The Non-governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council has noted with concern the drastic decision by the Independent Broadcasting Authority to suspend the operating license of Prime Television in public interest.
NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale said the decision without doubt negates the fundamental rights of press freedom and freedom of expression that are guaranteed and provided for in the Republican Constitution.
Mrs Mwale said the role of a free and independent press cannot be overemphasized in a young democracy like ours. An independent and free press is critical in nurturing the growth of a democratic State as citizens depend on the unhindered flow of information to make informed decisions.
She said there is no doubt that Zambians were and are dependent on Prime Television and other media organizations for information.
Mrs Mwale said the underlying principle is that media diversity and pluralism is an important ingredient in any given democracy.
She has since appealed to the Independent Broadcasting Authority to immediately rescind their decision and reinstate Prime television.
“As a women’s movement, we regard the media as a critical player in the governance of the country which can negatively be affected by any efforts to muzzle the press. We appeal to the Minister of Information, Hon. Dora Siliya, to preside over this matter and reconsider the decision of the IBA. It is in the interest of the Government to protect its reputation against accusations of being authoritative against independent media”, she added.
“In conclusion, we reiterate the words of the late Nelson Mandela, that “A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference”, Mrs Mwale said.
Does it mean the NGOCC are there to support the wrong? Why didn’t they counsel Prime TV …. before ir was too late?
Dictatorship is a product of a failed leadership that resorts to covering up its inefficiency thru use of threats and muzzle the rights of its citizenry.
It’s a fact that Edgar Lungu’s government has extremely disappointed and derailed the Zambian people.
Life is extremely difficult in Zambia under President Lungu. This gentleman has seriously disappointed the majority of us. We thought Edgar Lungu would bring a fortune to the Zambians for prosperity.
We now have enough misery under PF regime. Come 2021 we want change of government.
NGOCC was quite when the rights of women youth and disabled to be represented in Parliament through Bill 10.
I wonder whether NGOCC is democratic because Engwase Mwale has always been the Executive Director for Life. She was also against the Bill of Rights who caused the Referendum to fail. Just change the name to Opposition NGOCC (ONGOCC)
These wamuyayaya organisations should have counselled Shawa when he refused to assist in the covid-19 fight, they should have been heard when women were beaten by upnd cadres at hh’s house, and they should advocate for professionalism in journalism and condemn FAKE NEWS. Engwase can’t talk of democracy when she has never given chance to younger women to run NGOCC.
@Inyee
You keep on “iyeering” with that Bemba cry! Tell us what wrong Prime TV did. We are fed up of hearing PFCadres echoing anything that PF says even if it doesn’t make sense.
You maza fakas are the ones that have brought misery to our country.
This is our country also. Prime TV is a private Business so why should Dora (Open pit anything goes) interfere in a private business.
We are fed up of you monkeys and we shall deal with you ruthlessly. Idyot.
@Chilyata can we be civilized by allowing people’s opinions. Why should you opt to insult your colleagues just because he/she has something which you as an individual has opposed?
2021 is around the corner and don’t think what you are thinking that even the majority of Zambians are also thinking what you are thinking. Covid-19 is a global pandemic and I don’t think what Prime tv did was a right thing, because I have seen even the opposition have come on board to fight the pandemic, which is is a right thing they have done, everyone including all the radio stations either private or public broadcasts should join the fight. All in all please respect the views of your colleagues.
It seems in our country we have organisations that either fail to comprehend simple processes or are just paid corrupt organisations funded by opposition. I say this because I can’t understand how an entire organisation can fail to understand that the only way prime TV can try and get reinstated is via an appeal to the rightful authorities. This is not your fathers village where we reinstate just because you said so . Who are you
For inflation to reach this negative historic figure, reserves completely depleted, meali meal prices RECORD HIGH, exchange rate of the kwacha to the dollar in free reign, second worst performing currency in the world, let me repeat this IN THE WORLD, and for the country to run completely out of money due to reckless borrowing(clear visionless lack of planning) and for the majority of the people wallowing in poverty, it is clear that it is having a guy like this one called Kaizar being near the corridors of power, You bring the country to its knees and you are still stubborn – satana
The Bishop from the Roman Catholic church was very clear, “if we are not in a dictatorship, then we very are nearly there”
Just look at the impunity expressed by this cl0wn N.3z aka fake K@!zar, who’s striving on a daily basis to be like his hero “the real Brute K@!zar”.
The “Newt” states & I quote in relation to those seeking for Prime T.V to be reinstated, “this is not your fathers village, where we reinstate, just because you say so”
Can anyone with an ounce of reasoning see the folly & double standards here? This from a G00n who fashions himself on the real G00n Kaizer & has been all over L.T asking for forgiveness for the numerous law violations /assaults, arson, kidnappings, unlawfully destroying of citizens property, & still N.3z, K@!zar & P.F ask for forgiveness, & wont even attend court when indicted.
WHEN WE TELL YOU PF ALWAYS SAY ONE THING, BUT DO THE OPPOSITE, YOU BETTER BELIEVE!…
cont;
YOU BETTER BELIEVE, & all these lies from a Criminal government that will profess “WE ARE A CHRISTIAN NATION” but see it difficult to forgive others (Prime T.V) obviously unless it is P.F criminals in the wrong r@p!ng, pillaging the treasury & P.f. officials -(K@!zar) maiming others, then forgiveness should happen!
ONLY IN THE UB0MBA MW!B@LA KLEPTOCRACY!!!
L.T “DONCHI” remove my comment!
Sorry Mothers, this is the country with rules and regulations!! Prime TV is no exception.. if there’s is kafwafwa in this country it’s you very mothers and children who’ll suffer the most..
The PF’s “(In)Dependent” Broadcasting Authority didn’t follow their own laid down procedure and processes for cancelling the license, and we all know that the chief instigator of all this is the same minister the useless appeal will be taken to, so why should they follow your so-called procedure?? Prime TV is standing on firm ground, they should skip the appeal process and go straight to court and obtain an injunction…
‘Where there was no vision people perished’ says the Bible. Listen carefully, the Bible says ‘no vision’ not ‘no leader’. This means a leader does not matter most but a vision. Therefore, our state institutions need directors/ministers who have constructive vision for Zambia’s growing children. Because of the absence of vision I am sure CK is regretting championing the closure of The Post News. Mum D & IBA reflect on your decision about Prime Television’s Operating License.
Maybe Prime TV was wrong, but is it a priority for our policy makers compared to rescuing the dying economy and fighting COVID-19?