NDAGHA

Karonga-Chitipa road named ‘Bingu Highway’ | Malawi news, Malawi - NyasaTimes breaking online news source from Malawi

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Karonga-Chitipa road named ‘Bingu Highway’ | Malawi news, Malawi - NyasaTimes breaking online news source from Malawi

I once wrote about this road last year after interviewing Chitipa North Member of Parliament Nick Masebo. He dodged the question on who the road was to be named after. There were already rumors then that it was to be named after Bingu. I have no problem with that. I have also blogged before praising Malawi's President Mutharika for not having any major infrastructure named after him. I am yet to hear how he will take this. Or is he the one who has engineered it? Will he accept that the Karonga-Chitipa Road really be named after him. Personally I have strong doubts that the people in the districts were consulted. Knowing my traditional leaders in Chitipa, I doubt very strongly if at all they endorsed this name at this time given the politics going on in Malawi. Don't we have some Malawians who would have deserved the name on this road? One of the great Malawians who died in the course of service was Rodwell Munyenyembe. He died as Speaker of National Assembly as parliament was discussing impeachment of Bingu. If I was to suggest the name, he is one such name. He is gone and the emotional, political, loyalty, and whatever attachment to him is minimal. Yes he came from Karonga before it was split into Chitipa and Karonga as we know it today. Unfortunately knowing the jealousies (envy) as per our Malawi National Anthem, I wonder if these traditional leaders would agree on it. But any way as someone said in Chitipa when I last visited, "I am only looking forward to the completion of the road, thanks to Bingu but that is all I will remember him for. The name won't matter. All I want is he should finish the road."

I have been walking a lot

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:11:00 +0000

There is a general expectation in Malawi that a boss of an institution is not supposed to be walking on foot to work or should not board public transport. This is especially true in towns and urban centres where generally you have institutions, departments, companies headed by various leaders who have vehicles. The expectation is high at all times even when there is fuel crisis.

Unfortunately the crisis has reached alarming levels in Malawi's capital city Lilongwe as one cannot easily find fuel. So we end up packing vehicles at gas stations for days. To ensure that some work is still done, one has to find simple practical alternatives.

Walking for some of the stretches like 2 or 3 kilometers has been normal for me most of this January. For some, I am an embarrassment as they don't expect me to walk to the office. TWR where I work is one of the best established radio networks in Malawi hence anyone leading it cannot be expected to be seen walking or on board a minibus to and from the office or studios. No wonder one young lady could not believe seeing me walk as I passed by her office on my way to the office two weeks ago. She let me get her car to take me the rest of the distance and asked that I return it as I knock off.

Sydney likes walking

I have found that some of these expectations are just unrealistic and not helpful. I have seen many people, well respected ones in Europe walking, getting on the train or buses even cycling to work. When one tries to do something like that here in Malawi, the reactions are different. Nothing bad about it. BUT I hope that some people can understand and appreciate the problem of fuel supply in the country now.

Fortunately, when you are not a celebrity, you are safe as even if you jump on a bicycle, few people if any may notice that. You can comfortably sit in a minibus, walk some distance and enjoy the moments.

I have so far enjoyed the walks and will continue doing so. It is refreshing and just gives you the space which you normally don't get when you drive. Of course I know that somehow, I embarrass some of my bosses but thankfully they understand that it is because there is no fuel for the vehicle. I have also in some way experienced embarrassing moments as I walk the distances...For instance, when a client or the persons that look up to you drive by and offer you a lift!

Fuel Crisis Benefits Malawians?

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:32:00 +0000

We are a fuel crisis situation. The negative impact is very obvious and has become almost normal. I have been thinking about the good coming out of this crisis.

Malawians have known that their government has failed. Yes has failed them badly. We believe now more than ever that former Energy Minister Grain Malunga was right when he was reported to have said that we should just get used to fuel shortage problems. This he said more than six months ago. It cost him the ministerial post. Government spokespersons know very well that if any, few Malawians still trust them whenever they say anything now especially on fuel.

There seems to be more planning when it comes to travelling locally or outside town. Some of us have even learnt how to use the neutral gears to save fuel.

Minibuses now don't just branch off to any filling station to add up the gas which means we are assured that once we board one, they have fuel and will get us to a destination.

Travel is very expensive in Malawi

Some people are making money of this. We now know how rough even selfish our police service is as they get to a filling station, order you to be the lines only to serve themselves first and moments later drive off claiming they have security issues to attend to.

Now we know who and who owns filling stations in town. We have some of their phone numbers and we are constantly in touch asking when the tanker would arrive.

Fuel shortage has enabled people queuing up to make new and meet old friends. I have met several people whom have missed for years at filling stations.

We have learnt how patient, tolerant, loving and strong we are in the face of such a crisis, the first of its kind in my living memory. I have learnt how much blame we like apportioning to Mutharika government. I think to some extent we are unfair. Yes the country runs under the same economic engineer who was star performer in his first five years of rule.

Our spouses, friends, relatives, pastors, colleagues, etc can believe us when we have failed to turn up for something because of fuel problems.

We have come to know how helpful or crooked some people are.

We have learnt of new terms or indeed some of them have become hot material. For example zigubu.

We also realize that people have money because even when there is all this shortage, we can still purchase under desperation from informal markets at prices more than double the normal pump price.

I think I can continue writing but one thing is clearer, the government has failed Malawians on fuel. I feel for this government.

2011-A mixed Bag of Pain and Pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

As stated earlier this year, my blogging in 2011 was affected by many factors. These included my job commitments, fear resulting from intimidation of the media in Malawi and other challenges. But it was a great learning year when my resolve to write was tested.

I enjoy the peace but also experience fear like the bird captured at University of the
West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica

As I look back, I am thankful to God for bringing me this far. I do not take life for granted. There were moments when I doubted if I was to get to the end of 2011. It has been a tough year economically, politically, emotionally, socially and professionally.

In February I lost my only remaining direct grandparent Lameck Tumalane Mwanja. Then a couple of friends and relatives too have passed on. Sometimes I wondered how I could face such moments. It was hard. I have also seen the power of presence. That is being present (in whatever form) with those who are hurting and grieving. Lord help me to be so to others and as many. For the departed, may their souls rest in peace.

It is a year that has seen me grow in personal sacrifice for the good of God’s work and others. With pump price for fuel going up twice from 256 Kwacha to 380 Kwacha per litre, life could not have been the same especially when the incomes remain the same.

My work has been very demanding given that TWR had a Silver Jubilee in Malawi in October. Lots of work led to this climax and for the first time, I experience the huge pressure of dealing with both internal and external stakeholders when it comes to organizing events. It was a good challenge which is now gone but was a great success. All this happened in the background of a debt of several millions of Kwacha which would have led to the closure of TWR in Malawi.

Politically, I have been angry at how Malawi has suddenly changed into being a shame. This is the year I have not regretted my vote in 2009. It is a year when I have spent more time wondering at instead of praying for my country. God forgive me.

