MRA TO HONOUR TOP BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS JOURNALISTS

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality journalism in the country by sponsoring the Business and Economics Journalist of the Year Award, under Media Institute Of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi’s organized World Press Freedom Day(WPFD) commemorations scheduled for this coming weekend on 3^rd May.

Speaking at the Authority’s Head office, Msonkho House , Blantyre, during a handover ceremony on Wednesday 30^th April, MRA Acting Head of Corporate Affairs Wilma Chalulu emphasized the importance of the media in shaping public understanding of economic issues and promoting tax compliance.

“On behalf of MRA, I sincerely thank you the media for your continued role in educating the public and promoting tax compliance. Today, I am pleased to announce that we are committing K5,092,500 towards this year’s award and will continue this sponsorship annually for the next three years,” Chalulu said.

She further explained that MRA has, over the years, maintained a strong partnership with business journalists to ensure accurate and consistent information sharing about tax issues.

“As journalists gather for this year’s WPFD conference, it’s important they know that MRA and MISA are working together to promote professionalism and the dissemination of factual information. Our collaboration helps ensure journalists are empowered to report responsibly on taxation matters,” she added.

In response, MISA Malawi National Governing Council Member, Chikondi Kasambara, expressed immense gratitude to MRA stating that the donation has come at a critical moment, as sponsoring Business Journalism Awards is a key component of the WPFD celebrations.

“We are more than overwhelmed, MRA has truly come to our rescue because we were in urgent need of funding for the WPFD commemoration. The awards on this day are not just about recognizing journalists who have excelled in business reporting, but also about encouraging others to report more on the economy. MRA’s support is timely and will go a long way in uplifting both MISA and business journalism in Malawi,” said Kasambara.

World Press Freedom Day is observed every year globally on 3^rd May to promote and celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, and to honour journalists who strive to bring accurate information to the public.

BY VICTOR MASANJE