MISA Zambia condemns Kambwili

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has condemned the alleged harassment of University of Zambia (UNZA) student journalists by Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili.

MISA Zambia has meanwhile called on Kambwili to tame what they said were undemocratic outbursts and conduct describing the incident as a threat to democracy.

MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale has disclosed to ZANIS in a statement in Lusaka today that the Minister of Youth and Sport stormed UNZA Radio and threatened student journalists at the institution.

“We are concerned that he stormed UNZA Radio and threatened student journalists at the institution. This behavior is not only unfavorable for democratic growth but is dangerous to academic freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia,” Ms. Mwale stated.

Ms. Mwale noted that it was frightening for the Minister to go to the University to verbally threaten students saying the conduct was likely to have  long term psychological effects on the youths.

MISA has since urged Kambwili to retract his threats and control his outbursts in order for the students to learn in a conducive environment and also for them to appreciate and grow to respect the right to freedom of expression.

Youth and Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili is reported in the media as having threatened to dismiss reporters at UNZA Radio and arrest others for locking up the Common Wealth building.

The Common Wealth building has been occupied by the National Youth Council which falls under the Ministry of Youth and Sport.