By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, April 3, Mana: District Information Officer for Machinga, Martin Chiwanda has died.

Chiwanda passed away Friday evening at Machinga District Hospital where he was admitted.

District Commissioner (DC) for Machinga Rodrick Mateauma, speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA), described Chiwanda's death as heartbreaking.

He highlighted Chiwanda's exceptional communication skills and his commitment to the council's development.

"We have worked with him for a long time, and we will remember Chiwanda as a diligent person who always delivered his assignments with expertise.

"He was instrumental in ensuring the council's progress and worked well with everyone in the district, including traditional leaders,” said the DC.

Deputy Regional Information Officer for the South, Evance Chisiano, echoed Mateauma's sentiments, stating that the information department would miss Chiwanda's hard work and dedication.

"He was a young man dedicated to his job, and his contributions will be greatly missed," said Chisiano.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the departed journalist.

Manford Chirombo, Nsanje district-based journalist said,” I have learnt with a heavy heart the news about the passing on of Martin Chiwanda a professional colleague and District Information Officer (DIO) for Machinga. I new Martin in 2013 when he was posted to Nsanje District Council as an Assistant DIO. I have learnt a lot from him as I was then new in the profession.

Alfred Guta also said,” Death is so cruel, we talked a few days ago you were saying, "I will be OK aixe ndilibe nkhawa" mkumamva zoti wapita eish Martin Chiwanda ndakulira ine.

Chiwanda joined the Ministry of Information on April 18, 2012.

Born on March 3, 1984, he is survived by his wife and two children.

His body will be laid to rest at Chilipa Trading Centre in Kalonga village, Traditional Authority (TA) Ntonda, Mangochi district, on Monday.