Government says it has received the news about the death of veteran broadcaster MATTEO PHIRI, Radio Director 5Fm, with shock and sorrow.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Chishimba Kambwili says the death of Mr Phiri has robbed the nation of one of its rare talents in the broadcasting industry.
Mr. Kambwili says the Mr Phiri served the nation with passion, patriotism and professionalism in a broadcasting career spanning over forty years.
Mr. Kambwili who is also Chief Government spokesperson noted that the Mr. PHIRI is an example of a success of Government’s Liberalisation of airwaves in which citizens are free to set up Radio and Television stations.
He says Mr Phiri’s great sense of humour will be greatly missed.
Mr. Kambwili has on behalf of Government, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
This is according to a statement availed to ZNBC news in Lusaka.
And the Zambian Editors’s Network -ZEN- has described the death of veteran broadcaster and proprietor of 5 FM Radio Station in Lusaka, Mateo Phiri as a great loss to the journalism fraternity.
5FM Administrative Assistant Febby Mvula, told ZNBC News in telephone interview in Lusaka that Mr. Phiri died on Wednesday at the age of 70.
The funeral of the deceased is being held at his home in Chalala area.
Burial arrangements will be announced.
Mr. Phiri who once worked for ZNBC in Lusaka, leaves a wife and three children.
Did the P.F liberate the air-waves I wonder? In any case, what does Kashimba Chimbwili know about Matty P?
I am really shocked with the News of Mateyo Phiri’s passing on. He was a real Journalism Professional. Good sense of Duty and Humour “Don’t argue you were not there…” . I have been planning to meet Him and compare Notes as we reminisce where we have traversed. He was amiable, a gentleman, a dependable and innovative ally. He was one of the Best in His Career.
This is a great LOSS to the Nation and the young Generation. He covered us a lot in the News with Late President Michael Sata when we were MPs in 1983 and later on as District Governors for Ndola and Lusaka and as Ministers of State in President Kaunda’s Government.
Condolences to the Family and 5 FM Radio
MHSRIP
Ambassador Godfrey Simasiku
Condolences to the family of this great son of Africa, l still remember him many years agowhen I was still a young boy and listener to the programmes on the then zbs, general service he was a great voice on the world of radio entertainment that I could not afford to miss. Such catch phrases during his progams presentations”MAMAS AND PAPPAS ROCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS MATTY P IS HERE”, “DON’T ARGUE YOU WERE NOT THERE”. His voice of humour will be greatly missed. MHSRP
“Better to be last in a traffic jam than first in a funeral procession”. Mati P sure…..chaipa mwe! Nulila……
many talent ,and be loved people ,like dr manda , now mr phiri ……..
Just maybe a photograph of Matty P would have been more appropriate than that of Kashimba Chimbwili although I must confess, this is one of his less frightening photos
Should it not be Mr. Phiri’s face on thge story? Good old Matty… Nazi nkhani, ozimwaza ni awisi Natasha… So, Joseph Sausage Kabwe….
Rest In Peace Matty P, we shall indeed miss your humor and professionalism. Kuluiwisha mukazi sitilesa, manje kaluiwisidwe…..! My condolences to Mrs Phiri, Joe Phiri, James Phiri and Natasha Phiri.
Go well Mighty SWING KING.