Fallen Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) director general Brian Banda yesterday walked his last mile on earth with his family and colleagues celebrating him as a family man and professional ever present to assist others.
Hundreds of mourners descended on M’banda Village in Traditional Authority Kunthembwe in Blantyre.
In their eulogy, his children said their father was a man who always showed up for his family.
Speaking through sobs, one of his sons described him as a loving father who cared deeply for his community.
“To us, he was proof that you could rise from humble beginnings to become a national voice without losing yourself along the way.
“Our father demonstrated what it is to build something by doing it with hard work, integrity, honesty and being God-fearing,” he said.
Banda’s sister, Gladys, described him as one of the kindest people she knew, saying he always put others before himself.
“I wish I could make this pain disappear. You made me feel protected, guided and loved. Your absence will leave a space in our family that no one can fill. Your love and memory will live with us,” she said.
Banda’s former colleagues remembered eulogised him as a significant voice in Malawi’s media industry and a colleague who encouraged them to use their platform to speak for ordinary people.
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.
His former Times Group colleagues Wonder Msiska and Cathy Maulidi recalled his influence on those around him.
Msiska said Banda, whom they affectionately called Njaiko after his grandmother Nanjaiko, encouraged colleagues to use the media to speak for the people.
He ended his tribute with Banda’s familiar sign-off, delivered in imitation of his voice: “From all of us at Scott Road, bye for now.”
On the other hand, Maulidi, now presidential press secretary, described Banda as a mediator who had a way of bringing people together and creating joy among them.
Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi, who represented President Peter Mutharika, said Banda started the work of transforming MBC into an institution that serves everyone in the country.
He urged MBC employees to carry forward that vision.
MBC board chairperson Benson Tembo said Banda will be remembered for his integrity, leadership and ability to maintain good relationships with people.
He said Banda understood leadership as an act of service and believed MBC had the potential to contribute to the country’s development.
In his sermon, Apostle Timothy Khoviwa of Word of Faith Temple International Ministries, where Banda also served as a pastor, read from Hebrews 11:4.
He said one of the biggest lessons from Banda’s life was the importance of living in peace and harmony with others because nobody knows what tomorrow holds.
“He gave his best to God and to all the people who surrounded him. We see a life that spoke through action,” said Khoviwa who is also presidential adviser on religious affairs.
Born on May 16 1980, Banda died at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre on August 8 2026. He is survived by his wife and six children.
His funeral was attended by hundreds who included Cabinet ministers, politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, heads of State-owned enterprises, pastors and journalists.
At 14:32 hours, the casket containing Banda’s body was lowered into the grave a short distance from his family home, bringing to an end the earthly journey of a journalist whose voice for years reached homes, offices, cars and countless other places.
Banda now rests, but those who gathered to bid him farewell said his legacy will live on.
During his career, he worked for Capital FM, Times Group and served as State House press officer during former president Joyce Banda’s tenure between 2012 and 2014 and later as presidential press secretary for former president Lazarus Chakwera from August 2020 to July 2021.
