Machinga District Information Officer Martin Chiwanda Laid to Rest in Mangochi

Martin Chiwanda, a seasoned communicator and dedicated public servant who served as the District Information Officer for Machinga, was laid to rest on Monday, 5 May 2025, at his home village of Karonga under Traditional Authority Ntonda in Mangochi.

Chiwanda, who also held the position of Public Relations Officer for Machinga District Council, passed away on Friday, 2 May, at Machinga District Hospital. He had been admitted a day earlier, on 1 May, after being diagnosed with pneumonia. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the local government communication community and beyond.

Family, friends, government officials, colleagues from the Ministry of Information, and fellow media professionals gathered to pay their last respects to a man widely regarded for his professionalism, humility, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Speaking at the burial ceremony, representatives from the Ministry of Information described Chiwanda as a pillar in government communication efforts, especially in disseminating accurate and timely information at the district level.

“He was not just a colleague but a dependable bridge between the district council and the people. His contribution to public awareness and civic education in Machinga was exceptional,” said one official.

Throughout his career, Chiwanda was known for his calm demeanor, clear communication style, and passion for community development. He played a key role in promoting government programs, organizing public awareness campaigns, and ensuring citizens were well-informed about local initiatives.

Machinga District Council Chairperson also expressed sorrow at the loss, noting that Chiwanda’s legacy would live on through the work he did to elevate the district’s communication structures and improve the flow of information between the council and the communities it serves.

Martin Chiwanda is survived by his wife and children.

His death is not only a loss to his family but also to the wider community of public communicators and citizens who relied on his voice to stay informed.