The illusion of media freedom under President Hakainde Hichilema’s Government
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
I HAVE heard President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND members repeatedly claim that Zambia now enjoys true freedom of expression because, unlike the previous government, no media house has been shut down. This is the joke of the century.
The mere fact that no media house has been forcibly closed does not mean there is press freedom in Zambia. True media freedom is not about whether a newsroom’s doors remain physically open. It is about whether journalists can operate without fear of intimidation, harassment, and political interference. And under this administration, that is far from reality.
Attacks on journalists and media houses
If Zambia had true press freedom, why are journalists being arrested, insulted, and intimidated simply for doing their jobs?
We have seen how media houses like KBN TV and The Mast Newspaper have been attacked left, right, and centre, accused of lying and spreading propaganda just because they dare to hold the government accountable. The moment a journalist or media house reports on something unfavourable to the ruling party, they become enemies of the state.
Take, for example, investigative journalist Thomas Zgambo who was arrested simply for exposing uncomfortable truths about the government. What crime did he commit other than being a journalist? Innocent Phiri was also arrested for nothing more than carrying out his professional duty. Not to mention the multiple journalists who were detained simply for covering a press briefing held by EFF President Kasonde Mwenda.
And yet, we are being told that Zambia has media freedom?
Government officials insulting journalists
The mistreatment of journalists is not just about arrests. It also extends to public insults and disrespect by government officials.
A clear example is Permanent Secretary for Information and Media Thabo Kawana, who openly disrespected a journalist during an interview. He called Costa Mwansa cantankerous on live television, an appalling show of arrogance and intolerance towards the press. Is this the kind of attitude that promotes media freedom? Or is it a warning to journalists that if they ask tough questions, they will be humiliated?
Compromised media houses and state propaganda
While some journalists and media houses are attacked, others have been silenced through political compromise.
Take Muvi TV for example, a once independent station that has now become a mouthpiece for the UPND government. The station no longer challenges those in power the way it used to but instead promotes their narrative.
And what about ZNBC, the national broadcaster? It has been completely hijacked by the UPND government and turned into nothing more than a propaganda tool. Instead of serving all Zambians, it serves only the ruling party.
Zambians are not gullible
So , President Hakainde Hichilema and your UPND government, do not think that Zambians are blind to what is happening. You can claim that there is media freedom, but the evidence proves otherwise.
Journalists are being arrested. Media houses are being intimidated. Government officials are insulting reporters. Private media is being compromised. And state media has been turned into a UPND puppet.
There is no media freedom in Zambia. The people can see it, and no amount of political spin can change that reality.
