Uncertainty surrounds MBC’s popular Our People, Our Pride’s as The Daily Times has learnt that the event will not take place this year.

The annual event, which used to be presided over by late president Bingu wa Mutharika and has been aired on DStv’s Africa Magic channel, was being held in December.

During its three-year run Our People, Our Pride gained popularity as it used to honour a cross-section of people for their courage and hard work in various projects in the country.

Sources within MBC say the event, pioneered by former director general Bright Malopa – who was fired and replaced by Benson Tembo when President Mutharika died in April, has been ‘phased’ out.

Our People, Our Pride has seen a number of renowned foreign artists, among them South African gospel songstress Rebecca Malope and veteran artist Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, gracing the event’s gala night.

MBC’s Public Relations and Marketing Officer Ruth Gama dispelled rumours that the event has been phased out.

She, however, confirmed that it is not on the cards this year.

“The event is not on this year. MBC is in a process of coming up with an annual event which will focus more on our chore functions. The programme will be private sector-driven and facilitated by MBC as a window for social responsibility,” she said.

Gama also dispelled allegations that the event has fallen out of favour because it was pioneered by Malopa.

“Our People, Our Pride cannot be individualised as it was an MBC concept. Our People, Our Pride was a result of combined efforts and team work,” said the MBC publicist.