TIZ Calls For Action On ATI Bill

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has appealed to Government to hasten the process of enacting the Access to Information Bill.

According to the group’s Executive Director Maurice Nyambe the absence of access to information legislation is among the major obstacles that currently threaten the continued existence of a free and vibrant media in Zambia. 

“We therefore make an earnest appeal to the Patriotic Front government to hasten the process of enacting the Access to Information Bill into law as we believe this will be an important step towards enhancing our democratic aspirations as a country,” Nyambe stated.

The Bill, formerly known as the Freedom of Information Bill, was one of the Patriotic Front’s campaign promises to be ready within 90 days of assuming office. Nine years later and the Bill is yet to be enacted.

 Nyambe made the appeal as part of his address on World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd.

Another problem highlighted by Nyambe is the treatment of journalists, particularly those from private media houses, “who are increasingly treated with suspicion especially from the ruling elite and have in some cases become victims of violence from overzealous political party cadres.” 

Noting the critical role that a free and vibrant media plays in exposing corruption,

Nyambe also expressed the organization’s disapproval of the Government’s stance on Prime TV, calling on the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to move to reinstate the station’s licence.

Nyambe stressed the importance of the media, particularly in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. “[The media] … plays an absolutely critical role in highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of our governance, thus contributing to the enhancement of accountability and to our democratic aspirations as a country,” he states.

“Currently, the world is glued to their Television screens, Phones and Radio waiting for latest information from the media on the deadly coronavirus. This is how important media is not only for Zambia but the entire world,” he continued.