Tag Archives: Brian Banda

Human Rights

Ombudsman probes MBC Chief Brian Banda’s recruitment

Chisomo Phiri Leave a comment

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Office of the Ombudsman says it has started investigating the recruitment of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General (DG), Brian Banda, following a formal complaint alleging serious irregularities in his appointment process.

In a letter seen by Maravi Post, the Ombudsman’s office confirms that investigators have opened a file and have already issued the statement broadcaster with a Notice of Investigation, requesting the corporation’s official response to the claims.

The investigations follow a complaint by journalist Davie Danford Mchinga who argues that Banda does not possess the requisite qualifications for the DG post.

Mchinga, currently based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, further argues that Banda’s appointment was a direct violation of MBC’s own recruitment procedures, noting that the position was never advertised and that Banda was not subjected to any competitive interviews before his appointment.

Director of Investigations and Research at the Ombudsman’s office,Martha Ndeyana Kwengwere, is leading the inquiry.

In a letter to the complainant, she states that once MBC provides its side of the story, her office will inform all parties of the next steps.

Kwengwere has since urged the public to allow the investigative process to conclude before drawing conclusions.

So far,Neither MBC nor Banda has officially commented on the matter.

This marks the first formal probe into Banda’s leadership at the state broadcaster since he assumed the role last month.

Currently,there are no official records of Banda’s qualifications.

Banda once worked for Capital Radio before becoming a press officer for former President Joyce Banda.

He later joined Times Media Group.

Former President Lazarus Chakwera appointed him as press officer.

He was later dismissed and returned to Times Media Group where he remained until his current appointment as MBC DG.

Lifestyle, Malawi

Maso Awards 2025: Top media gurus nominated for prestigious ‘Best Media Personality’ title

Burnett Munthali

….Brian Banda, Leah Malekano, Cathy Maulidi, Joab Chakhaza, Victor Dafrece, and Nya-Uyu compete for the coveted honour celebrating excellence in both digital and traditional media

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The excitement is building as the Maso Awards 2025 announce the nominees for the highly anticipated category of Best Media Personality (Digital & Traditional).

This category, one of the most followed in the annual awards, recognizes exceptional media professionals who have demonstrated outstanding impact, creativity, and influence across both traditional and digital platforms.

The nominees for this year’s award are Brian Banda, Leah Malekano, Cathy Maulidi, Joab Chakhaza, Victor Dafrece, and Nya-Uyu.

Cathy Maulidi, now Press Secretary

Each of these individuals has made a significant contribution to the Malawian media landscape through their unique styles, strong communication skills, and commitment to informing and entertaining the public.

Brian Banda, a seasoned broadcaster and political talk show host, is celebrated for his commanding interviews and fearless approach to national issues.

Leah Malekano, one of Malawi’s rising media stars, has gained a strong following for her engaging presentation and insightful commentary, particularly on women’s empowerment and youth-related topics.

Malekano with Times

Cathy Maulidi, a respected journalist and television personality, is recognized for her professionalism, versatility, and consistency in delivering quality content to viewers across platforms.

Joab Chakhaza, known for his analytical depth and balanced reporting, continues to set high standards in both radio and television journalism, making him a favourite among news audiences.

Chakhaza with Zodiak

Victor Dafrece, a creative content producer and online influencer, has built a loyal digital following through his innovative storytelling and social awareness campaigns.

Meanwhile, Nya-Uyu, a vibrant and humorous digital creator, has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment space, blending comedy and commentary in ways that connect with both local and international audiences.

The competition in this category is expected to be fierce, as all six nominees have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in shaping the evolving face of Malawian media.

The Maso Awards, now one of the country’s most prestigious entertainment and media recognition platforms, continue to honour excellence across arts, music, broadcasting, and digital innovation.

As anticipation grows, fans and media enthusiasts are already debating who will ultimately “atinamule” (take home) the award for Best Media Personality this year.

The official winners are expected to be announced during the Maso Awards ceremony, which promises to be a star-studded event celebrating Malawi’s creative and communication talents.

Observers say this year’s competition reflects the transformation of Malawi’s media industry, where digital innovation now stands side by side with traditional broadcasting excellence.

Regardless of who wins, one thing remains clear — the nominees represent the best of Malawi’s media talent, inspiring the next generation of communicators in an ever-changing digital era.

