By Jones Gadama
Media Institute of Southern Africa Malawi Chapter has secured a group funeral policy for its members, with Old Mutual’s Mthunzi Funeral Plan set to cover journalists, freelancers, and media advocates who opt in.
Announced on Monday, June 15, 2026, the scheme is open to all paid-up MISA Malawi members and prospective members.
Each member will contribute K3,300 monthly, totaling K39,600 annually. MISA Malawi will collect and remit the premiums to Old Mutual.
The cover extends beyond the member to include a spouse, children, parents, and other dependents listed by the member.
Benefits under the Mthunzi Group Scheme include 24/7 body removal from place of death to a mortuary, mortuary services such as storage, washing, dressing and embalming, coffins, caskets and ash urns, flowers, burial services, hearse transport nationwide, chapel service, lowering device, tents and chairs for mourners, video and photography, plus repatriation and expatriation services. A grocery allowance in lump sum is also included. Corporates will get customized package options.
Members who already have funeral cover through their employers can still join. In such cases, the MISA group cover will be converted to cash when a claim is filed.
To join, interested members must email director@misamalawi.org with beneficiary details — names of spouse, children with ages, and parents — by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
MISA Malawi Chairperson Felix Washoni said membership is voluntary but urged journalists to consider the dignity the policy offers the deceased and the relief it provides families during bereavement.
Recognizing financial constraints across the media sector, MISA has proposed flexible payment options.
Mainstream and national media houses can pay the K39,600 once-off with annual subscriptions or split it bi-annually. Community radio stations can pay bi-annually or quarterly with their MISA subscription fees.
Freelancers, social media influencers, and free expression advocates have all three options: once-off, bi-annual, or quarterly payments.
Washoni said the institute will continue engaging members to widen uptake of the scheme.
