By Matṧeliso Phulane
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has noted with concern that almost all the media reforms that were proposed by the now-defund National Reforms Authority (NRA) in the Omnibus Bill of 2022 (11th Amendment to the constitution), have been expunged by the National Assembly.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday this week, the chairperson of MISA-Lesotho, Nkoale Oetsi Tṧoana accused parliament of attempting to deny journalists an opportunity to access and impart information now that the election time is on the horizon.
Tṧoana further expressed his disappointment with parliament for undermining the decisions made by the nation.
“The Bill was passed with removal of sections on access and imparting of information, freedom of artistic expression and creativity, academic freedom of scientific research as well the media ombudsman.
“Instead, they only left the part that establishes a media council. However, we have already submitted our concerns in writing, to the Christian Council of Lesotho, SADC and Retired Deputy Justice Dikgang Moseneke,” he said.
He added that MISA is planning to lobby the Senate to withhold the Bill until the next parliament, and called on journalists to stand up against the National Assembly’s unilateral decision which has a potential to unleash instability in the country.