Lifestyle

MISA Malawi receives k15 million boost for press freedom day celebrations

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has received a significant boost of K15 million from Lab 20 Innovations ahead of the annual Press Freedom Day celebrations.

The donation was made in Lilongwe, where Head of Marketing and Sales at Lab 20 Innovations, Brian Banda, emphasized the crucial role media professionals play in fostering democracy and credible elections. Banda’s sentiments were echoed by MISA Malawi Vice Chairperson, Chisomo Ngulube, who hailed Lab 20 Innovations for their support.

The funds will cater to various aspects of the celebrations, including transportation for journalists traveling to Mzuzu for the event. Ngulube also highlighted that the MISA Gala Awards will be showcased on big screens, courtesy of Lab 20 Innovations.

Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, underscores the importance of a free and independent media in promoting democracy, accountability, and good governance.

This year’s celebrations in Malawi promise to be momentous, with the theme focusing on the media’s role in fostering democracy and credible elections.

MISA Malawi’s efforts to promote media freedom and sustainability are commendable, especially considering the challenges the sector faces, including information disorder, disinformation, and media capture.

These challenges not only undermine the media’s ability to hold those in power accountable but also threaten the very fabric of democracy.

MISA Malawi has been actively engaging with government agencies and corporate organizations in a fundraising drive to support its initiatives.

The organization aims to raise K20 million to complete the construction of a modern training center at its Mtolankhani House headquarters in Lilongwe.

The training center will provide a platform for capacity-building programs for media professionals, enhancing their skills and knowledge in promoting democracy and good governance.

The MISA Gala Awards are a testament to the organization’s commitment to promoting media excellence in Malawi. The awards recognize outstanding journalism and contributions to promoting media freedom and sustainability.

By showcasing the awards on big screens, courtesy of Lab 20 Innovations, MISA Malawi is set to celebrate the achievements of media professionals and inspire others to strive for excellence.

The support from Lab 20 Innovations is a significant boost to MISA Malawi’s efforts to promote media freedom and sustainability.

As the country gears up for the general elections, the role of the media in fostering democracy and credible elections cannot be overstated. With the help of partners like Lab 20 Innovations, MISA Malawi is poised to make a lasting impact on the media landscape in Malawi.

In the spirit of promoting media freedom and excellence, MISA Malawi’s initiatives are worth emulating.

The organization’s commitment to capacity-building programs, advocacy, and promoting media sustainability is a testament to its dedication to promoting democracy and good governance in Malawi.

As the celebrations unfold, it’s clear that the media will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future.

Malawi

President Lazarus Chakwera’s Fertilizer Fiasco: A Promise Unfulfilled

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

A recent social media storm in Malawi has brought to the forefront a contentious issue that has left many questioning the integrity of President Lazarus Chakwera. A TV interview clip from 2019, in which Chakwera promised to reduce the price of a 50kg bag of fertilizer from K19,000 to K4,500, has resurfaced, sparking widespread outrage and disappointment.

The clip, which features Chakwera being interviewed by Brian Banda of Times TV, shows the then-presidential candidate confidently asserting that he would be able to deliver on his promise. When asked about the feasibility of reducing the price of fertilizer to K4,500, Chakwera responded, “You tell the doubting Thomases, you tell every one that doubts that they should no longer doubt, we know who imports Fertilizers, we know where they get Fertilizers, we know how much they pay for this Fertilizers, they are the ones who have actually assured us that it’s a doable thing.”

https://eo4ed7m5zmq.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/brian0banda-interviews-lazarus-chakwera.mp4

Fast-forward to the present, and the reality on the ground is starkly different. The same 50kg bag of fertilizer that Chakwera promised to sell at K4,500 is now priced at a staggering K130,000. This drastic increase has left many Malawians feeling betrayed and deceived by their president.

The backlash against Chakwera has been swift and severe, with many calling for his resignation. The hashtag #ChakweraMustGo has been trending on social media, with Malawians expressing their outrage and disappointment at the president’s failure to deliver on his promises.

But what led to this catastrophic failure? Was it a case of overpromising and underdelivering, or were there more sinister forces at play?

One possible explanation is that Chakwera’s administration underestimated the complexity of the fertilizer market.

Furthermore, the government’s handling of the fertilizer procurement process has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. In one instance, the government paid K750 million to a meat company for the procurement of fertilizers, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of the process.