My prayer and hope is that God will show his favor on Malawi. I pray in particular for our radio network that I head that the Lord will use us in some way to mobilize prayer and moral support to our leaders and government so that Malawi is a country of honor.

Some times I feel for our president, his cabinet and all those that directly work with him. I imagine the challenge and weight they have to carry in running Malawi especially at this time when the year 2011 has created a permanent dent on their profile.

But in some respects it was an exciting one as a family, we embarked on an important project. This is something we all look forward to investing in more in 2012.

As a radio person, I still managed to handle all my programmes even more much to the surprise of those who wanted me to stop doing the radio programmes because of my executive oversight roles. I am a broadcaster and will leave TWR as such.

I am proud of my family, Thembi and the children. Each gives me the reason to smile amidst the challenges of the day. I appreciate the support many friends and colleagues near and far have offered me in 2011. It is amazing how much some people care for me. I remained humbled. Thanks for reading this post and the ones before. I wish you the best of 2012. I will write more in the new year.

Finding Fuel Easily Was My Christmas Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Today on my way from a Christmas church service, I saw a short fuel line at gas station within my residential location. I could not believe that there was petrol and the line was that short. I quickly dropped my family members home and rushed to the gas station. Anxiously on the fuel line, I kept wondering how much they were to allow me to purchase.

As my turn came, I told the attendant to fill the tank. I had just decided to borrow the money if I was to fill up, I could not believe he accepted and filled it. I paid and drove off. This was the shortest gas filling opportunity at a gas station in more than four months! Of course the shortest but expensive are those fuel vendors.

This is Malawi where we changed the flag to reflect development. I said to myself that filling up this easily was my Christmas gift. I even declared to my family members that the next time I will fuel again (if everything remains ok with local travels) is next year.

No wonder I agree with others who have said that the 2011 is the worst in Malawi's history. God save MALAWI

Our Malawi-Our Shame

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:59:00 +0000

It is difficult for me to be proud of Malawi. While we still have lots of great things happening, sometimes there is not much one can do apart from singing songs. I have recomposed a few songs that often talk about complaints on other issues and inserted Malawi as a complainant.

It is sad, very sad that things are the way they are. And I understand things will be worse economically in the next three months or so. Given where we can coming from, I cannot doubt that doom prophesy.

Malawi which somehow used to be a pride, is certainly a shame. Those leading it know from deep down their hearts that they are a shame to their followers. Sometimes the prayers offered to God are done so in anger. Malawians have suffered in 2011 and things seem to be getting worse.

Now as a journalist, is there really anything pride-worthy that I can write about? I don't see one... May be the resilience of Malawians in this economic heat. May be. Sometimes it takes some courage to write what I have written. This is Malawi, no longer a pride. God Save Malawi.

I wanted to revenge-MyTrue Life Story

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:09:00 +0000

Special Note: on this birthday, I want to share with you one of my special life stories that have not shared before.

I had four questions at that time of my identity crisis: Why was I studying that course? What kind of lady was I to marry? Which church was I supposed to be going to and what my tribe was. These were tough questions for me in the second year of Social Science studies at Chancellor College in 1995. Each of them needed answers.

While some of these did not need an immediate answer, I kept feeling more uncomfortable with my studies as the year progressed. Among others, I was studying Economics because I had decided to become an economist. The desire for this career had developed in 1988 purely out of a heart of pain and wishing to revenge.

The 77 Steps at Kamuzu Hostel

In that year, one of my uncles (name withheld) was a senior economist at Malawi’s Capital Hill and my parents used to speak proudly of him. As a primary school pupil in some remote area in Mphompha, Rumphi, I kept wondering what it was like to be an economist and working at Capital Hill. I only imagined what Lilongwe looked like and everything else that involves lifestyles of an educated person in a city. I had not even been to Mzuzu by 1988 so I had no clue how a so-called city looked like.

Anyway around December 1988, my dad travelled to Lilongwe to process his retirement package. He was hosted by the economist family until his retirement pack was processed. Dad returned home very happy and thankful to the family. This means he brought with him great stories of the family and the city. I had not met the uncle in person yet.

Unfortunately, a few months later we got news that the economist in Lilongwe was dead. The circumstances of his death were not clear but obviously very painful to all family members. Silence reigned. You can imagine the shock to me now that my admirer had gone.

It is at that moment that I decided to work hard in Standard 8, get selected to secondary school, work harder still and get selected into the University (at that time the university meant University of Malawi). At some point in 1993 after MSCE, I even told my grandfather in Chitipa that I was very angry with whoever killed my uncle such that I was soon to get to university and become an economist as a consolation to the relatives. Why all that determination? I wanted to prove to whoever killed my relative to know that another one in that blood line had come and I planned to deal with those I suspected had a hand in the death of my uncle. So that is what motivated my course of study.

Thankfully God seemed to desire to test my resolve by letting me get selected to study at Chancellor College.

But as many Malawians would recall, by 1995, we had multiparty system of government and many things had changed even at Capital Hill. It seemed also that Chancellor College had produced far too many economists such that I thought I was no longer going to be marketable by the time I was to graduate in 1997. But most importantly, on a self-reflection, I felt I had the wrong motives for the career choice and study. In a couple of times, I felt rebuked by God in that I was harboring vengeful plans. This resulted from my growing walk with God which made me start feeling quite uncomfortable with staying with a course whose initial plan was hatched on revenge.

To show that I was going through serious change in my heart, I painfully decided to completely drop that course and pursue another course which was quite allowable at third year of studies. Of course I feared dropping economics because that was a favorite of many Social Science Students at the time. Fortunately I was doing equally well in other courses at junior university years.

I do not regret that I had to change the course of study in obedience to what I felt was right for a Christian but also because of other dynamics at the time. Thankfully, God opened doors for a career that was on my heart right from my early days in primary school. May be I should have pursued that right through.

Taking Foreign Sponsors for granted

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:28:00 +0000

The primary and secondary schools in Malawi are back in session. The needy learners are many. They lack basic school support of fees about K8,000 (approx. 50 US Dollars) as secondary term fees. The learner needs pocket money and of course other kinds of one time support like uniform, etc.

Pupils at McAlpine Primary School, Nkhata Bay, Pic by Zebbie Fagerlind

Though the amount appears small, it is a mountain for some parents and guardians in most of Malawi. Such learners may proceed or drop off from school purely because of this lack of support. So when someone comes to their rescue, one can imagine the relief this is to the parents, guardians and the learner.

While a good number of schools have learners who are supported directly by their parents, there is a portion of such whose future is dependent on the support they get from well wishers like MASWE, Help A Child in Malawi, individuals like Bjorn and Zebbie Fagerlind, all from Sweden.

I have personally known how committed these people are in assisting Malawian learners. How? I know they have supported some learners in a couple of schools in Dowa, Ntcheu, Lilongwe and Nkhata Bay among others for years now.

