By Prisca Promise Mashushu
The Minister of Information and Communication Technology has called for collaborative efforts among the parastatals, including the Malawi Digital Broadcast Network Limited (MDBNL), Malawi Broadcasting Station (MBC), and Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), to achieve common goals.
He made these remarks during a management meeting on Wednesday at Sunbird in Salima, where he encouraged the parastatals to address various issues related to promoting the ministry.
He explained that the fundamental goal of unity among the parastatals is to accomplish what seems impossible by filling each other’s gaps through potential and revenue collection within the ministry.
“I called for this meeting to engage the parastatals on the progress that has been made so far, challenges faced, and some of the plans that are intended to be addressed.
“As a ministry, we are committed to delivering the right information by taking action on the ground and ensuring that all parastatals work together to achieve their mandates through unity and trust among themselves,” explained Namalomba.
He assured all the parastatals that the challenges they face, such as promoting research, science, technology, and innovation, will be addressed, to achieve the industrialisation pillar, supporting rural connectivity, affordable access, and digital inclusion with about 2,500 free public access zones that fall under innovation and digital economy growth.
One of the parastatals, Acting Director General of Malawi Broadcasting Station (MBC), Arthur Chipendo, said the minister’s call for engagement on various issues soon after taking office demonstrates his commitment and interest in addressing the challenges faced by the parastatals through action and collaboration.
“The minister has highlighted that the current government has the mandate for Malawi by providing services that are efficient, sufficient, and effective, relevant to the needs of the people. All public servants must align with the government’s vision.
“The most critical aspect is that MBC has the potential to appeal to the public as their public broadcaster, as well as attract investors or partners from the private sector or within the government for revenue collection,” he explained.
He stated that MBC, moving forward, will work to regain the trust of Malawians by providing quality programmes that are fair and free, promoting fairness and unity across the country.
Dennis Chirwa, CEO of Malawi Digital Broadcast Network Limited (MDBNL), said the meeting was vital as it helped to shed light on the potential of parastatals’ activities, management, and policies.
“The minister has highlighted that while we serve the communities, we need to observe and feel the gaps among ourselves to transform the Ministry.
“As MDBNL, we are committed to fulfilling our potential as observed by the minister to generate revenue independently while also supporting each other within the ministry,” he concluded.
