The death of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) director general Brian Banda has been described as a staggering loss to the country and its media industry, with colleagues and leaders hailing his talent as irreplaceable.
The MBC chief died Saturday at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre, where he was admitted following a brief illness.
Former President Joyce Banda, who worked closely with the late broadcaster between 2012 and 2014, said in an interview that Malawi has lost one of its most brilliant and distinguished media personalities.
“This is a most shocking death and very hard to accept. While we must all submit to God’s will, we mourn because of his immense contribution to our nation,” she said. “All I can do is pray that God allows his soul to rest in everlasting peace.”
In a written response, Times Group managing director Leonard Chikadya described Banda as a multi-talented radio and television host who connected deeply with his audience.
“He used to tell me that the only job he knew best was asking questions to his guests,” Chikadya said. “Brian was one of the most talented and trusted presenters and hosts at Times Group. He had my full blessings when he was appointed director general of MBC. It is rare for the public broadcaster to be led sequentially by two journalists from the same media house: George Kasakula and Brian Banda.”
Chikadya added that the country will deeply miss the veteran broadcaster’s services, especially as Malawi prepares for its next general election.
Prior to his appointment at MBC, Banda served as programmes manager at Times Group, where he hosted several popular television and radio shows, including the acclaimed political talk shows Hot Current, Times Exclusive, and Times Talk.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chapter chairperson Felix Washon noted in a statement that Banda will be remembered for his unique ability to engage interviewees and audiences alike, alongside his fearless approach as a talk show host.
Washon said, “The Malawian media and stakeholders in the broadcasting sector will dearly miss him. Our condolences go to Brian Banda’s family, his colleagues at MBC, Times Group, and Capital Radio, and the entire media fraternity.”
In a separate statement, Media Council of Malawi (MCM) executive director Moses Kaufa said Banda’s sudden passing is a profound blow to the nation’s media landscape.
“Throughout his illustrious career, spanning notable contributions across independent journalism and public broadcasting, Mr. Banda demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the craft,” Kaufa said. “He was widely recognized for his distinctive interviewing style, which combined courageous questioning with humor and charisma. His contributions will be fondly remembered by audiences and colleagues alike.”
Writing on his official Facebook page, United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi described Banda’s death as painful and sudden.
“Brian Banda’s passing after a short illness has left me deeply saddened. He was far too young to leave us. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may God give his family strength and comfort during this difficult time,” Muluzi wrote.
MBC public relations and consumer affairs manager Chisomo Mwamadi stated that funeral arrangements would be communicated once finalised.
“The MBC board chairperson, board members, management, and staff extend their deepest condolences to late Brian Banda’s family, relatives, friends, colleagues, and the wider media fraternity,” Mwamadi said.
In August 2020, the award-winning broadcaster was appointed Press Secretary for President Lazarus Chakwera. In July 2021, he paused his duties to pursue further studies in China. After returning, he briefly served at State House before going back to Times Group.
Earlier in his career, from 2012 to 2014, Banda served as press secretary for former President Joyce Banda. He also previously worked for Capital Radio.
