OneWorld.net (U.S.)

OneWorld.net note: Botswana -- a country considered a "flourishing democracy" -- has come under fire from local journalists and free speech advocates for a new press freedom bill reminiscient of a Zimbabwean law that "contributed to quieting a once thriving media," blogs Africa analyst Clara Hogan.

• Will this young Motswana woman's child come of age in a country with a free press? © Kristi KenyonThe Media Practitioners Bill proposes the creation of a council that would monitor the activities of the Batswana media, require journalists to register, and subject journalists who do not comply with the council to heavy fines. The bill has been compared to the Zimbabwean Access to Information Act, which began "to dismantle the small but vibrant media in Zimbabwe," says Zimbabwean journalist Rashweat Mukundu, warning of "hard times" ahead for Batswana media.
• Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has had a stable democracy with open elections, a vibrant civil society, and a good human rights record, writes OneWorld UK. The country is considered to have a relatively free privately-owned press and a somewhat restricted state-owned media. Indeed, some journalists that have criticized the government have received threats or been deported.
• A state-owned television station was criticized earlier this week for airing a program that invited Botswana's Minister of Communication, Science, and Technology to discuss the press freedom bill but excluded other media representatives. The station came under fire from the Media Institute of Southern Africa's Director, Thapelo Ndlovu, for not presenting a balanced view of the issue. According to a Motswana newspaper, Ndlovu felt that "this shows the political leadership's abuse of state media."

Controversial Media Bill In Bostwana Up For Vote

From: Africa Action

Clara Hogan,  July 31, 2008

Botswana is generally considered a flourishing democracy with free and fair elections, a growing economy, and a good human rights record. Though there have been a few rough patches for governance since the constitution was formed in 1966, in recent years, the government has been praised for respecting civil liberties, including press freedom.

The bill seeks to set up a statutory press council that monitors activities of the media and “ensures the maintenance of high professional standards.” It would also require journalists to register with the council to be accredited and face hefty fines for noncompliance.

Opponents of the Media Practitioners Bill compare it to the controversial Zimbabwean Access to Information and Protection Act, the repressive piece of legislation that contributed to quieting a once thriving media in Zimbabwe. Click here to read one Zimbabwean's comparison of press freedom in his native country with that of Botswana.

Newspapers around the country have published editorials condemning the legislation throughout the month of July. One of the most persistent arguments against the bill is that there is currently a vigor and optimism in the air about the future of Botswana - why put a damper on that by making people question the future of a key institution of their democracy?

The International Press Institute also condemned the bill in a press release.

“We are disappointed that this bill seeks to increase, rather than decrease, governmental involvement in the regulation of the media, particularly because it follows lengthy deliberations and input from the media, which appears to have been ignored,” stated IPI Director David Dadge.

Despite the overall disapproval of the legislation from media personnel, there are some well-intentioned parts of the bill. For example, it hopes to set up an accreditation process to make journalism stronger and more professional. The intention is good; however, many observers are questioning whether legislation is the appropriate means to this end.

Independent Southern African journalists and the international press advocacy community argue that government should focus on strengthening journalism by educating and training reporters, not by controlling them. Most journalists in Botswana, and indeed throughout Africa, haven’t had the opportunity to get formal training in journalistic ethics practices. As a result, most independent press concentrates on criticism. It is vital for journalists anywhere to carry out this watchdog role toward the government and other institutions of power, and both investigative reporting and critical editorial analysis play an essential role in promoting transparency and accountable governance. However, African publics, like those anywhere, deserve the opportunity to digest balanced, neutral news stories on political, social and economic issues that neither hue to the government line nor to that of the political opposition. More accessible professional training for African journalists would facilitate the development of such a nuanced discourse, and expand both the credibility and capacity of reporters across the region.

If the Media Practitioners Bill passes, it could be a huge step back for journalism - and democracy - in Botswana. Rather than expanding state control of media, government officials and newspaper editors need to invest in professional training for independent journalists.

To read more about Botswana and freedom of the press, visit Africa Action.