By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, May 18, Mana: Chewa Chief for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi, on Saturday appointed a new Malawi steering committee for the Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO).

Kalonga Gawa Undi has reappointed Dr. Stanley Khaila as CHEFO Chairperson, Ellia Chizimba as new General Secretary, Humphrey Murray, Treasurer General, Pyson Likagwa as Director of Administration, Beatrice Bangula, a reporter with Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Blantyre, as Director of Publicity, while Fred Kadzanja was appointed Director of Youth.

His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi also appointed Reuben Mwale as Director of Chiefs and Cultural Affairs, Abison Chitukula as Director of Legal Affairs, and Agness Kaliyopa, Director of Food and Social Welfare.

The Chewa Chief further appointed Rex Chapota as Director of Fundraising, while Dwight Kambuku is Director of Investments, Mathias Mbuzi oversees Education and Research and Drina Mpote becomes Director of Women.

Dr. Khaila told Mana in an interview that CHEFO’s main objective is to protect, preserve, and promote culture of the Chewas, adding that the newly appointed team, which His Majesty has put together, will work hard to ensure that the foundation’s objectives are achieved.

“It's an honor to be reappointed as CHEFO chairperson. The team's effort will focus on preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Chewa people, including their traditional ceremonies, which showcase vibrant dances, music, and customs,” he added.

The reappointed CHEFO Chairperson added that CHEFO, under the guidance of His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi, will be dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Chewa people with a strong commitment to preserving traditions.

He pledged that the team will work tirelessly to ensure a vibrant culture of the Chewa people continues to thrive across Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

A three-year term committee appointed by His Majesty Kalonga Gawaundi will be entrusted with strategic planning, cultural preservation initiatives, community engagement and resource mobilization.

One of the Chewa people, George Kalimbika welcomed the appointment of the team and expressed hope that the team will be dedicated to achieving CHEFO objectives that will see strong bonds within the Chewa people in Malawi and across.

“I'm expecting a lot from the newly appointed team, particularly in terms of preserving and promoting the Chewa culture, strengthening community engagement, and driving progress in various initiatives. With clear objectives and a strong work ethic, I believe they can make a significant impact that should bring about positive change,” said Kalimbika.

The new committee held a meeting with Chewa chiefs on Saturday at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, where the coordinator of Chewa people in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, Senior Chief Lukwa stressed the need for unity and cooperation under the leadership of His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi

CHEFO was established to unite the Chewa people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Malawi, by addressing challenges, preserving culture, traditions, history and bringing unity.