JB appoints Wakuda as spin-doctor: Nhlane clarifies he remains JB spokesman
Malawi President Joyce Banda has appointed her advisor on Communications and Political Affairs, Wakuda Kamanga, as head of State House Press Office.
Kamanga confirmed his appointment describing the development as a normal State House restructuring process.
His promotion comes barely a few weeks after he was also appointed Presidential Advisor on Communications and Political Affairs in November last year.
The ruling People’s Party (PP) senior official said he would now be speaking on behalf of President Banda, a task previously held by Steve Nhlane, the Press Secretary.
He said Nhlane and his team would now be reporting to him but would continue operating normally doing State House press issues.
Said Kamanga: “At the head of it [press office] there is communications department and because of that restructuring all press matters and inquiries in as far as communications is concerned fall under my department.
“The rest of the people that are to do with press issues come under that department which I am now heading.”
Ironically, Kamanga’s promotion implies that the seasoned journalist and former Malawi News editor has been demoted.
However, Kamanga said Nhlane and his journalists’ staff “will continue enjoying their media background and do their job normally only that they will be reporting to me.”
Kamanga was part of the inner circle of former President Bingu wa Mutharika but jumped ship from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to PP soon after the death of the former Malawi leader.
The State House press team apart from secretary Nhlane has Press Officers who include Tusekele Mwanyongo , Fallys Ngalauka and Brian Banda.
Meanwhile, Nhlane told Nyasa Times that there have been no changes.
“I remain the Presidential Press Secretary and Spokesman for the President,” he clairified
“Mr Wakuda Kamanga is the Special Advisor to the President on Political and Communication Affairs a position he has held for about three weeks now. He may as an advisor from time to time speak on behalf of the President,” explained Nhlane.
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