MISA Zambia calls on Evelyn Hone College Management to respect freedom of expression

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia would like to urge leaders of training institutions and media organizations whose reason for existence is the promotion of freedom of expression and right of access to information to respect the right of their employees and the public to enjoy their freedom of expression, association and access to information. This concern is necessitated by latest events at one of Zambia's highest institution of learning, Evelyn Hone College where one employee has been dismissed in a manner that clearly points to matters related to citizens accessing a platform for self expression. MISA Zambia makes this appeal in light of the suspicious dismissal of Clayson Hamasaka, a Journalism lecturer and an imminent dismissal of Emmanuel Maseko, a Hone FM presenter. The organisation is convinced that the dismissal is strongly pointing towards Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to the college and the foiled appearance on the radio station on 6 August 2012. This is contrary to the laws of Zambia that provide for freedom of expression, the right to hold opinions and to communicate them. This freedom is provided under article 20. It has come to MISA's attention through a vigorus verification process of the events prior to and after the dismissal of the Mr Hamasaka and pending dismissal of Mr Maseko that the management of Evelyn Hone College hindered Mr Hichilema from enjoying his right to freedom of expression by blocking his appearance on the radio station through pressuring Hone FM presenter Mr Maseko from airing the programme. Article 20 of the Zambian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression which includes the right to hold an opinion, to receive ideas and information, to impart and communicate ideas and information, and to correspond without interference. This is according to a statement by MISA Zambia Chairperson, Daniel Sikazwe.