Malawi Gears Up for Robust World Press Freedom Day Festivities
Capping the festivities is the annual MISA Malawi Media Awards Gala Dinner that evening at Sunbird Nkopola Hotel in Mangochi.
LILONGWE, Malawi -- Malawi is pulling out all the stops to commemorate World Press Freedom Day this week, with a diverse lineup of activities aimed at underscoring the media's pivotal role as "Guardians of Democracy" in ensuring credible elections, writes Winston Mwale.
The celebrations, organized by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter, will take place from May 2-4 under the theme "Championing Media Independence for Credible Elections."
Festivities will kick off on Thursday with a breakfast engagement between President Lazarus Chakwera and media stakeholders at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
This rare opportunity for direct dialogue aims to address issues impacting press freedoms in the country.
On Saturday, a Freedom March will commence at 6 a.m. from the Makawa BP Service Station, winding its way through the Bakili Muluzi Highway to the Fort Johnson Hotel and Tower in Mangochi district.
The highly visible march underscores calls for an unfettered media environment.
A panel discussion delving into whether "the Malawi Media (is) Free and Independent to Contribute to Free, Fair and Credible Elections" will follow at 8 a.m. at Fort Johnson Hotel.
Academia, government officials and media/civil society representatives will examine perpetrators of media rights violations, safeguarding editorial independence, the ramifications of journalist arrests and ensuring constitutional protections.
British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie will deliver opening remarks alongside the MISA Malawi chairperson.
Later, a media engagement focusing on "Responsible Coverage of Disasters: A Disaster Risk Management Approach" hosted by the MISA chairperson and Malawi Red Cross Society officials will provide guidance on ethical disaster reporting.
Capping the festivities is the annual MISA Malawi Media Awards Gala Dinner that evening at Sunbird Nkopola Hotel in Mangochi.
After an opening prayer, remarks are expected from MISA's Chisomo Ngulube, U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Amy Diaz, and a keynote address by Malawi Electoral Commission's Francis Kasaila on the nexus between media freedoms and credible polls.
The guest of honor, Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu, will also make remarks before media awards are presented across various categories by the MISA awards committee.
A dance celebration will close out the high-profile event.