SECTOR 1

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

4.5 (2009: 4.9; 2007: 4.6; 2005: 4.7)

1.7
Confidential sources of information
protected by law and/or the courts.

are

The 2006 Anti-Corruption Act provides some protection to whistleblowers.
However, the 1938 Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act requires anyone –
journalists included – to disclose their source of information if ordered by a court
to do so. Refusal can result in a conviction for contempt of court. In practice,
journalists have been subpoenaed and forced to give evidence during criminal
proceedings.
There is nothing in the constitution or any other law that gives real protection
for journalists wishing to protect their sources in the interests of media freedom
and free expression. Instead, any protection that exists in, for example, the
Anti-Corruption Act is specific to that law, and thereby only provides a limited
safeguard for journalists.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

2.0 (2009: 2.0; 2007: 1.0; 2005: 1.0)

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011

19

Select target paragraph3