I remain Chakwera’s mouthpiece despite going on sabbatical leave—Brian Banda
State House Press Secretary Brian Banda has dispelled rumours that he has been fired or resigned disclosing that he remains the official spokesperson for President Lazarus Chakwera despite him applying for a four months’ leave of work to pursue further studies at the Chinese Peking University.
Banda leaves Malawi for China on 6th August 2021 returning on 26th November 2021.
Speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times today, Banda said the Chinese Embassy has given him a scholarship to study leadership programme at Peking University in China.
“The truth of the matter is that I have not resigned. I am simply going to school at Peking University in China,” he said.
Asked if he was aware of plans to fill his post in his absence, Banda said “I have no control on should speak for the President”.
“So, I can’t dictate to the President on who should be the next State House Press Secretary. But what I know is that I am still State House Press Secretary and there are no changes,” he reiterated.
It leaves a lot of questions why the hiring authority – President Chakwera – would let his spokesperson go on a study leave without an acting Press Secretary to handover to. State House recently lost (to death) Martha Chikuni, Head of Marketing.
Nyasa Times understands that Blantyre City Council Public Relations Officer Anthony Kasunda, has been earmarked for the prestigious job.
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Who’s paying for this sabbatical? Malawian students can’t afford basic school instruments yet a whole minister is using public funds to feather his education? Wow! What is the cost? Sabbatical is a period of PAID leave granted to a univeristy teacher or other worker for study, traditionally 1 year for every 7 years worked. That said, how long as Brian Banda worked in this government? Stop misusing Malawian tax-payers funds!
Congratulations for getting a scholarship & wishing you well during your study time that side. The only problem is that try to learn to speak with one word at the State House. Too much contradictions so even a true story sometimes people don’t trust it cos of not speaking in unison. Otherwise all the best and good luck.
You lack the maturity required for that post.
Watipaso Mzungu what kind of further studies does one undertake in four months? Why can’t you just say he is going for a short course? Academic studies in China are done in Chinese and a student spends one full year studying Chinese language before embarking on their study programme. As a journalist you must be able to distinguish studies from training. This is a mere training whether it is done at Peking University or Havard University and not studies.
Odi tione drama imeneyi umo ithere
All the best bwana Brian
How is this helping Malawian people?