ZNBC needs more employees – Chibamba Kanyama

Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) needs 100 workers to be recruited for the corporation to work at full capacity.

Out-going ZNBC Director General (DG), Chibamba Kanyama, says the corporation has a shortfall of 100 workers while currently it has a structure of 530 employees instead of a total 630 required.

Mr Kanyama, however, commended the ZNBC employees for their hard work to put the national broadcaster to where it is today in responding to the interests of the people, the government and its Board of Directors.

Mr Kanyama, who resigned last month to take up a new role at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as Communications Advisor, was speaking last evening on ZNBC programme dubbed, “Sunday Interview”.

The Out-going DG bragged that during his 2-year tenure of office managed to double the income in sales, dividends and television levies to sustain the institution.

He disclosed that television levies increased from K800,000 to K1.4 million and he dismissed assertions that the corporation totally depended on government.

He urged ZNBC workers to work professionally without undue ‘external’ pressure if the corporation was to tick.

“I am grateful to the Government that has shown willingness to continue supporting ZNBC so that it fulfils its mandate, given the backdrop of anticipated digital migration. ZNBC employees are enviable professionals to work with,” he said.

On his proposed 3-year strategic plan, Mr Kanyama said he aims to create systems and build capacity at institutions he works for.

“My assignment is to deliver value and I do not care what people say and do. Do the right thing and fear nobody like l have always done. I work professionally and my focus is to do the right thing. I urge ZNBC employees to work professionally and focus to do the right thing,” Mr Kanyama said.

He claimed that he never sacked any employee under his rule but he managed to recall some of the former employees that were allegedly fired.

ZNBC Board Chairperson, John Mulwila, last week announced that Director of News and Current Affairs and veteran broadcaster, Kenneth Maduma, has been appointed to act as Director General to replace Mr Kanyama.

Dr Mulwila said Mr Maduma’s appointment is effective 16th June, 2014following his Board’s resolve and wider consultation among them the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Joseph Katema.

On digital migration, Mr Kanyama said ZNBC requires massive investment to reposition herself ahead of the June 2015 migration deadline.

He further said ZNBC requires massive recapitalization in fixed and working capital in ensuring that the migration process is satisfactorily addressed to the aspirations of the Zambian people.

“Finally, to all ZNBC stakeholders, particularly members of the public that gave me encouragement to provide leadership at the Corporation, I do hope that the public will continue to render support to my successor, Mr Maduma and ZNBC at large,” he said.