I remain Chakwera’s mouthpiece despite going on sabbatical leave—Brian Banda

State House Press Secretary Brian Banda has dispelled rumours that he has been fired or resigned disclosing that he remains the official spokesperson for President Lazarus Chakwera despite him applying for a four months’ leave of work to pursue further studies at the Chinese Peking University.

Banda leaves Malawi for China on 6th August 2021 returning on 26th November 2021.

Brian Banda: Am off to China to study

Speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times today, Banda said the Chinese Embassy has given him a scholarship to study leadership programme at Peking University in China.

“The truth of the matter is that I have not resigned. I am simply going to school at Peking University in China,” he said.

Asked if he was aware of plans to fill his post in his absence, Banda said “I have no control on should speak for the President”.

“So, I can’t dictate to the President on who should be the next State House Press Secretary. But what I know is that I am still State House Press Secretary and there are no changes,” he reiterated.

It leaves a lot of questions why the hiring authority – President Chakwera – would let his spokesperson go on a study leave without an acting Press Secretary to handover to. State House recently lost (to death) Martha Chikuni, Head of Marketing.

Nyasa Times understands that Blantyre City Council Public Relations Officer Anthony Kasunda, has been earmarked for the prestigious job.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
7 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Coco
Coco
2 years ago

Who’s paying for this sabbatical? Malawian students can’t afford basic school instruments yet a whole minister is using public funds to feather his education? Wow! What is the cost? Sabbatical is a period of PAID leave granted to a univeristy teacher or other worker for study, traditionally 1 year for every 7 years worked. That said, how long as Brian Banda worked in this government? Stop misusing Malawian tax-payers funds!

Keen Observer
2 years ago

Congratulations for getting a scholarship & wishing you well during your study time that side. The only problem is that try to learn to speak with one word at the State House. Too much contradictions so even a true story sometimes people don’t trust it cos of not speaking in unison. Otherwise all the best and good luck.

BigMan
BigMan
2 years ago

You lack the maturity required for that post.

Kamchiputu
2 years ago

Watipaso Mzungu what kind of further studies does one undertake in four months? Why can’t you just say he is going for a short course? Academic studies in China are done in Chinese and a student spends one full year studying Chinese language before embarking on their study programme. As a journalist you must be able to distinguish studies from training. This is a mere training whether it is done at Peking University or Havard University and not studies.

Exit apumbwa, enter akadzidzi
Exit apumbwa, enter akadzidzi
2 years ago

Odi tione drama imeneyi umo ithere

Ernest Nyirenda
Ernest Nyirenda
2 years ago

All the best bwana Brian

Coco
Coco
2 years ago

How is this helping Malawian people?

Read previous post:
Pastor Salanje eyes Malawi presidency; I am responding to God’s call

South Africa-based preacher Hastings Salanje says he will vie for the Malawi presidency in 2025. The flamboyant pastor, famous for...

Close