By Apengie Apengire
The glowing profile of Dr. Shadreck Namalomba as a “beacon of excellence” in President Peter Mutharika’s cabinet collapses under scrutiny.
Contrary to claims of innovation and accessibility, a survey conducted by this reporter across major Malawian media houses finds that Namalomba is arguably the worst Minister of Information and Digitalization Malawi has had in recent years.
247MalawiNews spoke to editors and reporters at MIJ FM, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Capital FM, Times Group, Nation Publications, and several community radio stations between January and March 2026. The verdict was consistent: Dr. Namalomba is inaccessible, unresponsive, and disengaged from the very stakeholders his ministry exists to serve.
The myth of accessibility
The original piece praises Namalomba as “the most interactive and accessible government spokesperson” and claims media houses “unanimously praise” him. Our survey found the opposite.
At MIJ FM, senior reporters said questionnaires sent to Namalomba’s office on policy matters, including the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, have gone unanswered for months. “We send questions, we follow up, we get silence,” one editor said. “Kunkuyu used to respond even if it was ‘no comment.’ Namalomba doesn’t pick up.”
Zodiak journalists echoed the frustration. Multiple attempts to get clarification on fiber optic rollout timelines and ICT lab projects in schools yielded no response. “He is the official government spokesperson, but getting a quote from him is like chasing a ghost,” a Zodiak reporter said.
At Capital FM, producers noted that Namalomba rarely honors scheduled interviews. When he does appear, the session is tightly controlled with no room for follow-up questions.
Nation Publications and Times Group reporters described a pattern of ignored emails and calls. Community radio stations, which rely heavily on the ministry for information, said they have been completely cut off.
This stands in stark contrast to predecessors. Gospel Kazako, despite criticism on other fronts, was known for quick responses.
Moses Kunkuyu maintained regular briefings and responded to media queries even during political pressure. Mark Botomani was criticized but remained reachable. Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba was available to journalists daily. Namalomba, by comparison, has created the widest communication gap between government and the press.
A spokesperson who won’t speak
The role of Minister of Information is simple: inform the public and respond to the media.
On that measure, Namalomba is failing. As government spokesperson, he is expected to clarify policy, correct misinformation, and explain cabinet decisions. Yet journalists say he does not return calls, does not respond to written questionnaires, and rarely holds press briefings.
This silence has real consequences. When fiber optic delays affected schools, there was no ministerial explanation. When questions arose about the affordability of digital devices, the ministry offered no comment. When the public needed clarity on data costs after the bandwidth price cut, Namalomba was unavailable. A minister who does not communicate leaves a vacuum that rumors and misinformation fill.
Mutharika goofed on this appointment
President Mutharika deserves credit for appointing technocrats, but the Namalomba appointment is a clear misstep. Malawi needs a Minister of Information who can articulate government policy and face the media. Namalomba’s academic credentials are not in question, but his performance in the spokesperson role is.
The comparison with past spokespersons is damning. Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba set the gold standard for clarity and availability. Nicholas Dausi, despite political storms, never ducked the media. Nicholas Dausi and Mark Botomani held regular briefings. Moses Kunkuyu was responsive even to hostile outlets. Gospel Kazako was available to journalists 24/7.
Namalomba falls short of all of them. He has turned the Ministry of Information into a one-way channel: press releases out, no questions in. That is not digitalization. That is not transparency. That is regression.
The best spokespersons Malawi has had
To be fair, Malawi has had excellent government spokespersons. Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba was known for his command of facts and willingness to engage journalists at any hour. He explained complex policy in plain language and never avoided tough questions. Nicholas Dausi was combative but always available. He understood that the job requires facing criticism head on.
Moses Kunkuyu ran one of the most media-friendly ministries in recent memory. He held regular press briefings, responded to emails, and made himself available for comment. Mark Botomani was criticized for content but not for access. Gospel Kazako was everywhere, on radio, TV, and in newsrooms, explaining government positions.
Namalomba does not match that standard. Until he does, the ministry will remain silent when Malawi needs answers.
Recommendation: Fire Namalomba, appoint a communicator
President Mutharika must act. Malawi cannot afford a silent spokesperson at a time when digital transformation requires public buy-in.
The President should relieve Dr. Shadreck Namalomba of his duties as Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson and appoint a competent, accessible communicator who understands that the job is about talking to the people, not just about them.
The new appointee must restore weekly press briefings, respond to media queries within 48 hours, and make the ministry open to all outlets, including community radio. Malawi’s digital future depends on clear communication. Namalomba has failed that test.
Malawians deserve a Minister of Information who informs, not one who disappears. The survey is clear. The media is clear. Namalomba is the worst Minister of Information Malawi has had in years. It is time for change.
