State House blocks MBC reporters at Sanjika: Hope Chisanu removed as Controller of VIP
State House on Saturday blocked two Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) reporters, George Mkandawire and Alepher Mushani from covering President Lazarus Chakwera’s engagement with the private sector at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre.
Mkandawire and Mushani, stationed at Television Centre and Radio, respectively, were part of the MBC crew [comprising technicians, cameramen and engineers] that was assigned to cover the interface meeting and their names were duly sent to State House media team to arrange their gate pass in line with security protocols.
Information Nyasa Times have gathered indicates that the two were rejected by State House Head of Media Marketing, Martha Chikuni and Presidential Press Secretary, Brian Banda.
“The two reporters are appearing on the list of MBC reporters considered to be opposition symphasizers. State House, particularly those handling the media blacklisted some individuals at MBC and does want to see them near Chakwera.
“It’s unfortunate that as they are perceived that way when, ordinary, they are just following orders from their bosses, especially Diary Managers,” said one of the sources, adding that they were replaced by Breatrice Juma, who was advised to file for both radio and television centre.
Nyasa Times also understands that State House has instructed the the appointments of Angel Chima and Patricia Sundu as Controllers of VVIP events, TV and Radio, respectively.
They have replaced Hope Chisanu and will be assisted by Catherine Kunje.
“Most members of staff were surprised because they expected some change and abolishment of positions that are not recognised in the statutes of the Corporation.
“The position of the Controller of VVIP, always given to government of the day’s errands boys, does not exist and people at MBC expected the promised sanitization to end the culture of creating positions for the chosen few,” explained the source, privy to dealings both at State House and MBC.
The source further disclosed that the Presidential Press Secretary also nearly blocked Isaac Jali, Lilongwe-based MBC reporter, from traveling with President Chakwera to Tanzania on the premise that he is pro-opposition.
However, Jali was subsequently allowed to travel and cover the Malawi leader in Tanzania following the intervention of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima.
“Chikuni and Banda want to be working with a curtail they have created at MBC being led Angel Chima, who is also recommending reporters to cover Chakwera’s events,” he claimed.
Barely days after Tonse Alliance took over the Presidency from Peter Mutharika, a directive was made for Steven Maseya, Hope Chisanu, Barbara Mwandira, Marie Tsegula and Greyson Chapita, among others, not to be on MBC TV or radio until further notice.
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Eishhhhhh Malawi at it’s best😅😅😅😅😅
Koma atithandiza awa
This is how a dictatorship starts. Chakwera is showing every sign of an aspiring dictator. Dictatorship starts will accepting bribes, silencing press, nepotism, tribalism, regionalism and every thing that is evil. Malawi needs to be vigilant and awake.
REMEMBER IT’S ONLY FIVE YEARS.EXPECT THE SAME TREATMENT TO YOURSELVES.THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ARE FOR CHILIMA AS FOR MCP IT WILL BE BACK TO WHERE IT BELONGS
Does State House demand certificates from the people it offers jobs? Can someone tell me what qualifications Martha Chikuni has to be Head of Communications and Marketing. How many people is she heading and what does she market? Malawi is rotten and nothing will improve except bothering us with lipservice.You don’t want these guys to work and you feel good to pay them for doing nothing. Does that make any sense? Is it not as good as having a band of Ministersta attending a President’s function in Blantyre when they are supposed to be in their offices at the Capital… Read more »
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DPP thought they will always rule Malawi, forgetting kuti this is Democracy, now MCP thinks the same, kaya zanuzo, azakuthamangitsaniso anzanu.
Cadets need to be purged as because they were anti government. Its way overdue.
What Chisanu, Maseya and company did during the DPP reign was unforgivable and deserves everything that is coming in their way. In fact they were supposed to be relieved of their work the moment DPP lost the election or at the very least they should have been sent to the remotest of the MBC outpost as mere servants with no any executive authority. I do not feel sorry for them and they deserve to lay on the bed they made for themselves.
Anatikwana anthu amewa, amayiwala kuti kunja kuno kuli Mulungu wosintha nyengo za wina aliyense. Lero akulira , MBC amayesa ya ambuyawo
Mushani is not qualified to be at MBC in the first place. She is not even a journalist. She is there because she sleeps with Aubrey Sumbuleta. As the new DG at MBC when I start work we will pay her her dues which should be less than 2 millon kwacha. Azikapanga uhule pa Kamba ameneyi. Mkandawire is a hommosexual partner to Ben Phiri. He is not qualified in any way. Jali is also not qualified. Chisanu is another sad man who has no school or work experience to serve there. Ass kissing got them there. So Martha Chikuni is… Read more »
What is wrong with not allowing these guys in the state house. As a matter of fact I am disgusted that these guys are still at MBC. Come 2025 I will vote differently if these people are still there. And I am not alone