Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Act, 2025
This section gives the Act its short title and says it starts on a date appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument.
- Jurisdiction
- Zambia
- Instrument
- Act or statute
- Citation
- Act 26 of 2025
- Version
- 30 Dec 2025
- Language
- en
- Official source
- View official record ↗
Statute overview
About this statute
This section gives the Act its short title and says it starts on a date appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument. This section defines terms used in the Act, including the Corporation, Board, Authority, Director-General, broadcast levy, broadcast signal, and several related terms. The Corporation must guide its operations by specified principles and values, including ethics, public interest, press freedom, freedom of expression, constitutional values, and inclusivity. The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation continues as a body corporate and may do corporate acts, subject to this Act. The Corporation must provide balanced public-interest broadcasting and carry out listed content, programming, archive, and channel functions.
Search within this statute
Search all stored provisions in this version.
Legal text
Provisions of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Act, 2025
Showing 40 of 40
Part
PART I
- 1 Verify source ↗
Short title and commencement
This section gives the Act its short title and says it starts on a date appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument.
1. This Act may be cited as the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Act, 2025, and shall come into operation on the date appointed by the Minister, by statutory instrument. Short title and commen- cement - 2 Verify source ↗
3. Guiding principles and values of Corporation
This section defines terms used in the Act, including the Corporation, Board, Authority, Director-General, broadcast levy, broadcast signal, and several related terms.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— Interpretation “active politics” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Benefits of Former Presidents Act; Cap.15 “agent” means a person appointed as an agent of the Corporation under section 12; 376 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Cap. 91 “associate” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti Corruption Act; Act No. 25 of 2025 Act No. 25 of 2025 Act No. 25 of 2025 Act No. 25 of 2025 Act No. 25 of 2025 Cap. 172 Act No. 25 of 2025 Cap. 1 Cap. 432 “Authority” means the Independent Broadcasting Authority continued in existence under the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025; “Board” means the Board of the Corporation constitute under section 6; “Broadcast Charter” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025; “broadcast content” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025; “broadcast levy” means the broadcast levy charged under section 11; “broadcast signal” means a television or radio signal transmitted for the purposes of providing a broadcasting service, despite the means of transmission; “broadcasting” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025; “broadcasting service” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025; “Chairperson means the person elected as Chairperson of the Board under section 6; “Corporation” means the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation continued under section 4; “Council of Non-Governmental Organisations” means the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations constituted under the Non-Governmental Organisations Act; “device” means an equipment capable of receiving a radio, television or any other broadcast signal; “Director-General” means the person appointed as Director- General of the Corporation under section 8; “editorial policy” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025; “Emoluments Commission” means the Emoluments Commission established under the Constitution; “Engineering Institution of Zambia” means the Engineering Institution of Zambia continued in existence under the Engineering Institution of Zambia Act; Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 377 “higher education institution” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Higher Education Act; “Law Association of Zambia” means the Law Association of Zambia established under the Law Association of Zambia Act; Cap. 136 Cap. 31 “legally disqualified” means the absence of legal capacity as provided under section 4 of the Mental Health Act; Cap. 305 “local authority” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Constitution; Cap. 1 “Public service broadcaster” means a broadcaster that serves public interest in the provision of broadcasting services and is accountable to the public; “relative” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti- Cap. 91 Corruption Act, ; “repealed Act” means the Zambia National Broadcasting Cap. 154 Corporation Act, repealed under section 28; “state owned broadcaster” means a broadcaster established under section 9; and “Vice Chairperson” means the person elected as Vice Chairperson of the Board under section 6. - 3 Verify source ↗
Guiding principles and values of Corporation
The Corporation must guide its operations by specified principles and values, including ethics, public interest, press freedom, freedom of expression, constitutional values, and inclusivity.
3. The Corporation shall, in its operations, be guided by the following principles and values: (a) professional standards and ethics; (b) public interest; (c) press freedom; (d) freedom of expression; Guiding principles and values of Corporation (e) national values and principles enshrined in the Constitution; and (f) inclusivity. PART II THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION
Part
PART II
- 4 Verify source ↗
Continuation of Corporation
The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation continues as a body corporate and may do corporate acts, subject to this Act.
