Metro

Introduction of taxation on online political content aligns with international practices, says UPND media director

Published

7 months ago

May 20, 2024

The introduction of taxation on online political content aligns with international standard practices used by governments to broaden their tax base, according to Frank Bwalya, the Director of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) Presidential Campaign media team.

Bwalya told Zambia Monitor that people should not be apprehensive about the introduction of such taxes, assuring that it would not stifle any business operating online.

“It is standard practice throughout the world that whenever governments see people and organizations making money, they get interested and start to collect taxes on behalf of the people,” he stated.

Addressing media freedoms, Bwalya acknowledged the existence of media freedom in the country, even though certain people had been arrested and media houses closed in the past.

He argued that under the UPND government, the media and public were more free to express themselves without hindrance, unlike in the past when journalists faced intimidation and harassment by cadres.

“Media freedom is the freedom enjoyed by the press and everyone involved in public communication, such as radio stations, televisions, newspapers, online publications and new media like digital media,” Bwalya stated.

Bwalya, a trained journalist, added that media freedom was guaranteed by various legislation and the constitution, which was the supreme law of the land.

However, he was quick to mention that some media houses were abusing this privilege.

He further commented on the advantages and disadvantages of the Cyber Security Act, stating that it was in place to protect people and guarantee freedom of expression.

“As a matter of fact, it is enhancing freedom of expression and allowing people to express themselves in a sober manner,” Bwalya said.

He also commended the mainstream media for highlighting issues affecting people in the country, although he noted an information gap, especially for people in rural areas.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

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Metro

Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change

Published

18 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A prominent Zambian climate-smart agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has warned of a collapse of the county’s agricultural sector with a potential threat to food security due to the worsening impact of climate change.

Bulaya, who bared his mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday, warned that ignoring the crisis could lead to severe disruptions in the country’s food supply and economy.

“Unless concerted efforts are made, the country will continue facing dire consequences from climate change,” the expert noted.

He lamented a growing trend of farmers relocating to regions experiencing above-normal rainfall, such as the northern block, as they struggle with losses caused by climate variability.

Bulaya emphasized that the once-reliable rainfall areas like North-Western Zambia are now experiencing lower precipitation, as seen during the 2023/2024 farming season and cautioned that poor farming practices, which had already strained the Southern region, could lead to similar challenges in other parts of the country if proactive measures were not implemented.

Metro

Outrage over murder of Nigerian beaten to death by South Africans inside estate security office

Published

23 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian community, under the auspices of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has raised the alarm over the murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate.

According to the association, Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, December 7, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President-General of NICASA, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

Onyekwelu stated that information available to the association noted that after attempting to pass through, Chukwunta was met with resistance by the assailants, prompting him to seek help at the security office of the estate.

“At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” the PG said.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu also confirmed that the case was reported to the police by Chukwunta’s partner at the Midrand Police Station and was registered under file number 262/12/2024.

The NICASA President said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu however, expressed disappointment at the proceedings, wondering why three of the suspects were released on bail and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.