Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have been called upon to be neutral in their operations if they are to retain the respect of the Zambian people.
The Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) is concerned that as opposed to having genuine CSOs, Zambia seems to have what it has referred to as extreme CSOs.
Lewis Mwape
ZCSD Executive Director Lewis Mwape says his organization has observed that the country appears to have a combination of CSOs that are pro-government and those that are anti- government.
Mr. Mwape has told Qfm News in an interview that the council which is an Umbrella of CSOs, with the main goal of promoting a vibrant, independent and well-coordinated CSO in Zambia, holds the view that genuine CSOs are supposed to be neural in their operations.
He says a genuine CSO is one that should commend government when it has done a good thing and criticize government where it errs.
Mr. Mwape says such professionalism and adherence to ethics is what his organization also believes will help CSOs in Zambia retain the respect of government and that of opposition political parties.
He says this entails that the manner in which CSOs conduct their business is therefore very important.