Mast Receives Online Backlash For Brenthurst Scaremongering

The Mast Newspaper was the subject of vehement online backlash yesterday after it published an editorial criticising the government for its association with the South African think tank the Brenthurst Foundation.

According to the Mast, “There is an advisory unit at State House that is on their [the foundation’s] private pay role. “ However, the paper provided no hard evidence to support this claim.

The article also accused the Brenthurst Foundation of forcing President Hakainde Hichilema to honour its board members after he conferred the Order of the Eagle award to former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson and former President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma.

In response many online readers voiced their displeasure at the paper’s spurious reporting and obvious fearmongering.

“Unfortunately for you, father of tribalism, newspapers no longer have the impact of yesteryears. Even pages like Mwebantu and Nkhani are more influential than you. Your hatred will lead to nothing,” one Facebook user commented underneath the article. 

Another reader, Muma Mubanga, struck a similar tone when they wrote, “I think we as a people must punish such tabloids by not giving them business at all and the wonderful thing is, we have such a variety of news sources.

Other commenters chimed in in support of the Brenthurst Foundation’s work, with Leader Sokesi writing, “technical advice is beyond border. Get the best you can to better yourself and your people.” 

Likewise Wamulume Mutemwa criticised the Mast for apparent double standards in its reporting, pointing out that Greg Mills, the director of the Brenthurst Foundation, is an advisor to Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

“The same Rwanda u are busy praising as a well managed and developed country,” they wrote.

“So what is wrong with having such a progressive person as the person advising the president?” they added.

Furthermore many readers accused the Mast’s editor and Socialist Party President Fred M’membe of using his position in the media to play politics.  

“Mr Mmembe, that is your Socialist propaganda. You will not win elections on that platform because even China is running their economy using capitalism!!!,” one user wrote.

Another commenter put it more simply: “Says the rich communist? Pay your taxes?”