Malawi President to answer questions from public live on Zodiak

Malawi President Joyce Banda will answer questions from the public on New Year’s Eve as she will be featured live on Zodiak Broadcasting Services.

Nyasa Times understandsthat President Banda will be featured in a live, one hour special to air on Monday, December 31 at 9 a.m.

Zodiak’s editor Pilirani Phiri confirmed that he will be anchoring “an exclusive live interview” with President Banda from Chikoko Bay state lodge in the lakeshore dstrict of Mangochi.

Phiri, who hosts popular Tiuzune Zoona interview programme on the station, also confirmed that President Banda will in the course of the sit-down interview, respond to questions from Malawians live on air.

Members of the public who have particular issues they would like President Banda to address are  invited to send their questions via SMS.

“People will be allowed to make calls and ask questions to the President. Some will send the questions through texts,” Zodiak editor informed.

“As Zodiak we believe that there should be an interaction between the governors and the governed hence this initiative from the country’s number one radio station,” Phiri told Nyasa Times.

Presidential press secretary Steven Nhlane also confirmed that the Malawi leader will interact with citizens through the live radio programme which, he said, will accord her an opportunity to hear Malawians’ views on various issues.

The radio station was thankful to President Banda “for accepting the live phone-in interview” the first of its kind in the country with the Head of State.

However, the radio appealed to Malawians to “show maturity and ask questions that are relevant, questions that border on policy not political hatred.”

Banda ascended to the presidency on April 7 this year in line with constitutional order after the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika.

She has recently been under the barrage of criticism on the economic problems facing the country.

But in her first Christmas and New Year message as Head of State, President Banda fondly called JB or ‘Amai’ appealed for patience and understanding as her government works towards finding solutions to revive the economy.

“ The darkest hour of the night is behind us and dawn is just about to break off. I urge you to stay on course. Malawi will no longer be the same,” said President Banda.

“ We are about to close this chapter in our history of continued suffering. We have begun a new book about Malawi; a new book that tells the story of our great people, of our wealth and glory and of our peace and redemption,” she added.

Sharing is caring!