By Twink Jones Gadama
As President Lazarus Chakwera prepares to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Friday, the Faith Leaders Empowerment Scheme has called on media practitioners to reflect on their responsibility in promoting truth, peace, and national development.
In a statement released on Monday, Prophetess Natasha Nalikungwi, Secretary General of the Faith Leaders Empowerment Scheme, emphasized that the SONA is not a political party event, but a national platform where the government presents key issues affecting all Malawians, regardless of political affiliation.
“The SONA is a moment for the government to account to the people, and for the people to hold the government accountable,” Prophetess Nalikungwi said. “As faith leaders, we urge the media to provide balanced, factual, and hopeful coverage that promotes national development and healing.”
Prophetess Nalikungwi noted that the media has the power to shape public perception and influence national discourse. She urged media practitioners to be mindful of their role in promoting truth, peace, and national development.
“We believe that the media can uplift the nation and guide public perception in a way that promotes development and national healing,” Prophetess Nalikungwi said.
The Faith Leaders Empowerment Scheme’s call comes at a time when the country is preparing for the SONA, which is expected to outline the government’s key priorities and achievements.
As the country’s faith leaders, the scheme’s members are committed to promoting peace, unity, and development. They believe that the media has a critical role to play in promoting these values and shaping the national discourse.
The scheme’s call has been welcomed by media practitioners, who acknowledge the importance of their role in promoting truth, peace, and national development.
“We recognize the importance of our role in shaping the national discourse and promoting development,” said one media practitioner. “We will strive to provide balanced and factual coverage of the SONA and other national events.”
The SONA is scheduled to take place on Friday, and it is expected to be broadcast live on national television and radio. The event will be attended by members of parliament, government officials, and other stakeholders.
