President Chakwera said this as he congratulated Times Media Group journalist, Ananiya Alick Ponje, for winning the 2020 SADC Media Awards in the television category.

“This is a proud moment for Malawi bearing in mind that there is always stiff competition among the 16 Member States for the top prize that is awarded for showcasing excellence in journalism in the SADC Region,” says Information minister Gospel Kazako. “Government encourages the media to participate in the 2021 Awards whose details will be made available in due course”.

In a statement issued this morning, Kazako says, President Chakwera expects that the award will encourage Ponje and the Malawi media to work harder for the benefit of the nation.

In the same vain, government has repeated its commitment to ensuring the operationalization of the stalled law on Access to Information to help entities such as media get information.

“The law, once operational, will enable the media and the public access information to ensure accountability in public offices,” says Kazako.

The award comes with a 2,500.00 UD dollar prize money, and a certificate which this year has been signed by Sadc chair Tanzania president John Pombe Magufuli.