Kabwe 18th July,2025- The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Zambia Council for Fire Brigades, has successfully concluded the country’s first-ever Public Relations Officers and Media Course for the Fire Service.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Principal Public Relations Officer Ms Liseli Kanyanga officially concluded the training and in her closing remarks said the role of public relations officers and the media in service delivery cannot be overstated as government depends of PR and Media to act as a bridge.
Ms Kanyanga emphasized that the core component of public trust , accountability,and responsiveness adding that Fire and rescue service stands as one of the most vital arms of emergency response system.
“These brave officers respond to life and death situations, fire , accidents ,floods with courage and commitment and yet their work often happens behind scenes ”
She therefore appealed to the PR practitioners and the media to make their service visible, understood and appreciated by the people they save.
Zambia Council Chief fire Chairperson Robert Mumba said from the training it was now expected that the public is informed on the works of the fire brigade and change the way the reports are wrongly publicized.
Fire commandant Jonah Mwale said the Public Relations Officers and Media Course was the first in the history of Zambia and that it was from the interaction with the media personnel that equally the fire service has realized what has been missed to bridge the gap.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Supretendant of Fire Service Mr. Nkomesha Davy appreciated the school for coming up with the program .
The Mr.Nkomesha said the job of fire service is to make sure that families are safe guarded for the benefit of every family through the taxis they pay to the government.
KNC Radio personality Herman Machacha in giving the vote of thanks said the training was an insightful experience that will now allow to disseminate information not only as news but as content that will help to educate the masses.
The training brought together public relations practitioners and media professionals across the country to enhance their collaboration and improve the way fire services are reported in the media.Participants were also awarded with Fire Service Course certificates.
Issued by
Lusale Kaseba
Public Relations Officer
Mumbwa Town Council
