STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA
But Mandela insisted that the case against Koffi for assault and occasioning bodily harm
is still active and that the only challenge he has had was access to the Rhumba King in
order to serve him the summons.
If the police who are expected to protect journalist from assault during their work are not
defending them, then their safety is certainly not guaranteed.
4.4.3 Internet Tariff
After the announced introduction of the three cyber security bills, 30 ngwee tax was
announced as a charge on internet calls made via WhatsApp and Facebook. Despite the
percentage of internet users in Zambia being small as indicated by the ZICTA statistics,
introduction of the 30 ngwee tax is retrogressive. Advocates such as Consumer Unit Trust
Society (CUTS) noted that the move negatively impacts SMEs and the public in the
country23. The payment of the 30 ngwee tax brings a double charge which is paid by the
consumer.
Despite claims that Mobile Network Operators lose a lot of money yearly on internet calls, it
does not justify the introduction of the 30 ngwee extra charge as consumers pay a tax on
every data purchased which is used to make internet calls.
Cabinet therefore should be engaged to rescind its decision on issuing a statutory instrument
(SI) to facilitate the introduction of a K30 Ngwee-a-day tariff on internet phone calls based
on a claim of „saving jobs in the telecommunication industry‟.
4.4.4 Violation of Public Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression is cardinal in every democratic society. However, abuse of this freedom
injures those who should enjoy such freedoms. In light of the freedom of expression for the
public, despite its threat from the end of government, the public equally abused it. The third
quarter of 2018 recorded an increase in the number of pornographic videos circulating on social

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Times of Zambia – Abort Internet Call tariff - 16th August,2018

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