By Isaac Zulu
Governance expert Stanley Mhango says in a country where democratic space is shrinking, there is need to have a robust and fearless media that should act as eyes and mouthpiece for the voiceless.
Mhango has observed that the media plays a crucial role in ensuring that elected leaders are held accountable for their actions.
“The expose of Government Chief Spokesperson Honourable Cornelius Mweetwa by KBN TV is an act of ethical and professional journalism that our growing democracy needs. The media is a fourth arm of government and plays a critical role in ensuring that our elected leaders are held accountable for their actions as demonstrated by KBN TV,” Mhango stated. “In a country where the democratic space is shrinking each day, we need a robust and fearless media to act as the eyes and mouth piece of the voiceless majority.”
He stated that Mweetwa should resign from his position, saying that the utterances by the minister are a danger to the country’s growing democracy and unity.
Mhango also stated that the action by KBN TV was a clarion call to all media institutions to stand firm and speak the truth to power, for the sake of the nation.
He stated that the issue the Minister was trying to address with the Television employee was not private or personal but a matter that had massive national attention.
“To remain above board ,the Minister should have used public means to address the grave concerns raised by the public,” stated Mhango. “Like many citizens have said, I wish to appeal to the Chief Government Spokesperson, Honourable Mweetwa to resign as his utterances are a danger to the country’s growing democracy, peace and unity. As I call for the stepping down of Honourable Mweetwa, I invite the media in Zambia, the Church, Civil Society and all citizens to stand with KBN TV. The Television station acted in good faith and deserves to be supported.”
