ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 REGULATIONS VIS-À-VIS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE SADC REGION

could use the lengthy state of emergency to ‘deal
with political rivals and business competitors.50

the public. Access to information is essential in
many respects during this deadly pandemic. It
is crucial to note that the media complement
the role of the state in disseminating essential
information about COVID-19 and should be
viewed in that light and treated with respect
not as adversaries.55In addition to the constant
threat of physical violence, some journalists are
vulnerable to the virus due to lack of personal
protective gears while others also suffer the
psychosocial impact of the immense pressure
of reporting the evolving nature of the outbreak
as well as concerns for job security, especially
for freelance reporters.56The violence, threats,
arrests and intimidation of journalists
undermines the watchdog role of the media
which should be well-regarded during this
crisis.

Banning of radio programmes
In Madagascar, radio phone-in programmes
were banned to inhibit listeners from criticising
the government’s measures against Covid-19.51

Revocation of licenses
In Tanzania, the licence of Mwananchi daily
newspaper was suspended after the paper
reportedonthefailurebyPresidentJohnMagufuli
to follow social-distancing requirements while
shopping.52 In Zambia, Prime TV’s license was
revoked by the Independent Broadcasting
Authority (IBA), the broadcasting regulator “in
the interest of public safety, security, peace,
welfare or good order.” 53Prior to the closure,
Prime TV had been critical of the government
stance on COVID-19.54

Covid-19 and disinformation

The aforementioned incidences which occurred
regardless of the recognition of the media as
essential service during the pandemic in some
jurisdictions, have a chilling effect on freedom
of expression which is an essential element
in the fight against COVID-19. The violations
have a potential to force journalists and media
houses into self-censorship and compromise
the flow of the much-needed information
about the pandemic. The crackdown on the
media compromise the media’s duty to inform

COVID 19, being a novel virus, plunged people
into an unchartered terrain, intensified panic,
exacerbated anxieties and grew uncertainties.
Falsehoods about it gained traction and
flourished.57As a result, an information disorder
emerged which the World Health Organisation
(WHO) referred to as an ‘infodemic’. WHO
defines an ‘infodemic as an “over-abundance
of information, some accurate and some not,
that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy
sources and reliable guidance when they need it.”

50Civicus Monitor: ‘Authorities Accused of Abusing Covid-19 Restrictions to Stifle Expression despite Improved Ranking’ 30 June 2020
https://monitor.civicus.org/updates/2020/06/30/authorities-accused-abusing-covid-19-restrictions-stifle-expressiondespite-improved-ranking/ (accessed 20 July 2020).
51 W Gumede ‘Freedom of Expression and Covid-19 in Africa’ 20 April 2020. https://democracyworks.org.za/freedom-of- expressionand-covid-19-in-africa/ (accessed 10 June 2020).
52 Amnesty International: ‘Tanzania: Authorities must end crackdown on journalists reporting on COVID-19’ 21 April 2020
53 ‘Zambia cancels broadcaster Prime TV’s license, police shutter office’ 13 April 2020 https://cpj.org/2020/04/zambia-cancels- broadcaster-prime-tvs-license-polic/ (accessed 10 June 2020).
54 ibid.
55 See Media Institute of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe) statement https://zimbabwe.misa.org/2020/04/09/covid-19-is-the-enemy- notthe-media/ (accessed 10 June 2020).
56 As above, UNESCO (n 32).
57‘During this coronavirus pandemic, ‘fake news’ is putting lives at risk: UNESCO’ 13 April 2020 https://news.un.org/en/
story/2020/04/1061592 (accessed 10 June 2020).

https://zimbabwe.misa.org

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