By Judgement Katika: Public Relations Intern
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has joined forces with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter to launch a new ESCOM Anti-Vandalism Media Award aimed at combating vandalism of electricity infrastructure in the country.
The prestigious award will start from November 1, 2025 across three categories: Print Media, Electronic Media, and Online Media, where each category winner will receive a substantial cash prize of K1,000,000.
A joint statement by ESCOM and MISA Malawi chapter says the award seeks to elevate the standard of reporting on the destructive impact of electricity infrastructure vandalism on national development and public safety.
Commenting on the launch, Pilirani Phiri, Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer for ESCOM, highlighted the award’s dual purpose.
“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,” said Phiri.
He added that the initiative aims at respecting and significantly enhancing the crucial media relations that ESCOM is actively building with the media as essential partners in national progress.
On his part, Golden Matonga, Chairperson of MISA Malawi Chapter, welcomed the partnership saying it recognizes the media’s crucial role in public awareness and accountability.
“We are delighted to partner with ESCOM on this vital public interest initiative. The ESCOM Anti-Vandalism Award is a well-thought-out programme that recognizes the media’s indispensable role in public sensitization and accountability. MISA Malawi thanks ESCOM for their proactive engagement and for providing journalists with a meaningful incentive to dedicate their skills to a subject of such national importance.” said Matonga.
The first edition of the ESCOM Anti-Vandalism Award will roll out on November 1, 2025 with stories published or broadcast between November 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026 eligible for consideration during the 2026 awards.
The winners will be announced and celebrated during the annual MISA Malawi Media Awards ceremony in May 2026.
ESCOM and MISA Malawi has since urged all journalists and media houses to utilize this period to investigate and report deeply on the causes, effects, and solutions surrounding vandalism of ESCOM infrastructure.
The initiative comes at a time when cases of vandalism have been on the increase, costing the power utility about K3 billion every year in direct costs of replacing vandalised transformers and various other infrastructures.