Senior journalist Mayeso Chirwa dies

While Malawi’s media fraternity is struggling to come to terms with the death of a senior journalist George Dambula, another heavy blow has hit the industry following the passing of another renowned journalist, Mayeso Chirwa.

Dambula was buried on Friday at Kawale cemetery in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, whereas Chirwa will be laid to rest on Saturday at Katope Village in Traditional Authority Jalavikuba in Mzimba District, according to his brother, Vita.

Vita said Mayeso had cancer and was admitted to Deayang Luke Hospital. He was later referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital, but died barely two hours after arrival at about 3am.

Vita also said Mayeso was born on August 18 1971 and was divorced. He is survived by a son, Chama.

“As a family, we are very devastated. We thank the US Embassy for the support they have given us,” said Vita in an interview on Friday.

Public affairs officer at the US Embassy Benjamin Canavan described Mayeso as an extraordinary colleague and friend who served the US mission in Malawi with great distinction for many years.

Said Canavan: “The media fraternity in Malawi has lost one of its finest ambassadors. He touched the lives of so many, not just in journalism but in music, sport, and other fields as well. We at the US mission are devastated by this untimely loss and our thoughts are with all of his family and loved ones.”

Misa Malawi chairperson Anthony Kasunda said, “Misa Malawi is deeply shocked by the death of Mayeso Chirwa. The man was full of life and Misa had hoped that these are the people who would take the media to another level. To lose him at the time we are mourning another journalist, George Dambula, is a heavy blow to the media fraternity. Misa will miss the two.”

According to Mayeso’s profile on his Facebook account, he obtained a bachelor of arts in biblical studies with a minor in communications at Africa Bible College in 1999 and joined Malawi Broadcasting Corporation in March 2000 as senior announcer. Before joining MBC, he worked for Capital Radio.

He joined the US Embassy in April 2003. He obtained a masters in strategic management from the University of Derby in 2008.

Speaking during the burial ceremony of Dambula on behalf of the media, Baldwin Chiyamwaka and Peter Jegwa Kumwenda described him as a champion of media freedom in the country, saying he had dedicated his life time to enhancing the media and social development of the country.

Information and Civic Education Minister Patricia Kaliati attended late Dambula’s funeral service. She also visited the home of late Chirwa at Area 47.

Dambula is survived by a wife and two children.