nered with Privacy International to conduct a survey on freedom of expression in cyberspace, which is part of an ongoing project to help media workers protect themselves online. All of this research concluded that there is still a long way to go before journalists and citizens in southern Africa can safely and freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information. There is a lot of work still to be done, but as we embark on our Fourth Strategic Partnership Programme (SPPIV) in 2014, MISA will be there to do it. Management and Programme Implementation During 2013 the primary focus of the Regional Secretariat was to facilitate the planning and development of MISA’s SPPIV and to secure the financial resources that would allow the organisation to implement its suggested short-term (four-year) strategy. The SPPIV programme was well-received by MISA’s main funding partners as it directly responded to a number of concerns raised in the 2012 and 2013 reviews of the organisation. The most notable concerns expressed included the need for further streamlining of governance structures, reduction of chapter dependency on the regional basket fund and the need to look towards sustainability. In constructing its long-term, 10-Year Strategic Framework (2024), MISA was striving towards an organisational framework well suited for long-term sustainability with a strong rights-based approach and governance focus. The reform and reorientation outlined in this overarching strategy will, in a carefully stated process, empower the regional secretariat to fulfill its role as a facilitating and supporting structure and secretariat to MISA National Chapters. This will include an empowerment of the chapters to be guided through an organization development process from having an organisational management audit, de- veloping a strategic plan and building capacity in its (management) team. This process will initiate a funding regime with support to a basic structure at national level and a pool of funding available in the regional secretariat for applications from the Chapters based on their strategic plan and for pursuance of MISA’s advocacy goals. Remembering Madiba In 2013 MISA joined the world in mourning the loss of a truly remarkable man and one of the greatest human rights defenders, Nelson Mandela. Mandela said: “A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour. It must enjoy the protection of the constitution, so that it can protect our rights as citizens.” MISA will continue to be inspired and driven by the legacy of Mandela’s tireless pursuit of justice, human dignity and freedom as we fight for an environment where citizens are free and able to express themselves and claim their right to access information. Zoé Titus Regional Director zoe@misa.org 5