Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya has urged the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to come up with long term strategies that will sustain operations and avoid issues such as delayed salaries.
Siliya said whilst her ministry is responsible for policy formulation, it is her expectation that the board management and ZNBC workers come up with sustainable strategies to keep the institution financially afloat.
Speaking when she addressed the Zambia Union of Broadcasters and other Information Dissemination (ZUBID) branch officials in her office, Siliya says that with the stiff competition in the industry there is a need for new ideas and innovations to turn around the situation.
ZNBC needs to think outside the box in order to avoid the same problems reoccurring each time they have to pay their workers because it will be difficult to always wait for Ministry of Finance to release funds especially that the country has austerity measures in effect.
Dora Siliya
Meanwhile, ZNBC Director General Malolela Lusambo has called on the ZNBC staff to be patient as the matter of delayed November salaries is being looked into.
Lusambo says management is exploring all possible avenues to ensure the money for salaries is found.
Meanwhile, ZUBID Secretary General Andrew Mphandamwike explained that the union decided to seek an audience with the minister because workers had run out of options.
Mphandamwike said management and the board have tried everything they can but have failed hence the resolution to seek help from the Minster in charge of the media industry.
Siliya appealed to workers at ZNBC to be patient with management and give them ample time to resolve their grievances.