maltreatment faced by women journalists in Lesotho. Conclusion Prioritisation and implementation of media reforms in the Omnibus Bill and those by the National Reforms Authority are vital for Lesotho’s media sector to meet international standards and achieve total freedom of expression. Significant efforts have been made in Lesotho’s media sector, mostly led by journalists in collaboration with media advocacy groups. There is however a critical need for the enactment of legislation that will strengthen the media and its freedom. Pieces of legislation such as the Computer Crimes and Cyber Security Bill 2022 should be packaged in a way that does not threaten the freedom of the media, freedom of expression nor infringe on journalists’ ability to hold those in power accountable and inform the public. It is disappointing that the government of Lesotho is dragging its feet in leading efforts to enable an environment that guarantees media freedom and the full enjoyment of freedom of expression by its citizens. For the journalists to freely and effectively discharge their duties, acts of harassment, intimidation, and violence against journalists and media workers, need to be addressed to ensure that they are free to carry out their work without fear or favour. It is also disappointing that the Media Law and the Access and Receipt of Information Bill of 2000 meant to encourage ease of access to information and freedom of expression for journalists is still gathering dust — two decades later. Police must conduct prompt investigations devoid of political influence, into allegations of threats or violence against journalists and ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law. The growing concern about sexual harassment of journalists highlights the need for policy development on protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, to combat the References 1. Joki’s killers in court news.com/2023/06/20/press-incises-draconian-cyber-law/ https://lestimes.com/jokis-killers-in-court/#:~:tex- t=The%20four%20men%2C%20hailing%20from,custody%20to%204%20 13. Southern African Litigation Centre - Lesotho Court declares offence of criminal July%202023. defamation invalid: https://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/2018/05/22/ 2. Lesotho police arrest radio presenter https://cpj.org/2021/12/lesotho-police-ar- press-release-lesotho-court-declares-offence-of-criminal-defamation-invalid/#:~:- rest-a-radio-presenter-suspend-one-stations-license-and-raid-another/ text=News%20Release%3A%20Lesotho%20Court%20declares%20offence%20o- 3. Radio Broadcaster shot dead https://cpj.org/2023/05/lesotho-journalist-ra- f%20criminal%20defamation%20invalid,-By%20Staff%20Writer&text=Mase- likonelo-joki-killed-after-radio-show/ ru%2C%20Lesotho%20%E2%80%93%20On%20Monday%2021,defamation%20 4. MISA condemns killing of broadcaster https://misa.org/blog/media_violations/ unconstitutional%20with%20retrospective%20effect. misa-lesotho-statement-on-the-killing-of-mr-ralikonelo-leqhashasha- 14. Cyber Law slammed, again: https://www.thereporter.co.ls/2022/12/15/cyber- joki-a-pre- senter-for-the-tsenolo-fm-who-was-gunned-down-in-cold-blood-on-the-night-of- law-slammed-again/ sunday-14-may- 2023/ 15. Help Us Keep Power In Check & Fill Out Our Survey On Potential Threats 5. UNESCO Director-General condemns the killing of Lesotho broadcaster https:// To Media Freedom & Journalists: https://lescij.org/2023/05/09/help-us-keep- misa.org/blog/unesco-director-general-condemns-the-killing-of-lesotho-broad- power-in-check-fill-out-our-survey-on-potential-threats-to-media- caster/ nalists/ 6. Suspect in journalist murder case in court https://www.harvestfm.co.ls/arti- 16. Govt moves to gag media: https://lestimes.com/govt-moves-to-gag-media/ cle?id=16234&h=ALLEGED-KILLERS-OF-JOKI-APPEAR-IN-COURT 17. Boloetse wins appeal case: https://informativenews.co.ls/2023/11/22/boloe- freedom-jour- 7. MISA condemns killing of broadcaster https://misa.org/blog/media_violations/ tse-clinches-victory-in-reforms-appeal-case/ misa-lesotho-statement-on-the-killing-of-mr-ralikonelo-leqhashasha- 18. These are the ideals for which we are prepared to die https://lesotho.misa. joki-a-pre- senter-for-the-tsenolo-fm-who-was-gunned-down-in-cold-blood-on-the-night-of- org/2023/08/15/these-are-the-ideals-for-which-we-are-prepared-to-die/ sunday-14-may- 2023/ 19. Applicants have no locus standi https://www.lena.gov.ls/applicants-do-not- 8. UNESCO Director-General condemns the killing of Lesotho broadcasterhttps:// have-locus-standi-court/ misa.org/blog/unesco-director-general-condemns-the-killing-of-lesotho-broad- 20. Boloetse challenges court decision, takes appeal https://www.lena.gov.ls/bo- caster/ loetse-challenges-decision-of-court/ 9. Suspect in journalist murder case in court https://www.harvestfm.co.ls/arti- 21. cle?id=16234&h=ALLEGED-KILLERS-OF-JOKI-APPEAR-IN-COURT co.ls/2023/11/22/boloetse-clinches-victory-in-reforms-appeal-case/ 10. Radio Broadcaster shot dead 22. Parliament faces further litigation https://www.gov.ls/parliament-faces-fur- https://cpj.org/2023/05/lesotho-journalist-ralikonelo-joki-killed-after-radio-show/ Boloetse clinches victory in appeal case https://informativenews. ther-litigation/ 11. Government introduces Laws undermining democracy and free press https:// 23. www.thereporter.co.ls/2021/04/03/misa-weighs-in-on-crime-and-cyber-security- cle?id=18471&h=NATIONAL-ASSEMBLY-ADJOURNS-SINE-DIE bill/ 24. 12. Bill threatens freedom of press and freedom of expression https://publiceye- co.ls/2023/06/08/minister-vows-to-fight-sexual-exploitation/ STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023 44 National Minister Assembly vows to closes fight indefinitely sexual http://www.harvestfm.co.ls/arti- exploitation https://www.thereporter.