As Malawians continue to grapple with the consequences of Chakwera’s failed promise, one thing is clear: the president’s credibility has taken a severe hit. The question on everyone’s lips is: how can Chakwera convince Malawians to trust him again?

In a recent statement, Chakwera conceded that his administration had failed to deliver on some of its promises, including the reduction of fertilizer prices.

While this admission of failure is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether Chakwera’s administration can regain the trust of the Malawian people.

As the country prepares for the September 2025 elections, the fertilizer fiasco is likely to be a major campaign issue. Chakwera’s opponents will undoubtedly seize on this failure as evidence of his administration’s incompetence and lack of vision.

The fertilizer fiasco is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and credibility in governance.

As Malawians continue to demand answers from their president, one thing is clear: Chakwera’s administration must do more to regain the trust of the people.

Malawi

APM Discusses Regret and Forgiveness in Times TV Interview

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) appeared on Times TV, where he engaged in a significant dialogue with host Cathy Maulidi and journalist Brian Banda. The conversation delved into the political upheaval of 2019-2020, highlighting themes of regret, forgiveness, and the current political climate in Malawi.

The interview featured Steven Simfukwe, who attended the DPP Mega Rally at Katoto Freedom Park. He openly expressed his regret for participating in the demonstrations during the tumultuous period, admitting that he did not fully grasp the implications of his actions at the time. When Maulidi asked APM if he had forgiven Simfukwe and others involved in the protests, Mutharika affirmed his forgiveness, suggesting a desire for reconciliation.

Brian Banda steered the conversation towards the future, inquiring whether APM was open to working with Timothy Mtambo, now the Vice President of AFORD. Banda referenced an interview where Mtambo expressed willingness to collaborate with the DPP if an electoral alliance were proposed.

Mutharika responded critically, stating that the actions taken by Mtambo, Gift Trapence, Richard Sembereka, and the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) were “totally wrong and unacceptable.” He emphasized that their actions had severely harmed the nation without justification, leaving a lasting impact on its political landscape.

During the interview, APM expressed relief that Mtambo now recognizes the errors of his ways. However, he insisted that such regrets should be accompanied by a sense of shame. He noted the emotional toll of witnessing the chaos caused by the protests, which he deemed as disproportionate to the grievances of that time.

Mutharika further criticized the current Tonse government, questioning why those who protested in 2019-2020 remain silent about the government’s mismanagement. He challenged civil society organizations and religious leaders, asking if they were now unable to speak out against the issues under the current administration. “Are their mouths full of buns?” he provocatively queried, suggesting a hypocrisy in their silence.

When pressed about the possibility of working with Mtambo in the future, APM remained non-committal, stating that such discussions are speculative until an official apology is extended to him. He lamented the painful memories of the protests and the destruction they brought to the country.

The interview underscored APM’s complex feelings regarding past conflicts and the current political environment, illustrating the ongoing struggle for healing and accountability in Malawi’s political sphere. As the nation grapples with its history, APM’s reflections serve as a reminder of the deep scars left by past actions and the cautious path toward potential reconciliation.

Opinion

MCP Still Holds on to Old Tactics in Politics: A Legacy of Intimidation

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), once the dominant force in Malawian politics during the one-party era under Hastings Kamuzu Banda, seems to be grappling with a troubling legacy: its reliance on intimidation, political suppression, and authoritarian tactics. Despite positioning itself as a beacon of democracy in recent years, the MCP’s political playbook still carries over elements of its past, a strategy that threatens to undermine the country’s democratic progress.

In the early days of Malawian independence, the MCP, led by Hastings Kamuzu Banda, ruled with an iron fist. During its one-party rule, dissent was ruthlessly crushed, opposition parties were outlawed, and civil liberties were tightly controlled. The party wielded its authority without challenge, relying on a system of fear and coercion to maintain control. Though the dawn of multi-party democracy in 1994 marked the end of MCP’s political monopoly, many Malawians hoped that the party would reform its ways and embrace the new democratic order.

However, there are growing concerns that MCP is still clinging to these old tactics of political dominance and intimidation. The recent surge of political harassment, suppression of opposing voices, and lack of tolerance for criticism reflect the party’s historical roots in autocratic governance. While it operates in a multi-party system today, its approach to dealing with political opponents and critical journalists often mirrors its past.

