MISA Botswana condemns emerging threats to media freedom

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter has expressed concern over what it describes as emerging threats to media freedom, warning that recent developments risk reversing progress made after the 2024 General Election.

In a statement, MISA Botswana commended the Government of Botswana for initial steps taken to promote openness, including the convening of the Media Consultative Forum led by Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa. The forum brought together journalists and key stakeholders to discuss long‑standing challenges in the media sector.

The organisation also welcomed the establishment of the Media Review Task Team, mandated to examine the legal framework, media sustainability and structural constraints. MISA said this signalled a genuine commitment to reform and renewed optimism within the media fraternity.

However, the chapter said it is "gravely concerned" by recent actions and rhetoric that appear increasingly hostile to independent journalism.

"In recent months, journalists have been subjected to sustained public attacks, including accusations of misinformation, unethical conduct and poor professionalism," the statement reads.

MISA Botswana said some of these attacks have been amplified by individuals in senior public office, legitimising online harassment and normalising hostility towards the media.

"Such conduct is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy," the organisation said, citing reports that Radio Botswana broadcaster Letumile -Lets' Montsosa was removed from the Masaasele morning programme following a tightly controlled broadcast centred on the Constitutional Court.

"If confirmed, this constitutes a direct assault on editorial independence and represents political interference within public broadcasting. Public media cannot function under fear, punishment or intimidation."

The chapter warned that these developments reflect a worrying slide back towards censorship and control — a culture many Batswana believed had been left behind.

"When journalists are silenced, reassigned or publicly discredited for covering matters of national importance, democracy itself is weakened," the statement said.

MISA Botswana rejected attempts to portray journalism as hostility, saying scrutiny of power is the media's constitutional duty.

"History shows that when governments seek to dominate national narratives, corruption flourishes while accountability collapses. Freedom of expression cannot exist selectively."

The organisation reminded authorities that Section 12 of Botswana's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the media's watchdog role. These rights, it said, are not political concessions but fundamental democratic entitlements.

MISA Botswana also stressed that state media belongs to the public, not the government of the day, and must reflect diverse national opinion rather than serve as an extension of political communication structures.

While urging journalists to uphold ethical standards, the chapter warned that allegations of factual error must not be weaponised to justify censorship or retaliation.

"There are lawful mechanisms for addressing complaints against the media. Bypassing these processes in favour of public condemnation or punitive action violates democratic norms."

The organisation said the new administration has an opportunity — and obligation — to chart a different path, but this will require restraint, tolerance of criticism and genuine respect for media independence.

"Democracy is not tested when the press offers praise. It is tested when the press asks uncomfortable questions," MISA Botswana said.

The chapter called on government to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom, protect journalists from political interference, ensure transparency in personnel decisions linked to editorial content, and accelerate legal and policy reforms to safeguard media sustainability.

"Botswana's democratic reputation was built on openness, tolerance and respect for institutions. Allowing fear and control to creep back into the media space threatens that legacy. A free press is not the enemy of government. It is the last line of defence for the public."