SECTOR 1 1.8 Public information is easily guaranteed by law, to all citizens. accessible, Swaziland has no laws guaranteeing freedom of, or access to information. A freedom of information bill was drafted in 2007, but has not progressed beyond the draft stage. Panellists pointed out that the bill contained a “myriad of restrictions”, notably in terms of the mechanisms and fees for accessing information. “Even when you are working with government departments, those in these departments have difficulty getting information from their colleagues.” Those who hold information are afraid to release it, even when it seems “relatively harmless”. Researchers, let alone journalists, struggle to get information out of government departments. “We were doing a study and wanted the census figures. We were told: ‘Go and get a letter and we will give them to you’. There were a stack of copies (of the census) in the government office, but you needed authorisation to get them.” Another panellist gave the example of researchers who approached various government departments for information for a study being conducted by Save the Children. Only two of the ministries provided information. The rest said the information belonged to the government and therefore was confidential. “Even when you are working with government departments, those in these departments have difficulty getting information from their colleagues.” Anyone applying for information has to state what the information is for, and government regulations only permit civil servants to release information if authorised to do so by a higher authority. In March 2011, the Swaziland chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) launched a major access to information campaign to push for enabling legislation. 20 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011