State of the media in Southern Africa - 2003 ■ SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC) BOTSWANA Press Statement July 25, 2003 Statement on defamation in Botswana T he Botswana chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Botswana) would like to express its concern over the staggering amounts of money being demanded by parties that feel they have been defamed by publications. There can be no sustainable democracy without a strong media industry. The media’s role as a watchdog needs to be protected within our democratic dispensation. MISA-Botswana is particularly alarmed by the recent amount of Pula 10 million in damages that the Botswana Gazette has been asked to pay for publishing a story headlined “Protect citizen contractors against Chinese” that appeared in its July 2, 2003 edition. It is in this vein that MISA Botswana is calling upon the public to make use of the avenue of the Press Council of Botswana through the Complaints Committee that will hear complaints, adjudicate and recommend corrective measures appropriately. The Complaints Committee will be backed by the Appeals Committee that is empowered to hear appeals and decisions of the Complaints Committee that are consistent with relevant laws and legal precedents and norms. This will help promote an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between the press and the public. MISA Botswana, therefore, strongly calls upon all parties aggrieved in reportage within our media to use the above stated Press Council conflict resolution mechanism. For more information, contact MISA-Botswana office at Private Bag BO 86 Gaborone. Plot 398 Ext. 4 Kgasa Close Tel: 3971972 Fax 3161196 Email misa@info.bw LESOTHO Press Statement August 6, 2003 TOPIC: Interactive dialogue T he Lesotho Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Lesotho) wishes to commend the Government of Lesotho for its current initiative of empowering the nation through the interactive dialogue aired on “Lesotho TV” and “Radio Lesotho” involving government ministers and other officials on the one hand, and members of the public on the other. This initiative which enables television and radio audiences to participate telephonically in live panel debates is an excellent vehicle for ensuring that the people have access to information and that their right to freedom of expression is guaranteed. Above all, it serves to reinforce the right of every citizen living in a democracy to hold to account those to whom the Nation has delegated the responsibility to manage its affairs. It is also an attestation of the government’s commitment to transparency and good governance. So This Is Democracy? 2003 132 Media Institute of Southern Africa