"The year 2021 was a mixed bag for freedom of expression in Southern Africa, with the freedom of expression environment improving in some countries, stagnant in others, while others recorded declines. Malawi led the way with the adoption of its access to information legislation, while Lesotho adopted its long-awaited media policy. In Tanzania, the assumption of the presidency by Samia Sulu Hassan, raised hope for improved relations between the media and the government following a sharp deterioration during the late John Magufuli’s tenure. A change of government in Zambia also brought optimism that the media environment would improve in that country. Despite these improvements, there is need for MISA to remain vigilant, as the media environment in Southern Africa can be very unpredictable and vulnerable to shock developments. The COVID-19 pandemic provided ample illustration on how vulnerable the rights to freedom of the media and freedom of expression are in the region as a number of countries enacted legislation that infringed on these rights." (Page 4)