ZBS asks JB to repeal 30 laws

Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) managing director Gospel Kazako on Monday asked President Joyce Banda’s administration to repeal over 30 laws he said continue to impede on the work of journalists in the country.

Kazako said this in Mchinji during ZBS Best Girl Award ceremony where six girls got scholarships to study undergraduate programmes in China and United States for scoring six and seven point aggregates in the 2012 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.

“We would like to commend your administration for repealing Section 46 of the Penal Code immediately you assumed office. We believe the journey is on to look into over 30 bad laws that impinge media work in this country,” said Kazako.

He said the media has a duty to create a bridge between those in power and the governed.

“As a media organisation, we will continue to be custodians of truth, [and observe] objectivity, balance and fairness. We will help in informing the people of this country about their responsibilities and duties as citizens.

“If your government is doing well, we will inform the people that success story with details and if your government is not doing what the people you lead expect, we will equally inform them with details,” said Kazako.

Some of the laws the media fraternity has called for repeal include insult and false news legislations.

Banda said her administration will ensure that media freedom is sustained in the country and commended the private media for contributing towards promotion of democracy and development.

“Zodiak has played and continues to play a critical role in ensuring that our democracy is sustained by timely informing the people, remaining non-partisan and providing a platform for accountability,” said Banda.