SAEF, EFZ applaud Zambia for new Access to Information law
By Delicious Mathuthu
Southern Africa Editors Forum (SAEF) and the Editors’ Forum of Zambia (EFZ) have applauded Zambia for signing into law the new Access to Information law which is expected to empower journalists and citizens’ demand to access information in the country.
The Access to Information Bill, which was recently signed into law by the country’s new dawn administration President, Hakainde Hichilema, is seen as a positive move towards seeking transparency in governance, and the respect of people’s rights in terms of access to information.
In a joint statement, SAEF, represented by its Zimbabwe based Chairperson Willie Mponda, and the EFZ, represented by its Interim Secretary Ruth Kanyanga, said the signing of the law allignes Zambia to regional, continental and international access to information laws which the country is party to.
“The EFZ recognises this as a step in the right direction by the new dawn administration and hopes that it will continue to seek transparency in respect to governance and people’s rights related to accessing information.
“The right to inquire, access and receive information is guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 4 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, to which Zambia is a party to.
“It is gratifying that Zambia joins other countries in the region such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and other African countries in having an Access to Information law,” the organisations said.
Journalists are the voice of the voiceless and their empowerment through the new law will benefit citizens, provided the government will not backtrack on the new development, SAEF and EFZ said.
“EFZ and SAEF are confident that the law will be used for the benefit of the citizens and that the government will not backtrack in its implementation considering the period it has taken the country to enact such a law and the work that has been done by various stakeholders to reach this stage.
“It is without a doubt that this law also gives journalists the power to demand information and hold the government accountable.
“Journalists are the voice of the voiceless and act as a conduit of information for many who may struggle to request and receive information.
“It is important that journalists make use of this law to effectively improve the quality of journalism, bearing in mind that information is power and cuts across all spheres of social and economic development.”
The two organisations said for meaningful participatory democracy, Zambian citizens must use the law once it is implemented as access to information is their right.
Mponda and Kanyanga also challenged Zambian media houses and stakeholders to capacitate their newsrooms on how best journalists can utilise the new law to ease their work.
“EFZ and SAEF call on all media stakeholders to empower newsrooms with skills on how to use this law effectively in executing their duties.
“EFZ and SAEF also call on NGOs and the public to hold government accountable on the implementation of this law as often, implementation becomes the obstacle for citizens to enjoy their rights,” they said.
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