"The GOAT Media Centre"

Stakeholders urge ethical reporting, unity, and press freedom ahead of 2026 elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24, (May 3, 202 — The media not only in Zambia but world over continue to face the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation. Speaking after a match past to mark the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Zambia, Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa warned the media to uphold professionalism and accuracy to safeguard democracy ahead of the 2026 general elections. “The media should guard the truth about the state of the nation and ensure citizens are informed by facts, not misinformation,” he said. Mweetwa urged journalists to remain professional and ethical, especially as the country approaches the August 13, 2026 general elections, noting that media narratives can influence electoral outcomes. He highlighted reforms undertaken by government to enhance media freedom, including the enactment of the Access to Information law and...

The civil society body says seizure of candidates’ documents by political parties is not only illegal ahead of elections but also undermines the electoral process The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed concern over reports that some political parties are demanding original documents from aspiring parliamentary and local government candidates, describing the practice as illegal and unacceptable. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that original documents such as National Registration Cards (NRCs) and Grade 12 certificates remain the personal property of individuals and must not be surrendered to any political organisation. She emphasised that political parties are only permitted to request certified copies. Katebe urged aspiring candidates to retain their original documents at all times and advised those who may have already submitted them to immediately retrieve them from party offices. The organisation also raised co...

Agency honours 15 employees for outstanding performance during Labour Day commemorations By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (1/5/2026) ---  Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has honoured 15 outstanding employees drawn from its Head Office, provincial offices and border posts in recognition of staff excellence and exemplary performance in service delivery during the 2026 Labour Day commemorations held in Lusaka. According to a post published on the ZCSA official Facebook page, the recognition formed part of the Agency’s activities to mark the 2026 Labour Day commemorations under the theme “Securing Zambia’s Future Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All.” The initiative was aimed at promoting staff excellence, motivation and accountability within the institution. ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, said the awards reflect management’s appreciation of the commitment shown by employees in carrying out the Agency’s mandate of ensuring...

Civil society group welcomes Public Gatherings Bill as replacement for colonial law, while moving to join court proceedings involving its chairperson By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (1, May, 2026) — The Consortium of Civil Society Organisations on Good Governance and Constitutionalism has endorsed the Government’s decision to table the Public Gatherings Bill in Parliament and confirmed that it will join ongoing legal proceedings involving its chairperson, Isaac Mwanza. Consortium Secretary and SACCORD Executive Director Arthur Muyunda said the group notes with “measured optimism” the tabling of the Bill by the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration, which seeks to replace the colonial-era Public Order Act. He said the proposed law represents a long-overdue reform in the regulation of public gatherings, an area that has for years been governed by legislation widely criticised for limiting freedoms of assembly and expression.  He stressed that the righ...

EYA urges civility, protection of the Presidency, and condemns insults against current and former leaders Lusaka, Zambia24 — (2-3-2026) --- The Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA) has called for presidential respect, urging Zambians and political actors to uphold the dignity of the office despite political differences. Moses Lungu, President of the Alliance, told Zambia24 that the Presidency must be protected from ridicule and partisan attacks. He said while citizens have the right to disagree with the Head of State, such disagreements should not undermine respect for the office, which he described as central to national unity. Lungu urged political leaders and aspiring candidates to guide their supporters toward civility and discourage insults directed at national institutions. He also expressed concern over increasing ridicule of the Presidency, including from some clergy, saying the conduct contradicts the values expected of religious leaders. Lungu further called on the Church to rema...

Public sensitisation drive launched to curb illegal migration and human trafficking in Lusaka communities and beyond By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (30-4-2026) -- The Department of Immigration in Lusaka has urged communities to work closely with immigration authorities to ensure lawful migration, prevent human trafficking, and promote safer neighbourhoods. The Department of Immigration has also launched a wider community sensitisation programme aimed at increasing public awareness on immigration laws and addressing raising cases of illegal migration and related offences. Speaking during a community sensitization programme held in Matero and Lilanda on 30th April, 2026, Department of Immigration Chief Risk Management and Compliance Officer, Mrs. Jane Kaela Lufwendo, said the call for community cooperation comes amid growing concerns over undocumented foreign nationals living and conducting business in some communities. She said this has made it difficult to effective...