Mzati tipped for Mutharika’s Press Officer job: Viola faces the chop

Presidential press secretary Gerald Viola is facing a chop from his job and will likely be replaced by MBC journalist Mzati Nkolokosa, Nyasa Times understands.

Director of Information, Bright Molande and President’s special assistant Ben Phiri have recommended that Viola be removed and be replaced by Nkolokosa, a former feature writer for the Nation Publications and part time Polytechnic lecturer.

Said the source: “Viola will be fired anytime. It is a done deal. Mzati Nkolokosa has already packed his bags ready to go to State House.”

Also being considered for State House press office role are journalist Mgeme Kalirani and Gideon Munthali.

Viola rose to the position of Presidential Press Officer after the occupant of the office, Fredrick Ndala got unceremoniously fired after a scandal that revolved around money that was given to journalists when they visited State House in Blantyre for media face-off with President Mutharika.

The Presidential Press Secretary has been in the headlines for telling Times Television that President Mutharika plan to buy a jet when the Malawi economy recovers and that some appointments are not done by the Head of State.

Analysts noted that what Viola told the television vindicates what presidential critic Allan Ntata has been saying that the President is , but a puppet controlled by some aides.