https://zimbabwe.misa.org

Cybersecurity and Cybercrime
Laws in the SADC Region

protected.
National governments are encouraged to clearly define key terms and offences, which are being
criminalised. It is important that countries must draft their cybersecurity and cybercrime legislation
with sufficient clarity and specificity so as to ensure that they provide adequate foreseeability and
guidance on the type of conduct being criminalised. It is important that the definition of offences
must communicate clearly and precisely the conduct being criminalized and the applicable mental
elements.
Civil Society Organisations
Need for strategic litigation focusing on problematic provisions of the legislation on cybersecurity
and cybercrimes.
CSOs must commission evidenced-based research, which can be used for lobbying and advocacy
related to amendments of certain provisions of the law.
Public education campaigns and awareness raising workshops on the provisions of the enacted and
proposed legislation.
Publication of shadow reports and policy briefs on best practices as espoused in international, regional
and sub-regional Model Laws and other best practices.
Transparency reports by data controllers and processors as well as internet intermediaries.
Media
Media organisations must continue to popularise Model Laws, international instruments and best
practices and national legislation on cybersecurity and cybercrimes.
Academics and Research Institutes
There is need for academics and research institutes to invest their energy in policy relevant research
that feeds into the drafting of progressive legislation.

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