Unfortunately I notice a trend which does worry me. The learners and parents or guardians get excited at the reception of such assistance but they don't demonstrate commitment to sharing progress reports on the learners' school progress. Even after ensuring the supporters a couple of times that they will behave differently, it looks like the beneficiaries do not care beyond receiving that money for fees and other areas. There is no bother on sending even a short "thank you" note to the sponsors. This worries me. It raises questions if such people were serious to begin with anyway.

Some of the needy students even claim they feel entitled to be supported. I know some Malawians think that people who support them do so out of plenty-too bad an attitude. I find this unfair and this leads to supporters pulling out of the game. Someone wished they supported people who are equally committed to being accountable and responsible. Malawians let us stop taking things for granted.

Not on Blogging Holiday!

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:31:00 +0000

You will notice that I have not updated my blog for almost a month now. It is not intentional at all but lack of breathing space-I just have to admit. The months between July to October this year are quite hectic due to work pressures at TWR. We are into some celebrations, changes and tasks that demand a lot of my time. While I have lots of things to blog about, I realise that I can hardly find time to sit and post on this site. So bear with my irregular postings till October end.

Unfortunately even my short holiday last month did not help either as I was traced and kept working all through the "holiday." That is why I wrote last year that for me, someone would say that things are moving only if I am able to afford to have a holiday out of Malawi! May be it will come in October after my birthday even if it is for a few three days!

Still at TWR?-Personal Reflections over 12 years in Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:31:00 +0000

Are you still at Trans World Radio? This is probably the commonest question I get from many friends and schoolmates I have had over the years. In responding, I either have to respond with a simple yes and add an explanation or simply listen to the lecture of why I should have moved on….

I write this on the day when I begin the 13^th year in radio having the last twelve years with Trans World Radio. And I am doing so to share a little of my life during the years with you.

How It began

My mum once remarked when I was in Standard 3 that I spoke good English. At that time, in the early 1980’s there was only one radio station-the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). This was during the one party era. So if I knew anything about radio, then it was what I could hear on MBC or indeed on shortwave stations like the BBC, Voice of America, Channel Africa of the SABC, Duesche welle and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. My mum’s remark inspired me in some way. Since we grew up as a family liking radio, it was a natural area of interest especially that dad too was very proud of radio work.

While at Rumphi Secondary in Northern Malawi in Form 1, I joined the Current Affairs Board (CAB RSS). This was a student group which used to write news stories based on the MBC evening bulletins and have them read during the school morning assemblies on Mondays and Fridays. As someone with radio dreams, this was a golden opportunity to learn something. I remained a key member till Form 4 when I had to excuse myself to write the final exam. I was one of the longest serving members of the team. This was partly due to my being part of the Top of the Class Quiz Team which was expected to be in tune with current affairs.

Joining Trans World Radio

The 2^nd of August takes me back twelve years ago exactly when I formally joined Trans World Radio as a producer and management trainee. I remember walking into the TWR building in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe on Monday 2^nd August 1999 and welcomed by a host of colleagues. I had just moved in from Zomba where I had been working with Life Ministry Malawi (Campus Crusade for Christ) as Campus Staff at Chancellor College of the University of Malawi.

As I look back, I want to thank God for seeing me through, sustaining me in this ministry and most importantly for giving me the opportunity to serve. I still ask myself questions why it was me who was given this opportunity. I certainly do not have all the answers. Sometimes I do recall how I first bumped into a TWR signal in July 1989 while in Rumphi and then later on longed to serve with the same Radio even though the opportunity only came up two years after my initial inquiry. I was particularly interested in Trans World Radio because apart from my interest in Christian radio, it was an alternative to the state broadcaster which during the one-party era background operated in ways I was not attracted to. In fact I made a decision while in primary school never to work in government!

Operations

By 1999 Malawi had only two private radio stations (Power 101 and Capital Radio Malawi). Trans World Radio (TWR) was at that time only a recording studio for programmes to air on Shortwave and Medium Wave using its international transmitters in Manzini, Swaziland and Johannesburg. So it meant that most of my work had to do with listeners on long-distance broadcasts. As Malawi opened up to more FM stations, TWR eventually also started its own FM station in Blantyre in 2000 though serious operations I on started in 2001. Even at this point I was mostly doing recorded programmes from Lilongwe till 2004 when I almost completely switched to live programming. In 2003 I was given more responsibilities to manage the programming work of expanding national FM network.

This included work on our FM station and the Shortwave broadcasts. It was a huge responsibility which I assumed follow some restructuring of TWR Malawi. This therefore made me more in control of the fm station in Blantyre which initially was not under direct control of the national office where I was based. From only three FM stations in 1999, now it is over 23 hence I have seen the development of radio in Malawi.

Feedback

I give glory to God for bringing me this far. It has not been an easy road but it has been very enriching. When I consider the thousands of radio hours and people that may have heard God’s word, information, inspiration, etc and have been impacted, I remain humbled and only thank God for what He has done and continues to do. I look forward to more times of growing in service and ministry as the Lord enables me.

There are numerous examples of feedback via email, SMS, phone calls, visits, face-to-face, letters, etc. It is amazing to hear from both high and low profile people saying that they had listened and appreciated the information, encouragement, inspiration, etc. Both men and women, yes girls and boys. From cities, towns and villages. At the beginning of radio career, I never really believed that people do idolize their radio personalities-I agree now. It is no longer news if I bump into someone in Malawi who tells me that my name is not strange to them. I give credit to God for all this.

Moments of giving up

Radio work is challenging. As a producer who also doubles as a presenter I have met a number of challenges with resources, deadlines, unavailability of resource persons and material, etc. At times, if you don’t get any feedback, you think no one is listening and the work may not be worth pursuing. Then there are those labor conditions issues.

Otherwise I still have great passion for the Lord, his work and I am committed to continue reaching people through radio. As you might be aware, production is an area that makes my heart beat. It is my sincere desire not to graduate from this and presentation. Sometimes, I do not give adequate time to these which makes me feel guilty as I offer a half-baked menu to the listener. It is my prayer that my passion for the Lord and call to duty will grow. But should I sense or indeed be told that I do not appear to have anymore passion for the Lord and call to duty, I will gladly indicate retirement from TWR.

And officially, I did want retire at the end of December 2009 but was asked to serve on a new chapter from January 2010. Since then, I realize that my work has been more of oversight for TWR Malawi thus giving me less space in the studio and on air. But one thing I have maintained and will continue doing is being on air through some weeklies. I am also on air for three hours daily for a week which I normally handle only for that week each month.

Support

More than a decade of daily radio work could not have been possible if it weren’t for many colleagues, friends and listeners who:

Offered moral support, prayed for me, provided transport, hosted me during the travels, sent a word of encouragement, listened, gave advice, refreshed me, contributed their ideas to the programmes, critiqued my programmes, laughed, cried with me, etc.

Hence these twelve years is a product and demonstration of team work.

