previously based. • The NBB has learnt a lot from networking and interacting with other regional and international regulatory bodies and other structures. Its members are now more knowledgeable, confident and assertive than they were a few years ago. Lobbyists of regulatory authorities have also become more knowledgeable and smarter. Some of the possible obstacles for further positive change • The political landscape is expected to change with the change in presidential leadership in 2008. This will occur against the background of a weak and divided political opposition. • The limited resources available to NGOs might force them to make more concessions to the political establishment. So This Is Democracy? 2007 -172- Media Institute of Southern Africa