Muluzi receives democracy award, appointed Africa’s envoy
The Africa Heritage Society (AHS) presented Malawi’s former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi with a “Champion of Freedom” award at a gala dinner held at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa on 17th July, 2011.
The Chairman of the Pan-African organisation, Phineas Tichana praised Muluzi for championing the cause of a change that he wanted to see.
Mutumwa Mawere informed the audience that Muluzi contributed to the freedom of the people of Malawi and ushered in democracy and economical change through peaceful means.
- Former President Bakili Muluzi receives award
Franked by his son, Atupele, Muluzi, in his affable self, thanked the Association for recognizing his heroics long after he went into retirement.
“I am grateful for this award,” said Muluzi at the start of his brief speech.
“However, I was not alone in the fight for change. There were many others. Some lost their lives in the process and I dedicate this award to them including Malawians who helped in the fight for change and voted for multiparty democracy.
Muluzi further said: “Mention should also go to Catholic Bishops for their vital role in ushering democracy in Malawi and my brother late Chakufwa Chihana who should not be forgotten.”
Other award recipients on the night were: Oscar J Webb, an international goodwill ambassador from USA; Andrew Mlangeni, a political activist and Robben Island Prisoner for 26 years; and Reverend Motlalepule Chabaku who was a freedom fighter and strong voice of human rights during the apartheid regime.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Muluzi has been appointed African Goodwill Ambassador to advocate for Freedom, Justice, Democracy, and Equality.
“As Goodwill Ambassador you will be expected to interface and dialogue with through public appearances, contacts with the international media, governments, business organisations, civic organisations, bilateral and multilateral organisations on issues that affect and promote prosperity, justice, democracy, human and property rights, equity, freedom and human development,” reads the letter of appointment.
The core activities of the Africa Heritage Society
(www.africa-heritage.com) evolve around providing a platform to connect and promote business, social and cultural activities in Africa, operating through chapters across the continent.
AHS is a product of a new African reality, driven by business. The members of the society, businessmen, scholars, and industrialists, were motivated by the idea of raising high the collective flag of African success by providing a platform to recognize and celebrate African achievement.
The Salute Freedom Award Programme was initiated by AHS members. The purpose of the program is to create a forum that celebrates and recognizes men and women that have made significant contributions that have shaped and broaden the African heritage. .
The day could not be complete without the 200 dignitaries singing “Happy Birthday” to South Africa’s eldest Statesman, Nelson Mandela, was turning 93 years old on the eve of that day.—(Reporting by Felix Kaduwa, Nyasa Times in South Africa).
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