Sally Chiwama’s Weblog

Speech written and read By Sally chiwama

On the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day May 3rd 2008,in Livingstone.

Honorable Minister, Southern Province

The Mayor of Livingstone

The District Commissioner

Fellow members of the press

Ladies and gentlemen.

Let me start by saying that today is a very special day in the life of a Journalist as this is the day when we reflect on our achievements, pitfalls and our plans for the future.

The theme for this year “freedom of information, Access to Information and Empowerment of people” is also very special because it embraces the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders, regardless of status.

By this I mean that the theme is all inclusive because freedom of information is not only for the media, or Journalists per se but the general public as well.

Information is required to be accessed in order for the public to participate meaningfully and effectively in the affairs of the society, therefore, access to information is an essential part of good governance and freedom of information and expression is a basic condition of the progress and development of citizens and society.

The government has on several occasions claimed they are in a hurry to develop the country but we in the media know that that there can be no development without a free media and hence we are calling upon government to expedite the tabling of the information bill before parliament soon as it aims at promoting a culture of openness within government.

It goes without saying that these days the freedom of information and expression is being recognized as a fundamental human right and therefore, the freedom of information bill will oblige public bodies to do more than accede to requests for information.

We however, appreciate that government has provided in the recent past a somewhat conducive atmosphere to do with proliferation of community radio stations but still remains adamant on the enactment of the freedom of information bill.

Viva Press Freedom

Viva Freedom of information

Viva World Press Freedom day

Freedom & Access to information Now!!!