The Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Information and Media, Mr. Thabo Kawana, has addressed several issues that have been at the center of public debate, including the arrest of a Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) journalist, concerns over media freedom, election coverage by the national broadcaster and President Hakainde Hichilema’s ongoing nationwide tours. Speaking during Diamond TV’s Costa’s Cross-Examination programme, Kawana responded to questions regarding the government’s position on these matters and explained the official stance of the Ministry. His remarks come at a time when discussions about press freedom, political fairness and governance continue to attract significant public interest across Zambia. The interview provided an opportunity for the government to clarify its position on legal processes involving journalists and the role of public media during election campaigns. Kawana emphasized that the government remains committed to the rule of law while respecting constitutional rights and democratic principles.
One of the key issues discussed during the programme was the arrest and continued detention of ZNBC journalist Macpherson Mukuka. According to Kawana, the journalist’s arrest was not connected to his professional duties as a member of the media but instead related to alleged offences committed in his personal capacity. He stressed that no individual is above the law regardless of profession or public status. Kawana also stated that the legal process should be allowed to proceed independently through the courts without outside interference. He maintained that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that the judiciary will ultimately determine the outcome of the matter based on the evidence presented.
Kawana further explained that Mukuka’s continued detention was not because he had been denied bond by the police. Instead, he said the suspect remained in custody because no one had come forward to stand as surety despite the Zambia Police Service offering him police bond. During the live television programme, Zambia Police Service Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed that the journalist had been formally charged under the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. The charge relates to allegedly prohibiting the recording of a private conversation without prior notice, an offence outlined under the legislation. Chilabi also confirmed that the matter had since been referred to the National Prosecution Authority ahead of court proceedings while police remained prepared to release the suspect on bond once suitable sureties were presented.
Addressing widespread concerns about media freedom, Kawana rejected claims that the case represented an attack on journalists or independent reporting in Zambia. He argued that the legal proceedings were unrelated to Mukuka’s work as a journalist and instead concerned allegations linked to his personal conduct. According to the Permanent Secretary, allowing the judicial process to unfold without political or public interference is essential to maintaining confidence in the country’s legal system. He also clarified that any disciplinary measures regarding Mukuka’s employment fall under the authority of the ZNBC Board rather than the Ministry of Information and Media. Kawana pointed out that ZNBC operates independently from the Ministry in matters concerning its internal administration and employment decisions.
The discussion also focused on allegations that ZNBC has denied opposition political parties fair access to coverage during the election campaign. Kawana dismissed these claims and stated that opposition political parties continue to receive news coverage on ZNBC’s regular news bulletins. He explained that the broadcaster covers parliamentary campaigns, local government elections and activities involving various political parties as part of its news reporting responsibilities. According to the Ministry, political parties are entitled to free news coverage based on editorial decisions and news value. Kawana said this demonstrates that the public broadcaster continues to provide balanced reporting throughout the election period.
He further explained that political parties seeking live broadcasts of campaign rallies on ZNBC are required to pay commercial broadcasting rates. Kawana noted that this policy is not exclusive to opposition parties but applies equally to every political organization participating in the elections. He emphasized that even the ruling United Party for National Development, commonly known as the UPND, is required to pay the same commercial rates when requesting live coverage of campaign events. According to the Ministry, this commercial policy ensures fairness and consistency while separating editorial news coverage from paid broadcasting services. Kawana argued that applying identical conditions to all parties promotes equal treatment throughout the election campaign.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s ongoing tours across the country were another important topic raised during the interview. Kawana explained that the President continues to undertake official working visits in his constitutional role as Zambia’s Head of State while also engaging citizens in his capacity as the UPND presidential candidate. He said these visits enable the President to inspect government development projects, assess implementation progress and respond directly to concerns raised by local communities. According to Kawana, the official component of these tours distinguishes them from campaign activities undertaken by opposition political parties. He maintained that government business continues even during an election period and that the President remains responsible for overseeing national development and public administration.
Kawana stated that these official engagements provide opportunities for government leaders to make important decisions on site while monitoring the delivery of public services. He explained that visiting communities allows the President to identify development challenges firsthand and provide immediate direction to relevant government officials. The Ministry believes these working visits are an important part of governance and should not be viewed solely through the lens of political campaigning. At the same time, Kawana acknowledged that President Hichilema also interacts with citizens as his party’s presidential candidate during the election season. He maintained that these dual responsibilities can coexist within the legal framework governing public office and electoral participation.
The Diamond TV interview offered the Ministry of Information and Media an opportunity to clarify its position on several issues attracting national attention. Kawana consistently emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law, preserving judicial independence and ensuring that legal matters are resolved through the courts. He also defended ZNBC’s election coverage policies, arguing that the broadcaster provides equitable news coverage while applying the same commercial rules to every political party requesting live broadcasts. Regarding President Hichilema’s nationwide tours, Kawana maintained that they combine official government responsibilities with political engagement permitted during the election period. As Zambia continues its election campaign, these issues are likely to remain part of public discussion while the courts, public institutions and electoral processes continue to play their respective roles.