Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has been honoured by Makanday, a Centre for Investigative Journalism and an independent, non-profit media for her steadfastness in championing investigative journalism and press freedom in Zambia.
Makanday Board Chairman, Ackson Kanduza presented the prestigious medal award to the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu who received the award on behalf of the Vice President.
She heartily welcomed and commended Makanday for the award.
Mrs Nalumango says a vibrant media is the lifeblood of democracy to provide the citizens with accurate information and empower them to make informed decisions, particularly as the nation undergoes economic transformation and prepares to hold the 2026 general elections.
She says the government remains steadfast in safeguarding press freedom in ensuring that journalists work without intimidation, censorship and undue influence.
Mrs Nalumango reaffirmed government’s dedication to build a free and independent press and that it remains fully committed to promoting investigative journalism in Zambia.
She said the enactment of the Access to Information Law must be used by journalists carefully without scandalizing innocent individuals, corporate bodies as well as the State.
The Veep said this in Lusaka last evening during the 4th Makanday media awards.
This was in a speech ready for her by Water and Sanitation Minister Collins Nzovu.
Mrs Nalumango said the ATI Bill would ensure that investigative journalists have a credible basis for launching investigation cases.
“Journalists in the country will first access factual information and based on it, launch investigations into what appears suspicious.
This means they will not publish falsehoods or scandalise innocent people, public officials or public institutions, because the ATB is at their disposal,” she added.
She commended Makanday for its commitment to promote excellence in investigative journalism.
The Veep also presented medals to the three deserving recipients.
On awards, she acknowledged that they are outstanding and serve in nurturing culture, accountability, transparency, and truth-seeking values in line with the country’s democracy.
She reminded media personnel in the country that investigative journalism is not only about individual’s achievement but helps shape a transparent, accountable, and just Zambia.
Sandra Kunda from Catholic Media Network, a Catholic Radio Station scooped the first prize and won a laptop while Zambia Daily Mail’s Banda Mazombwe and Clara Chisenga of Radio Chengelo got the second and third prizes respectively.
The duo got 100 percent full sponsorship for a disclosed period of time from Makanday management.
And Makanday board Chairman Ackson Kundaza commended the government for enacting the Access to Information law.
Professor Kundaza challenged journalists to be dedicated to duty and service.
He said the freedom of expression is not just for Journalists alone but it should build consensus and benefit the people at large.
He called for ethics and professionalism among journalists and warned them to guard against ‘fake news’ that has the potential to cause division in the country and region.
Passing a vote of thanks, Makanday Managing Partner, John Mukela said Vice President Mutale Nalumango has continued to exhibit ‘true leadership rooted in faith, humility, and service that continues to motivate members of the public to use journalism as a force for truth and justice.
Mr Mukela further commended the partners and funders, the National Endowment for Democracy and BBC Media Action for their unwavering support.
“You’ve stood with us through our growth and challenges, and your belief in our mission strengthens our resolve to keep journalism alive, vibrant, and fearless,” he said.
He reminded the journalists in the country to be courageous, disciplined in pursuant to truth embodied in the spirit of hard work as they hold power to account and give voice to the voiceless.
