Tag Archives: Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM)

Business

NBM’s Corporate Manager Akossa  cherishes PRSM award

Maravi Post Author

By Christian Mwase, Contributor

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, has described her recognition as Public Relations Practitioner of the Year (Corporate Sector) by the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) as a profound honour and a defining reflection of the Bank’s marketing evolution.

Hiwa said in an interview that the accolade symbolizes three critical milestones—the demonstration of an excellent brand and communications strategy at the highest levels of NBM plc’s Marketing Function, collaborative and remarkable execution by the marketing and creative teams she leads, and most importantly, the strategic positioning of marketing as a leadership function within the Bank—empowered with the creative room to drive measurable brand impact.

“This recognition is not just about individual effort; it is about a team that consistently shows up with excellence and passion. It represents a well-thought-out brand and communications strategy, brilliantly executed by an exceptional team, and the deliberate elevation of Marketing as a strategic voice in shaping the Bank’s growth story,” said Hiwa.

Hiwa—who received the award at the PRSM Annual Awards Gala held in Mzuzu last week—was also recently named PR Personality of the Year at the Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Excellence Awards in Salima, making this her second national accolade within a fortnight.

She attributed the win to NBM plc’s culture of trust and empowerment, noting that the executive management’s confidence in the Marketing and Corporate Affairs function enables innovation and bold execution.

“We are privileged to work in an environment that trusts and challenges us to think creatively, stay accountable, and deliver impactful outcomes aligned with the Bank’s values and strategic intent,” said Hiwa.

Acknowledging the stiff competition this year, Hiwa extended her congratulations to all the winners and applauded all nominees across categories for raising the bar in Malawi’s PR and communications industry.

“The competition was incredibly strong—so many institutions have delivered remarkable campaigns in 2025. I sincerely congratulate all the winners and salute everyone who was nominated. Each of you has contributed to elevating the standard of professional communications in Malawi,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Hiwa expressed deep gratitude, describing the moment as one of humility, renewal, and purpose.

“Every recognition is a reminder that our story is still unfolding, guided by grace, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in the power of communication to build trust and inspire action,” she said.

Chief Judge of the PRSM Awards Committee, George Mindano, said Hiwa’s selection was based on her demonstration of exceptional commercial PR strategy, creativity, and measurable impact.

“The winner of this year’s PR Practitioner of the Year – Corporate Sector is someone who has led multiple innovative, high-impact PR campaigns with a clear link to business outcomes. Her ability to integrate strategy, influencer storytelling, and media synergy made her institution a household name—especially through the groundbreaking K1.5 billion sports sponsorship campaign,” said Mindano before announcing Hiwa as the winner.

Hiwa faced stiff competition from Levie Nkunika and Lorraine Chikhula, both of FDH Bank.

Her win not only cements her place among Malawi’s leading communications professionals but also reinforces the growing influence of marketing leadership in driving corporate transformation and national brand excellence.

Business

PRSM celebrates excellence in Malawi’s public relations industry

Chisomo Phiri

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) on Saturday night honoured outstanding practitioners and institutions for their exceptional contributions to the growth and professionalism of public relations in the country.

The awards ceremony, held in Lilongwe, celebrated both individual and institutional achievements that have advanced effective communication and strengthened public trust across various sectors.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) was named Best Institution in Public Communication under the institutional category for its effective and transparent dissemination of information during this year’s General Elections.

MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, emerged as the PR Practitioner of the Year (Public Sector) and was also crowned the Overall PR Practitioner of the Year.

Speaking in an interview with journalists,Mwafulirwa expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both an inspiration and a challenge to continue striving for excellence.

He attributed the success to proactive communication and strong stakeholder engagement during the elections period.

In other individual categories, Akossa Hiwa of National Bank of Malawi (NBM) was named PR Practitioner of the Year – Corporate, while Blessings Phumisa of UNDP received the Development Communications Award.

Among institutions, the European Union in Malawi won the Excellence in Development Communication award, and FDH Bank was recognised for Excellence in Corporate Communications.

