Reported by Pempho Nkhoma
Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ) will host its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) from August 30th to September 1st at Nalipiri Eco Resort in Mulanje to elect leaders and discuss issues that will strengthen their spiritual life.
ACJ is a grouping of media practitioners belonging to the Catholic Church across Malawi who come together every three years to choose their leaders.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday, ACJ National Chairperson, Sam Kalimba said it is within their constitutional mandate to hold an AGM in August to review reasons for ACJs existence and map the way forward per agreed resolutions.
“Coincidentally, this AGM precedes the country’s campaign period in the run-up to next years tripartite elections and so as journalists, we need to seek God first before we indulge in elections reporting,” he said.
Kalimba added that during the gathering they will conduct prayers; and discuss financial reports apart from the associations elections.
“We are expecting over 70 members from across the country to attend the meeting which will also vote for new office bearers to run the affairs from January 2025 to December 2027 as per election guidelines from the Episcopal Conference of Malawi.
“We will have motivational speakers from within our circle especially those that are in high offices,” he added.
Kalimba explained that the elective AGM is in line with the Catholic Churchs calendar stating that most church associations are also holding elections.
“The whole Catholic Church is also conducting elections at all levels as we draw closer to the end of our calendar year,” he added.
In a separate interview, one of the members, Josephine Chinele said that the meeting would help the Catholic journalists to deepen their faith.
“We encourage each other to participate in church activities, share information and create networks,” she said.
ACJ has four established chapters across the country namely; Southern Chapter which comprises Blantyre Archdiocese and Chikwawa Diocese, Central Chapter consisting of Archdiocese of Lilongwe and Dedza Diocese,
Northern Chapter is made up of Mzuzu and Karonga Dioceses while the Eastern Chapter covers Zomba and Mangochi Dioceses.
