The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation reportedly owes Chanda Chimba, owner of Phibajo Productions, a sum of ZMW40,000 (US$7,300) for payments made to the broadcaster for a documentary series.
According to Zambia Reports, a “well placed source at ZNBC” said the money is owed for the documentary titled “Stand Up for Zambia”.
The source told Zambia Reports the amount owed by the ZNBC has been outstanding since September 2011 following the reconciliation of Phibajo Productions’ account with the ZNBC.
The source revealed the ZNBC management had been deliberately quiet on the matter and silently capitalising on Chimba’s work in the hope he does not claim the money.
“This is why you will remember when Given Lubinda was minister of information and broadcasting services he quickly and quietly stopped talking about Chimba because he found out that we actually owed him,” said the source.
Through Phibajo Productions, Chimba became an official of the ZNBC eight years ago and has since actioned several transactions with the broadcaster and was paid commission for each programme or advertisement, which was broadcasted over television or radio.
Furthermore, the source said terms and conditions were drawn up so Chimba would be able to air anything on ZNBC for an upfront payment, or on account, which would have to be paid back later. These are reportedly benefits granted to registered agents.
“So yes, sometimes Phibajo Productions would owe but this time around ZNBC is owing and there is nothing wrong with that,” said the source.
The source added: “Whether Chimba intends to get the money through airtime for programmes or commercials he may wish to run or he wants the money back is something else. But one way or the other we must pay the money.”
