Study calls for inclusive politics of Malawi’s disabled

By Staff Reporter

A new study conducted by Dr Muyanga Ziba, from North-West University has uncovered that persons with disabilities in Malawi are being excluded from political discourse on airwaves.

The research examined programming at Mzimba Community Radio Station through focus groups, interviews, and listening clubs, uncovering a lack of targeted content to support the political inclusion of disabled individuals.

“There is a noticeable gap in programming that targets political inclusion,” Dr Ziba stated.

Dr. Muyanga stressed that Persons with disabilities in Malawi may be tuning in to community radio, but their political voices are not adequately covered.

“The absence of dedicated political content for persons with disabilities means they are not fully represented in public discourse.”

The study was conducted across four Constituencies of Mzuzu, Mzimba North, Mzimba Solola, and Mzimba East using methods such as listening clubs, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. It was framed within several academic theories, including disability theory, framing theory, participatory theory, and muted group theory.

Participants described systemic obstacles such as social exclusion, abuse, and lack of support, with many revealing that even friends and family discourage them from political involvement.

“Many of us are seen as incapable,” a participant from Mzimba Solola shared. “Even if you speak up, people laugh at or ignore you.”

The findings also indicate that media often reinforces harmful stereotypes due to the lack of specialized, inclusive content. Respondents have called for a transformation in the way community radio engages with disabled communities demanding programming that reflects their political needs and voices.

To address these gaps, Dr Ziba recommends a shift towards journalism practices grounded in Ubuntu and Africanisation, suggesting that local values should guide the way media operates.

“Western media models do not always fit our context,” he emphasized.

The study proposes a new participatory communication framework to ensure that marginalized voices, especially from rural villages, are not only heard but meaningfully represented.

The research study it also champions peace journalism and journalism of attachment approaches that encourage deeper community engagement and highlight stories from the perspective of those affected.

“This is not just about airtime,” Dr Ziba concluded. “It is about access to platforms that shape democracy.”

ENDs…