By EPHESTUS SIAZIYU –
LIVINGSTONE acting mayor Fred Sikazwe has urged journalists in the country to be non-partisan and avoid accepting bribes from politicians in exchange for favourable coverage ahead of the 2016 tripartite elections.
Mr Sikazwe said there was need for journalists to remain non-partisan and uphold professionalism by refusing bribes from politicians as the country prepares for elections next year.
Mr Sikazwe said there was usually a temptation by some politicians to bribe journalists in an election period so that they tilt their reporting towards certain candidates while disadvantaging others.
He was speaking at Maramba Cultural Village on Sunday night during the 2015 Livingstone Press Club end-of-year party.
“I wish to urge journalists and other media practitioners in Zambia to remain non-partisan and avoid being used by politicians for political mileage ahead of next year’s elections.
“Don’t accept to be bribed in order for you to tilt your reporting towards certain candidates or political parties. You should remain ethical and cover all political parties which are registered in Zambia to promote a free and fair election,” he said.
Mr Sikazwe also congratulated Livingstone Press Club for winning the chairperson’s award at the 2015 Zambia Public Relations Association awards.
He urged the media in Livingstone to continue supplementing Government’s efforts in the promotion of tourism.
“As a local authority, we want to make Livingstone a true tourist capital and, therefore, investors are welcome to invest in this beautiful city.
“Do not relent in your efforts of promoting tourism which is a key sector in creating job opportunities in the country,” Mr Sikazwe said.
Livingstone Press Club president Brian Hatyoka said politicians should desist from harassing journalists because the two were partners in development.
The party was sponsored by Victoria Falls University of Technology, Shalom Bus Services, Livingstone Member of Parliament Lawrence Evans, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone City Council, Sun International Zambia, Zambia Tourism Board and other members of the club.