Central Province Minister Davis Chisopa(MP) has reportedly ordered the dissolution of the entire Mkushi Community Radio Board with immediate effect.
Hon. Chisopa’s directive was aired on Mkushi Radio over the weekend, in a statement in which he said called for Board elections to be held after 90 days.
He charged that membership in the current Board are allegedly inclined towards opposition political Parties.
However, Mkushi Radio Board Chairperson Gershom Musonda maintained that the move to dissolve the entire Board is null and void as the Board could only be removed when the official AGM(Annual General Meeting) is due to be held next year.
Mr. Musonda observed that dissolving the entire Board is not the best move to address alleged political inclination, explaining that there is need to identify and then remove only members who are engaged in partisan politics.
He hinted that the Board would consider seeking legal redress on the matter.
Meanwhile, concerned residents in various parts of Mkushi have bemoaned the recent politically motivated incidences at Mkushi Community Radio station.
One resident, Golden Musonko of Upper Lunsemfwa Ward, condemned the recent interference into Mkushi Radio matters by Cadres from the ruling Patriotic Front(PF) who had briefly interrupted operations at this institution last week.
Mr. Musonko said that there is need for political parties to stay away from the Radio station as this media institution belonged to the community as a whole.
He said that politically motivated interference into the affairs of that radio station compromised freedom of the press.
Last Wednesday, PF Cadres interrupted Mkushi Radio operations to call for the resignation of a named Board member whom they accused of allegedly belonging to the opposition UPND(United party for national Development).
Mwatu kwasu findo fyashupa! I know one charming Radio annoucer at Mkushi Radio. Mirriam Ndashe. can someone give us more information. last time I visit mkushi I discovered that evryone loves this station. Bachisopa accept co-exitance in diversity we thrive. we cant all be the same.
Is this radio station under the purview of the political machinery in the province or town? Even if it were so, is this ignorant man mandated to ride rough shod and order people about like this? Let’s be civil. Haven’t you learned enough how the dominoes fall when you get out of power? Zambia is not a domestic entity – it is a NATION for crying out loud! Allow divergent views and lifestyles to co-exist as the earlier comment has noted. Different is not deficient, as one Wright pointed out.