4. (1) The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation established under the repealed Act is continued as if established under this Act as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name and has power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to do all acts and things as a body corporate may, by law, do or perform. Continuation of Corporation 378 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (2) The First Schedule applies to the Corporation. Functions of Corporation - 5 Verify source ↗
Functions of Corporation
The Corporation must provide balanced public-interest broadcasting and carry out listed content, programming, archive, and channel functions.
5. (1) The Corporation is a public service broadcaster responsible for providing broadcasting services in a balanced manner that reflects public interest. (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of the Corporation are to— (a) promote production and broadcasting of local content; (b) provide varied and balanced programming that reflects the diversity, culture, norms and belifs of the Republic; (c) establish and maintain audio and audio-visual libraries and archives containing materials relevant to the functions of the Corporation, and to make available to the public such libraries and archives; and (d) establish a radio channel or television channel as the Corporation may determine. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the Corporation shall not be subject to the direction of a person or an authority in the performance of its functions. Board of Corporation - 6 Verify source ↗
Board of Corporation
This section sets up the Board, says certain members must be nominated for appointment by the Minister, and lets the members elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, with some eligibility limits.
6. (1) There is constituted the Board of the Corporation which consists of the following part-time members appointed by the Minister: (a) a representative of the ministry responsible for broadcasting; (b) a representative of the Attorney-General; (c) a representative of the Engineering Institution of Zambia; (d) a representative of a higher education institution that offers media studies; (e) a representative of a recognised professional media body; (f)a representative of a christian religious body; (g) a representative of the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations; and (h) two persons from the private sector with relevant knowledge and experience in matters relating to this Act. (2) The members referred to under subsection (1)(a) to (g) shall be nominated by their respective ministries, institutions or organisations for appointment by the Minister. (3) Subject to subsection (4), the members shall elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among themselves. Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 379 (4) A member referred to under subsection (1) (a) and (b) shall not be eligible for election to the positions of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. (5) A person shall not be nominated or appointed as a member of the Board if that person— (a) is not a citizen; (b) is a member of parliament or local authority; (c) is an office bearer or employee of a political party; (d) is adjudged bankrupt under any written law; (e) has been convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty; (f) has been convicted of an offence under this Act or any other written law and sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding six months without the option of a fine; or (g) is a member of a board, employee or shareholder of an institution in the broadcasting industry or a subsidiary of the Corporation. (6) The First Schedule applies to the Board. - 7 Verify source ↗
Functions of Board
The Board must set strategy for the Corporation, approve key plans and reports, monitor performance, promote corporate governance, and advise the Minister. It may also delegate functions in writing, on conditions it considers necessary.
7. (1) Subject to this Act, the Board shall provide strategic policy direction to the Corporation. Functions of Board (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of the Board are to— (a) approve the policies, programmes and strategies of the Corporation; (b) approve the annual budget estimates and financial statements of the Corporation; (c) approve the annual work plans, action plans and activity reports of the Corporation; (d) monitor and evaluate the performance of the Corporation against budgets and plans; (e) promote the effective corporate governance of the Corporation; and (f) advise the Minister on matters relating to the broadcasting industry. (3) The Board may, by direction in writing and on conditions that the Board considers necessary, delegate to the Director-General any of the Board’s functions under this Act. 380 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Director- General, Secretary and other staff (4) A delegation made under subsection (3) shall not prevent the Board from performing the function so delegated. - 8 Verify source ↗
Director-General, Secretary and other staff
The Board must appoint a Director-General and Secretary, and may appoint other staff. The Director-General may attend and speak at Board meetings but cannot vote.
8. (1) The Board shall appoint a Director-General who shall be— (a) the chief executive officer of the Corporation; and (b) responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Corporation under the direction of the Board. (2) A person shall not be appointed as a Director-General if that person is— (a) not a citizen; (b) a member of Parliament or local authority; (c) an office bearer or employee of a political party; or (d) in active politics. (3) The Director-General shall attend meetings of the Board or a committee of the Board and may address those meetings, but shall have no vote. (4) The Board shall appoint a Secretary who shall perform corporate secretarial duties for the Board and other functions that the Board may determine, under the direction of the Board and the Director-General. (5) The Board shall appoint other staff of the Corporation that the Board considers necessary for the performance of the functions of the Corporation. (6) The Emoluments Commission shall, on the recommendation of the Board, determine the emoluments of the Director-General, Secretary and other staff of the Corporation. (7) The Board shall determine the terms and conditions of service, other than emoluments, of the Director-General, Secretary and other staff of the Corporation. PART III STATE OWNED BROADCASTER AND BROADCAST CHARTER Establishment of state owned broadcaster
Part
PART III
- 9 Verify source ↗
Establishment of state owned broadcaster
The Minister may establish a state owned broadcaster if the Corporation recommends it and Cabinet approves, and the Corporation must issue its operating certificate; the Government funds the broadcaster’s operations.
