Thandi Smith
@thandis.bsky.social
560 followers 630 following 16 posts
Head of Programmes at Media Monitoring Africa www.mma.org.za ll @mediamattersza Media, media freedom, digital rights, internet governance and freedom of expression.
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
thandis.bsky.social
Women’s Day 2025.
Today we commemorate the Women’s march in 1956. Today we continue to fight against GBV, for equality, for dignity.

“Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo!”
"you strike a woman, you strike a rock"
Reposted by Thandi Smith
mediamatterza.bsky.social
REAL 411🔎

Think before you share. 💭
Spot something false or harmful online? Report it on Real411 and help build a truth-driven society.

See more: real411.org
thandis.bsky.social
It’s been a busy first quarter of 2025 for us at MMA! Here are some of the latest highlights #media #mediafreedom #access #digitalrights
mediamatterza.bsky.social
March Wrapped is here!

👀 Have you seen our latest newsletter?
Bringing you key media activities , top highlights, and must-know updates we've engaged in!

Don’t miss out—catch up now! 📩
Read and subscribe: bit.ly/42zQj0L
thandis.bsky.social
There have been too many roadblocks and unconstitutional processes hindering the success of migration. But for now, those who need it, still have access! 💪😄
thandis.bsky.social
Analogue Switch Off suspended! Judgment today by the High Court.
“Each day without access to news, public service announcements and educational programing results in irreversible loss of knowledge, awareness and democratic participation”.
MMA statement: www.mediamonitoringafrica.org/analogue-swi...
ANALOGUE SWITCH OFF: – Media Monitoring Africa
www.mediamonitoringafrica.org
Reposted by Thandi Smith
mediamatterza.bsky.social
[RECAP] Human Rights Festival 2025✊

#HRF2025 was a powerful gathering of activists & communities, sparking vital conversations on justice, dignity & equality.
From panel discussion to impactful storytelling, we deepened our commitment to human rights.
Thank you to all who joined and took action!
Reposted by Thandi Smith
mediamatterza.bsky.social
PRESS STATEMENT🗞️

MMA expresses concern over the prevalent use of the term “child pornography” in news reports concerning the recent arrests of individuals found in possession of large quantities of what should more accurately be termed “child sexual abuse material” (CSAM).

Read: bit.ly/3FhEXWV
Reposted by Thandi Smith
mediamatterza.bsky.social
Something new is on the horizon... 🌟

Big changes are on the way! 🚀

MMA is evolving. Can you guess what’s coming?

Visit our page to see the our work and effort that we put into cultivating a responsible, high-quality media sector that defends human rights.

ow.ly/wwIP50VeF6K
thandis.bsky.social
We have some fantastic, credible news media in South Africa. We have brilliant investigative journalists as well. News media are not without their challenges, and don’t always get it right, but to say there is no such thing as SA journalism is not accurate.
Reposted by Thandi Smith
gijn.org
The 2024 elections marked a seismic year for democracies worldwide, presenting investigative journalists with unique challenges and opportunities.

Join us for our LAST webinar of the year for some lessons learned: https://twp.ai/1L7c57
thandis.bsky.social
It’s a breath of fresh air, let’s hope it stays that way! I’m cautiously optimistic….
thandis.bsky.social
Looking forward to participating in this webinar, unpacking media, journalism, disinformation, and elections!
gijn.org
In this GIJN webinar, 3 senior reporters based in countries that have faced key elections during 2024 will discuss innovative techniques, cross-border collaborations, and the critical importance of investigative journalism.

Register now: https://twp.ai/1Hx4F4
thandis.bsky.social
Reading multiple books at the same time is a necessity! Different books for different moods 😅
thandis.bsky.social
Which isn’t a bad thing at all! A more positive angle..
thandis.bsky.social
Many #SouthAfrican news media aren’t on @bsky.app yet… too reliant on existing platforms? Lost opportunity to build new audience? Keen to hear other insights.
thandis.bsky.social
“Without facts, you can’t have truth, and without truth, you can’t have trust”. - Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize
thandis.bsky.social
Our online environment definitely mirrors our offline environment, I just think that our online environment is so very manipulated and fabricated, not only from corporate intent, but political too, and levels of digital literacy are no where close to where they should be..
thandis.bsky.social
Good point, although one could argue the concept of “natural echo chambers” vs “manufactured echo chambers” - it changes the meaning when you look at intent. Just a thought :)
thandis.bsky.social
It does seem far less chaotic at the moment… I suppose only time will tell! Curious about ownership and content moderation etc, but enjoying it so far!
thandis.bsky.social
I’ve noticed that, the somewhat unofficial verification… I’m very interested in the concept of the decentralized server (trying to understand more, as a non-tech expert!)
thandis.bsky.social
New user here…
How has your @bsky.app experience been so far? What makes it different from others - X or Threads for example?