By Lwazi Dlamini
Eswatini has made great strides, shooting up 26 places to be ranked 85 in the World Press Freedom Index.
The country has moved from position 111 to 85 with a global score of 58.31 in 2024, according to the World Press Freedom Index, conducted by Reporters Without Borders.
This was revealed by the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Savannah Maziya during a press briefing at the Ministry’s offices on Wednesday.
“It is a great honour to be celebrating this momentous milestone in our journey towards nurturing a free and independent press in Eswatini.
I am elated to share the remarkable news of our country’s leap in the World Press Freedom Index, conducted by Reporters Without Borders.
As most of you here are aware, Eswatini has advanced from position 111 to 85, that’s 26 slots up, with a global score of 58.31 in 2024, a rise from 52.66 in 2023.
This significant progress is a testament to Government’s efforts to create an environment that promotes and protects press freedom,” she said.
The Minister added: “In the words of Aung San Suu, “The independent press is the guardian of public interest.
” Today, we would like to express our profound appreciation to the media and acknowledge the critical role it plays towards holding us accountable as we serve emaSwati. Media freedom is a fundamental cornerstone towards the stimulation of innovation, socio-economic development, good governance and the building of public trust.
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Media freedom ensures that we as the Government are transparent and accountable to the nation, shaping public discourse, and serving the interest of the public,”
The Minister said the significant rise in world media ratings reaffirms the stance as the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology to pursue endeavors that support and promote a credible and independent press.
“We believe that the developments witnessed within the Media sector in creating an independent regulatory body, that will oversee media practices, ensuring that the media operates freely from governmental authority is a step in the right direction.
Such a move will enforce adherence to ethical standards and protect the editorial freedom of media houses. We further pledge our unwavering support to the professional growth of journalists in Eswatini.
We shall continue providing training on ethical reporting, so that our journalists are accurate and credible in their reporting, as we thrive towards creating a robust media industry that is internationally reputable,” she added.
The Minister further stated that as a Ministry they encouraged media pluralism, diversity, and editorial independence, fostering a vibrant discourse essential in having diversified and multiple voices from all societal groups.
She said the enactment of the Broadcasting Act, 2023, is evidence towards fostering an enabling environment for a free, independent, and responsible media.
She said they would want the Media to be their partners in serving the nation.
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“This is why it is so important that all media is supported, so it can thrive and be sustainable. Even when we do not agree, we should always work for the people of Eswatini’s best interest and not special interests. In closing, I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom.
We will continue to support initiatives that promote transparency, protect journalists, and foster a media environment where all voices can be heard.
Together, we can build a more informed, engaged, and democratic society,” she concluded.
Thank you, and I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to enhance press freedom in Eswatini.
