By Jones Gadama
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has received a significant boost of K15 million from Lab 20 Innovations ahead of the annual Press Freedom Day celebrations.
The donation was made in Lilongwe, where Head of Marketing and Sales at Lab 20 Innovations, Brian Banda, emphasized the crucial role media professionals play in fostering democracy and credible elections. Banda’s sentiments were echoed by MISA Malawi Vice Chairperson, Chisomo Ngulube, who hailed Lab 20 Innovations for their support.
The funds will cater to various aspects of the celebrations, including transportation for journalists traveling to Mzuzu for the event. Ngulube also highlighted that the MISA Gala Awards will be showcased on big screens, courtesy of Lab 20 Innovations.
Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, underscores the importance of a free and independent media in promoting democracy, accountability, and good governance.
This year’s celebrations in Malawi promise to be momentous, with the theme focusing on the media’s role in fostering democracy and credible elections.
MISA Malawi’s efforts to promote media freedom and sustainability are commendable, especially considering the challenges the sector faces, including information disorder, disinformation, and media capture.
These challenges not only undermine the media’s ability to hold those in power accountable but also threaten the very fabric of democracy.
MISA Malawi has been actively engaging with government agencies and corporate organizations in a fundraising drive to support its initiatives.
The organization aims to raise K20 million to complete the construction of a modern training center at its Mtolankhani House headquarters in Lilongwe.
The training center will provide a platform for capacity-building programs for media professionals, enhancing their skills and knowledge in promoting democracy and good governance.
The MISA Gala Awards are a testament to the organization’s commitment to promoting media excellence in Malawi. The awards recognize outstanding journalism and contributions to promoting media freedom and sustainability.
By showcasing the awards on big screens, courtesy of Lab 20 Innovations, MISA Malawi is set to celebrate the achievements of media professionals and inspire others to strive for excellence.
The support from Lab 20 Innovations is a significant boost to MISA Malawi’s efforts to promote media freedom and sustainability.
As the country gears up for the general elections, the role of the media in fostering democracy and credible elections cannot be overstated. With the help of partners like Lab 20 Innovations, MISA Malawi is poised to make a lasting impact on the media landscape in Malawi.
In the spirit of promoting media freedom and excellence, MISA Malawi’s initiatives are worth emulating.
The organization’s commitment to capacity-building programs, advocacy, and promoting media sustainability is a testament to its dedication to promoting democracy and good governance in Malawi.
As the celebrations unfold, it’s clear that the media will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future.
