Zambia : Oscar Chavula Responds To Kawana Over Hot FM Propaganda Claims

Hot FM Chairman Oscar Chavula has responded to Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, after Kawana accused the station of operating as a propaganda platform for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.

Kawana made the claim at a media briefing, where he accused some private media houses of abandoning professional ethics to act as public relations units for political parties.

He said the country’s airwaves should be used to inform the public in a fair and balanced manner rather than serve as partisan platforms for political campaigns, and urged media organisations to uphold professionalism during the election period.

Turning specifically to Hot FM, Kawana alleged that the station is owned by Japhen Mwakalombe, whom he described as NRPUP’s chairperson.

“We are aware, and the country may or may not be aware, that Hot FM is actually owned by Japhen Mwakalombe, who is the chairperson of the same NRPUP. I dare anyone to show me that they have paid for that airtime. It’s nothing but a propaganda tool and the public relations unit for the same party,” he said.

Chavula responded on Facebook shortly afterward, addressing Kawana directly by name.

“Good afternoon, Mr Kawana! Ichalo lishilu tabakaka weka,” he wrote.

The phrase, rendered in Bemba, loosely translates as a reminder that the world is as unpredictable as one cannot be single-handedly restrained, an idiom often used to counsel against trying to control everything.

Chavula did not address Kawana’s specific claims about station ownership or unpaid airtime in his post.

The exchange comes days ahead of the August 13 general election, amid growing concern over media coverage and allegations of political bias.

Note: Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana’s claim regarding Hot FM’s ownership and Japhen Mwakalombe’s party affiliation is reported here as his statement; it has not been independently verified against company registration records or other reporting.

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