02 Nov ZAMCOM EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY APPOINTED MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA
The Zambia Institute of Mass Communication Educational Trust (ZAMCOM) has congratulated the newly appointed Minister of Information and Media, Hon. Elvis Nkandu, MP, and expressed its hope for continued engagement and the strengthening of the media and communication landscape in Zambia.
ZAMCOM Executive Director, Mr. Kennedy Mwila, attended the welcome ceremony held at the Ministry to welcome the Minister.
Speaking during the Welcome Ceremony, newly appointed Minister of Information and Media, Elvis Nkandu called for collective effort and cooperation among management and staff in the ministry to strengthen the provision of Government information to the public.
Mr. Nkandu stressed the importance of strengthening the ministry’s communication role so that citizens receive accurate information about Government policies, programmes and priorities.
He emphasized the need to ensure that every Zambian is informed about the Government’s Grow Zambia agenda and has the opportunity to understand and participate in it.
Mr. Nkandu also called on the ministry to begin considering effective ways of extending the reach of Government information to as many people as possible across the country.
He expressed his desire to establish a cordial working relationship with management and staff, recognising the importance of cooperation in advancing the ministry’s mandate.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, Thabo Kawana, outlined the ministry’s mandate, key institutional responsibilities and legislative matters requiring the Minister’s attention. He assured the Minister that management stands ready to provide the necessary briefings and technical support.
Mr. Kawana identified broadcasting and television services as one of the ministry’s three core functions, highlighting the roles of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).
He informed the Minister that new legislation replacing the laws governing the IBA and ZNBC is awaiting commencement orders, and recommended a comprehensive briefing on the new Acts before decisions are made regarding their commencement and implementation.
Mr. Kawana further outlined the ministry’s responsibility for providing policy direction on information dissemination and media development.
On the regulation of journalism, he noted that Zambia does not have a specific statutory regulatory law governing journalism practitioners. Journalists, like other citizens, remain subject to the laws of the Republic, and allegations of criminal wrongdoing are ordinarily handled through the criminal justice system. He clarified that the ministry has no legal mandate to adjudicate or intervene in disputes between journalists and law enforcement agencies or the courts.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the roles of Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), ZANIS TV, the Zambia Daily Mail and the Times of Zambia in disseminating official information, promoting civic education and informing the public about Government policies, programmes and services.
He also recognised ZAMCOM’s role in providing training in communication.
Mr. Kawana reaffirmed management’s readiness to provide the Minister with technical briefings and institutional support as he settles into office and undertakes the ministry’s responsibilities.
Story by:
Chileshe Kapenda