9. (1) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Corporation and approval of Cabinet, by statutory instrument, establish a state owned broadcaster. (2) The Corporation shall issue an operating certificate, in a prescribed manner and form, to a state owned broadcaster established under subsection (1). Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 381 (3) The operations of a state owned broadcaster established under subsection (1) shall be funded by the Government. - 10 Verify source ↗
Broadcast Charter
The Broadcast Charter applies to the broadcast content and broadcast services of the Corporation and any state-owned broadcaster.
10. The Broadcast Charter issued by the Authority under the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025, shall apply to the broadcast content and broadcast services of the Corporation and a state owned broadcaster. Broadcast Charter Act No. 25 of 2025 PART IV BROADCAST LEVY
Part
PART IV
- 11 Verify source ↗
Charge of broadcast levy
The Corporation must charge and collect a prescribed broadcast levy from a person who possesses or uses a prescribed device that can receive a broadcast signal. The Minister may exempt a person from paying the levy, on the Corporation’s recommendation and by statutory instrument.
11. (1) The Corporation shall charge and collect a broadcast levy, as prescribed, from a person in possession of, or who uses, a prescribed device capable of receiving a broadcast signal. Charge of broadcast levy (2) The Minister may, on recommendation of the Corporation, by statutory instrument, exempt a person from the payment of the broadcast levy under subsection (1). - 12 Verify source ↗
Appointment of agent
The Director-General may appoint an agent to collect a broadcast levy. The Corporation must then give the agent a certificate and ID card, and the agent must carry and show the card when performing functions under the Act.
12. (1) Despite section 11(1), the Director-General may appoint an agent for purposes of collecting a broadcast levy under this Act. Appointment of agent (2) The Corporation shall, where the Corporation appoints an agent under subsection (1), issue to that agent a certificate of appointment in a prescribed form and an identification card which shall be prima facie evidence of the agent’s appointment as agent. (3) An agent shall, in performing a function under this Act— (a) be in possession of the identification card referred to in subsection (2); and (b) show the identification card to a person who requests to see the identification card. - 13 Verify source ↗
Remittance of broadcast levy
An agent under section 12 must remit the broadcast levy to the Corporation within 10 days after each month ends, with prescribed information.
13. (1) An agent referred to under section 12 shall, within ten days after the end of each month, remit the broadcast levy collected under that section to the Corporation accompanied by relevant information as prescribed. Remittance of broadcast levy (2) An agent that fails to remit the broadcast levy to the Corporation in accordance with subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a penalty at the interbank lending rate applicable on the unremitted amount for each day the amount remains unremitted. - 14 Verify source ↗
Information relating to broadcast levy
An agent must keep and maintain relevant information about the broadcast levy, as prescribed.
14. An agent shall keep and maintain relevant information relating to broadcast levy as may be prescribed. Information relating to broadcast levy 382 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation PART V INSPECTORATE Inspectors
Part
PART V
- 15 Verify source ↗
Inspectors
The Corporation must appoint suitably qualified inspectors and give them identification cards. Inspectors must carry the card when doing their duties and show it if asked or if they are being investigated.
