Government has said it attaches great importance to the role of the media in national development.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka on Monday during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, Acting Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya said government appreciates that the media is the loudest whistle blowers on issues of national development.
She said government would always engage the media as ‘social partners’ in arriving at solutions to issues that may create insecurity among journalists.
Ms. Siliya said government wants to see the media develop into a vibrant and effective player in national development.
She advised the media to work together with the government to arrive at a common goal to enhance development.
Press Freedom Committee of the Post, Secretary General, Sheikh Chifuwe said the media in the country is still operating under restrictive laws which need to be repealed to enhance the flow of information to tax payers.
He said journalists have continued to be harassed by known people without the perpetrators being brought to book.
Mr. Chifuwe said the Zambian government can not afford to be among the countries of the world that suppress the media through regulation.
He noted that Zambia could do better with regards to media freedom.
Post newspaper News Editor Chansa Kabwela was during the occasion named as this year most courageous Journalist of year and ‘Press Freedom’ award winner.
Meanwhile U.S Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Michael Koplovsky has called on the Zambian Government to cement its reputation as a leader in Africa by passing freedom of information legislation.
Mr. Koplovsky said evidence show that a free press and a society empowered with freedom of information laws could crush corruption out of society.
He said countries that reject corruption attract investment to create jobs and to up lift citizens out of poverty.
Mr. Koplovsky said the free flow of information holds governments accountable, contributes to well-functioning markets, improves education, and enables citizens to make informed decisions about their health and welfare.
He, however, expresses concern that the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom day “Access to Information Right to know”, reinforces the popular myth that freedom of information is primarily a media issue.
Mr. Koplovsky added that it is his hope that the press around the world would seize this day to inform every citizen of their stake in safeguarding freedom of information by ensuring enactment of right legislation.
[ QFM ]
Siliya in the lime light again.. you are tough mama…:o:o:o;;);))
Who appoints a minister to act in absence of the minister? And what guidelines are there to be followed?? Someone enlighten me please!!!
The post may have its faults, but you can’t deny this award given to Chansa. On the other hand, baSiliya abo approving the media as the “loudest whistle blowers on issues of national development.” So, she approves of the media being there to root out corruption? If so, the govt needs to heed baKoplovsky and protect their reputation – which is currently drowning in the you-know-where.
I thought she was the Minister of Education. How many posts does she have? Is she the only worker in MMD?
Oh and we forgot to add she is also MMD spokesperson. I just hope she is giving her full attention to duties as Minister of Education. That is one of the most important jobs in the country and needs one’s undivided attention. All the children in Zambia depend on it.
Dora seems to enjoy a ‘special’ liking by the President… Check: whenever the President has something special to be attended to – or needs company of an entourage, she s certain to be among the team… Maybe she’s a hard worker! Even over the Tribunal, she had very special backing!
And I have observed that whenever the President has an official trip in or outside the country, Dora is most certain to accompany him, and most of those times, the first lady would not be in the entourage