Tag Archives: Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)

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.

Opinion, Politics

These Freedoms/My Take on It: Call to the public broadcaster to serve the Malawi people

Janet Karim

10 “For the Lord has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes (the prophets), and covered your heads (the seers). 11And the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed. When men give it to one who can read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot read.”

13And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, 14therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” 15Ah, you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?” – Isaiah 29:10-15

An urgent call must be made, all efforts by all Malawians to free the Public Broadcasting Unit, and allow democracy reign in the country. It has been 31 years (as long as the one party reign of former President, Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda was in power), and still the ugly head of autocracy stands tall at the Public Broadcasting sector called the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) – complete with radio and television units. While Banda rule lasted 31 years, the reign of terror through the broadcasting unit in our lands is like the dancing in the mud chickens my Grandma used to tell us when we were young.

Every five or 10 years, the ruling political party changes the head of this unit of communication, and is still a national security asset. The recent Director General George Kasakula saga, is notice that “enough is enough, Malawi must finalize the media landscape, and truly free and democratize the delivery of information at the Public Broadcaster. Immediately.

The country has come a long way to this moment and it saddens me to see how far lagging behind our national Public Broadcaster (MBC) seems to be. To President Mutharika, please allow me to apologize to you. Publically, on behalf of my fellow media captains and fellow Malawians, we stand here to say to you Bwana President Mutharika that we are sorry.

“We apologize to you and your fellow former presidents (Muluzi, Banda, and now Chakwera), that following the ushering in of our democratic culture after the 1993 Referendum victory, we inadvertently allowed the MBC, our Public Broadcaster, to remain behind in the dung heap of autocracy. For another 31 years, the country witnessed the reign of terror the Broadcaster of the people of Malawi, remained under the control of political parties sitting at the State House. We are so sorry.”

How did we get here? In the run-up to the 1993 Referendum elections and consequently the multi-party elections of 1994, then Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission, Iron Lady Justice Anastasia Msosa ordered the Public utility to open up its station to the opposition political parties. It was refreshing to hear Chakufwa Chihana, Bakili Muluzi, Sam Mangwazu speak from this public utility.

As the first Malawi journalist to interview the new democratic President Muluzi along with my fellow journalist BBC Veronique Edwards, we encouraged the new president to pave the way for the culture that Malawians had witnessed to flourish.

He promised us that he would pave the way for democratizing and allowing all voices to continue during his rule as president. It pleased President Muluzi to appoint me to be a board member of the MBC, along with Stambuli, Alfred Mtenje, and Aubrey Kachingwe (Malawi’s first local Director General). Uncle Kachingwe, Professor Mtenje and I got yanked out of the board for dare to suggest that the Public Broadcaster should also allow former Malawi Congress Party President Gwanda Chakuamba to have a say or respond to the castigations he was getting as a daily course on the public utility.

Other DG who sat in this dicey hot seat have been Patrick Khoza, Benson Tembo, and Bright Malopa, to name a few. Many Malawians will recall how each DG has played the fiddle of pleasing the masters (during Banda time, it was the single voice; today any party officials can reign brimstone on the public utility). This reign of terror, which this week Malawians witnessed how two individuals stormed the Public Broadcasting House, and forced the DG to apologize for insulting President Mutharika.

While on the one hand many are surprised at the audacity of the two gentlemen, but on the other hand we must all be very concerned that a member of the public can get all the way to the head of the Public Broadcasting Unit and force the man, an employee of the people of Malawi, to apologize. It should scare all Malawians that our national structure (that in other countries is the instrument through which coup d’états are used to announce takeovers of government.

Let all of us on all sides be truly warned. Police and military, please help us guard our national security assets.

Lastly, this message is to fellow journo George Kasakula and future director generals of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, and political stewards and government officials, and the political party supporting peoples, the MBC (radio and television) are public utility. They exist to serve the people, all 22 million of us. They do not belong to any political party, thus no political person, not even the president, vice president, or cabinet minister should interfere or command the airing of stories for their benefit.

The Public Broadcaster exists and survives with funds from taxpayers. All 22 million taxpayers. So, Mr. Kasakula, his fellow directors, and employees of the MBC work for the people of Malawi, and not the politicians. Let it be repeated: as a Public Utility (Broadcaster), MBC employees are employed by and for the people of Malawi.

