THOSE GLORIFYING HER ACTIONS YOU ARE LEADING HER IN A DESTRUCTIVE PATH
The level of critical thinking in Zambia’s social landscape is cause for concern, particularly evident in the recent controversy surrounding ZNBC staff member Margaret Chisulo. While some defend her actions, it’s essential to delve deeper into the social and cultural contexts that shape behavior in human beings. In social sciences we study human behaviour.
In any investigation, understanding the individual’s background and motivations is crucial. Advanced countries employ this approach to analyze various factors contributing to crimes, such as media consumption habits and social interaction. Margaret’s lapse in professionalism demands serious disciplinary action, coupled with constructive advice for personal and cultural growth than those praises you are showering her.
As a journalist, Margaret must embrace cultural diversity and avoid projecting personal biases onto public platforms like ZNBC. Those justifying her behavior should recognize the dangers of misinformation and its consequences, as seen in past incidents like the Kalaba accident.
To Margaret, genuine improvement requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to professionalism. Being a journalist is akin to being a social worker, carrying a responsibility to truthfully and ethically inform the public. Let this incident serve as a catalyst for positive change and a reminder of the importance of critical thinking in journalism.
The recent incident on TV wasn’t just about the presenter or the panelists; it was an opportunity to engage with a diverse audience, including Lozi speakers. When the caller expressed frustration at the preference given to Bemba and Nyanja callers, highlighting her ability to communicate in English as well, the presenter could have seized the moment by allowing her to express herself and providing interpretation if necessary. Limiting languages to those understood only by the presenter was a misstep, considering the program’s aim to reach all Zambians.
Today, Black people across Africa rightfully voice their concerns about racism, often perpetuated by various mediums, including the media. It’s crucial to recognize that similar divisive traits manifest within our own societies through tribal segregation, which we sometimes overlook. Public institutions play a pivotal role in shaping societal norms and perceptions; therefore, they should be led by individuals with a national character, fostering unity and inclusivity rather than tribal divisions.
Truth be told, even the callers who contributed in Bemba or Nyanja likely had proficiency in English, evident in their ability to formulate questions for an English-language program. This oversight underscores the importance of inclusivity and language accessibility in ensuring effective communication with the entire Zambian populace.
Respecting her privacy prevents me from delving deeper into certain issues that might shed light on her attitude towards the Lozi caller. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that there may be underlying factors influencing her behavior, and addressing these is crucial for her personal growth.
While advocating against Margaret’s dismissal, it’s imperative to convey a sincere message urging her to undergo a mindset transformation, particularly in her approach to national matters. She should recognize the importance of embracing inclusivity and sensitivity in her role, prioritizing unity and understanding in her interactions with diverse audiences.
As a nation, we are still in a healing process, and speaking the truth is integral to that process. Adopting an open mindset and embracing our diversity while recognizing our unity under the banner of “One Zambia, One Nation” is vital for fostering understanding and reconciliation.
SIKAILE C.SIKAILE
CONCERNED CITIZEN
Awesome, Sukaile. Chisulo’s mass communication capabilities failed lamentably. And if her standpoint of accommodating only Bemba and Nyanja — and not any other language — represents the agenda setting of ZNBC, then the heads of the entire ZNBC management ought to roll as well for sowing seeds of confusion.
I am afraid Mr. Sikaile your argument is based on assumption assuming that an intepretation may have been offered. Unless someone is telling me that it’s not necessary for the Presenter to understand what the callers are saying, but depend on an interpreter. Just give me a Presenter at the Station that may understand & speak @ least 12 of the 72 local languages of Zambia. My take is that all programs on ZNBC that are in English MUST be in English only.
Look here Sikaile, the problem started with the UNIP government and not ZNBC or Margaret Chisulo when it gave Bemba and Nyanja languages more airtime than other languages to broadcast on state-owned Zambia Broadcasting Services. These two languages were also imposed as a medium of instruction in early education outside their home provinces without any regard to what was going to happen to indigenous languages in those provinces which were actually already written and used in early education. This policy has created a sociolinguistic undeclass out of speakers of excluded languages and imperial attitudes among some speakers of favoured languages. Margaret Chisulo was not even born when that happened.
Listening to that broadcast I found no wrong in what Margaret said. She just asked the caller to speak in nyanja bemba or English meaning the languages that she Margaret could speak or understand. I am a Zambian and despite there being 73 languages I can speak only 3 of them and understand about 4. It should not be felt as an insult to other languages I cannot speak. People let us stop this tribal talk. One Zambia one nation. United we stand divided we fall.