Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, yesterday held a press briefing to address critical national issues, including the high cost of living, media professionalism, and recent criticisms from opposition parties and religious leaders. The briefing underscored the government’s commitment to addressing economic challenges while calling for civility and accountability in public discourse.
High Cost of Living and Energy Crisis
Minister Mweetwa acknowledged the severe impact of the high cost of living on Zambians, attributing part of the crisis to the recent drought that has strained the nation’s resources. He assured citizens that the government is working tirelessly to mitigate the situation.
On the energy front, the Minister provided a glimmer of hope, stating that load shedding—a persistent issue for households and businesses—is expected to diminish by June 2025. He explained that this timeline is based on the three-month period required for water to flow from the Zambezi Basin to Kariba Dam, which is critical for hydroelectric power generation.
Media Regulation and Professionalism
The Minister addressed the contentious issue of media regulation, emphasizing the government’s expectation for professionalism and balance from media organizations. He specifically called out the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia, urging the organization to maintain objectivity in its advisory role.
“Government has no intention of gagging the media,” Mweetwa stated, “but we will not tolerate unprofessional conduct.” He singled out The Mast newspaper, accusing it of peddling falsehoods and demanding an apology for misleading the nation.
In a move to foster dialogue, the Ministry of Information announced plans to convene a meeting with media owners and stakeholders, including MISA, to address concerns about unethical practices and deliberate misinformation. The Minister reiterated the government’s openness to either statutory or self-regulation, depending on the media’s preference.
Response to Opposition Criticism
The briefing also touched on recent threats of civil disobedience by opposition political parties. Minister Mweetwa appealed to opposition leaders, including Mr. Harry Kalaba and Mr. Raphel Nakachinda, to refrain from using insulting language toward President Hakainde Hichilema and to engage in issue-based politics.
“It is political irresponsibility for the opposition to threaten civil disobedience,” Mweetwa said, warning against actions that could incite anarchy. He called for unity and constructive dialogue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the country.
Church and Government Relations
Responding to recent criticisms from Auxiliary Bishop George Lungu of Chipata, Minister Mweetwa reaffirmed the government’s recognition of the church as a key development partner. However, he clarified that Bishop Lungu’s attacks on the government were made in his individual capacity and did not represent the broader church’s stance.
Looking Ahead
The press briefing highlighted the government’s efforts to navigate complex economic and social challenges while calling for accountability and professionalism across all sectors. As Zambia continues to grapple with the aftermath of drought and economic pressures, the government’s ability to foster collaboration and maintain public trust will be critical in the months ahead.
We want solutions from government not just promises
What is he even talking about since the high cost of living started way before the drought. Is he say before the drought the cost of living was okay, surely that is not right.
We are still waiting for the USD get to K10 but sadly it turned the complete opposite, it’s now K29 and rising. Other African countries such as Botswana, Namibia and Malawi have been hit with similar drought challenges and yet their economies and currency have not been as adversly affected as ours here in Zambia. Imagine you have a currency that depreciates from K17 to it’s current K29 that is a depreciation of 60%. Are we the next Zimbabwe which at least can blame sanctions? No we are one of the largest copper producing countries that according to our govt received over USD 9 billion in investment and yet there is nothing to show for it. Perform and we will vote for you again, fail and we won’t!
Infact we removed the PF partly because we were saying the cost of living was high, isn’t that the reason his boss promised to bring mealie meal prices down to K50 from K130. So how does this minister think the high cost of living came with the drought. The cost of living was better in PF and worsened in UPND even before the drought. Truly be told
@ 2020vision
For your information read nyansatimes.com
Sweet Crisis: Inside Malawi’s Sugar Shortage—Hoarding, Black Markets, and Suspected Smuggling Rings Exposed!
March 4, 2025 Our reporter Be the first to comment
Just like last year around this time, Malawians are once again facing the twin challenges of sugar scarcity and exorbitant prices.
Can you tell us what measures government is
Taking to address cost of living?Try to address
The falling dollar rate as one step.
There are no solutions, they will just talk about these unsustainable solutions like cash for work. It appears that they do not realise that we need policies that are going to make the industrial base grow, but instead companies are folding. And the only escape excuse by this goverment is to blame the drought which has nothing to do with their incompetence. You sell all the maize in strategic reserves, create a crisis and blame the drought. Unfortunately, there is no formidable opposition, opposition is fragmented with a lot of know it all individuals who are known non team players, but even if they teamed up or not, where is an individual party plan or combined effort party plans that show that an economic revolution will happen if the opposition are given the mandate – zero
Free speech with T & C’s
Free Media with T&C’s
Let the people speak surely that is the yard stick to measure your preformance
Not all are opposition as pointed out
some party sympathises are also fedup with promises inaction and lack of presidential apathy
Talk is cheap….and the problem is everything is politics…..sometimes lets just put politics aside and work together as Zambians…..and thats the only way we will reduce the cost of living and develop Zambia
How can we work together as most politicians are there to gain from their position and making zambia a better place is only an after thought
thats not going to change anytime soon
The kwacha is now 29 to a dollar, what are you doing about it. When you pointed out the failures of the PF it was fine oil but when people point out your failures it becomes a crime.
Warning, don’t try to tamper with the electoral process or census figures… just compete square and fair…. this not DRC or Zimbabwe… stay warned.
What measures are you taking? We don’t want an address full of promises. Action should be now otherwise people are bitter but just keeping a low profile.
Why is this judiciary seems lacking capabilities and competence to resolve issues(cases) of opposition parties before it for a long time (some years now)? Is this not affecting the people of Zambia?
@Tikki
Remember when I said we should find a way of getting rid of Politicians because they’re a hindrance to our development…remember when i said we should follow Bukina Faso…maybe that’s the only way out
you are right how to change a mindset here as its too deeply embedded
same with changing parties every few years I say change the president whoever till we find one that actually can conrtol his ministers etc and run functional setup which is not happening now
The government should have nothing to do with media freedom in a democracy. Look around you and come and show me a democracy that controls freedom of speech. You won’t find any. The Mast will kill itself if it is telling lies but if it isn’t government should take heed and should just clean itself
Such answers without substance on living standards, where you accuse the weather, is why you failed to answer it in Parliament as previously demanded by the opposition mps and Zambians. You blame everyone and everything except yourseves. Even the floods the president wished for are held liable.
A dizzying reality for UPND
These guys are jokers. We complain about the high mealie meal price; he tells you there’s a shop in Chimwemwe that is selling a 25 kg at 180.00.
You complain about load shedding, he tells you in Ndeke where he stays the supply is normal
You complain about the price charcoal, he knows of cheaper source
As for the dollar…..he tells you StanChart it’s going at 15 Kwacha
Some aspects of cost of living like price of corn meal can be reduced. The main problem is that the UPND formed government without a solid economic development plan. Their manifesto has no economic programs, not even one.
Mweetwa wont be spkesman for long his time is close to transfer sanitation and planning