Strategies for Internet Technology and Digital Rights Reporting https://zimbabwe.misa.org Limited media freedom, muzzling of free speech and repression The regulatory and policy environments obtaining in some Southern Africa countries makes the practice of journalism perilous as there is no media freedom in practical terms, even in instances where such freedoms are constitutionally guaranteed. For example, Freedom House noted that in Zambia52, • self-censorship remains rife • outlets that are perceived as aligned with the opposition are subject to arbitrary closure by authorities • critical journalists risk damage to equipment, frivolous lawsuits, arrest, and harassment by the government and political party supporters Freedom House also notes that in Tanzania53, • independent journalists and media outlets are subject to harsh repression • according to the Media Council of Tanzania, violations of press freedom were more than three times more prevalent in 2019 than in 2015, when current President John Magufuli took office. In Zimbabwe54, • the government is intolerant of critical online commentary and activism • the State often invokes vaguely written laws to arrest users • online journalists and ICT users face regular harassment, intimidation, and violence for their online activities. In Swaziland55, • the state broadcaster is tightly controlled by the government • the Swazi Observer, a major newspaper, is effectively owned by the king • journalists often face harassment, assault, and intimidation 52See, Freedom in the World 2020 Zambia https://freedomhouse.org/country/zambia/freedom-world/2020 [Accessed 17 September 2020] 53See, Freedom in the World 2020 Tanzania https://freedomhouse.org/country/tanzania/freedom-world/2020 [Accessed 17 September 2020] 54Freedom on the Net 2019 Zimbabwe https://freedomhouse.org/country/zimbabwe/freedom-net/2019#B [Accessed 17 September 2020] 55Freedom in the World 2020 Eswatini https://freedomhouse.org/country/eswatini/freedom-world/2020 [Accessed 17 September 2020] 24