A glaring example of the MCP’s old habits resurfacing is the recent harassment of journalists Cathy Maulidi and Brian Banda, who faced threats and intimidation for their reporting on sensitive political issues. This incident shows how the party, or its loyalists, may still resort to suppressing any voice that challenges or criticizes its actions. By sharing journalists’ personal information in party-aligned WhatsApp groups, the aim seems to be silencing the free press—a vital pillar of democracy.

Brian Banda

Beyond the media, political opponents also find themselves at the mercy of the MCP’s intimidation tactics. Opposition politicians who speak out against the party’s policies or leadership are often subjected to vilification, smear campaigns, and threats. Such practices harken back to the days when the MCP’s Political Police and Youth League members would crack down on anyone perceived to be a threat to the ruling regime.

Another old MCP tactic that still lingers is the tendency to prioritize party loyalty over competence in key government positions. While the party has made efforts to present itself as inclusive and focused on national development, there are ongoing allegations that many high-ranking government officials owe their positions to their allegiance to the MCP rather than their qualifications. This kind of political patronage is reminiscent of the Banda era when loyalty to the party and the president was often rewarded, regardless of the individual’s capabilities.

Malawi’s democracy is built on the principle of open debate, where opposition voices play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency. However, in recent times, there have been growing concerns that the MCP is working to stifle any form of dissent. Activists, opposition figures, and civil society leaders who speak out against the party are sometimes painted as enemies of progress or accused of undermining the government’s authority. This intolerance of opposing views mirrors the party’s historical reliance on suppressing dissent to maintain control.

Cathy Maulid
Cathy Maulid

In modern democratic Malawi, this approach is not only outdated but dangerous. The democratic space must remain open for all voices to be heard, not just those aligned with the ruling party. The MCP’s inability to fully let go of its past methods jeopardizes Malawi’s democratic progress and could discourage citizen participation in the political process.

While the MCP has made some strides in embracing democratic ideals, it is clear that the party still has some way to go in shedding its authoritarian past. The party must evolve beyond its reliance on intimidation and political suppression and fully commit to the democratic principles it once fought against during its one-party rule. If it is to remain a key player in modern Malawi, the MCP must embrace a more inclusive and tolerant approach to politics.

Reform within the MCP is not only necessary but essential for the party to remain relevant in a rapidly changing political landscape. The citizens of Malawi expect more from their political leaders, particularly from a party with such a significant historical role. Transparency, accountability, and a willingness to engage in open dialogue are the cornerstones of a healthy democracy—values that the MCP must actively promote and uphold.

Conclusion

The MCP’s continued reliance on old political tactics of intimidation, suppression of dissent, and patronage reflects a lingering attachment to its past. As Malawi continues its democratic journey, it is essential for the MCP to evolve, reform, and align itself with the principles of a modern democracy. The days of ruling through fear and intimidation are long gone, and if the MCP is to remain a legitimate force in the country’s political landscape, it must embrace the values of openness, tolerance, and transparency. Only by doing so can the party truly break free from the shadow of its authoritarian past.

Malawi, Opinion

Why Malawi Court ordered  State House  to Compensate Brian Banda K103 Million For Unfair  Dismissal

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

In a latest ruling by the Industrial Relations Court (IRC) on December 23rd, Deputy Chairperson Mike Kandulu mandated that State House must pay former President Lazarus Chakwera’s spokesperson Brian Banda K103,316,418 for unfair termination of employment.

Additionally, the Times Television presenter has been granted a severance allowance of K1,251,418.50.

Court orders Chakwera’s State House to pay Journalist Brian Banda MK100m for unfair dismissal

First of all, in all fairness, I would like to congratulate Brian Banda for taking this matter to court and finally winning the case. I would have complained if Brian dropped this matter without fighting against the injustice because I knew this was wrong right from the beginning. However, the Times radio presenter went to court quietly without making any noise about it and it was as if there was nothing happening on the ground until just now because I never saw it anywhere in the media.

Secondly, I liked how smart Brian has managed himself throughout this matter.  He would have chosen to say something on the radio when Mwayi za ndebvu sorry, ndebvu za Mwayi, Wonder Msiska first welcomed him back from State House or even on his Facebook page, but he did not. I remember, there were so many thought-provoking questions which Wonder Msiska asked Brian to clarify but he smartly answered and dodged mentioning that he was going to take or had already taken legal action against State House. To that point, he has proven to be very smart indeed and there is no doubt about that.