Let the free press culture reign throughout all sectors of the Malawi media as enshrined in our Constitution! Let the free press culture reign in the Public Broadcaster known as the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)!

Law and order, Politics

Two overzealous DPP cadres Malunga, Mwamadi arrested for forcing MBC DG George Kasakula to apologize on air

MaraviPost

.…Blantyre police apprehend suspects linked to intimidation of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Director General over campaign remarks

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Police in Blantyre arrested two overzealous Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cadres for forcing Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General George Kasakula to apologise to President Peter Mutharika on air.

The two DPP cadres are Yonah Green Malunga and Stone Mwamadi who are also Wanderers and Bullets supporters committee members respectively.

Deputy police spokesperson for the Southern Region, Inspector Beatrice Mikuwa, confirmed the arrests of Malunga and Mwamadi on Friday evening.

Inspector Mikuwa stated that the suspects will appear in court once all necessary procedures are completed.

Reports indicate that the individuals forced Kasakula to apologize on MBC broadcast.

The apology was over remarks made by Kasakula that were perceived as insulting President Peter Mutharika during the campaign period.

The police have assured the public that due process will be followed in handling the suspects.

MBC management has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.

Observers note that the episode has raised concerns about freedom of expression and media independence in the country.

Political analysts have called for restraint and adherence to the law in resolving disputes related to public statements.

The incident has sparked debate on social media, with users expressing differing views on the appropriateness of the suspects’ actions.

Authorities continue to investigate the matter to determine the full circumstances surrounding the intimidation.

The court proceedings for Malunga and Mwamadi are expected to commence once formal charges are filed.

This case is likely to attract attention from both media freedom advocates and political commentators.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by media personnel in balancing public communication and political sensitivities.

MBC remains one of Malawi’s key broadcasting institutions, tasked with providing impartial information to the public.

The arrests underscore the importance of law enforcement in maintaining order and protecting public officials from intimidation.

President Mutharika has not commented directly on the incident, but political observers are monitoring developments closely.

The nation awaits further updates from the police and MBC as investigations continue.

Politics

Exposing untamed Propaganda: The Truth behind MBC staff “Threats”

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In the past few days, a narrative has been pushed claiming that Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) staff members are receiving threatening phone calls.

This is nothing but propaganda carefully designed to mislead the public and draw sympathy for a few individuals who chose politics over professionalism.

The truth is simple and undeniable. After the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced the victory of President-Elect Arthur Peter Mutharika on Wednesday, certain MBC staffers, namely Mayeso Chikhadzula, Blessings Cheleuka, Blessings Kanache, and Timothy Kateta, openly defied their mandate as public broadcasters.

Acting as agents of the MCP and its sympathizers like George Kasakula, they refused to carry out stories covering the President-Elect.

Worse still, they deliberately withheld SD cards and external hard drives containing footage of APM, thereby attempting to suppress coverage of the duly elected leader. Their actions were not acts of journalism but of sabotage.

When their colleagues confronted them over this betrayal of duty, these individuals resorted to theatrics.

They started making phone calls and spreading claims of harassment and victimization, painting themselves as “victims” when in fact they were the aggressors, undermining the will of Malawians.

Let it be made clear: No one is threatening MBC staff.

The so-called “threats” are fabrications meant to cover up unprofessional conduct.

The real story is that certain rogue elements within MBC tried to hijack the institution for partisan politics and got exposed.

This country has spoken through the ballot. The people have chosen President-Elect Mutharika.

MBC, as the national broadcaster, belongs to all Malawians, not to MCP agents masquerading as journalists.

Malawians deserve the truth, not propaganda.

Politics

Fear, tension rock MBC after regime change as MCP cadres face chopping

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Tension, fear have engulfed state own Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) following regime change from Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Consequently, MBCs ‘guantanamo bay” id never empty as in there sits journalists with bright ideas but clobbered with hopelessness and regret.

This is a department which is normally idle and only sympathizers of the opposition party are thrown to languish.

Now the public broadcaster is to release its convicts of who have saved the sentence during the MCP-Lazarus Chakwera lead government, clearing space for those whose Kwacha was louder during the just ended Chakwera Tenure.

The list of possible prisoners is out on social media and possibly to on the table of the government to come sending shivers to the would be convicts.