15. (1) The Corporation shall, appoint suitably qualified persons as inspectors for purposes of ensuring compliance with this Act. Powers of inspectors (2) The Corporation shall issue an inspector with an identification card which shall be prima facie evidence of the inspector’s appointment as inspector. (3) An inspector shall, in performing a function under this Act— (a) be in possession of the identification card referred to in subsection (2); and (b) show the identification card to a person who requests to see the identification card or is the subject of an investigation under this Act. - 16 Verify source ↗
Powers of inspectors
Inspectors may enter and search premises under a warrant, but must give receipts for removals, return items promptly, and report to the Board. People must not obstruct inspectors or give false information; breaches can lead to a fine or up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
16. (1) An inspector may, for the purpose of enforcing this Act, at any reasonable time, without prior notice, and on the authority of a warrant, enter any premises that the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe is used for the commission of an offence or is contrary to this Act, and— (a) search the premises; (b) search any person on the premises if the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has possession of an article, document or record that has a bearing on an inspection or investigation, except that a person shall only be searched by a person of the same sex; (c) take extracts from, or make copies of, any book, document or record that is on the premises and that has a bearing on an inspection or investigation; (d) demand the production of, and inspect, relevant certificates; and (e) make inquiries that may be necessary to ascertain whether the provisions of this Act or any other law on which an inspection or investigation is based, have been complied with. (2) An inspector who removes anything from any premises shall— (a) issue a receipt for anything removed to the owner or the person in control of the premises; and Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 383 (b) return anything removed as soon as practicable after the thing removed has served the purpose for which it was removed. (3) An inspector shall furnish the Board with a written report and any other information relating to an inspection. (4) A person commits an offence if that person— (a) delays or obstructs an inspector in the performance of the inspector’s functions under this Act; (b) refuses to give an inspector reasonable assistance as the inspector may require for the purpose of performing the inspector’s functions; (c) impersonates an inspector or presents oneself to be an inspector; or (d) wilfully gives an inspector false or misleading information in answer to an inquiry made by the inspector. (5) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (4) is liable to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both. PART VI FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Part
PART VI
- 17 Verify source ↗
Funds of Corporation
The Corporation’s funds come from specified public and private sources, and the Board may invest unused funds with Ministerial approval.
17. (1) The funds of the Corporation consist of monies that may— Funds of Corporation (a) be appropriated to the Corporation by Parliament; (b) be paid to the Corporation by way of fees, charges, grants or donation; (c) be paid to the Corporation by way of a broadcast levy; or (d) vest in, or accrue to, the Corporation. (2) Subject to the Public Finance Management Act, the Corporation may, with the approval of the Minister, accept monies by way of grants or donations from any source within or outside the Republic. Cap. 347 (3) The loans for the Corporation shall be raised in accordance with the Public Debt Management Act, 2022. (4) There shall be paid from the funds of the Corporation— Act No. 15 of 2022 (a) the salaries, allowances, loans, gratuities and pensions of the staff of the Corporation and other payments for the recruitment and retention of staff; 384 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Cap. 347 Financial year Accounts Annual report (b) reasonable travelling expenses and other allowances for members of the Board or members of a committee of the Board when engaged in the business of the Corporation at rates that the Emoluments Commission may, on the recommendation of the Minister, determine; and (c) any other expenses incurred by the Corporation in the performance of the Corporation’s functions under this Act. (5) Subject to the Public Finance Management Act; the Board may, with the approval of the Minister, invest in a manner that the Board considers necessary any of the Corporation’s funds that the Corporation does not immediately require for the performance of the Corporation’s functions. - 18 Verify source ↗
Financial year
The Corporation’s financial year must be 12 months long and end on 31 December each year.
18. The financial year of the Corporation shall be a period of twelve months ending on 31st December in each year. - 19 Verify source ↗
Accounts
The Board must keep proper books and records for the Corporation’s accounts, and the Corporation must pay the fees for the annual audit.
19. (1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of accounts and other records relating to the accounts of the Corporation. (2) The accounts of the Corporation shall be audited annually by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by the Auditor- General. (3) The fees for the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by the Auditor-General shall be paid by the Corporation. - 20 Verify source ↗
Annual report
The Corporation must send an annual report to the Minister within 90 days after each financial year, and the Minister must lay it before the National Assembly within 7 days after the Assembly’s first sitting after receipt.
20. (1) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable, but not later than ninety days after the end of a financial year, submit to the Minister a report concerning the functions and activities of the Corporation during that financial year. (2) The report referred to in subsection (1) shall include information on the financial affairs of the Corporation and there shall be appended to the report— (a) an audited statement of financial position; (b) an audited statement of comprehensive income and expenditure; and (c) any other information that the Minister may require. (3) The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the first sitting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report referred to in subsection (1), lay the report before the National Assembly. Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 385 PART VII GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part
PART VII
- 21 Verify source ↗
Editorial policy
The Corporation and a state-owned broadcaster must develop and submit an editorial policy to the Authority, and they must follow the Corporation’s principles and values when doing so.
