. KAPEYA

By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
INFORMATION and Broadcasting Services Minister, Mwansa Kapeya has said the media has a key role to play in the successful commemoration of Zambia’s Golden Jubilee this October.
Mr Kapeya said the media had a duty to highlight Zambia’s journey from colonialism to independence which was attained at colossal cost and sacrifice.
The Minister said this when Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) national executive called on him at his office at the Government Complex in Lusaka.
The team comprised ZUJ president James Muyanwa, general secretary Angela Chishimba and Vice-treasurer Oliver Chanda.
“As journalists, you are the eyes and ears of the nation.  You will therefore play a crucial role in the successful commemoration of our Golden Jubilee later this year by bringing out information on where the country is coming from, where it is and where it is going,” Mr Kapeya said.
This is according to a statement released by the ministry’s public relations unit.
He said peace, unity and stability Zambia has enjoyed over the past 50 years could not be separated from the important role the media has played in keeping the nation together.
“As I speak to you, my ministry has submitted to Cabinet proposals on the recapitalisation of the three public media institutions. Our intention is to make the public media attractive before we can consider offloading some shares to the public,” Mr Kapeya said.
Mr Muyanwa commended Government for creating a conducive environment for the media to flourish.
Mr Muyanwa said the freedom being enjoyed by the media since the Patriotic Front came into office in 2011, was unprecedented in the history of the country.
“When we look back where we are coming from, we see a big change under this Government in creating a free and conducive environment for the media,” he said.
He said ZUJ was encouraging its members to take advantage of the prevailing favourable media environment to contribute positively and professionally to national development.