Access to Information Bill expected in winter parliament

The Bill on Access to Information will be published soon in the Government Gazette, Assistant Minister of State President, Boitumelo Gofhamodimo, has assured the media.

Her announcement was made at the Gaborone Golf Club, where the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter had organised a Golf Day.

“I am happy to inform this important gathering that next month, the long-awaited Access to Information Bill will be published in the Government Gazette, with intention to put it through the winter parliament,” Gofhamodimo said.

With the repeal of the Media Practitioners Act (MPA) of 2008, the government had taken many steps to improve the state of media in Botswana. The MPA was perceived in many quarters as too restrictive and overly controlling. In its place, the government enacted the Media Practitioners Association Act of 2022.

The new Act is seen as a positive step forward in ensuring a free and independent media in Botswana. Gofhamodimo highlighted that the enactment of the Access to Information Bill is another important step the government is taking to promote transparency and accountability. The long-awaited development will help ensure that critical information is accessible to the public. This will allow for a more informed and engaged society, which is crucial for a healthy democracy. MISA Botswana hosted a golf day to raise funds for the upcoming World Press Freedom Day celebration in May. World Press Freedom Day is an important occasion that highlights the importance of a free and independent press. It also raises awareness about the challenges faced by journalists around the world.