Press Release

This is a positive step forward as we continue with the process of seeking a lasting and decisive solution to the nation’s crisis. The agreement must be viewed not as an end in itself but more of as a means to the ultimate objective of attaining a truly democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe.

As a freedom of expression and media freedom advocacy organization MISA finds the cartoon very much within the confines of media freedom. MISA is of the view that as long as any form of satire does not represent its statements as fact, they should be used to express the concern.

17 August 2008, Johannesburg; Gender activists across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) commend Heads of State for their adoption of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development at the SADC Summit which closed today. Celebrating the climax of a campaign launched in 2005, the Southern Africa Protocol Alliance applauds leaders’ for finally adopting this instrument after three years of negotiations.

The third Gender and Media (GEM) summit ended in Johannesburg today with a call for the adoption of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development that includes strong provisions for achieving gender balance and sensitivity in the media.

We, civil society organizations acting on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, today reassert our commitment to the struggle for a transition to democracy. In doing so, we stand firmly by the principles of democratic constitutionalism that are embodied in the People’s Charter, which represent the birthright of every Zimbabwean. 

The Southern African Legal Assistance Network (SALAN) welcomes the stance taken by the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s call for the postponement of the Zimbabwean Presidential run-off elections scheduled for Friday 27th June 2008, which have been characterized by widespread violence, forcing MDC Presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai to announce his withdrawal from the race.

Southern African gender activists have called on their leaders and the international community to “act decisively” in ending the Zimbabwean crisis which threatens all peace loving citizens, especially women and children.