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To: IFEX Auto List (other news of interest)
From: Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), [email protected]

Weekly Diary

Either Peace and Reconciliation or Freedom of Expression

The dispute between the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the management of
KwaMuhle Museum in Durban over an exhibition, open another important debate
in
South Africa that of whether to sacrifice freedom of expression for
reconciliation and peace.

According to the Mail and Guardian the IFP argues that the exhibition titled
Amasinyora and Comrades, maliciously and libellously links the IFP to
political
violence in KwaZulu Natal. The IFP added that the exhibition was not in the
interest of peace and reconciliation. The IFP is therefore calling for the
withdrawal of the exhibition on those grounds.

While the distortion of historical facts for political gains is totally an
unacceptable practice, the IFP should however note that it is only the truth
that promotes peace and reconciliation. Refusing to represent historical
facts
either artistically or otherwise or refusal to debate history is in itself a
perpetuation of violence and hatred.

Zimbabwean situation continues to deteriorate

In Zimbabwe the situation around press freedom continues to deteriorate with
the
parliament passing the controversial Access to Information and Privacy Bill.

Critics say the Bill will prevent ownership of media by non- Zimbabweans.
Foreign journalists will have to be accredited in order to enter and report
from
Zimbabwe. Local journalists will also have to be registered, licensed and
get
certified by the Ministry of Information and State Publicity.

The Bill has been seen as another way by President Robert Mugabe's regime to
repress the private and foreign press that has been highly critical on his
government.

For more information please contact:
Scotch Tagwireyi
Information and Communications Officer
Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI)
Tel: +27 11 403 8403
Fax: +27 11 403 8309
Cell: 27 82 8210756