INFORMATION and Media permanent secretary Thabo Kawana has praised Kalemba for being a credible and authentic source of news in the country.
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Kawana also applauded the media company for its creative writing skills which he said keeps the country glued to the platform.
This follows the platform’s triumph at the ZAMTEL Social Media Awards where it was crowned Best Social Media News Page of the Year.
Speaking when Kalemba managing editor Dawood Salim and director Melony Chisanga paid a courtesy call on him at his office yesterday, Kawana stated that the online media deserved the recognition as it did not only provide the public with information but did so in a creative way.
He explained that Kalemba had earned its place as the country’s most trusted online news source, to the extent that Zambians now believe if the news is not on Kalemba, then it’s not true.
“We are very proud of this achievement because Kalemba has been in existence for many years and has remained extremely professional, and consistent and a sober source of credible news.”
“I think we got to a point where on social media, people will tell you that if it’s not on Kalemba then it’s not true and there are many instances because of the ingenuity in which one is able to script their stories. You will find that something has happened and we have read it on various media platforms but people will say, ‘now we wait for the Kalemba version, just how they will dramatise it. It is where you will read no matter how long the script is but you will read and still want more even at the end of the script,” said Kawana.
He stated that Kalemba’s success shows government’s commitment to ensuring that there’s media freedom and independence.
“So for us we feel this is very deserving for Kalemba to get this award. This is what we want in our media space, the media should be able to operate freely and do what they can do best without any iota of intimidation,” said Kawana.
The PS also shared that the UPND administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema was committed to ensuring that no media house is closed.
“Under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, we will not close down media houses for as long as people operate within the bounds of the law.”
“So the best is remain within the law, and enjoy your media space and freedom and this government will support you. On behalf of the Minister of Information and myself, well done Kalemba,” stated Kawana.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, September 29, 2025
