PRESS FREEDOM DAY MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MASISI

His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi would like to convey his heartfelt message of support and goodwill to the media on the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day.

His Excellency wishes to assure the media of his Government’s commitment to repeal the Media Practitioners Act and allow for self regulation by the media. The Government also remains committed to promulgating the Freedom of Information Act and promises that it will be brought before Parliament soon.

His Excellency emphasised that his Government values the media as an important stakeholder in our democracy. This is demonstrated by among other things the inclusion of the media in the Essential Services category during the State of Public Emergency. The recent appointment of the Press Secretary to the President is another demonstration of the commitment of the President to embrace the media as part of our democracy.

The latest World Press Index ranks Botswana at number 39 out of 180 countries and it is the aim of the Government to create a free and safe environment for the media to operate at all times.

Happy World Press Freedom Day.

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