Metro

Media under siege: How political agendas threaten truthful reporting in Zambia

Published

2 months ago

September 13, 2024

The fundamental principles of ethical journalism—objectivity, precision, accuracy, conscience, fairness, impartiality, humanity, transparency and serving the public interest—are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the profession.

These principles can only be fully realised when a story is entirely truthful, as truth is one of the most essential qualities a journalist must uphold.

Bill Kovach, co-author of “The Elements of Journalism,” strongly advocated for what he described as journalistic ‘truth.’

“Journalistic truth is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts,” he stated.

Organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) also emphasise truth as the cornerstone of ethical journalism in their Code of Ethics.

Although no single person can claim ownership of this idea, it was a fundamental principle embedded in journalism’s ethical framework.

This raises a critical question: Why is a profession dedicated to uncovering the truth often among the most persecuted? The answer is straightforward: some individuals prefer not to have their personal truths exposed publicly.

While everyone has a right to privacy, public offices and the management of public resources are not exempt from scrutiny.

In Zambia, for instance, information from public offices was accessible if the correct legal procedures are followed, including by journalists.

The situation changes dramatically when political agendas take precedence over democratic freedoms.

State efforts to control the media manifest through monitoring, censorship and restrictions on what journalists can report and how they should report it.

“In Zambia, media freedom has been increasingly under threat during election periods, with journalists being barred from covering certain events or facing harassment,” Reporters Without Borders noted.

This threat was exemplified by the suspension of Zambia’s private media house Prime TV, which occurred shortly after the Patriotic Front party, led by former President Edgar Lungu, accused it of bias and broadcasting “propaganda disguised as news.”

Arnaud Froger, head of RSF’s Africa desk, criticized the suspension, arguing that it reflected the media regulator’s role as a government tool.

He stated that such actions deprived many Zambians of a critical news source and undermined media pluralism essential for credible elections.

“The Zambian authorities must stop penalising the media and must terminate this arbitrary suspension immediately,” Froger urged.

The International Federation of Journalists reported that journalists investigating corruption in Zambia face severe challenges, including threats and intimidation.

These actions created a chilling effect on the media’s ability to hold power to account.

In Zambia, ethical journalism is often constrained by political interference, particularly regarding sensitive topics such as political reporting, corruption involving political figures, legal and administrative barriers, and interference by security forces.

While journalists are legally free to report on these issues, the involvement of certain individuals or groups often creates barriers.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) claims that journalists are free to report on such matters without fear.

Although all political groups make similar claims, the reality of whether the UPND will genuinely allow independent journalistic operations without seeking public relations benefits remains to be seen.

The true test of this commitment will likely become clearer in the 2025-2026 period.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Click to comment

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

9 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.

Metro

Mpox immunisation scarcity slows Kinshasa’s epidemic fight

Published

15 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

A lack of mpox vaccine doses has prevented the Democratic Republic of the Congo from starting a campaign in the capital, Kinshasa, the response commander has confirmed. However, the number of cases nationwide is still rising, particularly among youngsters.

In mid-August, a new strain of pox started to spread from the Congo to neighbouring countries, prompting the WHO to declare a global health emergency. However, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, donors have been hesitant to turn their pledges into cash and vaccines.

The head of operations for Congo’s mpox control program, Cris Kacita, stated on Tuesday that the country needed more than 162,000 doses of vaccine to start a vaccination campaign in the capital, but that 53,921 doses were still available for use in prisons, where inmates are at greater risk because of unsanitary conditions.

The capital, which is home to about 20 million people, has so far been less impacted than other parts of the nation. In six other provinces, vaccination campaigns are now underway.

Along with additional shipments from Germany and the African Union, France has committed to providing 100,000 doses.

He added the arrival of vaccines was also delayed by the administrative process, which includes sending an official request, manufacturing, creating documentation and gaining import authorisations.

“As long as we don’t have the necessary quantity, it’s going to be complicated to launch (vaccination) in the 14 health zones,” Kacita told Reuters, referring to areas of Kinshasa.

According to a health ministry study, from October 28 to November 2, 1,017 new suspected cases were registered nationwide in Congo, including 45 confirmed cases and 16 fatalities.

Since children are almost four times more likely than adults to die from the new strain of mpox, the charity Save the Children warned on Wednesday that targeted vaccines were necessary to halt the virus from spreading quickly among children.

“Children are especially vulnerable to mpox – they explore by touch and taste, don’t always understand health guidance, and have weaker immune systems than adults,” Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse from Save the Children said.

According to Africa CDC data, there have been over 42,000 suspected cases of Mpox in the continent, with 1,100 deaths reported so far this year.

The Mpox virus can spread from person to person via intimate contact and also from place to person through objects and surfaces that a person infected with Mpox has touched.