Our 2024 annual report on the State of Free Expression in South Africa highlights the need for vigilance in the face of a range of growing threats. Although South Africans celebrate a high level of free expression, this research shows an accumulating range of threats from many different quarters.

In June 2024, over 100 members of civil society, the media and others took part in a Freedom of Expression Summit in Botswana, convened by the Campaign for Free Expression. Here we present the research paper on the state of free expression in Botswana, compiled for the gathering by Dr Allen Munoriyarwa; a record of proceedings; and the Free Expression Declaration adopted by
attendees.

Despite its constitution, freedom of Expression in Eswatini remains an illusory fiction. This was made clear by the harsh and unjust sentencing of two former MPs for treason and murder, making clear the King’s intolerance for any dissent. This was one of a number of acts of censorship, some direct and some indirect, that has led to a climate of fear and self-censorship.

Botswana has published a far-reaching Draft Freedom of Information Bill. We took a close look at how it matches up to international standards.