Location: State Library, Maseru, Lesotho
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho Chapter convened a significant forum on the 31st of May, 2024, at the State Library in Maseru, to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. This event, although held belatedly, was a crucial platform for deliberation on pivotal issues affecting the media landscape in Lesotho.
The following resolutions were duly adopted during this forum:
- Establishment of a Media Fund: It was resolved that a dedicated media fund should be instituted to support and sustain the operations of the media sector in Lesotho. To this end, a task force comprising six members was nominated. This task force is mandated to conduct thorough research on the feasibility of establishing this fund, including its potential structure, governance, and operational modalities. The findings and recommendations of this research are to be presented to the relevant stakeholders for further deliberation and action.
- Fostering unity within the media sector: Recognising the imperative need for unity and collective action within the media fraternity, it was resolved that efforts should be intensified to resuscitate the Editors’ Forum of Lesotho and the Journalists’ Association of Lesotho (JAL). These bodies are deemed essential for promoting solidarity, professional standards, and advocacy within the media sector. The forum underscored the importance of these organisations in safeguarding press freedom and enhancing the capacity of media practitioners.
- Identification of strategic partners: In a strategic move to bolster resource mobilisation efforts, the forum resolved that potential strategic partners should be identified and engaged. This initiative aims to build a broad coalition of stakeholders within Lesotho, including non-governmental, and private sector entities, to support the media sector. The objective is to secure sustainable resources and partnerships that will contribute to the resilience and growth of the media industry.
The forum reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the principles of press freedom, recognising the pivotal role of a free and independent media in the democratic and socio-economic development of Lesotho.
The resolutions adopted reflect a commitment to strengthening the media’s capacity to operate effectively and independently.
MISA Lesotho Chapter extends its gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing press freedom and media development in Lesotho.
