Ben Kangwa
| Born | 1955 Zambia |
|---|---|
| Nationality | |
| Occupation | Broadcaster, journalist, media strategist, diplomat |
| Years active | c. 1983–2018 |
| Known for | |
| Notable work | |
| Awards | |
| Children |
Ben Kangwa (1955 – 18 October 2018) was a renowned Zambian broadcaster, journalist, media strategist and diplomat. He worked at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) for 25 years, rising to the position of Director of Programs, and later served as Deputy Ambassador at the Zambian Mission in Washington, D.C.[1]
Education and early life
Kangwa earned a Master’s in Journalism and Culture from Cardiff University in Wales.[2]
Broadcasting career
Kangwa’s 25-year tenure at ZNBC included producing and presenting major programs:
- Hosted a daily financial show, Business Review, for 12 years.[3]
- Led 90-minute live political interviews with nearly every candidate in Zambia’s 2001 presidential elections, in partnership with ECZ, EU, and ZAMCOM.[4]
- Produced a “live” phone-in programme on media reforms for four years, collaborating with MISA Zambia.[5]
Kangwa also produced and presented live programs for both radio and television on the National Constitution sponsored by the Willa Mu’ngomba Constitution Review Commission where he sat on the Publicity Committee.
In collaboration with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Zambia Chapter, he also produced and presented a live phone-in program on Media Reforms on both radio and television for a stretch of four years running.
He also served on boards including Evelyn Hone College, Zambia Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Yatsani Catholic Radio, Zambezi FM, Salvation Army and Keep Lusaka Clean Committee.[6]
Political and policy analysis
He was also credited for having produced and presented ‘one-on-one’ 90 minute political interviews with each of the eleven Presidential candidates in the Zambia 2001 tripartite elections on ZNBC.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the European Union (EU), the Freedom Forum of the USA and the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM), Kangwa produced and presented a “live” debate style 90 minute TV program featuring 10 of the 11 presidential candidates at the same time at the Mulungushi International Conference Center (MICC) during the 2001 elections.
Diplomatic service
After retiring from ZNBC, Kangwa was appointed Deputy Ambassador at Zambia’s mission in Washington, D.C., contributing to cultural diplomacy and media outreach.[7]
Awards and honours
- 1996 – Best Financial Journalist, Press Association of Zambia (PAZA).[8]
- 2010 – Recognized in Cambridge ‘Who’s Who’ for professional excellence.[9]
Death
Kangwa died on 18 October 2018 at Fairview Hospital in Lusaka after an illness.[10][11] He was buried at his Makeni farm, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues.[12]
Legacy
MISA Zambia commemorated Kangwa as a “pillar of the media profession” who upheld high standards and championed freedom of expression.[13] He is remembered for elevating broadcast journalism in Zambia through in-depth financial analysis, political interviews, and media policy forums.
References
- ↑ Veteran Broadcaster Ben Kangwa has died, Lusaka Times, 18 October 2018
- ↑ "Ben Kangwa – Chalo Chatu"
- ↑ "Ben Kangwa – Chalo Chatu"
- ↑ "Ben Kangwa – Chalo Chatu"
- ↑ "MISA Zambia mourns the death of veteran broadcaster Ben Kangwa"
- ↑ "Ben Kangwa – Chalo Chatu"
- ↑ "MISA Zambia mourns the death of veteran broadcaster Ben Kangwa"
- ↑ "Ben Kangwa – Chalo Chatu"
- ↑ "Ben Kangwa – Chalo Chatu"
- ↑ "MISA Zambia mourns the death of veteran broadcaster Ben Kangwa"
- ↑ "Veteran Broadcaster Ben Kangwa has died", Lusaka Times, 18 Oct 2018.
- ↑ Ben Kangwa Interred, ZNBC, 20 October 2018
- ↑ "MISA Zambia mourns the death of veteran broadcaster Ben Kangwa"
