Kasunda Takes AMIC Helm Unopposed, Unveils Bold Welfare Agenda

Jani Grey Kasunda has been elected President of the Association of Malawians in China (AMIC) after going unopposed in the association’s elections.

Kasunda secured all 93 votes cast in the presidential race, representing 100 percent of the votes and a 63.7 percent turnout based on the 146 registered voters.

Kasunda, who holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Jinan University in Guangzhou, China, has outlined a leadership agenda focused on member welfare, unity, transparency, accountability and financial solidarity.

One of his key priorities is the establishment of a Confidential Mental Health Support Unit under his Wellness Watch initiative.

The unit is expected to provide timely mental health support and access to comprehensive counselling services for AMIC members in need.

Kasunda has also proposed a Legacy Project, which includes the establishment of a Diaspora Solidarity Fund (DSF).

The fund will be financed through contributions from AMIC members and will assist members facing financial difficulties or requiring emergency assistance.

His vision is to gradually grow the DSF through member contributions, donations and loan interests, with the long-term goal of supporting needy students back home in Malawi and potentially investing in profitable ventures in the country.

Apart from his welfare and financial initiatives, Kasunda has pledged to foster unity through regular AMIC Annual General Assemblies while strengthening transparency and accountability within the association.

Meanwhile, Ackim Lutepo has been elected Vice President after securing 45 votes out of 102 votes cast, representing 44.1 percent. He was followed by Annie Namondwe with 35 votes, while Richard Thole received 22 votes.

Alexander Yesaya won the Secretary General position with 65 votes out of 104, representing 62.5 percent. Shaz Bello received 20 votes, while Moses Zimba polled 19.

For Deputy Secretary General, Eveless Foster emerged victorious with 62 votes out of 89, representing 69.7 percent, against Emmanuel Maganga, who received 27 votes.

Thoko Galafa was elected Treasurer General after obtaining 60 votes out of 87, representing 69 percent. Slyvester Panyani received 27 votes.

The Organizing Secretary race was one of the closest contests, with Rafik Chongolo narrowly defeating Regina Kazembe.

Chongolo secured 77 votes out of 146, representing 52.7 percent, while Kazembe polled 69 votes, representing 47.3 percent.

In the Publicity Secretary contest, Blessings Chiwosi secured 73 votes out of 89, representing 82 percent, against Anganile Chambo, who received 16 votes.

Shyrene Nkhonjera was elected Director of Social Welfare after receiving 58 votes out of 84, representing 69 percent, while Andrew Hamuza polled 26 votes.

Michael Kamoto was elected Director of Entertainment unopposed, receiving all 79 votes cast.

In the Director of International Relations race, Ndoro Sonny Bwino emerged victorious with 40 votes out of 90, representing 44.4 percent.

Akunorunto Jere and Alinafe Jobolosi each received 25 votes, representing 27.8 percent apiece.

The election has ushered in a new AMIC leadership team, with Kasunda expected to steer the association while pursuing his stated agenda of strengthening member welfare, unity and solidarity among Malawians living in China.

His proposed initiatives, particularly the mental health support unit and Diaspora Solidarity Fund, are expected to form part of his administration’s efforts to create sustainable support mechanisms for AMIC members and contribute to initiatives benefiting Malawians back home.