Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana chapter last week launched a sponsorship for the 30th World Press Freedom day celebrations
The day will be commemorated on May 3rd under the theme; “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.”
On the actual day, there will be a panel discussion at University of Botswana sponsored by Mascom to the tune of P50 000.
The panel discussion will be followed by the commemoration marked by speeches and a march along the streets of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun on May 06, sponsored by Lucara Diamond Botswana.
Addressing the media MISA Chairperson Thomas Nkhoma said that when him and his team assumed office three months ago, they found out that the organisation didn’t have an office and a secretariat.
He said they also got into an office which is struggling under a P280 000 debt hole which they are still struggling to get out of.
Representing the fund raising committee, Mmegi journalist, Sharon Mathala said that as they promised during the campaign, the board is in the process of resurrecting the organisation and bringing it back as a formidable force it once was by hosting commemorations like the World Press Freedom Day and by training of members.
“Our members from other regions have for a long time complained that press freedom day celebration is only held in Gaborone so this year we decided to roll it to Francistown and Maun. This is also a way of taking the organisation to the people. We are working with Botswana Editors Forum and Botswana Media and Allied Workers Union in preparation for these events. We are very grateful for our sponsors Mascom, Lucara, HATAB, Staybridge, Three Chiefs Motorcycle, KBL and UB,” said Mathala
