S5 E7: #Tech4Rights: The Information Disorder and Freedom of Expression in Lesotho

In conversation with Lekhetho Makhanya Ntsukunyane and Marystella Simiyu.

In 2022, The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria undertook a research and advocacy project that assessed the status of digital rights in Southern Africa. Guided by the report titled The Digital Rights Landscape in Southern Africa, the Centre embarked on a training and capacity-building workshop to enhance awareness and interest in digital rights among parliamentarians. This podcast series features various stakeholders who share their expertise on thematic areas covered during the training.

In this episode, Lekhetho Ntsukunyane and Marystella Simiyu discuss how freedom of expression is protected under the legal framework in Lesotho. Lekhetho explores the challenges faced by the Basotho people in exercising their freedom of expression.

Amidst these difficulties, information disorder is polluting the information ecosystem. Lekhetho expands on the prevalence of information disorder in Lesotho and recommends right-based approaches to curb information disorder in the country.

Lekhetho is a print journalist based in Maseru, Lesotho. He is currently the director at the Media Institute of Southern Africa – Lesotho Chapter (MISA Lesotho). He is a well-known investigative journalist, whose work has been published in South Africa with AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, Daily Maverick, among others. In Lesotho, he has worked as a senior reporter with weekly national newspapers including Lesotho Times, Public Eye and Sunday Express. In 2016, Lekhetho co-founded the MNN Center for Investigative Journalism, together with two other investigative journalists in Maseru.

Marystella Simiyu is a lawyer and a doctoral candidate at the University of Pretoria. She is also a Project Officer at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.

This conversation was recorded 20 July 2023.

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