GOVT COMMENDS THE MAST
…You must continue with your professionalism – Kawana
By Mast Reporter
MINISTRY of Information and Media permanent secretary Thabo Kawana has commended The Mast newspaper for being professional in its work and for exhibiting high levels of organisation.
And Kawana says government will continue providing an environment in which the private media operates freely without interference in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to press freedom.
He said the private media played an important role in the upholding of democracy and the promotion of good governance.
Kawana was speaking in Lusaka Friday when he paid an impromptu courtesy call on The Mast newspaper offices in Ibex Hill area.
“I was going somewhere and decided to pass through to check on you people because we attach great importance to your work as private media. President Hakainde Hichilema personally has a heart for the private media because he regards your work as very important. That’s why if you have noticed, I’ve been going round visiting you people,” he said.
Kawana commended The Mast for being professional in the way it reports on various issues and for being a well-organised media house.
“What I have observed here is that you people are very organised. You are very serious with your work in every department and you should keep it up,” he said.
Kawana also said he was impressed with the high levels of cleanliness and praised the media house for keeping the premises beautiful through flowers and other plants which provided a conducive working environment.
As the parent ministry his office would continue interacting with key players in the media industry.
Mast Media Limited chief executive officer (CEO) Likezo Kayongo thanked Kawana and the government for demonstrating willingness to forge stronger relations with the private media.
Kayongo said Mast Media Limited, which owns The Mast newspaper and news website, was committed to playing its role as a private and independent newspaper by providing credible information to the public.
“We are happy that government has remembered that we also exist by visiting us unannounced through you, PS. We really appreciate. We will continue doing our best to remain professional as we serve the nation,” she said.
During the courtesy call, a jovial Kawana interacted with staff in the newsroom and support service offices.
The Mast deputy editor-in-chief Charles Chisala took him around the offices, including the printing press, and assured him that the media outlet had set very high standards for its editorial staff to ensure the public received high quality content.
