BY MALAWIHEAT
Poetry gem, Robert Chiwamba, is new
president for the country’s major poets’ block the Poetry Association of Malawi
(PAM) – and is expected to hold office for the next three years, according to
the association’s constitution.
The ‘Udzafa Imfa
Yowawa’ creator replaces Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa—born Chisomo
Mdalla—whose term came to an end recently.
Chiwamba was announced the winner on Saturday after a highly contested visual election which saw new faces being ushered into various positions.
“I am very grateful, [and] I thank
all the poets who took their time in casting votes on this day. I feel greatly
honored with this huge responsibility of steering PAM towards achieving its
goals and aspirations and promise to raise the flag of this association during
my reign,” Chiwamba said immediately after he was announced winner.
He said his plans are to rebrand
PAM into an association that embraces technology and innovation in promoting
poetry and poets in the country.
“I will also try my best to create
partnerships with other associations from both within and outside the country
to learn from them on how to improve the welfare of poets, lobby Copyright
Society of Malawi (COSOMA) to collect royalties on behalf of poets and also
mobilize the poets to be registered members of COSOMA,” he said.
According to Chiwamba, finding a
permanent officer for the association and also facilitating capacity building
workshops for poets are also top among some of his priorities.
Poet Zabuloni Dam who came second
is the new vice president while the post of secretary general went to Patwel
Phiri. Chikumbutso Kaliati is deputy secretary general.
Poet Joseph Kadzakumanja is
Treasurer General while Ross Kampaundi is Events Organizer.
The outgoing president Chisomo
Mdalla wished Chiwamba well and advised him to be a listening president if he
wants to achieve his plans for the association.
Mdalla said him and the outgoing
committee will be available to provide necessary support wherever needed in
order to see the association blossoming and being recognized on the
international scene.
He further asked all the
contesters, both winners and those who did not make it to work together for the
common goal of uplifting the poetry industry.
Conceding the defeat both Hudson
Chamasowa and Felix Njonjonjo congratulated Chiwamba and wished him well saying
they will support him and make his dreams for the association come true.
