participation, as it affects the voices we hear, the stories we read, and ultimately the freedom and quality of the societies we live in.” (19) is now preparing a commencement order for the ATI legislation. One of the positives of the law is that the Human Rights Commission is empowered to sanction bodies or individuals that fail to provide information as requested. Access to information President Hichilema officially enacted the longanticipated Access to Information Bill (ATI), which he described as a major milestone for both the media sector and the country as a whole. However, others argue that Section 40 of the law is problematic, as it gives freedom to the minister to make regulations under the Act. Critics argue that this should not include the freedom to make additional exemptions of information as noted by Section 40(c). It brought closure to a protracted history of advocacy and lobbying with government to legislation for access to information with successive administrations all promising to enact the law, but not fulfilling their promises As currently worded, it would give the minister powers to exempt certain categories and classes of information from disclosure. The categories and classes are not specifically mentioned in the access to information legislation. (20) The enactment of the access to information law is a beacon for civil liberties and governmental openness. The government is encouraged to put in place effective systems and structures for the successful implementation of this law. The law is poised to empower citizens, facilitating their more effective participation in decision-making processes. There is need for the speedy strengthening of the Human Rights Commission to effectively carry out its mandate as an oversight institution on matters relating to access to information. Moreover, it provides a legal tool for holding the government accountable for its actions, reinforcing the democratic underpinnings of the society. Digital rights It ushers in a new era of transparency and unobstructed flow of information in Zambia. This legislative evolution is a significant step forward in facilitating public access to vital government-held information. The government The Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Act (21) remains an albatross around the necks of media The fight for media freedom continues in Zambia STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023 90