Malawi Association UK elects new executive
Malawi Association UK, an umbrella body for all Malawians in the United Kingdom during its Annual General Meeting held Saturday in Leicester, elected its new executive committee members to steer the organisation’s objectives and goals.
Martin Guga was elected as the new chair for Malawi Association UK (MAUK) and the organisation’s longs serving vice chairperson Gertrude Chirambo maintained her position.
Other candidates who made their way into the new MAUK executive committee are; Leicester based Stepson Mbewe, who previously was a committee member, was voted in as Secretary General while new comer, Essex based based Gertrude Banda who is the founding co-chairlady of Apikanile Women charity organisation was ushered in as Treasurer of the association.
Nyasa Times Senior Journalist and Nation newspaper columnist Peter Makossah of Nottingham returned his position as Publicity secretary.
Former secretary general and coordinator of the forthcoming Malawi Achievers awards, London-based Felix Banda, Nyasa Times Editorial Director, Thom Chiumia who lives in Leeds and Cosagne Kachingwe, a resident of Leicester were all elected as executive committee members.
The position of youth coordinator went to Peter Guga unopposed.
‘Resolute’
Malawi Health Care Support (Mahecas) UK top-seeded executive officials, Dr. Henry Matiti and Dr. Milika Matiti (Mrs) presided over the election as returning officers.
In a congratulatory message Dr. Henry Matiti reiterated his pride for the Malawi Association UK and assured the new elected officers and the entire organisation of his continuous unflinching support.
“I would like to congratulate you all for being elected into the executive committee and I urge you to remain resolute in your noble task as you endeavour towards serving the interests of the Malawian people in the UK and in Malawi,” said Dr. Matiti.
Matiti, however, urged the new executives to work extra harder towards uniting all Diaspora Malawians in the UK and to work in unity and with dedication with all Malawians, groups and charities.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the new executives, Guga thanked the delegates for the enormous trust and responsibility imposed in him and the rest of the team them and promised to work harder for association in its quest to serve the Malawian community in the UK and in Malawi.
Said Guga: “I am humbled by your trust giving me the opportunity to lead Malawi Association UK. On behalf of the new executive I would like to pledge our commitment and dedication. We will strive to serve Malawians with diligence and ensure that Malawians in the UK live in harmony.”
“But we can only do better if you all support us. We must work together as Malawians and rise above petty squabbles. We must love one another for we all have a common purpose to serve our country, Malawi,” added Guga.
The MAUK leader said he is confident that the new executives will rise up to the challenges and defend the values of the association as well as sovereignty of the Malawi nation.
Guga called on all Malawians in the UK to remain resolute and be more patriotic to mother Malawi calling upon them to start harnessing their moral, logistical and financial support to the people of Malawi.
“We need to be focussed and remain resolute at all times. But most importantly we need to be united as a people. We all have a duty in the development of our country,” he said.
Guga believes every Malawian, home or abroad has a responsibility to help in Malawi’s development ‘because only Malawians can develop Malawi better.’
“Diaspora Malawians not only in the UK but from across the globe just like those in Malawi have a duty to contribute towards Malawi’s development economically and intellectually and to restore hope to all Malawians through all forms of investments be it financial, intellectual or human resource and through and charitable work, ” said Guga.
‘Scope’
Malawi Association UK offers a sense of community and network for Malawian nationals as well as friends of Malawi living in the UK and offers its members a central point of connection, inclusiveness, support and advancement.
MAUK works in partnership with several regional Malawian associations across the UK.
The main objective of Malawi Association UK which was established on 9th September 1992 is to serve the interests of Malawian or those of Malawian descent in the UK by offering them a sense of community and promoting cohesion, cooperation and networking among Malawians and friends of Malawi living in the United Kingdom.
MAUK’s scope is also to facilitate access to information on personal development opportunities for Malawian community in the United Kingdom and the same time organising or facilitating events, recreational or otherwise with a view to promoting a positive image of Malawi.
On March 29th, this year Malawi Association UK will hold the inaugural Malawi Achievers Awards in Leicester to honour and recognise outstanding Malawians and organisations for their achievements and exceptional services to their communities, society and their home country.
The association, which works directly with the Malawian High Commission in the UK, also strive to identify field experts who can offer advice on wide ranging matters providing guidance on general welfare issues affecting Malawians in the United Kingdom
‘Membership’
Membership to Malawi Association UK is voluntary and open to all individuals who are Malawian nationals and or are of Malawian descent, provided they subscribe to the objects of the Association and fully satisfy the criteria for membership.
Members registered with regional and other Malawian Associations in the United Kingdom shall, unless expressed otherwise in writing, be automatically recognised as members of the Malawi Association UK.
According to MAUK constitution, associate membership is available to non-Malawians and their families, but such membership does not entitle such members to vote or stand for election to the executive committee.
