* In appreciation of his massively outstanding contributions to development of sports for persons with disabilities in Malawi, across the continent of Africa and beyond
* This honour is not merely a personal milestone for Dr. Chiutsi but stands as an affirmation of the fight for human rights, inclusion and respect for persons with disabilities in Malawi
By Duncan Mlanjira
Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) has profoundly lauded the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate on Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC president, James Chiutsi by the prestigious Loughborough University of London.
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In a statement, MACODA Director General, George Chiusiwa says “the conferment of this enormous enormous recognition is in appreciation of his massively outstanding contributions to development of sports for persons with disabilities in Malawi, across the continent of Africa and beyond”.
“MACODA notes and observes that this honour is not merely a personal milestone for Dr. Chiutsi but stands as an affirmation of the fight for human rights, inclusion and respect for persons with disabilities in Malawi.”
Chiusiwa takes cognizance that Chiutsi has tirelessly committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities through sporting activities, which “is a powerful illustration of the impact that one person can have on changing narratives and promoting inclusive environments”.
“He has championed the principle that every person, regardless of ability, should have equitable access to opportunities, particularly in the field of sports. Malawi celebrates Dr. Chiutsi as a great champion and advocate of disability rights as his work centres around non-discrimination, equity, inclusion and diversity.”
Another remarkable achievement that MACODA recognises is that Chiutsi’s contributions include supporting international and domestics human rights instruments — notably the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2024, Section 34, which stipulates that every person with a disability shall have the right to participate in cultural and sporting activities on an equal basis with others.
Chiutsi receiving a recognition at Malawi Sports Award gala last year
“The work of Dr. Chiutsi in passionately advancing sports for persons with disabilities resonates perfectly with the moral and legal call for action by duty bearers under Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Article 25 of the African Disability Protocol and the National Disability Policy (2025).
“His work and the present recognition of his contributions remind us that the consideration of disability inclusive sports is the bedrock of social and economic development of persons with disabilities in Malawi.
“Thus, MACODA would like to encourage other individuals, organisations and stakeholders to follow in Chiutsi’s footsteps. Each person has a role to play in championing inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities, whether it be through participation in sports, arts or community activities.
“Our collective efforts can nurture a culture of respect and opportunity for all to pave way for a genuinely inclusive Malawi society.”
A meeting with International Paralympics Committee president, Andrew Parsons on his visit to Malawi in 2018
Chiusiwa emphasises that the honorary doctorate “is not just a personal accolade — it goes across borders and inspires many who strive for justice and acknowledgment and it should remind everyone that each recognition, each victory and each moment of advocacy adds weight to the collective efforts to promote dignity, rights and opportunities for all”.
He adds that it is “also a noble call to all of us that we should harmoniously strive for meaningful disability inclusion in all spheres of society while recognising that disability is part of the human diversity”.
MACODA thus expresses its deepest gratitude to Chiutsi for his dedication and leadership in the disability rights sector, with emphasis that “we must all celebrate this great and selfless disability rights advocate and champion”.
On the part of Malawi Paralympic Committee, general secretary Memory Baluwa said as a champion of equality, Chiutsi “has made a profound impact not only in sports but also in the small-scale business sector” and that “his leadership and expertise have earned him numerous awards, international appointments, and recognition, including roles with the African Union Sports Council Region 5 and the International Paralympic Committee”.
Malawi Paralympic Committee is proud to have Dr. Chiutsi as a leader and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”
Chiutsi — who is a founding member of Malawi Pool Association (MAP) — expressed his humility, by saying: “I am very humbled, and I receive this degree on behalf of all the people we serve.
He urged fellow Malawians to strive for a world where everyone can thrive — emphasising that “one can only enjoy life if those around them are enjoying it too”.
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