PRESS STATEMENT :The Botswana Editors Forum (BEF) along with civil society actors in Botswana and around the world would like to commemorate the importance of celebrating 30 years of campaigning for media freedom.
In lieu of this fact, BEF will over the weekend celebrate the contributions of senior local journalists, who have been indispensable pillars of support for local media fraternity at an event designed to celebrate their contribution to the country’s media landscape. A collaborative panel discussion on the debate surrounding the renewal of the partnership between De Beers and the Botswana Government will also be held on the 4 th May 2023 at the University of Botswana(UB) Conference Centre, to demystify enigma around this country’s preeminent national resource. Whilst we remain appreciative of the increased openness and engagement from Government during the tenure of President Mokgweetsi Masisi, we also remain steadfast in our calls for the introduction of Freedom of Information legislation and protection for whistle blowers.
It is common cause that World Press Freedom Day which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendations of the UNESCO's General Conference, has not been fully embraced and universally adopted. Despite this gnawing anomaly, on the 3rd May many countries celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek as World Press Freedom Day. The right to freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is universally acknowledged as a prerequisite and a driver to socio-economic rights. So almost 3 decades after Windhoek declaration was adopted, the right to access information and the creation of a suitable environment for such remains as elusive and relevant as ever for media professionals in Botswana.
May 3 continues to remain an important reference point for those who seek to remind both Government officials and transnational actors of the need to respect press freedom and open themselves to greater public scrutiny. The independent media remains an indispensable pillar of functioning democracies. The day is also a poignant moment of reflection for media professionals and various stakeholders about the importance of writing stories often of a developmental nature and holding those in power to account. We therefore consider ourselves important partners in the development process.
