LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society led Black Economic Empowerment Movement (MaBLEM) on Wednesday insisted that the giant Times Media group must unequivocally apologise to the Malawian Nation through TV, Radio and Print newspapers for aiding and unprofessionally covering a News article which had not yet been substantiated or verified and had the effect of causing violence among people of different races.
The grouping argues that given the SABC Apologies, we expected Malawi News to have automatically come in the open and swallow their pride to address the grave mistake they made
MaBLEM told the news conference in the capital Lilongwe that was impressed the the move SABC has made over the issue after requested to do so.
Below is the full statement;
PRESS RELEASE LILONGWE; 30th January 2019 MABLEM MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE FEEDBACK FROM SABC OVER REMARKS MADE BY ITS NEWS ANALYST WHICH LINKED MALAWIANS TO TERRORISTS ATTACKS WHICH HAPPENED on 15th JANUARY 2019 IN KENYA.
The Civil Society led Black Economic Empowerment Movement (MaBLEM) would like to report that it received a feedback from the SABC group Chief Executive Mr. Madoda Mxakwe on its communication made on the 23 rd of January 2019 over remarks made by one of the stations analyst who we understand doesn’t work for SABC but is an independent Consultant for the station.
On the outset, MaBLEM and its entire membership would like to express uttermost appreciation and satisfaction with the clear and elaborate response as presented by the GCEO which among other things has unreservedly apologised for the incident and has given us and any organisation/individuals injured by the remarks the right to reply.
MaBLEM would like to classify this mature and speedy response as professional and a reflection of true Pan-africanism which seeks to unite people of all nations as we continue safeguarding the freedoms and rights we so hard fought for, especially here in Africa.
As MaBLEM, we have taken note of the stand by SABC which includes their efforts to investigate the matter further and ensure that they get to the bottom of the allegations through an engagement with the Consultant/Analyst Mr. Izak Khomo.
SABC has further taken full responsibility of the incident despite having a policy which clearly stipulates that “……..the corporation does not share the views of its interviewees…” we note this stand with highest appreciation. Page 2 of 3 Based on the above citations and this positive development,
MaBLEM would like to state as follows;
1. The apology by SABC has fully been noted and accepted by MaBLEM which is a reflection of Millions of Malawians who have saluted SABC for clearing this matter which has sent shockwaves among nationals
2. MaBLEM will be most delighted to receive a copy of the conclusions of SABC interrogations/investigations on the matter with a view to use the critical outcomes to address any security or otherwise issues needing our or State actions accordingly
3. MaBLEM has resolved to withdraw its intended calls to MACRA to bar all SABC Channels in Malawi and state that SABC channels and its Agents in Malawi are free to trade in so far as their bonafide duties and responsibilities in Malawi dictate
4. MaBLEM strongly demands Times Media group to unequivocally apologise to the Malawian Nation through TV, Radio and Print newspapers for aiding and unprofessionally covering a News article which had not yet been substantiated or verified and had the effect of causing violence among people of different races.
Given the SABC Apologies, we expected Malawi News to have automatically come in the open and swallow their pride to address the grave mistake they made
5. We have shared the response with the Moslem Association of Malawi and the YAO Heritage Group (Chiwanja cha Ayawo) and will update the nation if they intend to take any action on the same as independent entities.
6. We further call on Malawi Government to engage their South African Government counterparts towards reaching out to Mr. Izak with a view to use the information he may have which may have compelled him to utter such horrific statements on our nation.
7. We call on MISA Malawi to bring sanity and responsibility in our Media Houses to ensure that they do not publish stories that are sensational or have the nerve to promote Hate.
8. Times Group who publishes the Malawi news must offer a public apology and retraction of their story on the same.
We all know that the Father and Founder of the Malawi Nation, Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, established the Malawi News to instill in Malawians a spirit of patriotism, integrity and hard work. Page 3 of 3 We are surprised that the paper that the Ngwazi established is in the forefront of portraying Malawi and Malawians in bad light.
We all know that media ethics demand that when a media house makes a mistake, such a mistake must be corrected in the next available publication or programme.
Malawians of goodwill expected Times Group to apologize in the Sunday Times or Daily Times or indeed in the next edition of the Malawi News.
To our surprise of all patriotic Malawians, Times Group has adamantly refused to apologize, even when SABC has apologized.
This is indeed surprising because Malawi News’ motto is “Freedom of Expression is our birthright” We are questioning whether the “our” stand for all of us or just Editorial team at Times Group.
9. MaBLEM salutes all Malawians who supported our cause and have given in their reactions to the SABC feedback and state that, this is the Malawi we want, founded on the principle of Unity, Patriotism and UMUNTHU.
10.MaBLEM remains resolute to address critical issues which have the effect of making any Malawian a Subject of ridicule or disgrace. We are determined to promote and protect Malawians interests here at home and beyond.
MaBLEM will officially respond to SABC on this development and is hopeful that there will be more cooperation and collaboration with Africans one of the biggest Media Groups the SABC which hosted MaBLEM leaders over Black empowerment issues June 2018 for over an Hour as it seek to promote Pan-africanism and coexistence between people of all Nations.
MaBLEM acknowledges and accepts the apology with greatest respect.
Signed, Robert James Mkwezalamba Fryson Chodzi CHAIRPERSON NATIONAL COORDINATOR
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