NATIONAL: SOUTH AFRICA MEDIA FREEDOM MONITORING Regional Programme Goal Establishment of a region where there are no media freedom violations and the media operates freely without political, commercial and economic interference • Time-efficient and effective identification, analysis and exposure of each violation of media freedom and right to information in the 11 SADC countries (5.2) Regional Programme • Civil society, policy-makers, national, regional and international organizations galvanized to fight for media freedom in Objectives Southern Africa (5.2.) • SADC Journalists under Fire campaign objective: To expose the persecution of journalists in the SADC region, provide practical support to victims and advocate for an enabling environment for media freedom and freedom of expression PERFORMANCE INDICATORS NATIONAL OBJECTIVE MAJOR ACTIVITIES REMARK/COMMENTS (ACTUAL/ACHIEVED) 1. To pilot a media freedom monitoring workshop in order to increase network of media freedom monitors (Mpumalanga / Kwa-Zulu Natal). 1.1 Research workshop on media freedom monitoring. 1.2 Identify key stakeholders and partners. 1.3 Plan and prepare for workshops. 1.4 Hold workshop. 1.5 Prepare workshop report. We did not hold the pilot workshop. This project has been included in our plans for the next period (project title: establish advocacy hubs in Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal for purpose of media freedom monitoring and lobbying). 2. Mpumalanga Cabinet Lekgotla. 2.1 Make contact with members and affiliates in Mpumalanga. 2.2 Make logistical arrangements. 2.3 Hold lekgotla. 3.1 Organise and host GMBS workshop. 3.2 Participate in SAGEM. 3.3 Concept proposal on review of existing media legislation. 3.4 Advising on GEM monitoring and alert system. Mpumalanga Cabinet Legkotla did not take place due to difficulties in coordinating schedule s with SANEF contact person. • GMBS was successfully launched and the workshop was successful. • MISA -SA has been an active participant in SAGEM. • The concept proposal was sent to the Gender and Chapter support coordinator at the Secretariat, no response was received and the chapter will have to raise external funds for this project. • MISA -SA has been advising Genderlinks on the roll-out of the GEM monitoring and alert system. This project has been moved forward to late 2004 (as a result of provincial cabinet changes post-election). 3.Gender and Media Baseline study To create a more gender-sensitive media environment through: • hosting the GMBS workshop • participating in SAGEM • reviewing existing legislation in light of GMBS study • providing support and assistance to the GEM monitoring and alert system. MISA Annual Report (April 2003 – March 2004) 53 Whilst gender is an important component of the work that MISA does, it has been challenging to operationalise the recommendations made at the GMBS workshop, particularly in terms of reviewing existing legislation as substantial training and co-ordination would be required as this project requires specific gender and media analysis skills.