Malawi Media Council boss dead, tributes pour in

Death has been announced of a seasoned journalist who was the acting executive director for the Media Council of Malawi.

George Dambula died at the age of 44 early Thursday morning at Partners in Hope in Lilongwe.He died from malaria and lung infection, workmates and family members said.

“It is with sadness that I report of the death of Mr. Dambula,” said MCM Board Chairperson Reverend Patrick Semphere.

Malawi Council of Churches spokesman M’theto Lungu, who at one time shared office blocks with late Dambula, expressed shock at the news.

Dambula: No more

“We were also on a joint material development consultancy deal with CEYCA slated for January but failed, and was waiting to do it this month,” Lungu said.

Journalists Union of Malawi chair, Maganizo Fly Mazeze said he was equally shocked having worked with George on a number of activities.

“In a few weeks to come we were expected to undertake some media related projects. I am at loss for words. I feel sad and on behalf of JUMA, I extend sincere condolences to MCM and his family,” said Mazeze, who is also Southern Africa Journalists Association (SAJA).

Zodiak Broadcasting Service journalist Pilirani Phiri  said Dambula was “a symbol of selfless humanity.”

Nyasa Times editorial director Thom Chiumia tweeted: “Malawi media has  lost one of the most influential thinkers. He was a mentor and a friend.”

The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) said in a statement that is deeply shocked with the passing of Dambula.

Dambula will be remembered for his contributions in the media industry.

His career dates back to early 90s when he joined Malawi News Agency (MANA) as a Photographic Assistant in the old Capital, Zomba.

He also joined state-owned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) where he contributed positively as a journalist.

George has been very active in his advocacy work from a rights perspective, as evidenced through his contributions at the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) where he worked as Programmes Officer whilst serving Media Council of Malawi as acting Executive Director.

NAMISA also joins the media fraternity in Malawi and all Malawians in mourning the demise of George.

“He has departed at a time when the media industry in Malawi needed his skills most.

“Our condolences therefore go to George’s family, relatives, colleagues and the entire media fraternity, who are mourning him at his Kawale residence in the Capital Lilongwe,” said Anthony Kasunda, the chairman of Namisa in a press statement.

Meantime, a litany of tributes continue to pour on many social networking sites, and all eulogy agree he was candid in his approach to many socio-economic issues affecting Malawians today.

The wake  is at his residence and burial is Friday in the township he lived.

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