God has also used colleagues near and far to teach me lots of things and accomplish His work. As I joined TWR twelve years ago, I had no idea who I was going to be working with and for how long I would be around. But I thank God that He has used colleagues to sharpen me in many ways and more so has enabled us to do His work. I deserve no personal credit over the twelve years. I want to sincerely thank God for/and all the colleagues for the great input in my life and ministry. Obviously some are no longer here due to moving elsewhere and death but each one deserves gratitude. I particularly wish also to thank the board, the national director and management for the leadership, guidance, support and personal involvement in my life and ministry.

My family

I am into radio work with my whole family. This is my strong belief. Thembi, our three daughters and son share my radio work. Thanks Nayumo, Sayiwe, Angana and Weyuyo. I know I spend lots of time away from you on a daily basis and even when I am at home, I would still be monitoring this and that. I thank God for my immediate nuclear family. Then my brothers and sisters, parents, relatives at all levels and most importantly friends too numerous to mention. The dozen years of radio work I am talking about has come about because of you. I am proud of you.

As a family we saw and have seen the tremendous support from the TWR family and this will remain in our lives as a family. We get the sense that everyone is proud of us and that we have a special place in their lives. This is humbling and challenging and we want to sincerely thank the TWR family for this love and favor.

Personal Progress and Benefits

I have benefitted in many ways as an individual through TWR in the last dozen years. As someone from a Social Science background, did not study journalism per se but only had a passion for radio work and ministry in 1999, I am now able to some extent claim that I have a fair knowledge of radio work and ministry. I have grown professionally, in knowledge of the Word of God, been exposed to many things professionally and spiritually.

Though I don’t like saying this, I have also grown into being one of the key persons in TWR Malawi as it reaches out to the potential six million people. I have undergone quite some training which has equipped me to be able to deliver in a manner I do today. I think it is based on this that somehow I qualify to be involved in journalism education in Malawi now. Yes I have been able to undertake further professional and academic studies but the credibility and profile that TWR has accorded me are unique.

Still at Trans World Radio?

Yes the question remains. The media landscape has greatly changed in Malawi. I have seen the use of reel-to-reel tapes change to using production software and even automated broadcast software available today. When I began, I was only producing for Shortwave but now the delivery platforms are too numerous. Twelve years ago, no radio station bothered about being online, now it is the “in thing.”

The media market has become more competitive and equally challenging-a development which I like. I do not know what the Lord has in store for me in the next one year, two, five or ten but one thing I do is to thank Him for He is dependable. Having seen me through the past twelve years is enough evidence to know that the Lord will see me through what comes ahead. I just desire to know Him more and serve Him and His people accordingly.

Once again I give glory to God for bringing me this far. He has done it again. It has not been an easy road but it has been very enriching. When I consider the thousands of radio hours and people that may have heard God’s word and been impacted, I remain humbled and only thank God for what He has done and continues to do. I look forward to more times of growing in service and ministry as the Lord enables me.

Finally I thank God once again for Trans World Radio for giving me the opportunity to serve. This is a unique opportunity which I cherish and wish to jealously guard if possible. Yes when that time comes to move on to something else, I will do gladly so because I believe I have done my part often quite sacrificially.

Thanks for taking time to read through and celebrate with me/us over this dozen-year mark with TWR. I will certainly put this reflection in my journal on my broadcasting work. God bless you.

Post-Demo Post after 18 Deaths in Malawi

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:40:00 +0000

So as feared in my last but one post, Wednesday came and at least 18 lives lost. Yes a lot of uncertainty clouded the day. I feared for the worst even for the colleagues reporting from the scenes and station I work with. While on air, we became more inspired to call for peace and calm, restraint and wisdom in Malawi. As the day wore on, I became more angry at the ruling DPP. Why? For its poor handling of the entire situation. They misread it and whether they admit it or not in public, one thing is clear.

Malawians are angry at this era. And DPP knows deep down in their heart. I hope DPP will relent and become less arrogant. This is a multiparty democracy which Malawians already fought and died for sometime ago. We need not shade any more blood and increase unnecessary tempers. The president deserves his respect but so far he has lost it. But it can be regained depending on how he handles the coming days in reflection and may be in repentance.

The day of demonstrations in Malawi

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:20:00 +0000

I confessed to TWR listeners on Monday 18th July that it was not easy for me to be on air this week when nation-wide demonstrations were secheduled for today Wednesday. I have followed and smelt the mood for months and as a journalist and as a bonafide Malawian, I had all the reason to worry. Things are not ok in Malawi regardless of what any ruling party politician tells me.

While on air this morning from 04:45, I asked listeners to share their fears and then say a prayer for Malawi. Eight hours down the line, we have recieved over a thousand text messages about that and the programming continues.

A private radio station Zodiak Broadcasting Station has just been ordered to stop broadcasting the updates on the demonstrations.

As I write, demonstrations are underway in Malawi's commercial city after an injunction obtained last night has been lifted.

DPP Vehicle in flames in Mzuzu-Pic circulated by Horace Nyaka

While Malawians are demonstrating, President Mutharika is treating his citizenry to a public lecture. He has been speaking for over 2 hours mostly admitting that economically that things can do better if Malawians rose up to their sovereign challenge. It has visibly been missed by the Vice President Joyce Banda who is in great support of the demonstrations. I don't expect any critique to this "lecture" by the people attending-why. Here is a public lecture at the state house where people are also being treated to a heavy meal. But I am glad the president has spoken. He has highlighted interesting measures to improve the economic problems most of which mean I will have to pay more taxes.

One sad incident while he was "lecturing" is that the state broadcaster went off air due to either power failure or the broadcaster ran out of airtime! Talk of realities of fuel, forex and power failures in Malawi.

The lecture was set to counteract the Red Day demonstrations organised by the civil society.

In Lilongwe where I am, there has been looting and burning property belonging to DPP members and Chinese businesspersons. The town is tense and some roads demanding some amount of risk to use.


Property of Information Minister Vuwa Kaunda in			Lilongwe in flames-pic circulated by Horace Nyaka

In Malawi's northern city, Mzuzu, a DPP office and a vehicle was set on fire. In a number of places outside the three main cities (which I personally I call towns) there is calm though the atmosphere is tense. In these towns, transportation is limited and the police presence is all over.

The most exciting thing though so far is that somehow somehow, the Police has been praised for protecting the people and ensuring that the demonstrations be done peacefully. This is the first time in more than three years that such demos are underway. Even this far, it is a big risk and people have just been boiling from within.

Uncertain

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:32:00 +0000

Living under uncertain circumstances is a challenge. Whether it is at a personal level or national level. The coming days seem to be tough for Malawians. Yes we are living in more uncertain days than possibly ever before at least for the period some of us are aware of things developing. Economically, socially, politically, spiritually, etc. It can create some uneasiness. Yes at a personal level, I try to believe that God will continue to be with his children and has the best for us. Let me not say much.

"Stupid" Personal Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:55:00 +0000

The old Road at Chitipa Boma, June 2010

I follow lots of developments within and without Malawi. In a couple of countries that I know something about, I never hear development initiatives originating from one person and that alone being the agenda of the government.

