Governance structure
How we are governed
As a membership organisation, MISA Zambia has a threefold governance structure. The structure’s main functions, as elucidated below, are to ensure Secretariat is effectively and efficiently executing the organisation’s mandate which is drawn from its Constitution.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The membership of MISA Zambia makes up the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is the highest policy and decision-making body of the organisation. It is at the AGM that members are elected to hold office on the National Governing Council.
These comprise persons with experience in the areas of the human rights frameworks, legal matters, finance, organisational governance and developmental trends and solutions. The AGM reviews and approves the organisation’s annual audits reports including selecting the auditor.
National Governing Council
The NGC comprise a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, a treasurer, a legal advisor, three committee members and a secretary who is the national director and ex officio.
NGC members are elected for a term of three years, renewable for a maximum period of two terms.
The main role of the NGC is to provide policy guidance to MISA Zambia and provide expertise on various programme issues especially advocacy, human rights, finance and development.
The NGC is also equally responsible and accountable for the effective programme delivery towards the beneficiaries, the partners and cooperating partners. The NGC enforces policies made by the AGM and approves the strategic, annual plans and budgets.
Mrs. Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga – Chairperson
Mr. Kennedy Mbulo – Vice Chairperson
Ms. Linda Siwingwa – Treasurer
Mr. Bwalya Mubanga – Legal Representative
Rev. Dyson Goma – Committee Member
Mr. Samuel Khwawe – Committee Member
Mr. Raphael Banda – Committee Member
Secretariat
The Secretariat comprises full-time employed staff responsible for translating the policies into concrete programmes of activities. The staff and management team headed by the National Director are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the programmes. The Secretariat has a team of members of staff who work directly with the target groups and beneficiaries and networks in order to achieve the desired objectives of the organisation.
Austin Kayanda – National Director
Austin oversees the administration and operations of the institution to ensure compliance with best practices and standards. He also acts as the liaison between secretariat and the board and is the secretary of the MISA Zambia Board.
Jane Chirwa – Programmes Manager
Jane’s role is to coordinate teams working on various projects. She is responsible for resource mobilisation, planning and governance and for overseeing the successful delivery of all projects undertaken by the organisation including oversight of any risks and issues arising. Her role is crucial as she is creating and maintaining focus, enthusiasm and momentum.
Michael Njobvu – Programme Lead – Media Development Programme
Michael’s work is focused on media freedom, freedom of expression, and digital rights in Zambia. He leads and conducts research, monitors media violations, and produces reports and policy briefs to support advocacy and governance. Michael coordinates media monitoring efforts, supports capacity-building programs, and collaborates with journalists and civil society to foster an independent media sector. His work strengthens democratic accountability and promotes free expression and community-led communication in Zambia.
Clare Tembo – Programme Associate – Communications & Branding
Clare specializes in strategic communications and media advocacy. She oversees branding and digital communications, managing social media, website content, and multimedia projects to support the organization’s advocacy efforts. Clare develops communication materials and coordinates publicity initiatives, enhancing MISA Zambia’s visibility.
Kasuba Mulenga – Finance Officer
Kasuba’s role involves providing financial and administrative support to the organisation, its stakeholders and clients. She is also in charge of the financial health of the organisation by administering accounting operations to meet legal requirements.
Austine Sitali – Programme Lead – Transformative Communication
Austine leads initiatives that enhance media resilience and freedom of expression. He oversees programme design, implementation, and quality assurance, ensuring activities meet objectives and budgets. Austine also leads capacity-building for journalists, advocates for media freedom, and collaborates with various stakeholders to promote democratic governance and a supportive environment for independent media.
Margaret Kabuswe – Programme Associate – Policy and Advocacy
Margaret leads initiatives to promote media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information by monitoring legal developments and producing policy analyses. She coordinates advocacy networks, organizes the annual media awards for MISA Zambia, and facilitates capacity-building programs. Her efforts strengthen a supportive policy environment for independent media and advance fundamental freedoms in Zambia.
James Tembo – Programme Associate – Digital Rights
James’ role is focused on promoting digital rights, media freedom, and freedom of expression in Zambia. He monitors trends in digital rights and emerging technologies, producing reports and policy briefs to guide advocacy. James supports digital rights networks, and coordinates campaigns for a safe and inclusive digital environment. He also enhances media professionalism and strategic communications, leveraging innovative technologies like AI to strengthen MISA Zambia’s advocacy for democratic governance and inclusive development.
Ryan Chazanga – Driver
He is responsible for delivering packages to clients in a timely manner, driving staff to their activity sites, carrying out vehicle maintenance checks, ensuring that vehicles have sufficient fuel and are always ready for use, among other duties.
Chrispine Bwalya – Office Orderly
Chrispine ensures the cleanliness of offices and diligently performs a variety of support office duties that may be required. He assists with filing of documents, communications, and give support in supplies and basic office services. Chrispine is also responsible for preparing beverages at the office for meetings to ensure a high standard of hospitality
Iness Phiri – Security Officer
Iness maintains a safe and secure environment for clients and employees by patrolling and monitoring premises and personnel. She is responsible for permitting entry into the premises of the organisation. She prevents losses and damage by reporting irregularities and restraining trespassers. She also assists in maintaining the cleanliness of the office premises.