Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, has urged the media to be vigilant as the country heads for general elections in August this year.

Mr Mweetwa said the media should be wary of people who want to peddle lies for political mileage.

He advised journalists to remain committed to professionalism and ethical reporting.

“I urge media practitioners to remain vigilant and committed to professional and ethical reporting,” he said.

The Minister said this during the commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day held in Lusaka.

Mr Mweetwa implored the media to jealously guard the peace the country has enjoyed over the years by reporting objectively.

He pointed out that journalists have a huge task before them as the country goes to polls in August by ensuring that they report truthfully and factually.

Mr Mweetwa urged the fourth estate to guard the truth concerning the state of governance in the country.

“The media should guard the truth about the state of our governance, economic and social development of our country,” He said.

He said people peddling lies should not be given space to spread falsehoods as the heads towards the August 13 2026 general elections.

“Diminish space for those peddling falsehoods as we head towards August 13th, 2026 general elections.” He said.

Mr Mweetwa said he was aware of maneuvers by some people to disseminate misinformation and disinformation prior to elections.

The Minister described those peddling lies as enemies of progress.

Mr Mweetwa urged the media to step up efforts to protect the truth against doomsayers.

He said the nation should be fed on a diet of truth and facts about what is obtaining in the country, and not on falsehoods being perpetuated by a few.

Mr Mweetwa indicated that under President Hakainde Hichilema’s reign Zambia has witnessed notable progress, and expansion of the democratic space in the country.

He wondered why some people have chosen to ignore the strides the government has scored in restoring the rule of law and development in various sectors of the economy.

Mr Mweetwa stressed that the notable strides that the government has achieved in the last four years cannot be swept under the carpet.

Meanwhile, the Minister has warned that the law will not spare anyone found perpetrating violence against journalists, regardless of political affiliation.

“Government also enhanced the safety of the media by ensuring that the law spares no one that is found perpetrating violence against journalists, regardless of political affiliation, “he added.

The Minister strongly warned that anyone who commits or perpetuates acts of violence against journalists will not get away with it.

Mr Mweetwa reiterated that the government has given the media a blank check to operate freely without instruction or interference from anyone.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue creating a conducive environment for the growth of a free and independent media

Mr Mweetwa said the media in Zambia has every right to celebrate this year’s World Press Freedom owing to the free democratic space that the government has created.

And speaking earlier, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chairperson Lorraine Chisanga said the World Press Freedom Day is an important event on the calendar that should be used by the media to reflect on accountability and also renew commitment.

Ms Chisanga urged journalists to remain professional in the wake of the rapid revolving information ecosystem characterised by digital platforms and misinformation.

She commended the government for the notable strides it has scored in advancing media freedoms.

Ms Chisanga, however, said a lot still remains to be achieved in order for the media to operate freely.

Meanwhile, the Media Liaison Committee Chairperson, Henry Kabwe said the media plays a noble role in the dissemination of information and providing checks and balances.

Mr Kabwe stated that the purpose of a free media is to ensure that people receive information freely so that they make informed decisions.

Mr Kabwe however expressed concern with the polarization of the local media.

He said this has contributed to confusion and misinformation in the media sector.