The government has been urged to balance freedom of speech with ethical considerations and laws that prevent harm to others.

Antonio Mwanza, the Socialist Party Deputy Secretary-General, reminded the UPND government to fulfill its promise of repealing the Cyber Security Act.

Mwanza spoke during the Zambia Monitor Project Aliyense Zoom program titled “Hate Speech and Incitement Laws: Reviewing Impact on Fundamental Rights.”

He cited fear of prosecution, suppression of legitimate voices, stifling of criticism and dissent as negative impacts of these laws on citizens.

“Failure to address root causes of social and economic challenges, and encouragement of tribalism, regionalism, and nepotism, were creating political instability,” Mwanza added.

He named several politicians who had been arrested for exercising freedom of speech under what he described as archaic laws needing repeal.

He emphasized the need for change to protect democratic values, promote free speech and prevent use of such laws as tools for suppressing dissent and stifling free speech.

Dr. Mweene Himwinga, Citizens for Better Environment Director, highlighted the complexities of navigating freedom of speech while avoiding harm to others.

Himwinga stated the importance of being mindful of one’s words and actions, particularly in sensitive contexts.

“The delicate nature of this balance is often in the hands of individuals who may be prone to selective application of the law,” she said.

Himwinga appealed to citizens to avoid “fighting words” that provoke violent reactions, threats, or defamation.

Read More: Mapanza traditional council shares positive outlook on media rights, freedom of expression ( video)

Caritas Zambia Chingola District Coordinator, Eugene Mulenga, stressed the importance of allowing citizens to express themselves freely on national matters without fear of being politicized or tagged to a particular political party.

Mulenga noted the need to separate politics from national development issues and for the government to listen to citizens’ concerns and suggestions.

“Government should recognize that citizens have a God-given right to express themselves freely, as long as they are not being defamatory or injurious to others,” he said.

Victor Chilufya, a governance and development enthusiast, advised citizens, journalists, and politicians to be accountable and responsible for their actions.

“Journalists must report factual information and operate with integrity, even in a challenging environment. Politicians, whether in power or opposition, must be accountable for their actions and decisions,” Chilufya advised.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR!

The post At Project Aliyense discourse, panelists call for balance between free speech, ethical considerations first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

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.

Read More: Kasama youth highlights positive impact, challenges of cyber Security Act on digital rights (video)

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.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Political intimidation, harassment hinder media freedom in Zambia, says says Kasama entrepreneur first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Award-winning online newspaper, Zambia Monitor, is set to host a discussion on the potential impacts of social media regulations on free speech and digital rights on X Open Spaces this Thursday.

The discussion is sponsored by USAID, in collaboration with FHI 360, and Internews.

The panel will feature Current Affairs Analyst and Media Consultant, Mike Sichula, United Party for National Development (UPND) Deputy Youth Information Chairperson, Charles Kabwita, and Patriotic Front Information Publicity Secretary, Munalula Moola.

Read More: Zambia Monitor named winner of Advothon pitch targeting media freedom, digital rights

Participants would have the chance to engage directly with the speakers, ensuring a dynamic and interactive session.

This event provides the public with an opportunity to gain insights into one of the most pressing issues, aiming to offer a comprehensive understanding of the implications of social media regulations.

Zambia Monitor, a pan-African online multimedia newspaper, was named the winner of a $10,000 pitch for an Advothon project aimed at enhancing the ability of human rights defenders and media associations to advocate for digital rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom in Zambia.

The Advothon is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under its Open Spaces Zambia (OSZ) activity.

“The project aims to build independent and new media, safeguard a space for activists, Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), and contending voices to protect the democratic space in Zambia,” the sponsors had noted.

“We believe every voice counts and every voice should be amplified to advocate for media freedom in the country,” the Zambia Monitor leadership had outlined in its original submissions to the organizers.

The award represents a major milestone for the young news platform, as it was won in its first year of existence.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post PF, UPND officials to grace Zambia Monitor’s discussions on social media regulation, free speech first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

A youth in Kasama, Beatrice Nkonde, says the Cyber Security Act has positively impacted the preservation of digital rights in Zambia but emphasizes that it should be implemented cautiously.

Nkonde noted that many people were previously afraid to engage in discussions online due to fears of bullying or harassment.

The Act has helped curb such activities, allowing people to participate in discussions more freely.

“The Act has played a significant role in restoring some of the morals and principles that had slowly diminished,” Nkonde told Zambia Monitor in Kasama.

However, Nkonde pointed out that mainstream media coverage of diverse voices is lacking in rural areas, where many issues remain unreported.