The agenda is developed collectively and takes the national implementation plan. It is not politicised and it goes beyond the term of that particular leader in power. If it was not implemented at his or her time, the next government takes over and carries it because it is national plan.

BUT that is not the case in Malawi and the situation makes me sick and angry. I find it to be cheap politics that we can be subjected to some person’s agenda and made to believe that is what government plans us to have for our nation.

Over the last few years just like before, ruling party leaders in Malawi keep referring to the vision of the president and the ruling party as the blue print. The president or their party can wake up one day and say we are building this and that and will do this and that..., everyone claps hands. Nothing wrong directly but it has to be part of the national plan not just waking up and planning to do anything. Whatever is suggested, the members simply clap hands and follow. Their speeches are boring as they keep praising the president as if the country means the president.

Reconstruction underway

We have members of parliament and government ministers who ride on such tricks. It is no wonder such people personalise the projects and use them for advancing their political agenda and career.

I find it sickening that someone can claim that they did this and that for you in the constituency, district or country and they deserve your vote. They claim ownership to a project which is fully funded by government to which I pay taxes. More angering to me is when a certain national project is named after a state president or some ruling party’s leader just because they are then one who was in power at the time. This is cheap politics.

I should be quick to state again (as I did about two years ago) that I have been impressed by Malawi’s president Bingu wa Mutharika in that no major national project is named after him so far. He has been different from his predecessors Kamuzu Banda and Bakili Muluzi after whom almost all major national projects at the time were named after them. I hope Bingu continues in that spirit though his current trend of leadership is unpredictable.

I fear that after the reconstruction (yes reconstruction) of the Chitipa-Karonga Road, the traditional leaders would be forced (I come from Chitipa and know our leaders they would not want his name there) to confer his name on the road. In any case why should the name come from traditional leaders and not the citizenry? Again personal politics. Sometimes names of former presidents or senior politicians and prominent individuals carry more weight to the citizenry when they have left power!

The much-needed new road

I just interviewed the Member of Parliament for Chitipa North Nick Masebo and he refused to say what name will be given to the road. While appreciating that during his term of office, Bingu will have ensured that the Chitipa people especially have a good road (after 47 years of independence); I don’t believe and expect him to bow down to such low politics of personalising it.

I hope and pray that the leaders will come up with a good and neutral name. In any case, does it need a new name? It is already called Chitipa-Karonga Road, isn’t it? I will be among the most frustrated if the road bears the name of some politician. Again because I am not a politician, they will say I am stupid to be concerned about. But if that passes, I will take it as another phase of cheap personal politics at work.

This and that keeping busy

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:10:00 +0000

The last few days have been occasional! Been to Malawi's northern most district which my boss calls Southern Tanzania for Scripture recordings.

Then just this past week started on another blogging project. Interesting and challenging moments coupled with daily work of radio at TWR.

Good times ahead, I just have to continue working hard. Of course I am looking forward to a week when I can be on a holiday and do something completely different and relax. I am not sure when this could be and what I could do-call me a bad planner on that. I would appreciate suggestions on condition that the costs are as minimal to me as possible. Unless someone is willing to give me an assignment for a week or two for which they will pay where ever in the world! I am seriously looking forward to that time when I can take a holiday. Of course it is not that easy for me to get a holiday.

How I have been affected by the Volcanic Ash in Iceland

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Wed, 25 May 2011 01:52:00 +0000

Source: Reuters

The news found me on Monday evening in Aberdeen, Scotland while paying a brief visit to my aunt and bro-in-law on my way to Malawi (see the last post). I had travelled there by Flybe and was scheduled to fly to London-Gatwick and Heathrow on Wed for an outward bound flight back to "Africa" Malawi.

The cancellation of flights for Tuesday scared me and had to think of plan B. Early Tuesday 24th May began with flight cancellations and booking to travel by train, just to brave the 9 hours journey from Aberdeen to Heathrow early Wed morning. As I blog now, I am only 3 hours away from from leaving Aberdeen by train. I have had lots to do the whole Tuesday some of which has been caused by my change of travel plans.

Sometimes when one hears of ash effects on flights, you just think it affects others and those far away esp in Europe. This is the feeling I had all along in Malawi, a country where one just hears about volcanoes-thank God for TVs as we can at least imagine the scenery. BUT to think that I can be affected by the flight disruption due to the same was something I never expected.

As a journalist, I ended up being in the news on Trans World Radio and Zodiak Broadcasting Station in Malawi. Of course it was no my intention at all to be in the news. The crime? Being stranded in UK because of the Icelandic volcanic eruptions. I don't know what kind of welcome I have back home when I arrive. I can only imagine how curious some people and esp relatives will be to hear about my experience. Thankfully I managed to get a train ticket so that I am still in time for the Wed flight back to the warm heart of Africa-Malawi. I am not sure if it is still warm at all levels!

Many thanks to friends and relatives for your prayers and thoughts of this boy... Special thanks to Rasheed and Rhoda. You are wonderful and made me feel calm in the midst of the ash Tuesday. I will live to remember the time with you.

My rare trip to Jamaica

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Wed, 25 May 2011 01:22:00 +0000

I heard for myself that smoking marijuana was indeed a common thing. A couple of friends even joked at me over taking the weed once there. When I asked one Jamaican lady if smokers of the plant get arrested, she said “I think the police arrest such people depending on the officer’s mood that day, otherwise it is a difficult venture. They are rather far too many people on it.”

When we visited the sea side, smoking the weed was all in sight. At Bob Marley museum (one of the most popular places in Jamaica), the weed is right there as part of what the tour guide described as “Marley’s favourite plant”.

The dreaded men and women are in various types. It is said that most of them are for religious purposes and the more spiritual persons tend to have more dreadlocks, capped in some way. I was warned against demeaning them.

While on religion, I learnt that Jamaica has the highest world record density of churches thus within about a kilometre or so, there is a church, temple or synagogue. I saw that for myself in many ways. While the country has about 92 percent claiming to be Christians, the high church density does not necessarily reflect the higher quality of Christianity-at least according to what the church leaders from the ecumenical movements say. Of fun about churches are the names-they can be quite fascinating, long and even contradictory.

The weather we experienced was very much that of Malawi in many respects with a catch of good mango season. The feeling one gets is that of November and December as it is very hot and humid with most vegetation green sort of expecting the rains too.

When visiting one of the residential areas, our announced that we are getting into is what they called the “potholed area.” I agreed with the guide as I saw big pothole, yes like those we know well on our Malawian city roads. This demonstrated challenges that their city council faces too about developing the road infrastructure.

Before I proceed, I should confess that I was there only for eight days hence cannot claim to know more about the country.

When it comes to African countries, three seem to have a special place in the heats of Jamaicans. These are South Africa because of Nelson Mandela after is named the popular Nelson Mandela Highway, Zimbabwe because Robert Mugabe who invited Bob Marley in 1980 and Ethiopia because of Emperor Haille Selassie.