Thirdly, Brian Banda is courageous. He has just shown and demonstrated that courage by going to seek legal redress from the court. Many people would leave injustices done to them unresolved by not taking the matter anywhere. It takes only courageous people to wage a legal battle like this one and I see great courage in this man.

Fourthly, the radio and TV presenter is a journalist and not a lawyer, but he knew that he was unfairly dismissed from his job, so he went to court and sued the State House. That demonstrates to me he is knowledgeable about the labour laws of this country and his rights. People must know their employment service regulations anywhere they go to work. If they do not, they must ask for legal opinion because only knowledge is power.

Finally, State House could have avoided all this embarrassment of firing Brian Banda at the time which has backfired today. The President should have saved these millions of Kwacha government is compensating Brian today for something else because he made himself a champion of rule of law in his Hi-5, but this is abuse of law by State House and not rule of law. Infarct tax payers are going to pay double the price for this administrative error because while government is compensating Brian Banda for unlawful dismissal, there is someone else who is being paid for the same job at State House in place of Brian Banda. This could have been avoided.

And again, The Attorney General must have failed his job of advising President Reverend Lazarus Chakwera of the legal implications on this matter. He simply avoided advising the President in order to save his job because he might have seen how Attorney General Silungwe, who had strictly advised the President got fired. Silungwe was a very strict Attorney General and could not bow down to lawlessness which he didn’t want to be part of.

On the other hand, if the Attorney General did his job, then President Reverend Lazarus Chakwera must have refused to listen to his legal advisor, the Attorney General, in the likeliness of losing this unlawful dismissal case. I think our president must be a very arrogant President who would like to disrespect the same laws which he ignorantly would like to defend.

Human Rights, Law and order

Court orders Chakwera’s State House to pay Journalist Brian Banda MK100m for unfair dismissal

Maravi Post Reporter

By IOMMIE CHIWALO

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-While government is finding it hard to stand on its feet in the ailing economy, State has no choice but to pay over MK100 million after the Industrial Relations Court (IRC) has ruled in favour of Journalist Brian Banda.

According to court documents in our possession, Banda sought legal assistance after conviction that his three year contract as Communications Officer for State residences was unfairly terminated.

Meanwhile in its ruling presided over by IRC Deputy Chairperson Peter Kandulu, delivered in chambers on 22nd day of December 2023 at Blantyre, Journalist Brian Banda is awarded MK 103, 316, 418. 00 being compensation for unfair dismissal and severance allowance and the same must be paid within 30 days.

From the background records, it is evident that there was delay tactics on the government side to have the case completed.

For instance from the very same court documentation, it shows that the Applicant commenced proceedings seeking compensation for constructive dismissal, severance allowance pay, and compensation for unfair labour practices on the 28th day of September 2022 and was served to the respondent on the 26th
of October 2022 at 2.45 pm, service was duly received and the respondent stamped an official stamp acknowledging service but the Respondent failed to file a reply within the prescribed period by law hence the applicant obtained a default judgement on the 7th day of November 2022.

It was upon default judgment when state started reacting after a notice of assessment of
compensation was duly issued and served on the respondent on the 7th day of November 2022.

The Respondent filed a motion to set aside the default judgement.

“The motion was scheduled to be heard on the 20th day of June 2023. On the date scheduled for hearing the motion, the respondent
or his legal representative did not appear in court and no reason was given to the court on their absence. The motion was dismissed. The court issued a notice for the hearing of the assessment of compensation trial. The said notice
of hearing was served on the respondent on the 11th day of August 2023 at 1.50 pm and service
was acknowledged by C. Chitsonga on behalf of the Attorney General.

“The Attorney General’s Chambers filed an exparte motion for a stay of proceedings pending
hearing of an application to set aside the default judgement. The motion was issued to be heard on the 25th day of August 2023 the day the court had scheduled to hear the assessment of damages. When the motion was called, the Respondent or Attorney General Representative was not present in court,” reads the court document.

Now the court has ruled in favour of Journalist Brian Banda considering that his submissions were genuine and that his Legal representative addressed the court that the delay tactics by government was irritating considering that it was happening for the third
time that the Respondent or his representative was served or they initiated court proceedings but on the date scheduled, they never appeared or communicated with the court or the applicant on the reasons for their failure to attend court’s proceedings.

