Diplomat, ex-MEC boss Bandawe burial today

Burial of the late David Bandawe, former Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia is scheduled to take place at his home village in Dowa today.

Bandawe, who was recalled from Zambia last October and was replaced by Warren Gunda, died on Sunday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, according to his family.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson Rejoice Shumba on Sunday confirmed Bandawe’s death, but said she was yet to get details about the funeral programme.

However, former Malawi High Commissioner to Mozambique, Martin Kansichi told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that Bandawe’s body was expected to depart for his home village near Dowa 1 Primary School by midday yesterday pending burial today.

Before his appointment to the diplomatic service by former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika in 2009, Bandawe worked as chief elections officer for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

Before that, he served in several senior positions in the public service, including senior deputy clerk of Parliament and chief executive officer for Lilongwe City Council.

Family members said Bandawe had not been well since his recall from the diplomatic service late last year. n