State of the media in Southern Africa - 2003 bwe, to join it in a campaign for an improved human rights environment in Zimbabwe by signing the petition here today. MISA undertakes to raise the concerns of Namibians – as expressed through this protest action - at the upcoming People’s Forum which runs alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in December 2003. • Please visit the MISA website at www.misa.org for information on media freedom violations in Zimbabwe. The website includes extensive information on the closure of The Daily News and Daily News on Sunday, and other media freedom and freedom of expression violations so far reported by MISA on Zimbabwe. You can also get information on other human rights reports on Zimbabwe at www.zwnews.com. Enquiries: MISA Namibia Carmen Cupido Cell: 081 272 9764 MISA Regional Secretariat Zoé Titus Cell: 081 128 3919 * The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is a regional non governmental organisation, committed to the promotion of free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). MISA is a membership-based organisation with national offices in 11 SADC countries, including Namibia. SOUTH AFRICA Press Statement August 22, 2003 TOPIC: The South African government’s news black-out on corruption investigations T he South African Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-SA) condemns the latest move by government to censor public discourse on a burning issue of national interest. The South African government’s intent to black-out information from agencies and persons involved in investigations into allegations of corruption against Deputy President, Jacob Zuma and former Minister of Transport, Mac Maharaj does neither the nation nor government itself any favors. Later claims by the Government Communication and Information System that there is no information blackout does little to instill confidence in a government that seems to be inconsistent on issues of transparency. An embargo on news and official statements on such a highly topical and sensitive issue, that involves our foremost political and business leaders will threaten the public perception of the legitimacy of the investigation as this suggests that government has something to hide. The ban obstructs media freedom by stifling the free flow of information from government to the citizenry and is damaging to transparency in government and the conduct of justice. South Africans have a right to be kept informed of matters that affect the general public and national interest. MISA-SA acknowledges that constitutionally all persons are entitled to a fair trial. However, we find no truth in the claims by government spokespersons that media are subjecting a public official and a former public official to a “trial by media”. Such statements undermine the intelligence of ordinary South Africans who understand that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The media alone cannot prove guilt or innocence. Furthermore, MISASA finds in both cases, the newspapers involved have not reflected a one-sided or biased view of the realities of the case. Indeed, every attempt was made to ensure the audi alterem partem rule and balanced comment in order to be fair in the presentation of the allegations to the public. So This Is Democracy? 2003 137 Media Institute of Southern Africa