LPC Rejects Political Allegations
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (February 28, 2026) – The Lusaka Press Club (LPC) has firmly rejected allegations that it is aligned to any political entity or controlled by any individual, insisting it remains an independent professional body open to all journalists, public relations practitioners and students in Lusaka Province.
Speaking during the launch of the club’s strategic plan and the unveiling of its new kit, LPC President Roy Makayi said the institution was not a private or political platform but a professional home for media practitioners.
“We want to make it clear that this is not a private club, it’s not a political tool and it’s not aligned to any individual or institution,” Makayi said.
“It’s a home for all of us and we’re going to make it bigger.”
Makayi dismissed accusations that the club was being controlled or influenced by political actors, stating that its engagements with government institutions and stakeholders were strictly professional and aimed at fostering constructive working relationships.
“We reject any accusations that we are controlled by any individual, institution or political entity,” he said.
The club has also waived membership fees for journalists, PR practitioners and students in Lusaka Province in a move aimed at broadening participation and strengthening professional solidarity within the industry.
Makayi extended a special invitation to students from various institutions to join and benefit from the club’s research department.
He said the LPC’s membership includes senior journalists, young professionals and students committed to upholding the integrity and professionalism of the media industry.
In a further move to reinforce ethical standards, Makayi announced plans to host a Lusaka Media Summit focused on promoting ethical conduct and professionalism among journalists.
“Plans are underway to host the Lusaka Media Summit aimed at safeguarding our profession through ethics and professionalism as we carry out our daily duties through engagement and networking,” he said.
Speaking at the LPC media engagement, MISA Zambia Chapter Chairperson Loraine Mwansa Chisanga described journalism as a calling that demands neutrality and integrity.
“No need for you to be partisan, because you are the voice of the voiceless and you need to be there for them,” she said, emphasizing that ethical conduct is critical to safeguarding the credibility of the profession.
Her remarks come amid growing concerns over media impartiality in the run-up to the country’s general elections, with stakeholders calling for heightened responsibility within newsrooms.
The LPC’s renewed emphasis on independence, inclusivity and ethical standards signals an effort to strengthen professional unity and public trust in the media during a politically sensitive period.
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