* Dr Malunga’s contribution to the institution extends beyond his time as Council chairperson — UNIMA Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Sunduzwayo Madise
* Some of the policies currently guiding the University were developed during his earlier tenure as Registrar
By Duncan Mlanjira
The University of Malawi (UNIMA) has bid farewell to its outgoing Council chairperson, Dr Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga, as he prepares to take up a new diplomatic assignment as Malawi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
UNIMA Media reports that Dr Malunga, who was appointed Council chairperson in 2025, was honoured at a special on Saturday, September 26, attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Sunduzwayo Madise, University Registrar, Martin Malulu, Council members — including Students’ Representative Council president, Yatuta Mulungu, and other members of the University community.
Malunga is also an alumnus of UNIMA, a strong connection he had maintained with the University over the years, having previously served in several positions — including as University Registrar from 2001 until his retirement in 2019.
UNIMA Media quotes Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Madise commending the outgoing Council chairperson for his service to the University.
He highlighted the valuable institutional experience and a deep understanding of the University’s history, operations and development he brought to the Council, having previously served the University as Registrar.
“Dr Malunga’s contribution to the institution extends beyond his time as Council chairperson,” he is quoted as saying.
“Some of the policies currently guiding the University were developed during his earlier tenure as Registrar.”
For Dr Malunga, reports the UNIMA Media, the new assignment as Malawi High Commissioner to the UK, “presents more than a change of office — he sees it as an opportunity to build stronger bridges between UNIMA and higher learning institutions in the United Kingdom and beyond”.
“Dr Malunga assured University management that he will use his new position to help create opportunities for UNIMA and other Malawian universities, particularly through increased international collaboration and partnerships.
“He also highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for Malawian students to access international scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships, as part of efforts to promote higher education and professional development opportunities.
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“Dr Malunga’s diplomatic responsibilities will extend beyond the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, with his mission also covering a number of European countries, including Norway, Portugal, Denmark and Spain.”
“His departure marks the end of his tenure as chairperson of the UNIMA Council, while opening a new chapter for him in which his experience in higher education and public service can contribute to strengthening Malawi’s international academic and institutional links.”
As he leaves for his tour of duty, Wokomaatani Malunga — renowned in the public face as a highly celebrated poet — best celebrated for the poem; ‘Ndidzakutengera Kunyanja Ligineti’ — launched three-books on September 6 entitled: ‘Nasiwero ndi Ndakatulo Zina’, ‘Taming the State of Mind’ and ‘Writing Odyssey’.
Present at the launch held at DMI-St John the Baptist University in Mangochi, was Minister of Information & Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, who described Wokomaatani Malunga as a national treasure for his contribution to Malawi’s literature and cultural preservation.
Namalomba said Malunga’s ability to write and translate artistic works into various local languages was crucial in preserving Malawi’s cultural heritage.
He was referring to Wokomaatani famously translated Chinua Achebe’s legendary novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ into Chichewa, under the title ‘Chipasupasu’.
