All set for this year’s WPFD

MISA Malawi has disclosed that preparations for this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) are at an advanced stage.

The annual celebration is expected to be held from May 3 to May 4 in Mangochi.

The day highlights the significant role played by the press in dissemination of information to ensure and secure a sustainable future.

Recently, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc. has made a K3 million donation towards the event.

Speaking during a symbolic cheque presentation ceremony in Blantyre, MISA Malawi board member Chikondi Mmanga Kasambala thanked the bank for the donation saying the funds will go towards the purchase of prizes for winners and Annual Media Awards Gala dinner.

“The money will not only help in the economic award which is always the business and economics award category, but it will also go a long way in helping with the entire gala dinner.

“We take this as an opportunity to ask other corporate bodies that we have partnered with to come forward with their donations. There are so many things that we need for the annual general event to be successful hence our appeal to others well-wishers to help us,” Kasambala said.

On her part, NBM Plc. marketing and corporate affairs manager Akossa Hiwa said; “National Bank believes in what MISA is pushing, that’s a free and fair reporting for the media. We also believe that the work that they (journalists) do in business and economics is very critical and vital in establishing and pushing forward the economic development of the country.

“We are also keen on and ensuring that in terms of economics and business, which is a vital aspect of what we do, we are keen to ensure that the journalists keep developing themselves professionally and that they also have the responsibility to report what is accurate,” Hiwa narrated.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Guardians of Democracy: Championing Media Independence for Credible Elections.