PLATFORM YATHU IYI, TIPONYE ZOFUNIKIRA IZI: Manifesto: M’theto B.E.K. LUNGU President: Journalists Union of Malawi – JUMA 1.0 About M’theto B.E.K. LUNGU C areer journalist - 10 years plus experience as reporter, editor, sub-editor, designer, illustrator, and columnist. Worked for Malawi’s great papers - The Democrat, The New Vision, The Champion, and other PR and corporate publications, i.e. Msilikali Magazine - Malawi Defence Force (Editor); Democracy Forum - Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (Editor); Society Watch - Church and Society Program of Livingstonia Synod (Editor). Published Anzeni GOLFER. Co-edited and designed (consultant) several State House and ministerial/ government publications including a history of the Malawi Defence Force, where I was in a team of two that started and established the Public Information Office (PIO) as a bridge for relations between the media and civilians, and soldiers. Holds career and educational qualifications in Journalism, Public Relations and Personnel Management (PRPA), Civil Military Relations (CMR) and Legal Aspects of Peace Operations (United States Defence Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS), Computer Networking (CompTIA+), Writing Editing and Design (WED), and holds certifications in several short courses in investigative journalism, democracy and human rights reporting, the military leadership and discourse in a democracy, psycho-social support (PSS), HIV and AIDS facilitation, and Community Mobilisation, etc. Experienced in people management and leadership skills, working as Project and Program Officer, Counsellor, etc. Acquired several awards as SADC region correspondent (AfricaNews), and Best Designer (Commonwealth Press Union - CPU). Career in Journalism. Career in the Civil Society. Career in Faith Based Institutions. Career in Military. Climate Change and Justice Activism (We Have Faith - WHF). Executive Member in Network of Climate Journalists (NCJ). Interim Chairperson - Bwaila Media Club (BMC). Board Trustee for Christian Youth Association of Malawi (CYAMA). 2.0 Tasks 2.1 Provide for overall responsibility for JUMA and leading on the interests of JUMA 2.2 Managing relations locally and beyond, and chair the Trustee Board (Ex-Officio) 2.3 Be responsible for financial and material oversight for the National and Chapter bodies of JUMA 3.0 Why JUMA President As a natural leader when faced with challenge, as is the case today with JUMA, I believe JUMA needs some changes to ensure it is in an inclusive environment which has a strong sense of unionism needs and membership ownership. I have been a long time member of JUMA, and has watched leaders come and go. It gives me more confidence that I could bring a difference in the business of JUMA. I could step-up into this role and deliver the changes that you have long wanted to see. Every JUMA member experiences are unique and tailored based on a wide range of opportunities that their workplace or journalism space provide. JUMA, with me, will provide a platform for members to enjoy the fruits of their labour, and will ensure their labour issues enrich their life beyond their pay cheque. It takes a good experienced leader to ensure JUMA delivers in the best possible way. I want to help shape JUMA into one that we can all be proud to be a part of. With a sound local and global interface. 4.0 Why Count Your Vote on Me I am approachable. Open to people’s views and well placed to serve their labour interests without fear or favour. I am gender conscious and believe in equal and equitable play and justice. I like to get involved and feel proud to be a part of such a diverse union. I genuinely care about the direction that JUMA is going to take over the next year or so and have the experience and initiative to create a JUMA that commands respect and benefits the membership, not individuals or side institutions. 5.0 Key Principles 5.1 Firstly, integrity is vital for earning respect from those around JUMA 5.2 Secondly, change may start with one person but it involves everyone taking part 5.3 Thirdly, there is no place for tokenism, it’s a waste of people’s time. Instead, always strive to make a valued difference 5.4 Fourthly, it’s important to listen and this can’t be done with one person always doing the talking 6.0 My Vision for JUMA Beyond having a JUMA which fully engages its members, especially women, in a range of activities on offer, I want to enable members to raise their long-term employment aspirations above obstacles such as economic downturn, which brings drop in payroll and rise in basic needs. To do this there is need for union-led events, which empower membership to achieve their potential through meaningful initiatives, such as research and implementation of suitable Conditions of Service (recruitment, loans, death and perseverance issues, etc. well documented, understood, and signed for); capacity building training workshops and trainings in areas that would benefit employability such around effective unionism. 7.0 Taking the ‘I’ out of President Your union president is there as a representative for you, however, this has not been a priority in the past, where leaders have lent a deaf ear to members’ aspirations. I believe in consulting members on what they want and in running big decisions by members have to be a top priority when representing them. Past leaders probably think being elected on a mandate to carry out manifesto points is enough, as they are already accountable to the Board or donors, however, this is more than an issue of accountability. I believe it is of utmost importance to constantly consult with members, not to lose touch with our common objectives. 8.0 First Things First Once elected, I will:- 8.1 Build stronger relations with other media bodies such as MISA, NCJ, Labour Ministry, press clubs, fellow unions and bodies locally and beyond 8.2 Carry out consultation meetings with employers on labour issues (Salaries, Conditions of Service, etc. 8.3 Recognise and award best employers, best Chapters, and best members as a stimulant and incentive to better unionism. 8.4 Make JUMA issues accountable and de-alienate JUMA from ‘hostile’ donors. Engage by website and other new media technics for added value! VOTE FOR ME for JUMA PRESIDENT. With you and God, the winner is JUMA!
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:13:06 +0000
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