Developments since 2009 and the way forward Positive developments in the media environment in the past two years: 1. 2. 3. 4. Radio Botswana’s signal is now reaching more people. For the first time in the history of Botswana, the ruling party split in 2010, with a new opposition forming from this splinter. This appears to have contributed to people feeling less restricted and less docile, and has brought more debate to the country. There is also more openness, and liberal expression, evidenced by the public sector strike and more people calling in to radio talk shows and venting their anger, as well as using Facebook and e-mail as a forum to raise their concerns. The levels of literacy and self-awareness are growing in Botswana: people are becoming more enlightened and want to know more; they are demanding their rights, becoming more liberalised and showing a growing level of assertiveness. “The spirit of activism is returning.” The Media Practitioners Act (MPA) of 2008 has been held in abeyance and is not yet operational. Negative developments in the media environment in the past two years: 1. 2. 64 There has been a reversal of the management of the government media from the Ministry and back to the Office of the President and a disbanding of the Ministry of Communications after the 2009 elections. People do not know how the government operates anymore and its leadership appears to be controlled by one apex: the President. There is a fear AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2011