natural resources, such as forests, illegal mining, and the trafficking of wildlife, such as pangolins,” said Matthews Malata from the Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi. separate provisions on freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information. In practice, however, media freedom and freedom of expression is limited for Malawians, with some ending up being harassed, assaulted or arrested for merely exercising such rights. The devastating impact of Cyclone Freddy in 2023, put the spotlight on the need for increased reporting on the impact of climate change and other environmental issues in Malawi. It is important to promote awareness on the importance of media freedom and freedom of expression in building a resilient democratic dispensation. However, due to competing priorities in the media outlets, few journalists specialise in environmental reporting, making it exceedingly challenging to consistently report on environmental issues, contended Malata. It is also important to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence against journalists to ensure a free, independent and pluralistic media in the country. “Some journalists are put off by a lack of expertise or comprehension of a variety of environmental issues, and it also dilutes the calibre of stories that are published or broadcast. The year 2024 will see elective conventions for most of the political parties and we expect that many activities in preparation for 2025 tripartite elections will be conducted in 2024. “Lack of understanding of environmental issues by some senior editors does not motivate up and coming journalists with interest in the issue. Political parties should create a conducive environment to ensure easy access to information before, during and after the electionrelated activities and support for the media to ensure that Malawians remain informed of such developments and activities. “Data access continues to be a significant difficulty due to bureaucratic red tape systems, particularly in government,” said Malata. Malata added that limited equipment and financial resources hinder journalists from travelling to impacted locations to tell compelling human stories. There is also need for the government to go beyond rhetoric on access to information by adequately funding ATI Act implementation activities championed by the Human Rights Commission. Conclusion Journalists would also want to see the resumption of presidential press conferences by State House to promote access to the presidency. Malawi has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world with clear and References 1. https://malawi.misa.org/2023/12/31/2023-just-another-year-of-persistent-un- 11. warranted-hostility-towards-journalists-in-malawi/ sistent-unwarranted-hostility-towards-journalists-in-malawi/ 2. Constitution of Malawi - Section 36 https://www.sdnp.org.mw/constitut/chap- 12. ter4.html#:~:text=Every%20person%20shall%20have%20the%20right%20 doc_bills_87718172-12d2-4a15-a397-9ec52ec079b81701965503149.pdf to%20freedom%20of%20expression.&text=36.,for%20access%20to%20pub- 13. Access to Information Act, 2016 – MalawiLII https://malawilii.org/akn/ lic%20information . mw/act/2017/13/eng@2017-02-16#:~:text=(1)A%20person%20shall%20 3. 2022 Reporters Without Borders Index https://rsf.org/en/index?year=2022 have,an%20expeditious%20and%20inexpensive%20manner. 4. 2023 Reporters Without Borders Index https://rsf.org/en/index 14. https://mwnation.com/media-council-chair-callsfor-satutory-regulation/ ) 5. 2021 Reporters Without Borders Index https://rsf.org/en/index?year=2021 15. Gender Equality Act https://media.malawilii.org/files/legislation/akn-mw-act- 6. https://malawi.misa.org/2023/12/31/2023-just-another-year-of-persistent-un- 2013-3-eng-2014-12-31.pdf warranted-hostility-towards-journalists-in-malawi/ 16. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377223 7. 17.https://www.facebook.com/p/Journalists-United-Against-Cyber-Bully- https://cpj.org/2023/05/malawi-journalist-francis-mzindiko-assault- https://malawi.misa.org/2023/12/31/2023-just-another-year-of-perMalawi Data Protection Bill: https://parliament.gov.mw/uploads/doc_bills/ ed-while-covering-political-event/ ing-and-Harassment-JUACH-100085439343698/?paipv=0&eav=AfYcwnf-YsNymd- 8. https://www.malawivoice.com/2023/05/19/moses-kunkuyu-says-sorry/ KMbh0EydVbvzKTEYD5Fw5lYhEk9Y4y-KwNNyPubOR4HHLL_DqaVhA&_rdr 9. https://cpj.org/2023/09/football-fans-attack-injure-malawi-reporter-smart-cha- 18. lika/ t=7.,Workplace%20policy%20for%20sexual%20harassment&text=(2)A%20per- 10. https://cpj.org/2023/12/malawi-police-seize-zbs-reporter-raphael-mlo- son%20who%20has,civil%20proceedings%20can%20be%20instituted. 19. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67367983 zoas-phone-delete-photos-of-officers-conduct/ STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023 https://malawilii.org/akn/mw/act/2013/3/eng@2014-12-31#:~:tex- 52