Driven by purpose and her passion to creating lasting impact in climate change and women’s inclusion, Maziko Kalumbu Phiri is set to unleash her dreams.
She is determined to grow youth participation in charity and to continue working in the development and service space for an impact.
At 27, Maziko stands tall as the youngest president of the Rotary Club of Limbe since its inception in 1978, following her induction on June 27.
She started the journey as Rotarian in 2023 where, together with other business and professional leaders, gather to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and advance goodwill and peace in their communities.
Maziko was introduced to the club by former president Reuben Kumwenda.
“Through those interactions, I was fortunate enough to build a network with like-minded individuals within the club who truly welcomed me,” she says.
Maziko, a firstborn in a family of two, is a master in development studies graduate from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa having worked with First Capital Bank for two and half years.
Her academic journey started at Hillview International Primary School in Blantyre and went on to attend Kamuzu Academy for an AS Level qualification before proceeding to Nelson Mandela University, South Africa for a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Maziko says her focus during her one year tenure will be in disease prevention, maternal, child health care, environmental sustainability, community and economic development.
“Together, we will push forward to sustainably serve our communities and better carve out a path for service,” she adds.
She also desires to grow the youth portfolio within the club while working on securing a comfortable life for herself and parents outside the club.
Maziko says: “It’s no longer a secret that we’re doing meaningful work here and as young people, it’s our duty to carry that forward, not just for our own futures but for those coming after us.
“There’s a legacy to uphold and we have the tools to continue building it.”
Beyond the club, she says her dream is to eventually run her own non-governmental organisation, one that focuses on sustainable development.
Maziko says she wants a career that’s not only fulfilling, but also allows her to be immersed in creativity, innovation and meaningful collaboration.
“I feel incredibly humbled to be in the role I’m in, especially as one of the younger members.
“Holding this position carries a deep sense of responsibility, not just to myself, but to all the young women. It’s a reminder that we deserve to stand confidently in spaces of influence, even among highly respected and accomplished individuals,” she says.
Looking back, the Rotarian says she has has received a lot of support from her parents throughout her upbringing.
However, the journey has not been without setbacks.
“For a long time, I let fear of failure hold me back from pursuing things I really wanted. Growing older has shifted that perspective.
“I’ve learned how vital it is to surround yourself with positive, constructive people. You truly can’t do life alone,” she adds.
Maziko says supportive friendships and learning to speak kindly about herself while acknowledging her own achievements has helped her step out of the fear and embrace new opportunities.
Graduating with a master’s degree has been her proudest moment as all her previous graduations had been conferred in absentia due to Covid-19, denying her a chance to walk across the stage.
“This year, I finally got to do so in Cape Town, surrounded by my family and best friend. It was such a powerful and emotional experience, one that affirmed for me the idea of ‘delayed, but never denied’.
“That’s how I now approach life; knowing that things might not come when I expect them to, but when they do, they’re beautiful in their own time,” she beams.
But life has also been hard at times.
Losing her grandparents during Covid-19 was one of her hardest moments as they were some of her biggest supporters.
“Their loss made it hard to imagine achieving milestones without them here, but their lessons live on in me.
“They taught me to celebrate others, to believe in my own timing, and to lead with grace and intellect. My grandfather, in particular, remains the smartest man I’ve ever known, witty, insightful, and grounded and I strive to carry those same qualities with me,” she says.
To the young people, Maziko says: “Stay true to who you are and to the values that shape you, but also be open to learning and listening.
“Not everything people say will resonate, but having the wisdom to filter advice and take what genuinely applies to you is a powerful skill.”
