SECTOR 2

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:

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✓

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3.9 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a; 2009 = n/a;
2011 = n/a; 2014 = 3.5)

2.11 The country has a coherent ICT policy and/or the
government implements promotional measures,
which aim to meet the information needs of all
citizens, including marginalised communities.
There are several laws that negate the constitutional guarantee of freedom of
expression, amongst them are the Cinematograph Act, the Public Service Act, the
Media Practitioners Act, the National Security Act, the Cybercrime and Computer
Related Crimes Act of 2007, the Corruption and Economic Crime Act of 1994;
Sections 50 and 51 of the Penal Code on seditious offences, Sections 90 to 92 of
the Penal Code containing provisions on insult laws, and Sections 192 to 199 of
the Penal Code providing for criminal defamation.
‘It is a mark of authoritarianism when you have a whole list of legal instruments
that take away what the Constitution attempts to entrench. According to
my last count, there are about five pieces of legislation that take away what
the Constitution attempts to guarantee so that in the end there is hardly any
freedom of expression.’
Most laws have not been in use; citizens have, however, been charged with
sedition. Alleged defamation usually results in civil cases or administrative action
due to the fact that criminal cases are lengthy, and ‘if you wait for the criminal
case to take its course and complete...you may close the door for disciplinary
action which must be taken within a reasonable period of time.’
The policy objectives are as follows:
(a) To create an enabling environment for the growth of an ICT industry in the
country;
(b) To provide universal service and access to information and communication
facilities in the country; and

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2018

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Select target paragraph3