Chief Executive Officer Bob Chimkango
* At it also highlights a shift in enforcement from announcing projects to engaging communities first
* Citing the Malangalanga Area 1 redevelopment project where MHC engaged property owners by offering compensation and house swaps
* Instead of issuing eviction notices, resulting in broad support for the project
By Duncan Mlanjira
Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) Chief Executive Officer, Bob Chimkango, maintains that the institution’s new direction rests on three pillars: urban renewal, partnerships with investors & developers, and transparency through digital systems.
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He said this at the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) 2026 annual general meeting (AGM) opening cocktail in Mangochi — emphasising that housing is about trust, not just bricks and mortar.
MHC Media, which was also in attendance at the conference where PRSM was celebrating its 10th anniversary, quoted Chimkango saying the Corporation “has shifted from announcing projects to engaging communities first”.
“He cited the Malangalanga Area 1 redevelopment, where MHC engaged property owners and offered compensation and house swaps instead of issuing eviction notices, resulting in broad support for the project,” reported MHC Media.
Finalising construction of houses at Ngumbe, Blantyre along road to Lunzu
On rental arrears, Chimkango is quoted as saying enforcement of tenancy agreements is about sustainability, not punishment, while noting that unpaid rent undermines maintenance and new developments.
“Rights come with responsibilities,” he said, adding that MHC is executing all its duties to ensure Malawians have decent housing.
On the role of PR officers in institutions, whether in public or private sector, Chimkango stated that good communication advice is crucial for any organisation’s output.
“Effective communication is crucial,” he said. “At MHC, we now understand what communication is all about from the advice we get from members of PRSM.
“Partners come when they know from the stories that PR personnel portray for institutions. The influence of communication cannot be underestimated.”
He thus called upon all PR practitioners to be part of MHC’s work and to celebrate the power of partnerships.
He challenged PR professionals to move beyond press releases and functions to become strategic advisors in the boardroom.
“Do not only communicate decisions. Help shape better decisions,” said Chimkango, whose institution was one of the sponsors of this year’s PRSM AGM.
Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Justin Saidi, who was guest of honour, pledged Government’s commitment to working with the PRSM to improve coordination across government departments and agencies.
Saidi said effective coordination is essential, stressing that communication should be regarded as a key component of leadership and not an afterthought.
As PRSM marks its 10th anniversary, Saidi urged the association to renew its ambition and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with PRSM to strengthen and advance the public relations profession in Malawi.
Saidi being honoured with an award
Saidi was also honoured by PRSM with Honorary Fellow Award, who dedicated it to President Arthur Peter Mutharika for believing in him to champion the civil service.
He hailed PRSM for fostering development and good image for the nation by bringing together the people, organisations and government.
“We need positive news and always those must come from the public relations officers,” he said.
The Overall PR Practitioner of the Year Award went to Ruth Mputeni who also scooped the PR Practitioner of the Year in Public Sector category.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), which was confered last week by Political Science Association of Malawi (PSA) with Outstanding Istitution Award/, has also been honoured by PRSM with the Excellence in Crisis Communication award.
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Other awards include:
* Excellence in Corporate Communication: National Bank of Malawi Plc
* Excellence in Public Sector Communication: Malawi Law Commission
* Excellence in Development Communication: Community Savings and Investments Cooperative Promotion (COMSIP)
* PR Professional of the Year-Corporate: Memory Mwathengere (FCB)
* PR Practitioner of the Year-Public Sector: Ruth Mputeni (Judiciary)
* PR Practitioner of the Year-Development Sector: Rodgers Siula (UNICEF), and
* Up-and-Coming PR Practitioner of the Year: Happy Njalammano (Independent Complaints Commission)
One of the activities of the conference included a donation of more than 1,200 text books to Msalura LEA School where the members also engaged with the young minds through motivational speeches.
At the cocktail, vice-president, Thomas Chafunya indicated that PRSM has grown stronger over the past 10 years — with membership rising from just 35 in 2016 to over 300 in 2026.
“We are getting stronger each year. From only 35 members in 2016 to over 300 members today, this shows that public relations is now being recognised and valued,” Chafunya said.
Thomas Chafunya