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John Nyashanu, SABC Harare

At least 13 journalists were killed last year in Africa while on duty says the Federation for African Journalists – who is now appealing to the African Union to help provide conducive working environments for media practitioners on the continent.

The federation is holding its second congress in Harare to deliberate on various issues affecting journalists and to elect a new leadership. Scores of journalists have perished in the line of duty and political intervention may now be the solution, say the journalists.

Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, Foster Dongozi says: "We essentially have one daily newspaper whose contents can also be mirrored in the state broadcaster, so really from a democratic perspective or point of view that is not very healthy; and women are looked down upon, even in better developed societies of Africa. The 70% to 30% ratio against them in South Africa has triggered an outcry."

Media Workers Association of South Africa, Lungile Lushozi says: "Women take a back seat most of the time because they are not given opportunities; if they are they are not given opportunities that allow them to be part of decision making."

It is generally accepted that in a democratic society, the media is the fourth estate after the executive, judiciary and legislature. But in Africa the job is proving to be no walk in the park.