By Burnett Munthali
The popular Malawian entertainment platform, Mikozi Online, has been temporarily taken offline as part of efforts to have the page verified by Facebook. The platform’s lead figure, Bright ‘Excess’ Chiligo, confirmed the development, explaining that the move is aimed at addressing issues arising from numerous fake pages that have been impersonating Mikozi.
In an interview, Chiligo stated that Mikozi’s reputation has been under threat from impostor accounts that have been sharing harmful or misleading content in the platform’s name. This, he said, has led to numerous complaints from people who believe they have been wronged by Mikozi Online, when in fact the content came from fake pages.
“We have been getting a lot of queries from people alleging we have injured them in one way or the other,” Chiligo explained. “But all this is the work of our imitators. Once we get verified, people will be able to draw a line between our content and the fake pages.”
The decision to temporarily unpublish the platform comes as part of broader efforts by the Mikozi team to maintain its integrity and ensure that followers are able to easily distinguish between authentic content and misleading posts shared by copycat accounts. Verification by Facebook will not only boost Mikozi’s credibility but also protect its audience from misinformation and scams.
Mikozi Online has gained a huge following in recent years, becoming one of the leading platforms for entertainment news, celebrity gossip, and Malawian pop culture. The rise in its popularity has unfortunately attracted imitators seeking to capitalize on the brand’s success. These fake pages have reportedly caused confusion and, in some cases, harm to Mikozi’s reputation.
Chiligo expressed optimism about the future of Mikozi Online, assuring fans that the platform will be back up and running in the next 48 hours. The team is working closely with Facebook to finalize the verification process, which is expected to give the platform a verified badge and help prevent future impersonation.
“We want to ensure our fans can trust the content they are engaging with. Once the verification process is complete, we’ll be able to provide an even better experience for our followers,” Chiligo said.
Mikozi’s temporary absence has sparked concern among its loyal fans, many of whom rely on the platform for updates on entertainment and trending topics. However, the move to seek verification demonstrates the platform’s commitment to transparency and protecting its audience from malicious actors.
As the online media space in Malawi continues to grow, issues of page verification and content authenticity are becoming more critical. Platforms like Mikozi, with large followings and significant influence, are increasingly recognizing the importance of securing their digital presence to maintain trust with their audiences.
Once Mikozi Online is back, the platform’s followers can expect a more secure and authentic browsing experience, free from the misleading content that has plagued the platform due to fake pages.
Burnett Munthali is a political analyst and journalist, providing insights into Malawian media and entertainment developments.