The event concluded with veteran broadcaster Alaudin Osman, formerly of Capital FM, being honoured with the PRSM Honorary Fellow Award for his significant contributions to the development of the public relations profession in Malawi.

Business

NBM plc supports PRSM annual conference with MK8 million

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has given MK8 million to the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) in support of its annual conference, scheduled for October 30 to November 2, in Mzuzu.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony on Tuesday, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, said the Bank has been a longstanding partner of PRSM, and remains impressed by the society’s commitment to capacitating public relations professionals in the country.  

“We are appreciative of the role they are playing and we look forward to what will be discussed at the conference,” said Hiwa.

She further elaborated that the Bank believes the conference will create a platform for public relations practitioners to share knowledge and best practices.

“In the age of rapid information, high public expectations, and shifting perception, skilled communicators are the bridge to real information and reality; they serve the audience to see through the noise.”

“We are confident the conference will sharpen skills, provide fresh insight, and renew energy to take up the role as catalysts of change in Malawi. We hope that this year’s conference will go beyond discussions to include Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), reflecting NBM plc’s strong emphasis on communication with both internal and external stakeholders,” said Hiwa.

In her remarks, PRSM Vice President Rachel Kalera-Mhango expressed gratitude for the Bank’s generous support.

“They have been one of our longest supporters in various activities we hold, and this shows how committed they are to this profession and the work the society is doing. This year’s conference will be held under the theme ‘Building the Malawi we Want by 2063: Leveraging on Effective Strategic Communication as a Catalyst of Change’. The theme is aimed at creating a platform for PR practitioners to converge and share ideas and information related to Malawi’s 2063 vision.”

“We might talk about 2063 vision, but if there is no dedication in mindset change, we cannot achieve anything, so there has to be effective communication, that’s where PR comes in,” said Mhango.

Business

MAGLA supports Zomba Mountain fun walk, hike with MK5m

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has given K5 million to the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) to support the Zomba Mountain Fun Walk and Hike scheduled for this coming Saturday.

The event is a fundraising initiative aimed at conserving the Mulunguzi Dam and preserving the Zomba Mountain ecosystem, currently experiencing alarmingly low water levels, raising concerns about potential water shortages and environmental degradation in the area.

Speaking after presenting the cheque on Monday, MAGLA’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nancy Malata, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“As MAGLA, we believe in supporting initiatives that promote environmental conservation. The declining water levels in Mulunguzi Dam pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of the people of Zomba, and we commend PRSM for taking action and we saw it fit to partner with them in this meaningful cause,” said Malata.

She emphasized that collaborative efforts such as this are crucial in protecting vital natural resources and ensuring long-term sustainability for communities.

PRSM vice president, Rachael Kalera Mhango, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the donation will significantly enhance their capacity to mobilize resources and raise awareness.

“We are in an era where environmental conservation is no longer optional—it’s urgent. For us to drive change, we need resources. MAGLA’s sponsorship not only empowers our operations but also strengthens our advocacy efforts as we rally Malawians around this important cause,” said Mhango.

The Zomba Mountain Fun Hike will begin at the Gymkhana Club and end at Mulunguzi Dam and is expected to draw participants from across the country, including Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu.

Environment

“We lose Kaning’ina Forest, we are doomed” – NRWB

Maravi Post Reporter

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Authorities in Mzuzu have sounded a timely warning to residents that if Kaning’ina forest is destroyed through deforestation, then Mzuzu is doomed in as far water supply is concerned.

Speaking at Kaning’ina Forest in Chimaliro where Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) partnered with the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) to plant trees in the catchment area, NRWB Director of Operations Engineer Dr. Ausmane Ungwe said Kaning’ina forest is crucial to continued water supply in the city.

“Let’s take this message seriously and to everyone. If we dare to destroy Kaning’ina Forest, then we are doomed here in Mzuzu,” said Ungwe.

Through the partnership, PRSM and NRWB on Friday planted hundreds of trees in Kaning’ina forest in a bid to afforest the catchment area.

The exercise was attended by all relevant stakeholder groups in the city including MDF, Forestry Department, Mzuni, the media and Mzuzu City Council.

PRSM has taken aggressive efforts in the afforestation frive by partnering with stakeholders to plant trees across the country.

