University of Malawi ‘shattered’ by Professor Rubadiri’s death – Okomaatani

Registrar of the Universiry of Malawi (Unima), Benedicto Okomaatani Malunga has paid tribute to renowned poet and academician Professor David Rubadiri who died just a day after celebrating his 61st anniversary in marriage.

Rubadiri dies

Malunga expressed shock and grief  after learning of Rubadiri’s death.

“His death has shattered all of us in Unima because he was one of the finest vice-chancellor’s we have ever had,” said Malunga in quotes reported by the press.

Malunga described Rubadiri as a principled man with multifaceted talent, a consumate scholar, a capable leader, a refined diplomat and  a patriot with remarkable achievement.

“He was a global citizen who represented Malawi as its first United Nations representative and mentored a lot of young men and women in universities in Nigeria at the invitation of Wole Soyinka to help introduce a masters degree in literature, at Makerere, at University of Nairobi and Botswana,” he said.

Rubadiri published various poetry books and novels, including No Bride Price, An African Thunderstorm and Begging Aid.

Nation on Sunday quoted  Bishop Fanuel Emmanuel Magangani of the Anglican Diocese of the Northern Malawi, who officiated the 61st anniversary in marriage celebration, saying the church and the country have lost a pillar.

“If you talk of humility, then you have to mention Professor Rubadiri. This is a man who was very well educated, served in various portifolios, but still remained closer to God.

“Imagine that just on Friday, he had stayed 61 years in marriage, this is a person we have to learn from. Modern marriages don’t last that long,” he said.

Rubadiri attended King’s College, Budo in Uganda from 1941-1950, then Makerere University from 1952-1956, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and History, according to www.poemhunter.com.

He went on to the University of Bristol from 1956-1960, where he received a master of Arts degree in English Literature.

At independence in 1964, Rubadiri was appointed Malawi’s first ambassador to the United States and the United Nations.

Born on July 19 1930, Rubadiri published various poetry books and novels, including No Bride Price.

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winston msowoya
winston msowoya
5 years ago

Rest in peace brother David Rubadiri.I remember you very well when the first brilliant and patriotic Ministers, resigned from Banda”s neo-imperialist regime and bloody establishment, you hurriedly resigned from the top position of UN Ambassador to join the brilliant Ministers for their disapproval of Banda’s bloody regime.Since then,David had been very critical of Banda’s brutal regime despite the fact that,the tyrant had been trying to cox him joining the blood-regime as many opportunists and unpatriotic leaders did.Once again,David you will be remembered as our HERO!!!! You were indeed,an authentic and Pan-Africanist of our time,sleep well and God be with you… Read more »

Truck Driver
Truck Driver
5 years ago

Rest in peace tizakusowani professor

SHuri
SHuri
5 years ago

Born in 1930
Attended Kings College from 1941-1950
So, basically he was in college at age 11?
Rest in Peace Prof

mandala
mandala
5 years ago
Reply to  SHuri

Ineso ndadabwa nazo zaka zobadwirazo poyerekeza ndi maphunziro awo MHSRIP

Bingu wa Mutharika
Bingu wa Mutharika
5 years ago
Reply to  SHuri

College doesn’t mean Tertiary institution only, there are primary schools and secondary schools that are also called colleges

MSAMALA
MSAMALA
5 years ago
Reply to  SHuri

In the UK, students at 11 years go to secondary school called ‘colleges’ or ‘academies.’ Such colleges also offer A-level courses that is why they are called colleges.

APM advisor
APM advisor
5 years ago

Malawi please learn from Ghana how they conducted the funeral of their Nationa Icon (Kofi Annan). Why not accord the same respect to Prof. Rubadiri.

Bingu wa Mutharika
Bingu wa Mutharika
5 years ago
Reply to  APM advisor

Is Rubadiri Buried already?

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