21. (1) The Corporation and a state-owned broadcaster shall develop and submit an editorial policy to the Authority in accordance with the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025. (2) The Corporation and a state-owned broadcaster shall, in developing and adopting an editorial policy under subsection (1), be guided by the principles and values of the Corporation under section 3. - 22 Verify source ↗
Immunity
People may not bring actions or other proceedings against Board members or staff for good-faith acts or omissions done while carrying out powers, functions, or duties under the Act.
22. An action or other proceedings shall not lie or be instituted against a member of the Board or a committee of the Board or a member of staff of the Corporation for, or in respect of, an act or thing done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or performance of any of the powers, functions or duties conferred under this Act. Editorial policy Act No. 25 of 2025 Immunity - 23 Verify source ↗
Prohibition of disclosure of information to unauthorised
A person must not disclose covered information learned in the course of duties under the Act unless written consent is given by or on behalf of the Corporation.
23. (1) A person shall not, without the consent in writing given by or on behalf of the Corporation, publish or disclose to any person otherwise than in the course of that person’s duties, the contents of any document, communication or information, which relates to, and which has come to that person’s knowledge in the course of that person’s duties under this Act. Prohibition of disclosure of information to unauthorised persons (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both. (3) A person who, having information which to the knowledge of that person has been published or disclosed in contravention of subsection (1), unlawfully publishes or communicates the information to any person commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to both. - 24 Verify source ↗
Guidelines for handling of complaints
The Corporation must establish guidelines for handling complaints about broadcasting services, subject to the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025.
24. Subject to the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 2025, the Corporation shall establish guidelines for handling of complaints relating to the provision of broadcasting services under this Act. - 25 Verify source ↗
Administrative penalty
The Corporation may impose an administrative penalty for non-offence failures to comply with the Act, capped at a Minister-set daily amount, and the penalty must be paid within the time the Corporation sets.
25. (1) The Corporation may impose an administrative penalty on a person for failure to comply with this Act which is not an offence. (2) An administrative penalty shall not exceed the amount prescribed by the Minister, by statutory instrument, for each day during which the failure continues. Guidelines for handling of complaints Act No. 25 of 2025 Administrative penalty 386 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (3) An administrative penalty is payable to the Corporation within the period specified by the Corporation. (4) If a person on whom an administrative penalty is imposed in accordance with this section fails to pay the administrative penalty within the time specified under subsection (3), the Corporation may, by way of civil action in a competent court, recover the amount of the administrative penalty from that person as an amount due and owing to the Corporation. Execution of judgment - 26 Verify source ↗
Execution of judgment
A court judgment or order against the Corporation cannot be enforced by execution, attachment, or similar process against the Corporation or its property; instead, the Corporation must pay awarded money from its funds to the person entitled to it.
26. (1) Where a judgment or court order is obtained against the Corporation, execution, attachment or process of any nature shall not be issued against the Corporation or against any property of the Corporation. (2) Despite subsection (1), the Corporation shall cause to be paid out of the Corporation’s funds an amount of money as may, by judgment or court order, be awarded against the Corporation to the person entitled to the money. Regulations - 27 Verify source ↗
Regulations
The Minister may make regulations, if recommended by the Corporation, to carry out the Act.
27. (1) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Corporation, by statutory instrument, make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of this Act. (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the regulations may provide for the— (a) fees and charges to be paid to the Corporation under this Act; (b) collection of broadcast levy; (c) management and operation of a state owned broadcaster; and (d) nature of information that shall be made available to the public, relating to a subsidiary, business partnership or joint venture in which the Corporation has an interest. - 28 Verify source ↗
Repeal of Cap. 154 and savings and transitional provisions
The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Act is repealed, but the Second Schedule still applies to the matters it covers.
28. (1) The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Act is repealed. (2) Despite subsection (1), the provisions of the Second Schedule apply in respect of the matters specified in the Second Schedule. Repeal of Cap. 154 and savings and transitional provisions Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 387 FIRST SCHEDULE (Sections 4(2) and 6(6)) THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION ADMINISTRATION OF CORPORATION
Part
Schedule.
- 1 Verify source ↗
Short title and commencement
The Board may decide the Corporation’s seal, the Secretary must keep it, and specified officers may authenticate the seal or execute certain documents without it.
