SECTOR 1

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:

1.3 (2005 = 5.0; 2007 = 4.9; 2009 = 1.0)

1.7
Confidential sources of information
protected by law and/or the courts.

are

Confidential sources of information are not protected by law.
There is also no legislation saying journalists have
to reveal their sources. At the time of writing this
report ( June 2011), there was a case before the courts
between Yarona FM and an MP, who is the former
Botswana Football Association president, Phillip
Makgalemele. The MP is suing the private radio
station for defamation following a 2008 broadcast
alleging Makgalemele was bribed in China, while the
country’s Under-23 football team was touring there.
Of relevance here is the fact that the radio presenter
is being compelled by the courts to reveal his sources.
This is the first test case in this regard.

“Journalists have the
option to go to jail
with the identity of
the source intact or
reveal the informant
and stay free.”

The MPA, which must still become operational, makes no mention of the
protection of sources.
High-ranking government officials have been known to call journalists directly
and query the sources of particular stories.
“Journalists have the option to go to jail with the identity of the source intact or
reveal the informant and stay free.”

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2011

17

Select target paragraph3