STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2022 SOUTHERN AFRICA PERSPECTIVES: GOVERNMENTS RENEGING ON COMMITMENTS TO MEDIA FREEDOM one of the most pressing challenges confronting southern Africa. Despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression in the majority of countries in the region, the inconsistency and lack of political will to enforce these liberties, have given rise to numerous incidents of censorship, selfcensorship, and constraints on free speech. In certain cases, the individuals who express dissenting opinions or question established norms are vulnerable to harassment, persecution, or even physical violence. By Zoé Titus O N 3 May 2021, the world affirmed its commitment to the principles of media freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information, through the adoption of the historic Windhoek+30 Declaration(1) in the city of its origin, Windhoek, Namibia. The Declaration acknowledged the evolving media landscape, which has introduced new challenges such as a profound economic crisis and disruption of traditional media business models, as well as the proliferation, amplification, and promotion of disinformation and hate speech. It further contemplated the enduring and emerging new threats to the safety of journalists and the free exercise of journalism, including killings, harassment of women, and offline and online attacks, continue to persist and even increase. Despite noteworthy progress in just two years, through the adoption of Resolution 522(2) by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa, and a renewed focus on the safety of journalists following the review of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity,(3) governments in Southern Africa continue to renege on their responsibilities to uphold and guarantee these fundamental rights. The persistent erosion of media freedom is 6 Such actions subvert democratic principles and engender a chilling impact on the unrestricted dissemination of ideas and information, which are essential components of a well-functioning and healthy society. It is, therefore, imperative not only to have constitutional protections of freedom of expression, but also to establish robust and independent institutions that can safeguard and advance these rights. Disinformation is the new frontier of the war being waged against the media, amplified by a lack of understanding among the populace concerning the scope of the infodemic and its implications. While disinformation is often attributed solely to the media sector, it is important to note that state-sponsored disinformation and misinformation campaigns, specifically targeting critical journalists and dissenting voices, are also prevalent. This prevailing perception undermines the public’s confidence in the media, which is further compounded by declining professional standards, contributing to the proliferation of disinformation. Rather than engaging with stakeholders to address this increasingly complex phenomenon, governmental entities are opting for overregulation of the media space and the criminalisation of journalism through legislation. This approach has proven ineffective, with instances of disinformation continuing to rise.