From a Listener to a Broadcaster: Kaonga writes about his 27 year radio journey,  Trans World Radio in Malawi

What started as a little bump into a Shortwave signal from Manzini, Swaziland, 27 years ago, has led to Victor Kaonga become an established broadcaster. His life is a story which he claims has been a product of many people including the listeners, colleagues and the Church in Malawi.

Kaonga's book
Kaonga’s book
Kaonga: TransWorld Radio boss
Kaonga: TransWorld Radio boss

Kaonga bares it all through his 210-page book titled From a Listener to a Broadcaster published by Pan African Publishers and printed in Cape Town, South Africa.

The book, through a special chapter by former MBC Sports Commentator Pearson Chunga, chronicles the beginnings of Trans World Radio in Malawi during the messianic times of Malawi’s first president Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Asked why he wrote the book, Kaonga says, he wanted to share his life story which he believes has experienced a unique radio journey.

“I believe God is the story maker and I am merely a carrier of that story about how I started listening to radio and in particular Trans World Radio in 1989. It is that journey that has transformed me in many ways to a point when I am on this side as a broadcaster, assisting others to hear and listen to the radio.” He told Zodiak TV on Wednesday.

Kaonga explained that the first half of the book is fairly academic and historical in nature as it analyses the media situation in Malawi, then traces TWR’s unique history in Malawi. The second half mostly unveils the personal journey, challenges, achievements and lessons that the reader will find fascinating and inspiring.

“Most of us may not know that the desire to set up a Christian radio station in Malawi started even before Malawi became independent. This is why MEMA studios in Lilongwe and the Baptist Media Centre have a special history in this country.” He said.

Among others, Kaonga shares his unique experience about the interview with the hard-to-get Mama C. Tamanda Kadzamira who served as Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s Official Hostess and why this chat is relevant to the media and the Church.

Dalitso Nkunika, Executive Director for Malawi Institute of Journalism praised the book as one with a personal touch reflecting the realities of media practitioners. “It is a great book to read especially by the upcoming and aspiring journalists or media practitioners as it offers great life’s lessons in this noble professional of being a journalist.”

On his part, Entrepreneur and Managing Director for Business Consult Africa Henry Kachaje said From a Listener to a Broadcaster is a book that gives the reader an exclusive visit into the rich history of TWR – Malawi.

“I must confess that I rushed to read chapter 18, ‘A Chat with Mama C. Tamanda Kadzamira’, a distinguished lady who has in this book, privileged us with a brief insight into how she served the first President of Malawi.

Without diverting much from the radio angle, younger ladies and gentlemen may find Chapter 25 interesting as his wife Thembi shares how they first met in the radio corridors.

Kaonga recommends the book to anyone who listens to radio, church leaders, media practitioner and journalism student. It will be available at leading bookshops in the country and at TWR offices in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

The book was launched  on Sunday  at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe at the event which was part of TWR’s 30 Anniversary Celebration.

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lloy
lloy
7 years ago

try to chat with this woman Tamala Kadzamila in radio program of AKUTANI ; Victor

lloy
lloy
7 years ago

where can we get this book here in Mangochi

Mengo
Mengo
7 years ago

Congratulations Victor, you are indeed a victor!

Marevwe
Marevwe
7 years ago

Great Victor!
Congratulations!
God bless TWR!

Dis
Dis
7 years ago

Victor is a selfless hard worker who perseveres through thick and thin and I know that central to his success as a broadcaster is his faith. He is a beautiful example for many of our young journalists in terms of how to commit oneself to the profession on the basis of moral principle and umunthu. Victor is one of the few journalists in Malawi who cannot sell his conscience in order to be used by influential and selfish personalities in society. God bless you Vic.

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