SECTOR 2

banned by the authorities and are therefore seen as “proscribed
entities” under the Suppression of Terrorism Act are excluded
by all the media.
Swazi TV invites people from different faiths to explain their
religions. “The constitution says that Christianity shall be the
predominant religion (in Swaziland), but TV is giving other
religions a chance because they are not banned. Nonetheless,
Christianity still dominates.”

“They are not
even shy about
not giving voice
to particular
people.”

Poor people are able to express their views through the media. “You can go to print
media and broadcasting, their voices are there.” However, more could be done to
reflect the perspectives of people with disabilities and people living with HIV.

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:

2.9 (2009: 2.0; 2007 and 2005: n/a)

2.9
The country has a coherent ICT policy, which
aims to meet the information needs of all citizens,
including marginalised communities.
The country has policies that “touch all the important areas” of ICT. “The problem
is with implementation, and it’s going to take time now because there won’t be
funds to address issues in the policies.”
There have been efforts to equip schools with computer labs, but many rural
schools still do not have electricity. One school, for example, was connected to
Internet, but had to disconnect two months later because the connection was too
expensive. People have access to mobile phones, but the existing 2G lines do not
enable people to access the internet via these phones.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011

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Select target paragraph3