Malawi Parliamentary Committee moves MBC DG’s hearing to Salima amid transparency questions
The Parliamentary Public Appointments Committee in Malawi has summoned the board of directors of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation over the recruitment of Director General Brian Banda.
The meeting, initially scheduled for Friday afternoon at Parliament Building in Lilongwe, has since been moved to Saturday in Salima at the Peculier venue.
The change of venue has raised questions over the choice of location and its implications for public access.
PAC vice-chairperson Joshua Malango informed committee members that the MBC board indicated it would not be available for the Friday session due to other commitments.
“We have been informed that the MBC Board will not be available today due to other commitments and the meeting has since been moved to Saturday in Salima,” said Malango.
The committee is expected to scrutinise the procedures and criteria used by the MBC board in recruiting Banda as Director General.
This review follows growing public debate surrounding his appointment earlier this year.
Banda’s appointment attracted criticism from some media stakeholders and governance commentators who questioned the transparency of the recruitment process.
Concerns were also raised over whether the position was openly advertised to allow wider competition.
Others questioned Banda’s academic and professional qualifications for the influential role at the state broadcaster.
The controversy later attracted the attention of the Ombudsman’s office, which reportedly opened investigations into the recruitment process amid allegations of irregularities.
Before joining MBC, Banda worked as a journalist and television presenter and also served in various government communication roles.
Meanwhile, the relocation of the PAC meeting from Lilongwe to Salima has fuelled speculation in political and media circles.
Some observers have questioned whether the move could reduce public and media scrutiny surrounding the matter.
No official explanation has been provided regarding the choice of venue beyond the board’s reported unavailability.
