National Planning Commission (NPC) Communications Manager, Thom Khanje, has stressed that it is possible to effectively implement the three pillars of Malawi 2063 (MW2063) and its seven enablers.
Khanje insists that everything related to this must begin with the people of Malawi themselves, saying Malawi has the potential to become a wealthy and self-reliant nation through agricultural productivity and commercialisation, industrialisation and urbanisation.
He was speaking at a day-long symposium for Bachelor of Arts, Communication and Cultural Studies and Media for Development students at the University of Malawi (Unima) in Zomba.
“Malawi has vast potential for this. Engaging the youth in line with Malawi 2063 can help us reach our goals. That is why this symposium was focused on the youth,” he said.
Khanje added that Malawi’s poverty has been a result of previous visions being tied to political will, whereas MW2063, the country’s long-term development plan, is linked to a government body, the NPC, which was established by an Act of Parliament.
The students, who are part of the School of Arts, Communication and Design, showcased what they have learned over the years to prospective employers and engaged with media professionals at the symposium.
Head of the Media and Communications Department at Unima, Anthony Gunde, encouraged students to produce tangible outputs to convince potential employers.
Gunde added that the university has taken steps to utilise Enabler Number 5 of human capital development to ensure professional standards are met across various institutions.
“Everything we do is aligned with this enabler, enabling our graduates to meet the professional standards that the government expects. Our studies also support this goal,” he said.
The event attracted media professionals, including public relations managers, officers and newsroom managers.
Editor-in-Chief of The Times Group, Pilirani Kachinziri, urged Unima students to approach social media professionally in their work.
Kachinziri said that the use of digital media platforms was growing in importance and gaining the attention of more people.
“Make sure that whatever content you share is accurate, objective and balanced. This will help you avoid lawsuits.
“We need solutions journalism. We want you to develop new ideas so we can recruit you. We will use your content as long as it is professional and we will buy it,” he said.
One of the students, Tendai Dube, said she was impressed with the symposium, calling it an exciting experience that she had gained.
