who we are
The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) was established in 1994 to protect and foster the right to freedom of expression and to oppose censorship. Its vision is a society where everyone enjoys freedom of expression and the right to access and disseminate information.
The FXI’s primary objectives are to fight for and defend freedom of expression; to oppose censorship; to fight for the right of equal access to information and knowledge; and to promote access to media and a free press. In taking on this broad public interest mandate, the FXI campaigns against any limitations imposed on these freedoms by the state, private sector or civil society through public pronouncements and litigation. It provides support, solidarity and unity of purpose among those who are subject to censorship. It educates the public about the dangers of censorship. It networks and engages in solidarity with groups opposing censorship locally and internationally. And it campaigns for the freedom and independence of all media.
Since inception, FXI has contributed extensively to advancing the right to freedom of expression; access to information and the right to protest.
The FXI is a voluntary, non-governmental organization (NPO registration number: 034887), which is managed by an Executive Committee, which meets at least four times annually. During the period under review
what we do
A significant part of the FXI’s work cannot be plotted on a year calendar; is often not anticipated at all; sometimes requires urgent attention; is often at the whim and fancy of deadlines set by public servants in the workings of open government or the courts; and/or necessitates a timeous response to media. This work, largely located in the FXI’s Law Clinic, encompasses:
- Walk-in and phone-in legal advice – this work has increased in relation to the FXI’s expansion of activities to rural and urban working-class localities;
- Legal interventions and legal support – As Amicus in court cases; as direct representatives (Litigants); or as Plaintiff’s against the State;
- Policy and legislative submissions – to Parliament; State or industry regulatory bodies; and/or statutory institutions; and
- Public interventions – media comment or opinion; conferences; seminars.
The rest of the work of the FXI is the developmental grounding that establishes it as a strategic public interest organisation defending and promoting the basket of freedom of expression rights extended to citizens of this country. This work involves:
- Comparative and qualitative research;
- Capacity building through training and materials development;
- Mainstreaming discourse through public dialogues;
- Citizen empowerment through movement building; and
- Nurturing public debate through critical analysis and information tools.
executive committee
And our staff
The Executive Committee’s responsibilities include developing policies for the organisation in line with the FXI’s Constitution. Certain powers are delegated to the Management Committee (Mancom), which consists of the Executive Committee's Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, the Executive Director, one additional Executive Committee member and a representative from FXI staff. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation and reports to the Executive Committee.
Executive Director
Law Clinic Attorney
Financial Consultant
primary objectives
The FXI’s primary objectives are to fight for and defend freedom of expression; to oppose censorship; to fight for the right of equal access to information and knowledge; and to promote access to media and a free press.
Campaigns
The FXI campaigns against any limitations imposed on these freedoms by the state, private sector or civil society through public pronouncements and litigation. It provides support, solidarity and unity of purpose among those who are subject to censorship. It educates the public about the dangers of censorship. It networks and engages in solidarity with groups opposing censorship locally and internationally. And it campaigns for the freedom and independence of all media.
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NPO
Since inception, FXI has contributed extensively to advancing the right to freedom of expression; access to information and the right to protest.
The FXI is a voluntary, non-governmental organization (NPO registration number: 034887)
The Freedom Of Expression Institute are proud members of AFEX (African Freedom Of Expression Exchange)
