SECTOR 1 Part of the reason for SNAJ’s ineffectiveness has been attributed to ‘divide and rule issues’, whereby journalists are sceptical of being too critical towards the state because they do not want to hurt their career prospects (the state has been offering journalists jobs in the security forces, correctional services and police). ‘But some [are] willing to lose out and remain true to the profession.’ That said, some collaboration has taken place. Gender Links, for example, has worked with MISA on gender and media monitoring projects. On the whole, panellists agreed that more could and should be done by civil society and media lobby groups to advance the cause of media freedom. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2.2 (2005: 2.1; 2007: 2.3; 2009: 2.2; 2011: 2.2; 2014: 2.5) 1.11 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups Although the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly require that MPs consult with their constituents on Bills, there seem to be no ‘mechanisms in play for this consultation’. When consultations do take place, they are usually on what are regarded as ‘soft issues’. ‘When it comes to legislation that can potentially control the masses, legislation is just passed (without consultation). Minimal consultation or communication take place with the public about submissions; for example, with the Elections and Boundaries Commission laws to do with voting.’ Since the last AMB, panellists noted that there has been significant consultation on the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, with discussions being advertised and organisations from different parts of the country invited to make submissions. With regards to media legislation, some consultation has taken place with the incumbent Director of Information and Media Development at the Ministry of 20 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ESWATINI 2018