According to some MCP sympathizers, the concession by president Chakwera on Thursday afternoon dampened the mood of many people from Kaning’ina in Mzuzu to Kwacha in Blantyre.

But according to our sources the created list, which comprises new and old members of has the most most guilty and so are the most innocent.

According to insiders the list includes individuals accused of being having close ties with the MBC Director General (DG) George Kasakula, sparking concerns about favoritism while others are accused of being influenced by former senior cabinet ministers, raising questions about their loyalty.

The source alleged that a group of staff members from Kasungu are allegedly part of the list, sparking concerns about their involvement in previous controversies.

The source claimed that MCP agents made life difficult for other staff members, hogging privileges such as:international trips others even could not publish stories of those in ‘guantanamo’

“These MCP agents allegedly dominated foreign trips, leaving other staff members without opportunities”, adds the source.


The source further said they also reportedly controlled outside news coverage, limiting the exposure of other staff members.

Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with the current DG Kasakula’s remarks, which insulted President-elect Mutharika, calling him “old” and implying he shouldn’t have been voted back into power.

Of late Kasakura’ propaganda program ‘Timvetse’ has been raising concerns about MBC’s impartiality and the DG’s leadership.

Opinion, SADC

Malawi’s electoral silence sparks fears of political instability

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

Three days after Malawi’s 2025 elections, the country remains in a state of uncertainty as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) continues to withhold the official results.

The public broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), stopped announcing tallies shortly after preliminary figures showed main contender Peter Mutharika gaining a decisive lead.

Private media outlets, which had been actively reporting constituency-level results, have also been forced to suspend operations, leaving Malawians largely in the dark.

This unusual blackout has raised alarm among political analysts and civil society groups, who warn that delayed transparency in such a high-stakes election could escalate tensions across the nation.

Opposition supporters and ruling party loyalists alike are vulnerable to misinformation, rumors, and speculation, heightening the risk of unrest in areas where the vote was closely contested.

Observers suggest that the silence surrounding the results undermines public confidence in the electoral process and raises questions about the credibility and independence of Malawi’s electoral institutions.

Some analysts point to the political stakes: a delayed announcement could be interpreted as an attempt to manipulate perceptions or negotiate behind the scenes, fueling distrust among citizens.

Civil society organizations have called on MEC to act swiftly and openly, emphasizing that prolonged secrecy could threaten Malawi’s hard-won democratic stability.

The situation highlights a broader risk: when citizens cannot access timely, reliable information, the foundation of democracy—trust between the electorate and institutions—erodes.

In this critical moment, Malawi’s leaders, electoral officials, and media outlets face the responsibility of maintaining transparency, ensuring peaceful communication of results, and preventing political tensions from escalating into unrest.

Failure to do so could jeopardize not only the credibility of the 2025 elections but also the country’s long-term political stability, with implications for governance, investor confidence, and regional standing.

Business, corruption, Malawi

Malawi central bank faces public lash for covering up state entities defaulting pension remittances

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Busted! The Communication Workers Union of Malawi (COWUMA) has accused the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) of shielding state-owned entities that have been defaulting pension remittances, while harshly penalizing private sector employers for the same offenses.

In a strongly worded statement, the union alleged that RBM, the country’s pension regulator, has failed to take action against serial defaulters including Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Malawi Posts Corporation (MPC), despite repeated complaints from employees and their representatives.

COWUMA also faulted RBM for unilaterally setting up a Pension Default Account at National Bank of Malawi without consulting key stakeholders, including employees, a move the union described as “dangerous and unacceptable.”

Allegations of Bias

This publication has seen the letter dated July 3, 2025, in which COWUMA formally lodged a complaint with RBM on behalf of MBC staff regarding unpaid pension arrears and non-remittance of current contributions. To date, the union says, there has been no meaningful response or resolution.

COWUMA General Secretary, Hamilton Delezah, accused the central bank of acting “unprofessionally” and with “double standards.”

“We have actually seen RBM acting hastily towards private employers that default on pensions, while turning a blind eye to government parastatals. Even when workers raise formal complaints, nothing is done,” said Delezah.

Concerns Over the Default Account

Delezah further questioned RBM’s decisio introduce the Pension Default Account wi proper consultations.

“Pension regulation is not the same as regulating financial institutions. Pension funds belong to members, and any decision that sidelines them is totally unacceptable. This is a recipe for chaos in the employment sector and puts workers’ retirement savings at risk,” he warned.

