By Evance Kapito

Copyright faceofmalawi

For more than a decade, Sangwani Mwafulirwa has been the face and voice of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), serving as Director of Media and Public Relations since 2012. Trusted with explaining electoral processes, engaging the media, and leading nationwide voter education campaigns, he has become one of the most recognisable public communicators in Malawi.

Early Life and Education

Originally from Karonga, Mwafulirwa grew up in Ndilande, Blantyre, and began his education at Namwalimwe Community Day Secondary School. He later enrolled at the University of Malawi, where he obtained his first degree. His passion for communication and leadership has driven him to continue building his academic career, and he was recently selected to pursue a Master of Arts in Public Relations at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).

Career Path

Mwafulirwa began his professional journey in journalism. From 2003 to 2007, he worked as a Reporter and Sub-Editor at Blantyre Newspapers Limited, where he sharpened his skills in writing, editing, and investigative reporting.

He later joined MISA Malawi in 2007 as an Advocacy Officer, championing media freedom and managing advocacy projects for three years. In 2010, he worked briefly with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) before moving to Guardian Publications Limited in 2011 as Bureau Manager.

His transition into public service came in 2012 when he joined MEC as Head of Media and Public Relations, later rising to Director of Media and Public Relations a position he holds today. Over the years, he has overseen communication strategies, coordinated relationships with journalists, and spearheaded nationwide civic education. He has also kept the public updated on voter registration, new electoral laws, and the relocation of MEC headquarters from Blantyre to Lilongwe.

Recognition and Achievements

In 2022, Mwafulirwa was among the professionals selected for the prestigious Chevening Africa Media Freedom Fellowship at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. The programme brought together communication practitioners from across Africa to strengthen skills in media freedom and information integrity.

His calm, professional, and transparent approach to public communication has earned him recognition from various institutions. In 2024, the Public Relations Society of Malawi named him Public Relations Officer of the Year in the Public Service category, while MISA Malawi has also recognised his contribution to making MEC one of the most transparent public bodies in the country.

Personal Life

Mwafulirwa is married to Truffena Chiwaya Mwafulirwa, and together they are raising their children.

From journalism to public service, Sangwani Mwafulirwa’s career reflects steady progress, anchored by professionalism, advocacy, and a commitment to transparency and citizen engagement.

Compiled by Hastings Msosa