Botswana
for freedom of information legislation as many of them are unhappy
with the status quo. At the level of the executive, though, there is
no real political will to bring about change.
SCORING:
Individual scores:

1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1

Average score:

1.1

1.7

(2005 = 1.0)

Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively
advance the cause of media freedom.

ANALYSIS:
The Botswana Council of NGOs (BOCONGO), some Members of Parliament and faith-based organizations (FBOs) have been supportive
of this cause but they merely represent the elite and urban-based
members of society. Ordinary people in the rural areas and at the
grassroots are more interested in basic needs critical for their survival. It is the responsibility of the media to woo the grassroots to
this cause.
There has been a change in attitude over recent years, though,
also on the part of government, with a line ministry that deals with
the media now in place. Government has become more receptive
to ideas coming from the private media. There is a relatively more
constructive working relationship between the two and relations
are no longer confrontational and hostile. But change takes time
and patience for it to evolve and take root. MISA and BOCONGO
should be credited for that.
Botswana’s civil society organizations should do more to mobilize
and lobby together and not leave MISA Botswana solely responsible
for fighting for freedom of expression and the freedom of the media
12

African Media Barometer - Botswana 2007

Select target paragraph3