MISA Malawi Gala Gets Financial Boost From Banks

The Malawi chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Gala has received a financial boost to the tune of MK15 Million from FDH Bank Plc and National Bank to the tune of MK1 Million.

MISA Malawi will on Saturday, 6th May, commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Lilongwe.

FDH Bank public relations manager, Lorraine Chikhula says the Bank has decided to come into the rescue of MISA after recognising the role that the Media plays in Malawi.

“This sponsorship will specifically go towards the MISA Awards Gala where several journalists and media houses in categories will be recognised.

“We applaud the crucial role the media plays in the country at large and the support it renders to different stakeholders and partners including the financial sector and FDH bank,” said Chikhula.

MISA Malawi representative, Aubrey Mchulu thanked FDH bank for the sponsorship.

“We are thankful for the sponsorship. This is the first time FDH Bank is pumping such huge money towards the ceremony and its a huge boost, ” he said.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) on Friday donated K1 million to the Media Institute for Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi to go towards the World Press Freedom Day celebrations scheduled for today in Blantyre.

The celebrations fall on May 3 every year and this year’s theme is Information as a Public Good.

NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akosa Hiwa said the donation aims at encouraging professionalism in the industry.

“We want to encourage responsible journalism as well as competence in the work that journalists do. So we thought it important to reach out to Misa Malawi on their auspicious event,” Hiwa said.

Misa Malawi Vice Chairperson Mandy Pondani said the donation demonstrates the good relationship that exists between the two institutions.

“National Bank has shown us that it shares the cause and the values in the agenda of Misa Malawi which is media freedom and independence. Therefore, we are grateful for this donation,” she said.

The global theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day commemorations is Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.