A Malawian of my kind of complexion created a bit of a problem right through. On the plane between UK and Jamaica, a Briton leaned over me and asked which would be good hotels to stay in in Kingston. For a moment I wondered why he was asking me. Then I remembered that my skin colour betrayed me.

I had other incidents of this nature. Possibly most embarrassing was when I was leaving at the Jamaican Norman Manley International Airport. I saw a TV crew busy covering someone, following his every move he was making. He did not have an entourage like we know about our politicians.

Curious of the developments, I asked the lady checking me in about who that celebrity could be. She said, “Are you sure you don’t know the world’s fastest runner? That is Usain St. Leo Bolt…” She said to me in a rather disappointed manner. I wanted to respond and tell her I am Malawian and that they should not assume their celebrities are mine anyway.

Save for their English accent/slung, I found the Jamaicans quite welcoming to Africans and proud of their roots. In one community, there is even a community radio named The RootsFM.

I would best describe the capital city Kingston as a combination of our Lilongwe, Zomba and Blantyre cities. They have a couple of tall buildings which should be more than we have in Malawi. Being a former British colony, their infrastructure is equally influenced by UK standards. Being an island country, the sea partly influences their construction. Of course their city is much older than ours. It is also the main area accommodating possibly more than half the country’s population of 3 million. But I liked the cleanliness-I think they make an effort which is worth emulating.

The capital city hosts the University of the West Indies (UWI) which is said to be the best of the Caribbean and enrols 15,000 students yearly. I felt sorry for our poor Malawi with less than half that figure yearly against a population of 14 million! The campus which is quite big near below the Long Hills has a very strong security presence.

I did not see any convenience stores but someone from there said they are disguised as pharmacy and hawkers shops. While in Malawi’s main towns, you would easily get into the main grocery and convenience shop, but it seems that is not the case with Kingston. Even one South Africa delegate remarked saying “no wonder Jamaicans are not tempted to take any foods and drinks from the convenience which normally have a tendency of putting people on weight”. She claimed. This therefore tells you how in general Jamaicans look like-middle sized and tall. They are generally very fast runners.

The country is known to produce many popular musicians both secular and Christian. Their music has something that easily connect them with Malawians hence most of the artists are well known in Malawians and loved. I got lots of friends and relatives to bring back the Jamaican flavours-I won’t say what I managed to.

When it comes to agriculture, Jamaica produces coffee (there is even Marley Coffee), sugar and a number of fruits. Banana plantains form part of a typical Jamaican meal.

Martin Luther King 3rd

One major question I had been how come of all the countries, the World Council of Churches (WCC) decided to have the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica. This is the event that took me there as part of the formal winding up of the Decade to Overcome Violence. The answer came as WCC leaders explained that Jamaica was an ideal Caribbean country to host 1,000 church leaders because it has experienced some of the worst violence in the decade gone.

On this Rev Nicole Ashwood of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands told me in an interview that Jamaica has garnered a reputation as “the murder capital of the world” demonstrated by the drugs and violence. She said however things are changing as the church is doing something. “Perhaps Jamaica is best situated to receive this news of peace.” Said Rev Ashwood.

One of the plenary speakers Martin Luther King the Third said the duty to preserve peace is for all in the world. He appealed to church leaders to fight for the dignity for all especially women and children.

May be this was indeed why the highest ecumenical decision making body convened in Jamaica for a week in May and reflect with them over peace in the community, with the earth, peace among peoples and the market place. These four themes were said to be all very relevant not only to Jamaica but to the rest of the world.

Malawi Politics of Late and the diaspora in UK

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Tue, 24 May 2011 11:41:00 +0000

I hereby publish the press release as provided as below:

Call for targeted sanctions against Mutharika government.

PRESS RELEASE:

The Malawi African Diaspora Forum (MDF) has been formed in the United Kingdom on Saturday, May 21, 20100 at a ‘Malawi Situation’conference held at Novotel Hotel in Leeds.

The conference drew Malawians and Friends of Malawi born or worked in the southern Africa country to discuss issues ranging from the country’s political turmoil, governance, human rights and freedoms
specifically on Media, Academic and economic situation.

Delegates agreed to form Malawi Diaspora Forum, an organisation open to all willing individuals and organisations sharing a common cause for a better Malawi for all.

The conference also agreed to condemn governance and deteriorating human rights situation in Malawi and implore the Bingu wa Mutharika government to slow-down on its combative approach to avert the country
becoming a totally failed state like Zimbabwe.

MDF also resolved to appeal to the British government which has announced it is withholding aid, and the donor community not to freeze aid on the impoverished Malawians but rather channel the same to reputable non-governmental organisations, charities and faith groups who are working on the ground to help the people.

The conference also agreed to appeal to the donor community, including Britain to impose targeted sanctions on the leadership of Malawi, government officials, party officials and their businesses deemed to be orchestrating repression as opposed to aid cut to the nation.

MDF will also be advancing the campaign for dual citizenship as the forum resolved that engaging the Diaspora would help in economic activities of the country including sourcing labour, forex generation
through formal remittance and investments.

The Malawi Diaspora Forum will hold another conference on July 9 in Manchester.

Officials to steer the organisation in the interim include London based lawyer, Ms Grace Manyika, Nyasa Times publisher Mr Edgar Chibaka, Pastor Patrick Mtimbusha, journalist Peter Makossah, Loraine Mponela, former Nations Publication Limited journalist Loti Banda, Robert Mtawali.

Other members in the interim committee include Thom Chiumia, a journalist who works for Nyasa Times, Nial Dew a British citizen who was born in Zomba, Malawi, Robert Lahani, Juliet Mathews, George Malista and Richard Kudu.

Signed:
Thom Chiumia- Cordinator
Edgar Chibaka
Peter Makossah
Pastor Patrick Mtimbusha

"War itself is a crime" as Trade in Weapons for Germany, Russia and USA rise

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:33:00 +0000

As the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) opened this afternoon, facts and stories of hypocrisy by churches and states showed that the cry for peace in the world is a long battle.

Some delegates to the IEPC, Jamaica

In an address titled "Peace be with you" Dr Margot Kaessmann said the world has benefitted from economies of scale in the proceeds from the sales of the weapons for violence and war. She called on churches not to be silent as she cited a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute statistics that the German part of the world market weapons has risen to 11 percent between 2005 and 2010 only being surmounted by Russia with 23 per cent and the USA at 30 percent.

Later on Dr Paul Oestreicher stated that a new world is possible if the church says yes to life and no to war. He outlined several ways in which the church has silently and openly supported military interventions of their nations yet this is a clear ok to kill God's creation. For instance, he said that many churches pray for their soldiers as they go to war yet war is a crime. He stated that the behavoir by churches amounts to unconditionally supporting the war.

He wondered why even lately the church officiated wedding of Prince William wearing full military regalia adding that symbols are powerful. He further wondered why the Pope should accept military rituals as if he is head of state. Dr Paul Oestreicher called on churches to register such practices as absurd if the church is to be serious with fight for just peace on earth.

