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| Copperbelt journalists pose with certificates after the training |
The Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) has commended PAMOS Media Consultancy for training journalists in budget tracking and investigative journalism as a way of promoting transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds.
Speaking yesterday when he addressed journalists from across the Copperbelt during a two day workshop organised by PAMOS Media Consultancy in Kitwe, Mr Sakala said the workshop has come at a time when Zambians expect more from the media.
“I wish to commend PAMOS and its funders the American government for organising this workshop. This training comes at a time when the public wants to know how its money is being spent. Is the money being spent wisely? These are the questions the public is asking” asked Mr Sakala.
The veteran journalist urged journalists to do their watchdog role by following up all money which is channeled towards development.
Mr Sakala said the fourth estate’s role of being the watchdog for the society will ensure that they also scrutinise the procurement process and expose any weaknesses or corrupt activities.
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| Jubiel Zulu poses for a photo after our training in Lusaka |
He also challenged journalists to not only follow up on the national budget but also for the budget for local authority.
“Do we know the budget for the Kitwe City Council? We need to spread our coverage to the local authority too. We need to know what is being spent on the roads, the parks and garbage collection,” he said.
Mr Sakala is a veteran media trainer and journalist whose last editorial position was News Editor at the Times of Zambia.
On Monday, Democratic Governance and Human Rights Advocates (DEGHA) President Gerald Mutelo was the facilitator during the first day of the training.
Mr Mutelo trained the journalists in the budget cycle and made them do practical exercises in budget tracking.
Nine journalists from across the Copperbelt attended the training.
American Corner Coordinator Pamela Mutale officially opened the training on Monday.
Ms Mutale urged the journalists to familiarise themselves with the American Corner which has alot of resource books for journalists who need research on various issues.
The American Corner is located at the Copperbelt University's Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies.
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| Some of the journalists from Western Province who were trained |
"I encourage you to be visiting us from time to time. We do publicise fellowships and grants which can be of interest to you. These are opportunities which can change your career path and benefit you," she said.
The Copperbelt becomes the sixth province to host the United States-funded trainings since the project started in November 2017.
Journalists in Lusaka, Southern, Eastern, Western and Central Provinces have already been trained.
Next month, PAMOS Media Consultancy will be in the North Western Province to conduct a similar training before heading north to Luapula, Northern and Muchinga Provinces in the coming months.
The trainings will conclude in September this year.
United States exchange alumni Paul Shalala and Christabel Mwango have been funded by the US government through PAMOS Media Consultancy to train at least 100 journalists in budget tracking and investigative journalism in all the 10 provinces of Zambia.
From the six provinces covered so far, 91 journalists have been trained.
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