Today, marks the World Press Freedom Day, the only day on the calendar set aside for media workers.
The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 as the World Press Freedom Day as a strategy to observe and raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and reminds governments to give the press the freedom it very much deserves to do the its job well.
Tshireletso Stoffel who is the vice chairperson for MISA Botswana revealed that the organisation is more than ready to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day here on home soil.
“We have decided as a board to mark the day through a panel of discussion under the topic, "The role of the media in promotion of human rights in the wake of the digital revolution,” Stoffel said.
The panel discussion will be held later today at the University of Botswana Conference Centre and it is expected to commence at 1900 hrs and end at 2100 hrs. The panelists for the panel are; Dr Allen Munoriyawara a senior lecturer, Department of Media Studies at UB, Pamela Dube a journalist and media manager, Tebogo Sebego vice chairperson for Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), Omogolo Mathumo, radio broadcaster and Tshepo Sethibe of Moeladitlhoko fame.
Panel discussion will not be the only thing that MISA Botswana has planned for World Press Freedom Day. Stoffel added that on May 6, MISA Botswana would also have something lined up.
“We have a national media day on May 6, we will be staring a march from Gaborone Secondary School (GSS) grounds to Limkokwing,” she said. Stoffel said that those who are keen to be part of the march should convene at GSS grounds. The march is also expected to take place at Maun and Francistown.
In addition, Stoffel said they would have Vice President Slumber Tsogwane as the guest speaker on the day.
“Tsogwane will also be accompanied by Minister of State President Kabo Morwaeng. Furthermore, Stoffel elucidated that MISA Botswana will also have Karaoke or dance for the newsrooms that would have registered. She further added that there would be a media talent show for the media houses.
