SNAPSHOT BOTSWANA Fighting for access to information in Botswana Freedom of expression is enshrined in Chapter 12 of Botswana’s Constitution and on the surface the country seems to have a relatively free and diverse media environment. However, in practice Botswana’s past and current leaders have failed to recognise the importance of freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens. MISA Botswana experienced serious challenges rolling out its 2013 policy campaigns because the government banned all government employees from attending their events. Despite the setbacks, MISA Botswana continued to lobby for the adoption of a freedom of information law and hosted public discussions across the country in the first six months of 2013. The Botswanan Government had agreed to table a Freedom of Information Bill in February of 2013, but the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mokgweetsi Masisi, failed to do so, stating it would be tabled during Parliamentary proceedings in July. However, during each session of Parliament, the Office of the President kept changing its deadline. MISA Botswana has issued repeated press releases reminding the Office of the President to fulfil its promises. 36 Unfortunately, to date, there has been no clear indication of any intention from Botswana’s ruling party to table the Bill, or indeed evidence that such a Bill has even been drafted. Later in 2013, the media industry was shocked when President Seretse Khama Ian Khama used the State of the Nation Address to announce plans for the Data Protection Bill, instead of the Freedom of Information Bill. This legislation will clamp down on access to information and will not protect whistle blowers.