INFORMATION deputy Minister, Mwansa Kapeya has refuted assertions by Zambia’s former ambassador to Japan,Joe Mwale who claimed that the media in Zambia is currently under siege at the hands of the Patriotic Front administration.
Mr Kapeya described the accusations by Mr Mwale as misleading and misplaced, saying Government was committed to develop a free and professional media in the country.
“It is unfair and untrue for Mr Mwale to allege that the media in Zambia is under siege at the hands of the PF Government. As a former senior civil servant and diplomat, he understands very well where the Zambian media is coming from and where it is today in terms of freedom and professionalism. Landmark achievements have been scored to this effect during the past 22 months that the PF has been in Government,” he said.
He said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the media, under the PF’s rule had been freed and there had been accelerated issuance of radio and television licences, in that there were now, more than 60 private and community radio stations and 10 private television stations on air countrywide.
He said the development puts Zambia’s airwaves among the most open and liberalised on the African continent.
He said in addition, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) was now in place after pending for 10 years under the MMD government.
He said Government’s support for media self-regulation had also seen the birth of the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC), a non statutory media regulatory body and that the process towards the enactment of the Access to Information Bill was underway.
“These and other developments, demonstrate Government’s commitment to creating a safe, free and conducive environment for journalists and media workers to contribute effectively to national development. As such, he (Mwale) should be sincere to speak the truth about the positive developments that have taken place in the media industry since the PF Government came into office,” he said.
He said it was therefore, misleading for Mr Mwale to claim that the media in Zambia was under siege by Government.
He advised Mr Mwale to maintain a sober and distinguished approach to national issues befitting his status as a former diplomat and should avoid cheap publicity by commenting on issues he did not understand well.
“It should however be stressed that journalists are not above the law. Like all other citizens, they are liable for prosecution if they come into conflict with the law. This is not harassment, as Mr Mwale puts it. It is the rule of law,” he said.
This Kapeya reminds me of that Iraqi Interior minister who kept on insisting on live TV that the Americans had not managed to penetrate Iraqi even when the americans were less than 1km from the capital………Mr.Kapeya everyone knows the media is under siege.Journalists are living in fear.Free speech is being stifled.But looking at the by-election results we are encouraged that PF’s days are numbered!
Media is not above the law even in the Western World they are accountable,arrested if they break the law. Watch dog is not registered in Zambia and we do not know who is behind this. Zambians don’t support evil reporting. This online is the enemy of the. State
The only pertinent issue here is Rule of Law. Media laws exist to protect members of the public and the Republic itself. Any media practitioner can also commit an offence. When that happems, then the law must aplied equitably to guarantee integrity. Professionalism, facual reporting and objectivity are vital ellements of Press Freedom.
Ba mwansa kapeya you are the one who seem to have a problem with understanding the rule of law.Allow democracy to prevail otherwise you risk with your pf being perceived as dictators and undemocratic.
The former “fyabukaya” man is absolutely correct! The ‘Daily Mail’ is not under siege, neither is the ‘Post’ and the ‘Times of Zambia.
The Para military never raided the house of journalist by the name of Hamasaka in the dead of the night and didnt confiscate cell phones of his toddlers and wife.
No Kabwe journalists has been arrested neither was he taken to hospital where he was chained to his bed.
The Vice President’s assertion that sympathizers have helped block the ZWD isn’t true because the media is not under siege!
Mr Kapeya just like most PF cadres missed a point raised by Mr Mwale, why is that reporters in pro – PF papers like the Post are above the law? What the later talked about is persecution of freelance reporters,blocking of online publications & monitoring phone conversations. Any TV/Radio stations, paper with different view from the PF risk closure. It’s not wealth while to put laws which you will no respect when it does not suit you.
A reporter in Kabwe was granted bail by a court, but up to now he is chained to a hospital bed.
“…As such, he (Mwale) should be sincere to speak the truth about the positive developments that have taken place in the media industry since the PF Government came into office…”
Olease name one positive development!!!
chi mwale! Umutwe kwati ni mbeba. Ninshi ubufi?
After miraculously winning 3 by elections,their tails are so high. Just wait pf is pf.