Jamaican pupils singing a song of peace at the IEPC

He reminded the one-thousand Christian leaders from around the world that love is an answer to the war situation quoting Desmond Tutu that 'love is stronger than hate."

The peace convocation continues till Wed 25th May.

Visiting the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:52:00 +0000

Talk of a radio station named Roots FM purely to make sure that it serves the community identify its roots of violence and need for peace. According to the information I got from their site, its "programming aims to empower, uplift and enrich the lives of our listeners by promoting knowledge, dialogue and entertainment that speak to their common realities and aspirations".This is what we found this morning when we visited Mustard Seed Communities in Kingston city, Jamaica as part of the project tours, an arrangement of the World Council of Churches during the International Peace Convocation (IEPC).

The place not only has a community radio station it also a ceramics centre and most importantly it has child care centre for children with disabilities. Sometimes when we live, we have no idea who and how the children suffer with disabilities. The MSC as they call has that service in what they call Father's House.

It was a moving tour. I could not avoid it but offer a loud prayer in the prayer room next to the children's living side. They were over 15 children with disabilities-most of them assisted on wheelchairs.We were not allowed to take pics otherwise you would have (possibly) equally have been moved.

What is a real man? Question for Gender Justice

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Wed, 18 May 2011 02:13:00 +0000

Movers pose before the launch of the book "When Pastors and Priests Prey" to which I contributed.

This week and around these days, I am in Kingston Jamaica for an International Ecumenical Peace Conference organised by the World Council of Churches.

Before this international gathering we have been having our small group meetings as Movers and Shakers for Gender Justice. One of the key qs we have been asking ourselves is "Who in the real man?" It is a tough q whose answers need a lot of reflection.

Personally as a mover and someone, I am keenly interested in being a model on positive masculinity at least within context and abilities. I don't know what answer you would give. More later.

How I feel on this Press Freedom Day

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:26:00 +0000

Freely discussing issues on air can attract penalties

For the first time in many years in Malawi, I feel more afraid of the media production consequencies. And those who wanted us (me) to feel so are rejoicing that we are in that state in Malawi.

The problem is that this is a matter of feeling so so no one should deny my feelings. Interestingly I have heard many others share the same. Yes those wanting us to feel this way should be rejoicing.

As I stated in the last post, there is growing self-censorship and fear amongst journalists who have a passion to communicate truth. The media freedom that we so much crave for seems a bit far and unrealistic in Malawi.
This is a country with leaders who claim we all have the freedom we need and the human rights to practise. I beg to differ.

I work in private media. I am also in my small way involved in journalism education. In that class, we have all learnt that we do not have all the freedom to speak what we want. Why. We are not sure as we may be having spies.

Even when we are dressed, we still feel vulnerable to the press freerdom predators in Malawi. This is a profession I grew up desiring to do much as my parents warned us against it because during that time, in one-party era, journalists were among the prime targets of all those who "hated" human rights.

This is a sad reality for Malawi. Yet again those who will agree with me here will testify to the fear we are in. And those who deny it, will likely be those instruments of fear amongst us. They monitor our broadcasts and argue, and argue...

Of False Party Loyalists in Malawi

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:01:00 +0000

It has taken a while since I last posted about politics in Malawi. While ruling party members will argue and deny this, the situation is bad, frustrating and in some cases, insulting to the common man in Malawi now. Sometimes it is difficult to find what to write about. May be I am just being more disappointed now that my expectations from the political players are very high. I have been following a couple of things lately and I find something interesting about people’s loyalty to their party and leaders. Now that we are almost 47 years into independence and 17 years into multiparty politics, some people should have been better loyalists than the false picture that we are seeing through them now.

May 2009 DPP Campaign in Lilongwe. I doubt if many followers are really loyal

As I grew up under the one-party rule of Malawi Congress Party, young as I was, I could get fed up by party members who worshipped the leaders. Well I should say we were all forced to “worship” him. Our lips could say so but our hearts were elsewhere. Isn’t loyalty supposed to come from the heart? At that time, I understood the circumstances so one could not worry much. It was the environment we were in and grew up with. We were made to believe there is only the Ngwazi who was wise and dynamic. In our primary school, a friend of mine was forced to change his name because his was Hastings-protected somehow.

Many were forced to be party loyalists to the core. Come 1993, I rejoiced at the ushering in of the multiparty politics in Malawi expecting a new phase of political party loyalty. Unfortunately traits of the one-party era were so good that some of it had to be passed on to the new political era in Malawi. During the one party era, one could be forgiven but in these days, the loyalty of many party members especially senior members is questionable.

I take most of these party leaders are false loyalists. They tell you today their president is the best, is the wisest, dynamic, etc. Tomorrow, they move out of the party and tell you that that is the worst leader they ever had. Some of these are the same people we had during the Kamuzu Banda and Bakili Muluzi reigns. Sometimes, even as we hear them talk or read what they say now, one can only wish they did not go that far to praise their leaders.

Journalists are expected to be impartial and operate in a free environment

As a radio person, I have my own formula to tell who is lying. If I hear someone who praises or mentions their party leader more than once in 3 minutes, they are liars. It is worse when you hear them on state controlled or so called public broadcasters.

Yes a leader deserves honest praise but I believe that any person who keeps praising their party leader or president is insecure and not doing a good service to their leader. Such are people who mislead these leaders. Any good leader will know that he or she deserves certain praise but not some of this crap.

I find it insulting to my common when someone declares that their party leader is the only one who is best suited to lead their party or even Malawi. I wonder who they think they are cheating when all other party members and Malawians know very well some of the shortfalls of the same.

I have problems with a couple of politicians who claim they are loyal to Party X and leader Y yet we know very well that the same guys have allegiance elsewhere. This is where I find them to be false loyalists and any “wise” and “dynamic” leader should not trust what they are saying. In fact I wish I could hear one these leaders chide his so called loyalists to stop worshipping him or her. God’s Word in Exodus 20 verse 7 advises us not use the name of the Lord in vain. I wonder if any of these leaders can learn a principle from this and teach their members only to use their names usefully.

After 1993, I did not expect this blind and false loyalty from certain people. These are people who in my view have been exposed enough academically. But to my surprise such are among the most false loyal. Sad. Fortunately times are gone when people were taken up by such false loyalists. This is where my hope is because I know that come 2014 or even well before that, these very utterances will catch up with these people. This is a digital age and as a radio person, one of the big services I can offer to Malawians is to record such utterances, archive them and air them when the right time comes. This is the new era of politics. We reap what we sow.

Postscript

I know there is significant amount of self-regulation and self-censorship now because of the political situation we are in. Sad. But this statement too will be refuted by government machinery purely out of false loyalty to the preseident and the party. Now I believe that statement: "Don't believe any rumor until it is denied by the politician"

Kanengo CCAP Welcomes Gospel Artist Rev Chimwemwe Mhango as their new pastor

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 19:13:00 +0000

Rev Chimwemwe Chikukula Mhango has been inducted (Sunday) to be parish minister for Kanengo Congregation of the Lilongwe Presbytery under the Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP. He takes over from Rev Saiwan Mumba who pioneered the work the first three years.

