Would you accept sweets instead of change after a round of shopping? I certainly would not and I'd like to think most people would think the very idea preposterous, but these are the circumstances that Zimbabweans must endure as retailers in the recovering country refuse to take coins from banks. Retailers are not willing to accept the South African rand coins at the official exchange rate from banks and are essentially holding the economy and consumers to ransom. Hopefully finance minister, Tendai Biti finds a solution to this tedious problem that's holding the country back from making essential progress.

Late last week WAN-IFRA announced Dawit Isaak, founder of Eritrea's first independent newspaper, awardee of the 2011 Golden Pen of Freedom. It is saddening to note that Isaak has been imprisoned in Eritrea since 2001 for nine years without being formally charged and without trial; his whereabouts are unknown. Eritrea is the lowest ranked country in the world for press freedom and the biggest jailer of journalists. Wherever you are on the continent, spare a thought for Isaak, and those still striving ahead with journalistic integrity under repressive regimes. Wherever you are, you're better off than those working in the media in Eritrea.

Long live the free press...


Cheers, Sindy Peters, Africa editor
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