Businessman and civic leader Joe Muchindu has commended the media for driving development in Southern Province, singling out local radio stations and newspapers in Choma for “telling our stories and holding leaders accountable.”
In a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day, Muchindu said local media remain the backbone of grassroots democracy and community progress.
“Our local journalists in Choma are the first to report a broken bridge, the first to amplify a farmer’s bumper harvest, and the first to question delayed CDF projects,” Muchindu said. “Without them, development stalls in silence.”
He praised community radio stations and correspondents for covering council meetings, school challenges, and health outreach programmes that national media often miss.
“Choma has grown because our local media give voice to the voiceless.
Muchindu called for stronger support for community media houses, noting that many operate on shoestring budgets despite their impact.
“A well-resourced local journalist can expose corruption, market our tourism, and educate citizens on elections. That is development,” he said.
He urged government, businesses, and NGOs to advertise and partner with Choma-based media to keep them sustainable.
“Media are key partners in development,” he added.
Today the 3rd of May, Zambian media joins the globe in celebrating World Press Freedom Day.
This year’s theme highlights the media’s role in securing a sustainable future.
Francis Chipalo