During the officiation, Synod Moderator Rev Clifford Baloyi charged him to take care of the flock of God. “God has called you to minister to people of all types” said Baloyi adding “in your work, God is your boss, not me, nor the Synod”. Preaching from the theme Embracing the Present and the Future with New Mentality, Baloyi challenged Mhango to forget the past and be used as a tool for reconciliation among many.

Later on General Secretary Rev Levi Njombole Nyondo advised Mhango to work hard, avoid envy and to be flexible in worship. He used the opportunity to warn church ministers against comparing oneself against others. “Appreciate the gift God has given you. Be proud of it. Chimwemwe has his own gift. Some of us cannot sing but have other gifts.” Said Nyondo who declared as he began his speech that he won’t touch on politics because the politicians present had not talked politics. He made people laugh when he said that both at JCE and MSCE, he failed in Chichewa, and all he could manage was to use English, Chitumbuka and ChiLambya.

Among others, was Loveness Gondwe of the recently launched Peoples Democratic Movement, DPP Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre Shadreck Jonas and President Bingu’s advisor on NGOs Bessie Chirambo. In their speeches, Jonas and Chirambo avoided politics. On her part, Bessie said that she highly respects Rev Chimwemwe Mhango as a man of God from whom she has learnt a lot. “Let me share a bit of my testimony about the destiny of God. I used to sell vegetables in Mzuzu and God has taken me from that to another level. Rev Mhango with his wife would pray with me. He officiated my putting on the Women’s Guild Uniform (Umanyano) at Chibavi CCAP in 1995 in Mzuzu. I have high respect for him.”

Apart from the hosts Kanengo CCAP congregants (over 600), the induction ceremony was also graced by his family members, friends and representatives from other churches in Nkhotakota and Kasungu. Kanengo CCAP is the youngest of the three church congregations in Lilongwe under the Livingstonia Synod. At the end of the gift presentation ceremony which took 2 hours, Kanengo CCAP Session Clerk Mrs M. Pulu announced that the church had bought return tickets and paid for the stay for Rev Chimwemwe and Linda Mhango to South Africa for them to attend the graduation ceremony this April at the University of Kwa-Zulu, Natal following his successful completion of BA studies in Music.

In his acceptance speech, Mhango who started hearing the call to ministry from as early as age 7, said that he will continue serving God who had called him. He thanked his wife Linda for the support she provides. He disclosed that the day had been an emotional one because it reminded him of his teenage years when he was singing in the Mhango Salvation Singers. After several personal remarks, his speech concluded with Tsiku Lina, a song from the 80’s which the regrouped Mhango Salvation Singers performed at the function.

I attended the event (with my family) on a personal invitation from Chimwemwe. Of course attending such a function also served my organisation's Church Relations work, it was more of a personal desire to be there than for duty. He is a personal friend of many years. I was proud to see him nducted. I did not have a camera to take pictures today but I hope the ones used tell you the story-I took some of these years ago.

Feasting for Money to help the Needy Malawians

noreply@blogger.com (Victor Kaonga) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

On Saturday, 26^th March 2011, the Malawi Swedish Association (MASWE) organised a fundraising party in Gothenburg, the second largest City in Sweden.

“We all got up very early morning to get parking space, set up the tables while experts were designing and lighting up the room. We had breakfast from a burger van which is better than nothing. We worked all hours until we finished preparations at 6 pm with everyone worn out but it was worthwhile!” narrates the organising chairperson and also chairman of MASWE, Sydney Kalimanjira.

At 2pm, Malawians in Sweden had arrived from south, north, east and west of Sweden travelling hundreds of miles to Gothenburg that included some notable faces such as the first Malawian beauty queen, Miriam Kaunda, known academician in Sweden, Dr Linley Chiwona-Karltun and the football legendary Russell Mwafulirwa after missing the Malawi Togo game on the same day.

Malawian students in Sweden, artists, professionals as well as business people were all present with many being unfortunate for either missing train schedules in Stockholm and elsewhere by failing to adjust their time an hour ahead on time or feeling so unwell to travel long distances.

“Our expectation was to have about 60 delegates but that was pessimistic as little did we know that MASWE is becoming a popular meeting point with so many Malawians in Sweden pushing it in various networks” Kalimanjira said.

MASWE regularly organises fundraising events to raise money which among others supports Malawians students in Ntcheu, Dowa and Lilongwe. It also support women projects in Chitipa and last year it donated a donated a solar cooker to Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe.

The event was also well patronised by Swedish, Zambians, Ghanaians, Cameroonians, Indians just to mention but a few. Of special mention was a high level Zambian delegation that came to spice up the occasion in showing oneness between the two geographically, historically and culturally close countries.

The Zambian teams were in Gothenburg for showcasing tourism in Zambia at the largest Scandinavian Annual Tourism Fair where unfortunately, Malawi was not represented.

It all started with a theatre highlighting the importance of gender equality and how gender equality promotes development. This was illustrated with the story of the famous researcher Mary Kinsley who being a spinster had to take care of her bachelor brother and because of that was unable to pursue her own dreams of being a fully-fledged scientist until the age of 30 years when she made her first expedition to West Africa. This was presented by a very well known group in Sweden that has played in Cameroon, Congo.

Afterwards food was served, led by Madam Beatrice Chaika Winnberg and thanks to Malawian and Swedish individuals volunteering to cook homemade food, cakes and drinks which was just too much to be eaten and drunk in a night. No wonder so much food had to taken back home after the event.

Officially speaking on behalf of MASWE, Dr Linley Chiwona-Karltun thanked the Swedish people for their continued support to MASWE and especially Mr Sydney Kalimanjira for initiating MASWE and tirelessly seeing MASWE to this level. She also thanked the Swedish government for providing opportunities for the Diaspora to have forums of their own that preserve their cultures and that enable them to share and showcase.

“MASWE has survived and continues to help rural communities in Malawi because of ‘you’“ She said. Dr Karltun however emphasized on their continued support to achieving many of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to literacy, infant mortality, gender equality and education to stimulate social and economic benefits in Africa. She commended MASWE for providing a platform for enhanced collaboration between the Malawian community in Sweden and well wishers/supporters from Sweden and all other nationalities living in Sweden.

The event was then spiced up by African drums from west, east and central Africa. Reggae and rumba music was so well mixed up by our own DJ and artist living in Sweden, Jabavu, which saw every age rising up to the dancing floor until well after midnight.

Of course nothing would have been better than ending the event with a dish of kondowole na nyoli professionally cooked by Mrs. Florence Gunnarsson who originally comes from Karonga.

On a personal level, I miss the parties by MASWE. Most importantly I miss the MASWE people who challenge me in their devotion to assisting many in Malawi. I have had personal interactions with MASWE people in Sweden and the beneficiaries on the ground in Malawi