Tag Archives: Chisa Mbele

Development, SADC

Malawi’s Social Media Influencers Urged to Promote Responsible Communication

Maravi Post Author

By Twink Jones Gadama

In a bid to promote responsible communication and curb the spread of misinformation, a call has been made to Malawi’s social media influencers to use their platforms wisely. The appeal, made in an open letter, emphasizes the significant influence that social media influencers have on public opinion, perceptions, and behavior.

As Malawi navigates a critical juncture, marked by pressing challenges that require unity, constructive dialogue, and responsible leadership, the role of social media influencers has come under scrutiny. While many influencers use their platforms to entertain, educate, and inspire, others have been accused of spreading misleading and harmful content.

Bon Kalindo
MCP might rig the 2025 Elections Accuses BON

The open letter, addressed to prominent social media influencers, including Chisa Mbele, Mangochi, Bon Kalindo aka Winiko, Ben Longwe, and Gogo Gowoka, among others, urges them to prioritize the truth and act in the best interest of their audience. The letter emphasizes that the power wielded by influencers comes with a responsibility to promote positive dialogue, educate, and empower their followers.

To achieve this, the letter recommends that influencers fact-check content before sharing it, promote positive dialogue, educate and empower their followers, and acknowledge mistakes when misinformation is shared inadvertently. By doing so, influencers can help create an informed, empowered, and united Malawi.

This call to action is not an isolated incident. Recently, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) held a workshop for social media influencers, where they emphasized the importance of responsible communication. The workshop, themed “Impact and Responsibilities,” aimed to educate influencers on their role in promoting positive dialogue and curbing the spread of misinformation.

Similarly, MACRA has partnered with the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) to promote responsible communication among social media influencers. This partnership has led to the organization of workshops and training sessions, aimed at equipping influencers with the skills and knowledge needed to promote positive dialogue and counter misinformation.

The Malawi government has also taken steps to regulate social media and promote responsible communication

The Malawi government has also taken steps to regulate social media and promote responsible communication. The Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act, for instance, provides a framework for regulating online communication and promoting cybersecurity.

As Malawi’s social media influencers continue to play a significant role in shaping public opinion and discourse, it is essential that they prioritize responsible communication. By doing so, they can help promote a culture of truth, integrity, and positive change, ultimately contributing to the development of an informed, empowered, and united Malawi.

Human Rights, Malawi

Chisa Mbele claims Police severely assaults at Lilongwe station

Maravi Post Reporter
Joshua Chisa Mbele still in custody

By IOMMIE CHIWALO

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Action Against Impunity (AAI) is reporting that Human Rights Activist Joshua Chisa Mbele and others were severely assaulted at the Lilongwe police station before they were scattered to various
police cells.

In a statement signed by AAI representatives Sylvester Namiwa and Leonard Chimbanga, the conduct of the police signifies a failed state.

However, Lilongwe Police spokesperson, Hastings Chigalu has distanced the law enforcement agency from the claims saying nothing of that sort happened at the police formation.

But the activists in the statement have bemoaned the conduct of the police especially in the current democratic dispensation and have since appealed for an immediate release of the activists who have been arrested.

“AAI is hereby demanding the unconditional release of its members and the lead organizer of the recently held peaceful demonstrations, Activist Mbele and others. AAI would like to register its dismay that the Malawi police which is known for its resource constraints suddenly got resources to scatter the protesters whose only crime was to stand firm in the fight against corruption, the sole reason of the stagnation of the country’s social and economic prosperity, as well as the dehumanizing poverty in Malawi,” reads the statement in part.

According to the statement Mbele has been moved from Lilongwe to Namitete police station for no apparent reason, a situation which the activists feel is an infringement of his right to access decent meals.

“The police made this decision with the full knowledge that police stations do not provide food to suspects, therefore it could be very difficult for the Salima based activist to have access to decent meals from his family members while in custody. This is a clear violation of his basic right to food,” .

Chisa Mbele and others, according to AAI, are yet to be charged or let alone told the reasons for their arrests.

It is further reported that due to the merciless assault, Mr. Mbele’s phone got heavily damaged to an extent that he has lost all the contacts and is now incommunicado thereby denying him the right to meet family members and time to access legal representation.

The authors of the statement feel that the state is victimizing activists that are fighting against corruption when at the same time government is providing VIP treatment to those alleged to be implicated in the endemic corruption.

“This begs a question as to whether President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s administration and his Tonse Alliance government has changed its position on zero tolerance against corruption, and they are now promoting the vice?

“AAI would like to further condemn in strongest terms the total blackout on the whereabouts of the other activists after confirmation of their arrests,” reads the statement.

Several others including Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa have condemned the conduct of the police saying is undemocratic and archaic.