According to COWUMA, over 99 percent of pension fund members remain unaware of the Default Account and the implications it carries, exposing them and their beneficiaries to potential financial losses.

The union has since demanded that RBM immediately halt implementation of the account until thorough consultations and extensive public awareness campaigns are undertaken.

RBM is yet to comment on the matter.

Sports

MBC secures free-to-air rights for EPL, FA Cup

Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has announced that it has secured the free-to-air media rights for the 2025/26 English Premier League (EPL) and FA Cup seasons.

This development means that MBC will broadcast live matches and highlights of the two prestigious football competitions on its channels, MBCTV1 and MBC2 On-the-Go.

According to Chisomo Mwamadi, MBC’s public relations and customer manager, the corporation has been licensed to beam 33 live EPL matches every Saturday at 4pm, as well as four live FA Cup games covering rounds three, four, five, and the quarter-finals.

In addition to live matches, MBC will also broadcast EPL highlights and repeat broadcasts of EPL and FA Cup matches, along with official support programming.

The agreement was reached following successful negotiations with Infront Sports & Media AG and with the greenlight from global rights holders.

“This means more goals, more action, and more unforgettable football moments, all for free and all on MBC,” Mwamadi said in a press release.

Football fans in Malawi can look forward to enjoying the excitement of the EPL and FA Cup without any additional costs, thanks to MBC’s free-to-air broadcasts.

The EPL season kicks off tonight with a match between champions Liverpool and Bournemouth, which will be eagerly anticipated by football fans around the world.

With MBC’s coverage, Malawian fans will have the opportunity to watch live matches and relive the magic of English football on their television screens.

The broadcasting of EPL and FA Cup matches on MBC is expected to contribute to the growth of football in Malawi, promoting the sport and providing entertainment for millions of fans across the country.

By making the matches accessible to a wider audience, MBC is playing a significant role in bringing the excitement of English football to Malawian viewers.

MBC’s acquisition of the EPL and FA Cup rights is a significant development for football fans in Malawi, providing them with access to top-quality football content.

With the new season about to kick off, fans are eagerly looking forward to watching their favorite teams in action.

Politics

MISA Malawi, MCM gang against MBC’s partial biased election coverage

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter and the Media Council of Malawi (MCM) recently met with the leadership of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) to discuss the public broadcaster’s role in the upcoming elections.

The meeting aimed to ensure that MBC plays a constructive role in the election cycle by providing fair, equitable, and transparent coverage of electoral matters.

MISA Malawi and MCM expressed concerns over MBC’s coverage of political content, citing the need for balance and fairness.

They urged MBC to ensure a level playing field in its news and programming, striving to attain public trust and confidence in its commitment to impartiality.

The two media bodies strongly recommended that MBC reconsider featuring its Director General in commentary and opinion-based programming, citing concerns over bias and impartiality.

In response, MBC leadership expressed its commitment to fair coverage of the elections.

The leadership announced plans to launch new programming that provides opportunities for all political parties to articulate their agendas and recently recruited district reporters to ensure adequate coverage of the elections.

However, MBC decried recent politically motivated attacks on its employees and urged media bodies to step up efforts to defend MBC journalists.

MISA Malawi and MCM will continue to engage with media houses across the country to ensure they uphold professionalism throughout the electoral period.

The two media bodies also expressed concern that some news sources tend to sideline MBC when seeking diverse perspectives.

Sports

MNCS,MBC partner to promote sports coverage

Chisomo Phiri

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance sports coverage in the country.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre,MNCS Chief Executive Officer(CEO ) Henry Kamata said the partnership aims to provide comprehensive, equal, and extensive coverage of various sports disciplines.

Kamata highlighted the need to showcase the activities of unsung heroes in sports, noting that only a few disciplines receive adequate coverage.

“We have 43 registered sports associations, but the public is only familiar with less than 10,” he said.

The MNCS CEO emphasized the importance of bringing hidden talents to the forefront through live broadcasts and in-depth analyses.

MBC representatives, including Director of Engineering Aidan Gumeni and Director of Programs Kate Kujaliwa, expressed confidence that the partnership will attract sponsorships and advertising through MBC’s television, radio, and online channels.

The collaboration is expected to promote sports development and showcase Malawi’s sporting talent to a wider audience.