Kangwa directs PR officers to intensify Government communication

By Hellen Bwalya

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has directed Principal Public Relations Officers (PPROs) across all ministries and provinces to scale up communication efforts to ensure citizens are fully informed about national development programs. Speaking during a strategic engagement at Ciêla Resort in Chongwe, Mr. Kangwa emphasized that the government’s recent investments in communication infrastructure must result in proactive and transparent information dissemination.

The Secretary to the Cabinet stated that while significant progress is being recorded across various sectors, these achievements risk remaining unnoticed if the flow of information remains passive or inconsistent. Kangwa urged the officers to reciprocate the government’s confidence by consistently highlighting how specific policies, projects, and reforms directly impact local communities. Additionally, Mr. Kangwa called on the communicators to join the fight against corruption, echoing the mandate set by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Supporting this directive, Ms. Kusobile Kamwambi, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), emphasized the duty of PPROs to provide verified and timely information. She warned that misinformation continues to pose a threat to public understanding of national initiatives. Ms. Kamwambi encouraged the officers to act as a reliable bridge between government actions and the public, stressing that swift responses to citizen feedback are essential for fostering community participation in development.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana commended the team for their performance throughout 2025 and urged them to approach 2026 with innovation and renewed professionalism. Mr. Kawana noted that strategic, coordinated messaging is vital for building public trust and countering false narratives. This sentiment was supported by State House Chief Communications Strategist Whitney Mulobela, who called for harmonized messaging across all government platforms.

Representing the PR officers, Ms. Eve Nankala thanked the government for the opportunity to drive policy communication. She reaffirmed the team’s commitment to enhancing engagement through both digital and traditional media channels to combat misleading narratives and amplify verified facts. The engagement served as a year-end review for 2025 and a planning session to establish communication priorities for the 2026 calendar year.