Malawians Are Free To Express Their Opinion- World Press Freedom Panelists

Five panelists for this years World Press Freedom Day celebrations have concurred  that Malawians are now enjoying freedom of expression.

Each year on 3rd May, Journalists commemorate World Press Freedom Day but this years celebrations took place on Saturday 7th May 2016 in Mangochi.

During the debate titled "Freedom of Expression In Malawi; Progress Challenges, and Way Forward, panelists comprised of executive member for Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter and Nation Publication Journalist, Suzgo Khunga, Elard Manjawila from University of Malawi-The Polytechnic, Emmanuel Kondowe from UNESCO, Edward Monster, US Embassy Public Affairs, and Justin Saidi, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and Civic Education both agreed that for the past few years Malawians are freely expressing themselves on various matters.

Elard Manjawila said Malawians at the moment are enjoying freedom of expression and that they are able to freely express themselves in various matters and this was later echoed by Sugzo Khunga who who agreed that indeed freedom of expression which is enshrined in the Constitution of Republic of Malawi is guaranteed in the country.

"Yes, am truly impressed with freedom of expression in Malawi" added Edward Monster, of US Embassy Public Affairs who cited that during his stay in the country he has seen and heard Malawians freely speaking to issues that matter to them unlike other countries where citizens are being prevented from expressing themselves.

On challenges and way forward, panelists highlighted existence of several laws that still restricts Journalists from conducting their job without fear and have asked Government to among others enact Access to Information Bill (ATI) and also called upon Malawians to take responsibility of safeguarding the rights and freedom of expression.

Justin Saidi, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and Civic Education who agreed with fellow panelists of existence of freedom of expression in the country further mentioned that the country is "making headway" in terms of guaranteeing freedom of expression.

Saidi said there is political will and Government will continue to ensure that Malawians are enjoying freedom of expression. 

He indicated that for the first time and after long time, Government has now taken the ATI to Parliament which is a sign that Government wants Malawians to enjoy freedom of expression as well as access to information from Government.

He further called upon Journalists to work together with Government while assuring that Government will not no intimidate Journalists.

Before holding debate, Journalists drawn from across the country held freedom march from Mangochi filling station to Fort Johnston at the roundabout near Lake Malawi Bridge, the event which attracted attention from onlookers along the streets.

Malawi Journalists Forms Press Gallery Committee

A Press Gallery Committee for Malawi Journalists has been established in the National Assembly which among others it is expected to promote professionalism in parliamentary reporting and handle matters related to their day to day operations.

The Office for the Public Relations of Malawi National Assembly facilitated the establishment of the Committee having noted a long absence of platform responsible for handling issues concerning the parliamentary reporters and Parliament.

Chief Public Relations Officer for Malawi National Assembly, Mr. Leonard Mengezi says following the establishment of the committee, Parliament expects positive relationship as well as cemented partnership and trust between media and parliament.

He said it was sad to note that there has not been a formal plat form given to Journalists to discuss issues with Parliament although there have been several developments in parliament that required a special fora to handle such matters.

Mengezi mentioned several developments especially negative reporting and conduct of Journalists as some of the key issues “We call members of the media to capture information whenever there is an event but, if there is any misinformation or disruption of facts, you find that the media will always be blamed yet there is no any formal way of how we can discuss such issues.” He said

He then expressed hope that the newly formed Press Gallery Committee will provide a formal grouping where number of media related matters with parliament can be resolved.

“Now with plat form of this nature, when we see that there was some kind of misinformation or negative coverage, we will discuss the modalities of how we can operate and create a conducive environment for both sides to work properly.” Added Mengezi

Suzgo Khunga

The newly elected Press Gallery Committee is being chaired by Suzgo Khunga from Nation Publication Limited

“In the past, the media and the parliament have always been at loggerheads in terms of how we report parliamentary proceedings. So with the coming in of the Press Gallery Committee, this will change because now we will be working together when parliament is meeting in all Sessions and Sitting Days.” Said Khunga