Media laws at Botswana

14 Apr 2025 --
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Botswana's media laws are governed by a combination of constitutional protections, statutory regulations, and self-regulatory codes. Here's an overview of the key legal frameworks and recent developments:

Constitutional Protections

Article 12 of Botswana's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and the right to receive and impart informatio However, this right is subject to limitations related to national security, public order, and public moralit.

📜 Key Legislation

1. **Communications Regulatory Authority Act (2012)*

This Act established the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), which oversees the regulation of broadcasting, telecommunications, postal services, and related sectos BOCRA is responsible for licensing broadcasters, ensuring compliance with content standards, and promoting local contet

2. **Broadcasting Regulations*

Under the CRA Act, BOCRA has issued regulations governing broadcasting activities, including requirements for local content, licensing procedures, and compliance monitorig.

3. **Electronic Records (Evidence) Act (2014)*

This Act addresses the admissibility of electronic records in legal proceedings, providing a framework for the use of digital evidence in Botswana's cours.

4. **Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (2014)*

This Act facilitates electronic commerce and communications by providing legal recognition to electronic signatures and regulating secure digital transactios.

📰 Self-Regulation and Ethical Standars

Botswana's media industry adheres to a code of ethics developed by the Botswana Press Council, which outlines principles suchas:

Avoiding undue pressure or influence in reporing

Ensuring content serves the public inteest

Maintaining editorial independnce

Protecting sources and respecting priacy

Avoiding hate speech and discriminaion

Refraining from publishing material that could compromise national secuity

These ethical guidelines aim to uphold journalistic integrity and public trst.

⚖️ Recent Developments

Media Practitioners’ Association Bill (2022

In September 2022, Botswana's Parliament passed the Media Practitioners’ Association Bill, which seeks to establish a statutory Media Board responsible for regulating journalists' conduct, maintaining a register of media professionals, and overseeing ethical standad Critics argue that the Bill grants excessive regulatory powers and may infringe upon media independece.

BOCRA regulates both public and private broadcasters in Botswana, including radio stations like Yarona FM, Duma FM, and Gabz FM, as well as eBotswana televiin.Broadcasters are required to promote local music and content, with specific quotas outlined in their liceses