ZIIMA ASKS KAWANA TO DETACH JOURNALISTS FROM POLITICS
ZAMBIA Institute of Independent Media Alliance-ZIIMA President, Jajah Coulibaly, has called on Ministry of Media and Information Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, to refrain from dragging Journalists into Politics.
Coulibaly says the primary role of Journalists is premised on bringing to light various aspects of society, hence, must not be perceived in negative light when undertaking their noble duty.
He describes Kawana’s demeanor and approach towards media as overzealous, fearing that the work of Journalists under his watch could be comprised as seen in his alleged attempts to drag them in political battles on several occasions.
Coulibaly says a sensitive Ministry such as that of Information and Media, requires that individuals tasked to oversee operations do so in a sober and progressive manner without impeding on the work of others.
Recently, Kawana was quoted saying that Government will come for any Media House that will abuse their airwaves by allowing what he described as individuals promoting hatred and disunity to feature.
The Permanent Secretary is further quoted to have said that while in the past, the ruling party had pledged not to close down any media house, the word “never” did not arise.
Kawana made the sentiments during the launch of the Independent Broadcasting Authority-IBA Strategic Plan and commemoration of its 10 years existence on 29th December, 2023.
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