Metro

Political intimidation, harassment hinder media freedom in Zambia, says Kasama entrepreneur

Published

6 months ago

June 27, 2024

Political intimidation and harassment are major hindrances to media freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia, according to Mary Mulenga, a Kasama entrepreneur.

Mulenga, who runs a mobile booth in the Central Business District of Kasama District, stated that these issues were also leading some journalists to become political cadres for the ruling party, as had been seen in the past.

Zambia Monitor was in Kasama District of Northern Province to gauge public knowledge on media freedom, the Cybersecurity Act, and freedom of expression when they spoke with Mulenga.

She said that although media freedom and freedom of expression existed in Zambia, many journalists and ordinary citizens self-censor due to fear of repercussions.

“We have seen journalists being summoned by the police for publishing stories deemed anti-government, creating fear and leading some to write pro-government content,” Mulenga stated.

She also highlighted that some journalists support the government to secure appointments to various positions, especially as Public Relations Officers in local authorities.

“When late President Michael Sata formed the government, he appointed many journalists who supported him while in opposition to various positions, such as First Secretary for Press in diplomatic missions, which compromised them,” Mulenga said.

On the Cybersecurity Act, Mulenga noted with sadness that authorities act quickly on politically inclined social media posts but are slow to address the bullying of ordinary citizens online.

She said that many ordinary citizens were bullied online, reducing their chances of participating in discussions on platforms like X-spaces, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media pages.

“A section of society that authorities ignore is the disabled or differently abled. These people are harassed on social media, and everyone turns a blind eye. Older women are another category that is bullied,” Mulenga stated.

She emphasized the need for authorities to apply the law fairly and protect all citizens from harassment in cyberspace.

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

8 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

13 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.