In their petition delivered after a march through the streets of the capital Mbabane, the organisations demanded that every citizen of Swaziland be allowed equal access to the three state media organisations; the Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services, Swazi TV and the Swazi Observer newspaper.

They said the current ban imposed on progressive formations to access these state-controlled media is unacceptable and violates the constitution which guarantees freedom of expression.

The organisations further called upon government to ensure that the independence of the state-controlled media houses is guaranteed. They also demanded the return of two popular radio programmes in which members of the public were allowed to air their views on issues. The phone-in programmes were taken off air after some members of the public raised issues which did not go down well with authorities.

MISA National Director, Comfort Mabuza went on air recently protesting the scrapping of the popular phone-in programmes and requested their reinstatement. He also appealed for equal access to state media by all citizens of Swaziland.

Source: MISA Swaziland

back