“The mainstream media tries to cover diverse information, but mostly they do this in urban areas,” she said.

Read More: Chinsali youth highlights challenges facing freelance journalists in rural Zambia

Nkonde also highlighted that people were not fully free to express themselves due to fear of repercussions, which often limits their discussions.

She stressed the need for authorities to cautiously implement laws regulating cyberspace to ensure that digital rights were protected.

“Media freedom in Zambia exists, but journalists fear harassment when they are critical of those in government.

“Media houses fear being shut down, which often leads to incomplete dissemination of information to the public,” Nkonde stated.

She further pointed out financial burdens as a major challenge facing journalists in the country, leading to many being compromised in their line of duty.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Kasama youth highlights positive impact, challenges of cyber Security Act on digital rights (video) first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Catherine Chansa, a youth from Chinsali District, has highlighted that limited resources were hindering journalists, especially freelancers, from fully utilising media freedoms.

Chansa pointed out that journalists, particularly those in rural areas, struggle to obtain adequate information to support their stories due to resource constraints.

Adding her voice to the debate on media freedom and the Cyber Security Act, Chansa told Zambia Monitor that harassment from those in authority was another significant challenge journalists faced in their line of duty.

“Many times, when a journalist writes a story critical of the government, they are followed, intimidated, and threatened with the closure of their media houses,” she said.

Chansa stated that although media freedom exists in the country, governments tended to exclude journalists and media houses from state functions for being critical or publishing stories that do not align with them.

Read More: Civic leader urges journalists to utilise media freedom responsibly

Additionally, Chansa noted that limited resources and harassment from government officials had led the mainstream media to neglect coverage of marginalised groups, particularly in remote areas.

“The mainstream media does not effectively cover far-flung areas but concentrates on urban centers where information is more easily accessible, often due to better road infrastructure, which is not the case in rural areas,” she said.

Regarding laws regulating the activities of journalists, Chansa expressed the view that existing laws were insufficient to protect them and that the government should continuously refine or develop laws to ensure full protection for journalists.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Chinsali youth highlights challenges facing freelance journalists in rural Zambia first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

As discussions on media freedom and coverage in Zambia continue, Choma resident, Chipo Haachobezi, shared her perspective, asserting that the media enjoys total freedom but fails to fully utilise it to cover local issues.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Haachobezi argued that while media freedom existed in Zambia, journalists were not taking advantage of this freedom to report on the problems faced by communities.

“The media is free because here in Zambia, we have freedom. They should just come and report on the issues happening here in markets.

“We have total freedom here in Zambia which the media can use to broadcast how we live in communities and markets,” she said.

Haachobezi lamented the lack of media presence in Choma to document the challenges faced by its residents, saying that media coverage could prompt government action.

She questioned the media’s reluctance to broadcast real issues from communities and markets, suggesting that journalists act as if they are harassed despite their freedom.

Read more: Bwalya, Choma resident, voices concerns regarding freedom of speech, media coverage in Zambia (video)

“They do not give us enough coverage and we are asking if they can come and see how we live in markets and communities so that they can take information to social media and to the President [Hakainde Hichilema],” Haachobezi urged.

She concluded by highlighting the rarity of media visits and pleading for regular coverage to ensure that the community’s issues are aired and addressed.

“I have only seen them once here and some of the challenges we have here. We are begging them to be coming because we have many issues to be aired, just as it happens elsewhere. Let them come through and go around the markets to gather information,” she concluded.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Choma resident, Haachobezi, laments inadequate media coverage in rural communities (video) first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Juliet Bwalya, a resident of Choma, has spoken out against what she sees as discriminatory practices among some government officials in their allocation of empowerment programmes.

She pointed out the importance of utilising freedom of speech to address these issues.

Bwalya also criticized certain media outlets in the Southern Province for what she perceived as biased coverage, hindering freedom of speech.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Bwalya expressed confidence in the power of freedom of speech, asserting her right to speak out on local issues, including perceived disparities in empowerment programmes.

“We all voted for the current government, and as Zambians, we should work together,” Bwalya stated.

“However, some of us feel excluded from government assistance programmes, particularly those aimed at social welfare.”

Read more: Many news platforms but not enough reporting of community news, Chigunta challenges journalists to do the needful (video)

She further lamented the lack of media coverage for individuals who speak languages other than the dominant one in the Province, calling for greater inclusivity in reporting.

“The media should strive to represent all Zambians, regardless of language or background,” Bwalya concluded.

