Malawians yesterday woke up to news of the death of veteran broadcaster and diplomat Lucius Chikuni eulogised by Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chapter as a dedicated professional and mentor.
Chikuni, who died at 85, joined the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in 1962 when it was Federal Broadcasting Corporation and served as an announcer, news anchor, programme organiser and producer before rising to general manager.
His booming voice is used in the ‘zikachitika mumvera kwa ife [you will first get breaking news from us]” tagline by privately owned Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) by former minister of Information and Digitisation Gospel Kazako.
In an interview yesterday, Kazako, who worked with Chikuni at ZBS, hailed the fallen broadcaster for his contribution to the country’s media industry.
He said: “He belongs to a generation of endangered species of radio broadcasters. He was an epitome of quality and excellent ethical and responsible broadcasting.”
Misa Malawi Chapter chairperson Golden Matonga said in a statement yesterday that Chikuni died in the early hours of yesterday at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre.
He said the Malawi media will always remember Chikuni as a dedicated broadcaster.
Reads the statement: “Through his mentoring of generations of broadcasters in Malawi, Chikuni worked hard for the growth and development of the sector and we will miss his wisdom and guidance.”
Among others, Chikuni is credited for producing the popular historical radio play ‘Adaferanji’ which depicts the life of early freedom fighter John Chilembwe.
He left MBC in 1980 after being appointed Malawi’s deputy head of mission at the United Nations (UN).
He also held positions such as deputy ambassador to the United States of America, Kenya, Uganda, Israel, Egypt and South Africa and permanent representative to the UN Environmental Programme and UN Centre for Human Settlements.
Chikuni later worked as principal secretary for disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation, now Department of Disaster Management Affairs, as well as foreign affairs and labour.
