Media yet to win battle for freedom

Access to information is one of the biggest challenges facing the media in Africa.

And although leaders in the continent often underscore the importance of freedom of information in development, only five countries in sub-Saharan Africa have passed laws allowing freedom of information.

The five are Uganda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Angola.

However, even in the countries where the Freedom of Information Act exists, the application of the law for the benefit of the public has remained difficult, according to Mukelani Dimba, the deputy chief executive officer of the South Africa-based Open Democracy Advice Centre.

Privacy Act

Zimbabwe’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act has almost been used to censor the press.

Ethiopia passed its laws, but used them to criminalise independent journalism.

Even South Africa, recognised as a model of implementation, according to Mr Dimba, has struggled in the implementation of the Act.

“Only 40 per cent of requests for information in South Africa are processed and attended. The rest are simply ignored,” he said in a statement.

The Kenya Freedom of Information Bill is yet to be debated in Parliament, despite numerous promises.