CHIEF Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says President Hakainde Hichilema’s word is final regarding the Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill. On Monday, the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) acknowledged and welcomed President Hichilema’s statement, in which he opposed the bill in question because it risked undermining media independence. This followed State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka’s statement that President Hichilema had reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding press freedom, media self-regulation and the right to free expression. Earlier, Mweetwa, who is also Information and Media Minister, held a briefing where he stated that his Ministry had nothing to do with the Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill, claiming it was initiated by private journalists. However, he said the Bill, which has...