Counsel Mauya Msuku who represented the highly appreciated Radio personality, implored the court to dismiss the motion and proceed with the hearing of the assessment of damages which was the first to be issued before the motion.

The Law, according to Section 8 (2) of the Labour Relations Act empowers the Industrial Relations Court to award compensation.

Lifestyle, Malawi

Times TV Maverick presenter Brian Banda is back

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE (MaraviPost)-Times television celebrated and maverick presenter Brian Banda is back at the station.

This follows his firing at State as Presidential Press Secretary which has been given to Anthony Kasunda.

His attempts to get back at State House as Presidential Press Secretary proved fruitless and instead, he has resorted to go back to Times Media as a Host for Kwagwanji and Hot Current Programs.

Brian Banda at Times TV

Banda confirmed his return at Times through Kwagwanji program with Wonder Msiska on Monday 14, 2022.

“Let me confirm that I have indeed returned back to my role at Times. As a Journalist, media is what I am good at and there is no any other profession am good at than media. So yes, I am back for my media roles at Times,” said Banda.

Banda thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for appointing him to be his Pess Secretary at State House and that he felt honoured with the appointment.

“I am very gratitude that President Chakwera appointed me to be his Press Secretary and I thank him for the honour. For a 1 year being his Pres Secretary, I have done my best and I am proud of that,” he said.

He said, he was also privileged to be offered a four months Scholarship at Peking University in China where he did Leadership course .

Banda confirmed that, when he was returning back from China, he found that his post was occupied by his acting press secretary, Anthony Kasunda who was permanently appointed hold it.

“When I was returning back from China, I found that my position has been replaced by someone and I had nothing to say than to say thank and goodbye,” he said.

He said, he was not even disappointed after the news that he has been fired knowing that the post is for everyone and not only him.

Banda thanked Times Group Managing Director Leonard Chikadya for letting him come back at the institution despite his one and some monts absence.

” Let me thank Leonard Chikadya for his loving heart by welcoming me back here. To be honest, I am very grateful to him for this opportunity. Let me also thank my fellow stuff members for your smile faces to see me back for my role, this means you love and believe in me here at Times,” said Banda.

Brian Banda left Times Media in August, 2020 after being appointed the Press Secretary at State House .

After a year of serving the post, he was fired for gross misconduct and worsening PR crisis for President Lazarus Chakwera.

Among the various scandals that Banda did was to speak on behalf of President Chakwera on the new cabinet where he declared that the President was going to reconstitute his cabinet in the next 48 hours without seeking approval from Chakwera.

Lifestyle

Brian Banda back at Times radio? Pays deaf ear to public query

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Former Times Radio and Television talk show host Brian Banda is paying a deaf ear to comment whether the reports making rounds on social media that he has returned to Times for his post are true or not.

Brian Banda -Is he back at Times?

The former hot current programme host is not picking up the calls from Journalists of various media houses who want him to confirm on his own if he has indeed returned to his post at Times group.

One of the reporters at Open Eye online publications conquered with The Maravi Post on several attempts of seeking input from Banda on rumors that he is back at Times radio.

The former President Lazarus Chakwera’s Press secretary has not been picking up her phone call for several attempts.

” He seems that his phone is on but he is not picking up the phone calls for several attempts. I have asked other three media house’s reporters , their response is the same that Banda is not picking up their phone calls.

“On WhatsApp, he is offline. When you send him a text,it is just showing a single tick, meaning he isn’t online,” she said.

There are reports circulating on social media platforms that Banda has returned to his post at Times Radio after spending two years off from the post.

Banda left Times in August, 2020 to join his new post as President Lazarus Chakwera’s Press Secretary at State House.

After few months serving as presidential Press Secretary, Banda was reported being fired from the post for gross misconduct and under-performance.

On August 6, 2021, Executive Assistant to Sean Kampondeni refuted reports that Banda was fired from his Presidential Press Secretary saying he was just a four-months scholarships at Peking University in Bergin, China.

Staying in the media field for a number of years, Brian Banda had been Malawi’s leading talk show host who won multiple awards for his no sense approach to issues and his ability to communicate with his audience.

He interviewed high profile personalities, including Presidents. He also once worked as Press Officer at State House with President Joyce Banda after years of hosting impact programmes at Times Media.