1. (1) The seal of the Corporation shall be a device that may be determined by the Board and shall be kept by the Secretary of the Board. Seal of Corporation (2) The affixing of the seal shall be authenticated by the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson and the Director-General or any other person authorised in that behalf by a resolution of the Board. (3) A contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed by a person not being a body corporate, would not be required to be under seal, may be entered into or executed without seal on behalf of the Corporation by the Director-General or any other person generally or specifically authorised by the Board in that behalf. (4) A document purporting to be a document under the seal of the Corporation or issued on behalf of the Corporation shall be received in evidence and shall be deemed to be so executed or issued, without further proof, unless the contrary is proved. - 2 Verify source ↗
3. Guiding principles and values of Corporation
Board members hold office for three years and may be re-appointed for one final three-year term.
2. (1) Subject to this Act, a member of the Board shall hold office for a term of three years and may be re-appointed for a further and final term of three years. Tenure of office of member (2) A member of the Board shall, on the expiration of that term for which that member is appointed, continue to hold office until another member is appointed, but in no case shall the further period exceed three months. - 3 Verify source ↗
Guiding principles and values of Corporation
A board member’s office becomes vacant if listed events happen, and the Minister must appoint a replacement if the vacancy occurs before the term ends.
3. (1) The office of a member becomes vacant if the member— (a) dies; (b) is adjudged bankrupt; (c) is absent, without reasonable excuse, from three consecutive meetings of the Board of which the member has had notice, without the prior approval of the Board; (d) resigns, by giving one month’s notice in writing, to the Minister; (e) is legally disqualified; Vacancy of office of member 388 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Proceedings of Board (f) joins active politics; (g) ceases to be an employee or a member of the ministry, institution or organisation that nominated the member; or (h) is convicted of an offence under this Act or any other written law and sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding six months without the option of a fine. (2) The Minister shall, where the office of a member becomes vacant before the expiry of the term of office, appoint another person to replace the member who vacates office but that person shall only hold office for the remainder of the term. - 4 Verify source ↗
Continuation of Corporation
The Board may regulate its own procedure, but it must meet at least every three months, keep minutes, and follow quorum, notice, and voting rules.
4. (1) Subject to this Act, the Board may regulate its own procedure. (2) The Board shall meet for the transaction of business at least once every three months at a place and time that the Board may determine. (3) The Chairperson shall, on giving notice of not less than fourteen days, or where one third or more of the members so request, in writing, call for a meeting of the Board, except that if the urgency of a particular matter does not permit the giving of a notice, a special meeting may be called on giving a shorter notice. (4) Five members of the Board shall form a quorum at any meeting of the Board. (5) There shall preside at a meeting of the Board— (a) the Chairperson; (b) in the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson; or (c) in the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice- Chairperson, a member that the members present may elect for the purpose of that meeting. (6) A decision of the Board on any question shall be by a majority of the members present and voting at the meeting and, in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to that person’s deliberative vote. Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 389 (7) The Board may invite any person whose presence, in its opinion, is desirable to attend and participate in the deliberations of the meeting of the Board but that person shall have no vote. (8) The validity of any proceedings, act or decision of the Board shall not be affected by any vacancy in the membership of the Board or by any defect in the appointment of any member or by reason that any person not entitled so to do took part in the proceedings. (10) The Board shall cause minutes to be kept of the proceedings of the meetings of the Board and of any committee of the Board. - 5 Verify source ↗
Functions of Corporation
The Board may create a committee, appoint its members, delegate Board functions to it, and the committee may run its own procedure subject to Board direction.
5. (1) The Board may, for the purpose of performing its functions under this Act, constitute a committee and delegate to the committee functions of the Board it considers necessary. Committee of Board (2) The Board may appoint as members of a committee persons who are, or are not, members of the Board, except that at least one member of the committee shall be a member of the Board. (3) A member of a committee shall hold office for a period that the Board may determine, except that the term of a committee shall not exceed the term of office of the Board. (4) Subject to any specific or general direction of the Board, a committee may regulate its own procedure. - 6 Verify source ↗
Board of Corporation
Board members and committee members are to be paid allowances, which the Emoluments Commission may determine on the Minister’s recommendation.
6. A member of the Board or a committee of the Board shall be paid allowances that the Emoluments Commission may, on recommendation of the Minister, determine. Allowances Disclosure of interest - 7 Verify source ↗
Functions of Board
A person attending a Board or committee meeting must declare a private interest in a matter as soon as practicable after the meeting starts and must not usually take part in discussion or voting on it.
