Journalists on Tuesday elected Yoneco FM’s Titus Linzie as Zomba Press Club president at the club’s annual general meeting.
Linzie who went unopposed, will lead the 50-member media grouping in the next three years, taking over from former Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) reporter Cassim Aubi.
Times Group’s Tiyese Monjeza was elected vice president with 13 votes defeating freelancer Synd Kalimbuka who amassed 10 votes.
Holyce Kholowa of Nation Publications Limited triumphed as General Secretary with 13 votes defeating freelancer Kassim Kajosolo who got nine votes.
Clifford Kalilombe of Livingwaters Church radio was elected Treasurer with 16 votes against Eric Njovu’s six.
Yoneco FM’s Mbanandi Saka Mahala went unopposed on the position of publicity secretary.
The club has also Peter Stephano as a permanent executive member.
In his acceptance speech, Linzie said he will use the position to make the club vibrant.
“I will make sure that there is unity in the club and also in the first three months I will make sure that the club extends its membership to media practitioners who are based in the eastern region districts of Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga and part of Ntcheu,” he said.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga, who was guest of honour, urged journalists to self-regulate to ensure public trust.
“Safe regulation means being able to follow ethics and show that we are professional.
“Self-regulation begins at individual level, the way we dress, the way we present ourselves in different events and even the way we ask our questions-have we done enough research-have we followed ethics and even in our writing,” she said.
Ndanga also encouraged journalists to do peer review at media house or club level to enhance professionalism.
“Sometimes you wouldn’t know if you are doing the right thing and sometimes you make some mistakes without knowing it but when colleagues are able to point those out you should also take positively that feedback,” she said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zomba Press Club members visited Naisi Health Centre where they cheered patients and donated different items to patients.
