MALAWI

MISA-Malawi distances itself from MOU with government

[Gregory Gondwe] The Malawi chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Malawi) has disassociated itself from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) purportedly signed by government and some media representatives. Government on Saturday, 12 February 2011, signed the document with members of the Malawi media after the recent stand-off that was prompted by a newly passed repressive media law. Read more >>

EGYPT

Lara Logan of CBS News attacked in Egypt

NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by news that CBS correspondent and CPJ board member Lara Logan was sexually assaulted and beaten in Cairo on Friday, 11 February 2011, while covering rallies marking the resignation of Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. Read more >>

AFRICA

Attacks on the Press 2010: Africa analysis

[Mohamed Keita] Across the continent, the emergence of in-depth reporting and the absence of effective access-to-information laws have set a collision course in which public officials, intent on shielding their activities, are moving aggressively to unmask confidential sources, criminalise the possession of government documents, and retaliate against probing journalists. Read more >>

NAMIBIA

Namibia gearing for affordable broadband access

The recent landing of the West Africa Cable System (WACS) in Namibia has provided the first direct connection for the country to the global submarine cable network. MTN Business, a subsidiary of the MTN Group, which is a major investor in WACS, looks forward to the completion of the cable which will result in the acceleration of affordable broadband capacity. Read more >>

WEST AFRICA

Million dollar ICT project set for West African universities

PARIS: The director-general of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has signed an agreement to launch a US$12 million project to boost the information and communication technology capacity of West African universities, by creating a regional virtual library network. Read more >>

EAST AFRICA

East Africa: Media workshop to focus on China, India and Europe

[Carole Kimutai] The Inter-region Economic Network (IREN) has announced the ninth Eastern Africa media training workshop scheduled for 9-12 March 2011. The training will bring together journalists from the region to brainstorm with leaders from China, India and Europe under the theme: 'Is Eastern Africa ready for China, India and Europe?' Read more >>

MALAWI

Malawi media sign MOU with government

[Gregory Gondwe] Government officials on Saturday, 12 February 2011 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Malawi media after the recent stand-off that was prompted by a newly passed repressive media law. The signing ceremony, which took place in the boardroom of the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA), was initiated by government which deemed it important to call for a meeting with the media to iron out the misunderstandings. Read more >>

EGYPT

Egypt textile workers suspend strike

CAIRO: Workers at Egypt's largest factory have suspended a strike in support of the revolt that toppled strongman Hosni Mubarak but will continue to press for higher wages, they told AFP on Sunday (13 February 2011). Read more >>

NAMIBIA

Scooters opens in Windhoek

JOHANNESBURG: Scooters Pizza has opened a store in Windhoek, Namibia - its first foray out of South African borders. According to CEO of Taste Holdings Food Division, Christo Calitz, Namibia's economy has steadily grown since independence from South Africa in 1990, and Windhoek's burgeoning new market provides a perfect base for Scooters Pizza to expand and increase its market share, in line with the brand's expansion goals. Read more >>

AFRICA

DISCOP Accra records high attendance

LOS ANGELES / PARIS: DISCOP Accra, which concluded last week in Ghana, attracted the largest attendance of any DISCOP event to take place in Africa to date, with 439 participants, according to the organisation. Read more >>

SINGAPORE

Global mobile user survey released

SINGAPORE: Despite mobile device functionality becoming ever more sophisticated, research, released this week by mobile media company BuzzCity, shows that mobiles are actually sustaining, not replacing, consumer demand for PCs. Read more >>

UNITED KINGDOM

James Murdoch joins Sir Martin Sorrell on stage at Cannes

LONDON, UK: The organisers of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity have confirmed that James Murdoch, chairman and chief executive, Europe and Asia, News Corporation, will be joining Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of WPP, in conversation at the 58th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on 24 June 2011. Read more >>

SOUTH AFRICA

Swindled tourist to 'de-campaign' Zambia in Milan

An Italian tourist who alleges he was swindled out of US$6500 in Zambia says he will 'de-campaign' Zambia at an international tourism exhibition in Italy this week. Read more >>

IRELAND

Etihad opens new premium lounge in Dublin

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has officially opened its new premium lounge at Dublin Airport's Terminal 2 (T2). Etihad became the first airline to operate its scheduled arrival and departure services from T2 in late November 2010. Read more >>

SOUTH AFRICA

Madagascar - mora mora style

[Simcha Van Bel] If you dream of secluded white sandy beaches with overhanging palm trees and crystal clear warm waters, then Madagascar is the place where your dreams will come true. We always dreamt of visiting this island and finally the day came. Read more >>

SOUTH AFRICA

Do feed the animals

[Denver Keytle] Whether you're a fan or not, Zebra & Giraffe never disappoint, as everyone who attended their Kirstenbosch open-air concert found out. Read more >>

SOUTH AFRICA

Rob van Vuuren, Unplugged and Unhinged

[Jordan Scott] Unplugged and Unhinged is Rob van Vuuren's way of developing his one-man stand-up show. It basically makes the audience the directors, which is a new experience for any seasoned show-goer. Read more >>