Times Group has dominated the 2023 MISA Malawi Media Awards, winning most of the individual awards on top of winning the Best Media House award in Television for the 9th consecutive time, as well as the Best Print Media House award.
During the awards ceremony that took place at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi, Times scooped 19 individual awards followed by Zodiak and Nation Publications Limited who won 8 and 7 awards respectively.
Other individual awards went to journalists from Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), MBC, MIJ, Bembeke FM and Chanco Community Radio.
PIJ won the Best Online Media House of the Year while Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Love FM won the Best Media House of the Year -Radio and Community Media House of the Year awards respectively.
The Awards ceremony was part of the commemorations of the World Press Freedom Day which falls on May 3 every year.
In an effort to improve the physical and well-being of its members, Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM) on Saturday launched the state-of-the-art gym in Area 3, Lilongwe near Bishop Mackenzie Round About.
Apart from the gym, the facility has basketball, netball and volleyball courts and a swimming pool.
In his remarks, MASM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Ulemu Katunga, said the project took six months to complete.
“We believe that physical fitness plays a crucial role in ensuring the health lifestyle of our members. This facility is equipped with state of the art equipment and professional trainers and we encourage our members and Lilongwe residents to embrace a healthy lifestyle by utilising this facility,” he said.
On her Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi who was guest of honour at the event thanked MASM by complimenting government efforts through not only medical cover services but also the gym where people can exercise.
“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your mental health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles,” she said.
MASM is the first and largest Medical Aid (Health Insurance) services provider in Malawi and has been in operation since 1983.
As the largest Health Insurance services provider in the country, MASM has the largest service provider network with over 500 service providers offering various healthcare services to the Malawian population in all the four corners of the countr
The Blantyre derby between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers played at Kamuzu Stadium (KS) in Blantyre on Saturday grossed K80. 4 million, surpassing the K67.5 million of last year.
Both teams pocketed K16.7 million each from the gross.
The first derby in this year’s TNM Super League ended in a one-all-draw.
Might Mukuru Wanderers scored first in the first half through Isaac ‘Chair’ Kaliati. The goal came on the 30th minute.
Bullets equalised in the second half through Patrick Mwaungulu’s goal; just five minutes after recess.
Wanderers’ Gaddie Chirwa was named Player of the Match.
The cheers and applause echoed through the halls of the National Schools Chess League as spectators watched in awe at the display of talent from the young players of Hilltop Academy.
New debutants in the league, Hilltop Academy had proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, putting up a gallant fight against the defending champions Limbe Community Day Secondary School.
It was a fierce battle on the chessboard as Hilltop Academy’s players, Abhinav Shukla, Aryan Ahmed, Hamid Junejo, and Muhammed Ammar, showcased their strategic skills and determination.
The way they maneuvered their pieces with precision and foresight was reminiscent of Artificial Intelligence, leaving their opponents amazed and impressed.
Out of the fifteen schools that competed in the league, only three emerged victorious and qualified for the next round.
Among them were the defending champions Limbe Community Day Secondary School, who claimed the top spot once again.
Following closely behind was Blantyre Baptist, securing the third position.
But the biggest surprise of all was Hilltop Academy, clinching the second position and earning a well-deserved spot in the next round.
In an interview with a representative from the league organizers, who chose to remain anonymous, the excitement and admiration for Hilltop Academy’s performance were evident.
“We are thrilled with the way these young ones from Hilltop displayed their skill in playing chess.
The way they were pushing the pieces was truly amazing,” the official remarked.
Coach Ian Banda, the mastermind behind Hilltop Academy’s success, couldn’t contain his happiness.
“I am so proud of my boys. I never expected them to display such skill and determination on the chessboard.
They have proven themselves to be true contenders, and I am confident that in the next round, they will be even better,” Banda said with a smile on his face.
As the news of Hilltop Academy’s success spread, the school was met with admiration and respect from the chess community.
Parents, teachers, and students alike were all in awe of the young players’ prowess and sportsmanship.
The school had truly put itself on the map as a formidable force in the world of chess.
Preparations for the next round of the National Schools Chess League were already underway, and Hilltop Academy was ready to face whatever challenges came their way.
With Coach Banda’s guidance and the players’ determination, there was no doubt that they would continue to surprise and impress everyone with their skills.
As the day came to a close, the players of Hilltop Academy gathered together, their faces beaming with pride and excitement.
They had proven themselves in the world of chess, and they were ready to take on whatever came their way in the next round.
The spotlight was now on them, and they were determined to shine even brighter.
With the cheers and applause still ringing in their ears, the players of Hilltop Academy knew that this was only the beginning of their journey to greatness.
They had shown the world what they were capable of, and they were ready to checkmate anyone who stood in their way.
President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera’s led government has pledged to continue supporting journalists in the country so that they continue to operate in a free environment.
Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu made the remarks at MISA Malawi Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday night in Mangochi.
Kunkuyu said, President Ckakwera has not only spoken about press freedom, but also shown commitment in supporting the media in different ways such as organising meetings with them and creating a conducive environment for their operations.
“The President has never sectioned the police to arrest any journalist which symbolises his solidarity with the media and support for press freedom in the country.
“My coming here to join this MISA Awards Gala Dinner is to follow the President’s steps because of the good example that he is setting of working together with the media and complementing each other in running the affairs of the country,” said Kinkuyu.
The Minister pledged that the practice will continue in order to build a solid relationship with the media which is an important stakeholder in national building.
On her part, Vice chairperson of MISA Malawi, Chisomo Ngulube hailed the minister for joining the journallists on their day, saying itshows the governmentt’s commitment in creating a good environment for the media.
During the awards, Times Group Media emerged the top media house in Malawi after raking in 19 individual awards.
