Permanent secretary, Kawana, calls for development-focused journalism in Zambia

Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, has called for a shift from political rhetorics to developmental reporting in Zambia, urging journalists to prioritize stories that highlight the human impact of policies and decisions.

Speaking during the launch of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards in Lusaka on Thursday, Kawana lamented that Zambia has remained in a perpetual campaign mood since the 2021 general elections.

This environment, he said, has led journalists to focus excessively on political coverage at the expense of developmental news.

“There is a need to move away from politicking and allow journalists to concentrate on in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and storytelling that brings out the human impact of policies. This will help foster a more informed public discourse and hold leaders accountable,” Kawana said.

He expressed disappointment that a Zambian journalist only secured second place in the 2024 SADC Media Awards, attributing the outcome to limited reporting on developmental issues.

He recalled Zambia’s strong history in the competition, with journalists previously winning top honors.

“Zambia has been actively participating in the SADC Media Awards since their inception, and we have performed well in the past. Regional reporting not only benefits individual journalists but also strengthens institutions and the country as a whole,” Kawana said.

He stated the need for Zambian media professionals to embrace the opportunity provided by platforms like the SADC Media Awards to showcase impactful stories that resonate regionally and beyond.

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