Raphael Tenthani Award delights DD Phiri

Veteran writer and distinguished historian Desmond Dudwa (DD) Phiri has said he is delighted to be named winner of the 2015 Raphael Tenthani Award.

Phiri, popularly known as DD Phiri, expressed his happiness when he was presented with his trophy by Free Expression Institute (FEI) Civic Education Officer, Abigail Tsaka at his Aggrey Memorial School at the Trade Fairs Grounds in Chichiri, Blantyre on Friday.

“I am overjoyed and feel greatly honoured that my work has been recognized,” Phiri said.

On July 20 of every year since 2013, Free Expression Institute presents various awards as one way of promoting freedom of expression in Malawi as well as giving honour and respect to those sons and daughters of our country who died, were injured or had property destroyed during or in the aftermath of the nation-wide demonstrations of July, 20, 2011 as well as during any other demonstrations or activities in which people were meant to be enjoying their right to freedom of expression.

This year five awards were presented including one named after deceased journalist, Raphael Tenthani which went to DD Phiri in recognition to his efforts in preserving Malawi’s history and promoting freedom of expression through his writings.

“This trophy means so much to me. I value it even more than money,” Phiri who writes books and newspaper columns in newspapers of Malawi’s two major publishing companies, Nation Publications Limited (NPL) and Blantyre Newspaper Limited (BNL) said.

Times Group Managing Editor, George Kasakula was named DD Phiri runners-up.

Kasakula was recognized for showing tremendous courage and commitment to the integrity of the journalism profession when he declined a K50,000 allowance which the head of state offered a group of journalists visiting state house.

The rest of the top five for the award were Martha Kwataine, Gift Trapence and Billy Mayaya.

FEI is an independent, apolitical civil society organization, committed to the promotion and defence of the right to freedom of expression as provided for in Section 35 of the Republican Constitution as well as Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Award presentation ceremony on July 20 was presided over by Deputy Director of Information Gideon Munthali who represented the Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, Kondwani Nankhumwa.

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