The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has called on the Ministry of Finance to engage journalists and other stakeholders in training programs to enhance reporting on financial management issues.
The appeal follows concerns raised by Acting Auditor General Ron Mwambwa, who recently noted a decline in journalists producing authoritative reports on public finance management.
MISA Zambia Chairperson, Lorraine Mwanza, emphasized the need for proactive measures, urging the Ministry to focus on capacity-building initiatives, rather than criticizing journalists for gaps in financial reporting.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Ms. Mwanza pointed out that most training programs for journalists are donor-funded and often tailored to meet donor objectives.
“The Ministry of Finance should take a leading role in strengthening journalists’ capacity, ensuring they have the skills to report on financial and audit matters transparently and effectively,” said Ms. Mwanza.
She said that MISA Zambia will continue to advocate for greater collaboration between the media and key institutions to promote accountability and well-informed public discourse on financial management.
By Elizabeth Mutale
