As condolences continue to pour in, the Media Institute for Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi has expressed its sadness over death of former diplomat and veteran broadcaster Lucius Chikuni, who passed away in the early hours of Monday.
Chikuni had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Blantyre, where he died at the age of 84.
A statement from Misa Malawi, signed by its chairperson Golden Matonga, eulogised the broadcaster for what it described as his distinctive radio voice.
“The Malawi media will always remember Chikuni as a dedicated broadcaster. Through his mentoring of generations of broadcasters in Malawi, Chikuni worked tirelessly for the growth and development of the sector and we will miss his wisdom and guidance,” the statement says.
Apart from being known for producing the popular historical radio play Adaferanji, which depicts the life of Reverend John Chilembwe, Chikuni also worked as a diplomat.
According to Misa Malawi, Chikuni began his broadcasting career as an announcer at the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (FBC) – Nyasaland Studios in 1962.
“He was one of the broadcasters who were part of the transition from FBC-Nyasaland Studios to the current Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) at independence.
“At the public broadcaster, Chikuni served as an announcer, news anchor, programme organiser and producer and rose to the position of MBC General Manager before moving to diplomatic duties in 1980.
“He also joined Zodiak Broadcasting Station in its formative years before retiring,” the statement adds.
As a diplomat, Chikuni served as Deputy Head of Mission at the United Nations (UN), Deputy Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda, Permanent Representative to the UN Environment Programme, Permanent Representative to the UN Centre for Human Settlements, Ambassador to Egypt, Ambassador to Israel and Ambassador to South Africa.
He also served as Principal Secretary (PS) and Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Rehabilitation, PS for Foreign Affairs and PS for Labour.
He hailed from Bvumbwe in Thyolo District.
0 Comments