Message from the ChaiRperson of the Regional Governing Council F reedom of expression and media freedom remain under threat in southern Africa: the media alerts issued by MISA during 2013 are indicative of the restrictive and stifling atmosphere impacting on the media. MISA will continue to lobby and advocate for an improved media environment by engaging stakeholders, governments and legislators to ensure that citizens’ right to media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information are protected and respected. MISA will intensify advocacy and constitutional reforms, media policy and law reforms. MISA will continue to promote public broadcasting and community media models throughout the region, while garnering support to provide capacity to such ventures and support their sustainability. Governance Reforms Governance reforms within MISA have been implemented at a rapid rate, with Constitutional amendments effected in 2010 and again in 2012. These changes have been slow to take effect within the Regional Governing Council, with the election of the new Regional Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson only taking place in 2012. The Treasurer was co-opted in 2013. Nonetheless, elected officials were keen to assume their positions and serve the organization. as financial accountability and governance performance. Galvanising MISA’s members MISA is a membership-driven organization and the seeming inactivity of members in some chapters and dwindling membership numbers in other countries are causes for concern to MISA. There has been a lull in membership in the last few years and this is a challenge that MISA must address through the National Governing Councils. In conclusion, tribute should be paid to staff at the Regional Secretariat and National Chapters who have worked tirelessly and under difficult conditions in the pursuit of fulfilling MISA’s obligations, belief and values. May the values and beliefs we share as a family be the guiding principles that drive MISA into the future Anthony Kasunda Chairperson MISA Regional Governing Council Facing Chapter Challenges The RGC is mindful of the capacity deficiencies of some MISA Chapters. Interventions have been necessary in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa to deal with issues such as financial sustainability, activity implementation and governance performance. In Tanzania, MISA Governors and Trustees had to address issues such 7