In this ongoing conversation to amplify voices on media freedoms, freedom of speech, and digital rights, we feature, Maxwell Luchile, a well-known religious leader and governance activist in Luapula province.

Luchile, the Executive Director of the Vision Network Foundation (VNF), began by acknowledging improvements in media freedoms and freedom of speech while expressing concern over social media abuse.

“At Vision Network Foundation, we see media freedom, freedom of the press, and digital rights as intertwined. Without a free press, we are suffocated as a nation and miss out on the valuable contribution of the media to national development,” he said.

Speaking with Zambia Monitor in Mansa, Luchile emphasized the vital role of the media in providing essential information to the people of Zambia.

“The media acts as a watchdog to maladministration, corruption, and other societal vices. That’s how crucial the media is,” he stressed.

Luchile observed that the media serves to inform, educate, and entertain, especially in situations like ours where access to various educational information from newspapers, radio, and television channels is essential.

He noted the rise of online newspapers in the country and emphasized the importance of a free press in maintaining democracy.

While acknowledging increased media space under the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration, Luchile called for balanced and ethical journalism that defends democracy.

“We would like to see balanced and ethical journalism in the country,” he said.

Regarding digital media, he remarked that the country was embracing technology relatively late, leading to excitement about online platforms but also mishandling of social media.

Luchile stressed the need to strengthen laws governing digital media to ensure users understand the implications of social media abuse.

“Users of digital platforms need to understand the implications of abusing social media. Cyber laws and defamation laws must be discussed,” he said.

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

Emmanuel Kalulu, a clergy member from the Brethren Christ Church in Choma, has expressed concerns about the misuse of media freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia.

Affiliated with the Kamuuza BIC congregation of the Brethren Christ Church, Kalulu, who also serves as a representative of Chief Chona in Monze District (Monze East), shared his thoughts on the state of these freedoms in Zambia.

In an exclusive interview with Zambia Monitor in Choma, Kalulu acknowledged the significant level of media freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia.

However, he highlighted instances where these liberties were being exploited to attack others.

“Some of us believe that this freedom is excessive because it has been abused. We’ve witnessed the misuse of the freedom of speech. People are speaking without considering their audience, uttering words that contribute to moral decay,” Kalulu said.

He urged Zambians, including the media, to exercise restraint and responsibility in utilising the freedoms they currently enjoy.

“I implore fellow Zambians not to abuse these freedoms. Let’s stay within the bounds of respect and refrain from disrespecting others, even in times of disagreement,” Kalulu said.

Regarding the freedom of the press and any potential external influences, Kalulu noted that instances of harassment due to personal expressions seemed to have diminished compared to the past.

“When a leader announces plans to repeal laws on defamation of the President, what more evidence do we need? Individuals are quite free to express themselves; however, we’ve even seen instances of this freedom being misused,” Kalulu stated.

“Even journalists may feel unrestricted in their work, with few instances of interference. Thus, freedom of speech undoubtedly has its place in Zambia,” he concluded.

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