7. (1) A person who is present at a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board at which any matter is the subject of consideration, and in which matter that person or that person’s relative or associate is directly or indirectly interested in a private capacity, shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of the meeting, declare the interest and shall not, unless the Board or committee otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or discussion of, or vote on, any question relating to that matter. (2) A disclosure of interest made under this paragraph shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which the disclosure is made. 390 No. 26 of 2025] Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation SECOND SCHEDULE (Section 28) SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS Interpretation - 1 Verify source ↗
Short title and commencement
This Schedule defines “former Corporation” as the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation established under the repealed Act.
1. In this Schedule “former Corporation” means the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation established under the repealed Act. Member of former Corporation Staff of Corporation Transfer of assets - 2 Verify source ↗
3. Guiding principles and values of Corporation
A former Board member keeps office for three months after commencement, and then the Minister must appoint Board members under the Act.
2. A person who immediately before the commencement of this Act held office as a member of the Board of the former Corporation shall continue to hold office as a member of the Board for a period of three months after which the Minister shall appoint the members of the Board in accordance with this Act. - 3 Verify source ↗
Guiding principles and values of Corporation
Former officers and employees of the Corporation keep their status, and their service counts as continuous service.
3. (1) For the avoidance of doubt, a person who, before the commencement of this Act, was an officer or employee of the former Corporation, shall continue to be an officer or employee of the Corporation, as if appointed or employed under this Act. (2) The service of the persons referred to in subparagraph (1) shall be treated as continuous service. (3) Nothing in this Act affects the rights and liabilities of any person employed or appointed by the former Corporation before the commencement of this Act. - 4 Verify source ↗
Continuation of Corporation
When this Act starts, the former Corporation’s assets, rights, liabilities and obligations move to the Corporation. The Corporation must apply in writing for registration where required, and the registration authority must update the register and related records. No registration fees or other duties are payable for the transaction.
4. (1) On or after the commencement of this Act, there shall be transferred to, vest in and subsist against the Corporation by virtue of this Act and without further assurance, all assets, rights and obligations which immediately before that date were the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former Corporation. (2) Subject to subparagraph (1), every deed, bond and agreement, other than an agreement for personnel service, to which the former Corporation was a party immediately before the commencement of this Act whether or not of a nature that rights, liabilities and obligations could be assigned, shall, unless its subject matter or terms make it impossible that it should have effect as modified, as provided under this paragraph, have effect as if— (a) the Corporation had been party to it; (b) for reference to the former Corporation there was substituted, with respect to anything falling to be done on or after the commencement of this Act, a reference to the Corporation; or (c) for any reference to any officer of the former Corporation, not being a party to it and beneficially interested, there was substituted, with respects to anything required to Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation [No. 26 of 2025 391 be done on or after the commencement of this Act, a reference to that officer of the Corporation that the Corporation shall designate. (3) Where under this Act, any assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former Corporation are deemed to be transferred to the Corporation in respect of which transfer a written law provides for registration, the Corporation shall make an application in writing to the appropriate registration authority for registration of the transfer. (4) The registration authority, referred to in subparagraph (3), shall make entries in the appropriate register that shall give effect to the transfer and, where applicable, issue to the transferee concerned a certificate of title in respect of the property or make necessary amendments to the register and shall endorse the deeds relating to the title, right or obligation concerned and no registration fees or other duties shall be payable in respect of the transaction. - 5 Verify source ↗
Functions of Corporation
Pending proceedings and certain new proceedings may continue to be brought by or against the Corporation after the Act starts.
5. (1) Any legal proceedings or application of the former Corporation pending immediately before the commencement of this Act by or against the former Corporation may be continued by or against the Corporation. Legal Proceedings (2) After the commencement of this Act, proceedings in respect of any right, liability or obligation which was vested in, held, enjoyed, incurred or suffered by the former Corporation, may be instituted by or against the Corporation. 392 No. 26 of 2025]
Provision text is displayed from LexChat’s stored statute record. Use the official source links to verify amendments, commencement, and current legal force.
Ask AI about this statute
Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Act, 2025
Sign in to ask AI about this statute
Sign in to start authenticated, citation-grounded statute research.
Sign inLexChat organizes source-backed legal information for research. Verify amendments, commencement, and current legal force with the official publisher before relying on it.