President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has appointed Dr. Bright Molande as his Director of Communications replacing Gerald Viola.

Viola served on this position before being appointed as Presidential Press Officer at State House as was fired.

Chief Secretary to the Government, George Mkondiwa, confirmed the appointment saying Dr. Molande’s appointment is with effect from 3rd May 2016.

At the time of his appointment to Statehouse, Dr. Molande was Director of Information in the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and Civic Education. An accomplished literary scholar and poet himself, Molande also served as Vice Principal, Dean of Humanities and Head of English at Chancellor College, University of Malawi.

In reaction, Dr. Molande said “I have been deeply humbled. This is a higher calling of service to the President and duty to my country.” He added that he is “looking forward to give the best of my abilities” because “I know that our President is a leader who expects high standards, uncompromised quality and substance in serving Malawians”.

He also expressed excitement in looking forward to work with the media fraternity and the public both locally and internationally.