Last week, the PR professionals partnered with National Water Resources Authority to plant trees at Bua in Kasungu.

PRSM President Benson Linje said the PR body was ready and geared to partner various stakeholders and companies in various engagements, including training management teams in modern communication needs.

Business

NBS Bank awards Cyclone Freddy heroes

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Listed commercial bank, NBS Bank, recently joined the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) in recognizing and awarding several people who went out of their way to help and rescue others in their communities during the Cyclone Freddy disaster early this year.

NBS Bank awarded the 12 individuals with certificates and cash during this year’s PRSM lakeshore conference held in Mangochi from 5th to 7th October 2023.

NBS Bank Public Relations Officer Olivia Chiligo said they decided to reward the Cyclone Freddy heroes for exhibiting extraordinary acts of kindness, bravery, and selflessness during and in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy to serve the community.

“Cyclone Freddy was an event that tested the strength and character of our nation, and in the face of adversity, we witnessed countless acts of heroism. People opened their doors to shelter others, workers went above and beyond their duty to assist, and individuals risked their own lives to rescue and help those in need. These are the stories that inspire us all. They remind us that even in the darkest hours, the spirit of compassion, unity, and solidarity shines through.”

“PRSM’s decision to recognize these heroes aligns perfectly with NBS Bank’s commitment to community development and our belief in the power of collective action. We firmly believe that by acknowledging and celebrating these acts of kindness, we not only honour those who went above and beyond, but we also send a powerful message to the world about the resilience and unity of the people of Malawi,” said Chiligo.

Among those awarded were three Marine Police officers from Mangochi and Monkey Bay who went missing after the boat they were traveling in capsized on the Shire River as they were going to rescue people who were trapped by the Cyclone.

Despite having their boat capsized, the three continued with their mission after being rescued by some members of the community.

“It was a near-death situation when our boat capsized. We are very grateful to God and the community members who searched for us until we were found. We could not have abandoned the mission because we committed to save and protect the people of Malawi that is what kept us going,” said Lucia Nthala from Monkey Bay station.

PRSM President, Benson Linje, said there are a lot of people who risked their lives in trying to reduce the suffering of people who were affected by the Cyclone in their respective communities and beyond, but their efforts are not recognized.

“The way these people conducted themselves is inspiring hope that there are people in this country who are passionate about changing the lives of people who require support. Other people could help but they did not, so it is worth recognizing those who left their comfort zones for the sake of others,” said Linje.

Linje thanked NBS Bank for sponsoring the awards which he said have managed to motivate the people to continue doing good to people in need.

Business

MRA attributes prestigious public relations award to staff hard work

Maravi Post Author

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has dedicated its recent special recognition by the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) as being a leader in Public Relations Innovation for 2023 to staff dedication to duty.

MRA’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Steven Kapoloma said resilient, positive attitude and dedication to duty among staff for the tax collector in engaging the general public on tax compliance is what has earned MRA this award.

“For us, it is an honor to be recognized in this way by our fellow public relations practitioners. It is an encouragement for us to explore more ways of utilizing modern technologies in mobilizing the citizenry to pay taxes,” said Kapoloma.

During the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) Annual Conference held at the Makokola Retreat in Mangochi over the weekend, MRA was recognized for its wide utilization of almost all aspects and spectrum of public engagement to ensure maximization of tax collection.

According to PRSM, the MRA has sustainably implemented physical engagements with the general public on tax compliance through its online and social media platforms as well as its call center toll-free line 672.

The development has led to MRA surpassing its annual revenue collection for the 2022/2023 fiscal year by over one hundred percent.

During the Public Relations Society of Malawi’s elective Annual General Meeting, MRA Taxpayer Education Specialist Wadza Otomani also amassed the most votes to assume the office of executive committee member.

Also recognised during the gala was the FDH Bank’s Lorraine Chikhula who won the PR Practitioner of the Year accolade and the Central Medical Trust which was named Access to Information Most Compliant Institution.

Minister of Tourism, Honourable Vera Kamtukule was named the Public Relations Society of Malawi(PRSM) Honorary Fellow.