Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chapter chairperson Golden Matonga has warned that press freedom in the country remains fragile amid poor pay, governance lapses and shrinking support for investigative journalism. In his address during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day Gala Awards and Dinner at Sunbird Livingstonia International Conference Centre in Senga Bay, Salima on Sunday evening, he stressed that press freedom was under strain. “Press freedom remains delicate in the country and requires collaboration to safeguard it,” said Matonga whose audience included Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba and German Ambassador Ute König.
He cited mounting structural challenges, warning that failure to act could erode gains made in media independence. “There are growing challenges affecting the media sector and urgent and collective action He singled out poor remuneration as a critical risk to ethical journalism. “Low pay undermines the fight against corruption, especially at a time when Malawi continues to battle systemic graft,” said Matonga.
Chapter chairperson also faulted recent appointments of director generals at the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) and the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) , questioning their transparency and legality. Said Matonga: “The recent appointments of the director generals for Macra and MBC appear to have entirely bypassed due process and transparency. There were no job adverts.
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There were no interviews. “The reforms needed to transform our public institutions cannot be birthed by first breaking the law. We urge the government to fast-track the amendment of the Communications Act.” speech, Namalomba maintained that government is committed to protecting media freedom. “The government is committed to ensuring that journalists work in a conducive environment in the country,” he said.
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