The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has partnered with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter to unveil a new media award aimed at fighting the growing problem of electricity infrastructure vandalism in the country.
The initiative, dubbed the ‘ESCOM Anti-Vandalism Media Award’, aims to encourage in-depth and solution-oriented journalism on the effects of infrastructure vandalism on Malawi’s economic growth and public safety.
Set to begin on November 1 this year, the award will recognize outstanding reporting in Print, Electronic, and Online Media categories.
Each winner will walk away with a cash prize of K1 million, a move designed to both reward excellence and inspire sustained coverage of this pressing issue.
Speaking during the launch, Pilirani Phiri, ESCOM’s Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer, said the award showcases the corporation’s commitment to addressing vandalism through collaboration with the media.
“Vandalism of ESCOM infrastructure is not just a commercial challenge for us; it is a direct attack on Malawi’s future, causing blackouts that stall economic activity and disrupt critical services. This award is a powerful statement of our commitment to fighting this scourge and strengthening media partnerships as a foundation for national progress,” said Phiri.
Echoing the sentiment, Golden Matonga, Chairperson of MISA Malawi, hailed the partnership as a timely and strategic collaboration that empowers journalists to use their platforms for the public good.
“We are delighted to partner with ESCOM on this vital public interest initiative. The award recognizes the media’s indispensable role in public sensitization and accountability. It is a meaningful incentive for journalists to dedicate their skills to a subject of such national importance,’’ said Matonga.
According to the organizers, eligible stories will include those published or broadcast between November 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
Winners are set to be honoured during the annual MISA Malawi Media Awards ceremony in May 2026.
Both ESCOM and MISA Malawi have called on journalists and media houses across the country to take advantage of the competition period to explore and expose the root causes, consequences, and possible solutions to infrastructure vandalism.