Bwalya’s remarks underscore the importance of freedom of speech in addressing social inequalities and fostering inclusivity within communities.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Bwalya, Choma resident, voices concerns regarding freedom of speech, media coverage in Zambia (video) first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Aaron Musonda, a civic leader in Kasama District, has called on journalists in the country to leverage their media freedoms to shed light on various issues affecting citizens.

Musonda emphasized that media freedoms should not be exploited by producing stories that patronizing or biased towards those in government.

Speaking in an interview with Zambia Monitor in Kasama District, Northern Province, Musonda said:

“While I cannot definitively say whether the media is entirely free to conduct its work without constraints, it appears that, from my observations, there is a degree of freedom for journalists to carry out their duties.”

However, Musonda pointed out instances of biased reporting by certain journalists affiliated to particular media houses, often leading to repercussions, especially for those in private media outlets.

Read More: Cyber Security student cites corruption, political intimidation as key challenges to media freedom in Zambia

He cautioned that journalists and their media organizations must not lose sight of their core responsibilities of informing, entertaining and educating the public by highlighting pertinent issues affecting society.

“It is through objective reporting and fair coverage that the governance structures can adequately address the numerous challenges facing the populace,” Musonda said.

Regarding the Cyber Security Act, Musonda urged the government to continue enacting legislation aimed at curbing abuses on social media platforms.

He expressed concern over the divisive nature of social media, noting an increase in the spread of hate speech, cyberbullying and tribalism.

“People are using social media platforms to hurl insults at leaders, religious figures and others, necessitating urgent action to address this concerning trend,” Musonda highlighted.

He underscored the importance of striking a balance between respecting individuals’ rights and safeguarding cyberspace users from abuse, bullying, or insults.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Civic leader urges journalists to utilise media freedom responsibly first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Baldwin Chigunta, a resident of Choma, has urged journalists to leverage the current freedom of speech to bring attention to issues affecting communities.

Chigunta, who believes that journalists were currently enjoying freedom of speech, emphasized that the media had a duty to disseminate accurate information.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor in Choma, he challenged journalists to report on community issues, stating that they were now free from political and stakeholder interference.

“Currently, this government does not interfere with the media as compared to the previous government. Previously, when people wanted to air their views on their livelihoods, their mouths were being closed because they were being accused of siding with the opposition.

“But this government enables people to be free, including the media. The journalists are free and are not being policed around,” Chigunta said.

Read more: Choma resident backs govt on relationship with media, says journalists protected in discharge of duties (video)

He expressed concern that journalists were not reporting on issues affecting communities despite Zambia enjoying freedom of speech and expression.

He suggested that the media should make an effort to directly speak to people in the communities to get real information.

“Our complaint is that we have many radio stations here in Choma. We want them to report on what is going on in communities to ensure that all the challenges are heard.

“There are many issues that we want to be heard, but we are not given that platform. So, all we are asking for is that the media should go around in communities, including villages, and report on the issues affecting us,” Chigunta said.

Chigunta expressed hope that journalists would utilise the current freedom of speech and expression to highlight critical issues affecting communities for the betterment of the people.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR!

The post Many news platforms but not enough reporting of community news, Chigunta challenges journalists to do the needful (video) first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Amid ongoing discussions about media operations in Zambia, Chola Mofya, a resident of Choma, has said that journalists in Zambia were protected and free to function independently.

In an interview with the Zambia Monitor, Mofya argued that journalists enjoyed freedom of speech, enabling them to work independently without fear of reprisal.

“Yes, they are protected here in Zambia. The government supports the media to ensure they are protected and not brutalised. Anyone who resorts to violence is acting alone. The government does not support violence,” Mofya stated.

“This is not a dictatorship government. It is a government that allows freedom of speech.”

When asked about potential interference from politicians and other stakeholders, Mofya acknowledged that it happens occasionally but not consistently. “Yes, at times, but not always. There are people with divergent views, but the media should not be afraid because they reach out to the communities.”

Mofya encouraged journalists to utilise their freedom of speech to enhance coverage, particularly highlighting challenges faced by communities, such as drought and access to water.

Read more: Mapanza traditional council shares positive outlook on media rights, freedom of expression ( video)

“We need journalists to come and reach out to us in communities about our livelihood. We have a drought situation in Zambia; the government is doing everything possible, but it cannot reach everyone,” Mofya said.

Mofya emphasized that journalists in Zambia were well protected during the execution of their duties, urging them to continue their important work in bringing community issues to light.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR!

The post Choma resident backs govt on relationship with media, says journalists protected in discharge of duties (video) first appeared on Zambia Monitor.