* We will all certainly depart, but you don’t leave right when life seems to open its finest doors for you, do you?
* This is so painful and heartbreaking — some losses leave a void that words can never explain
* Speechless. Between life and death there’s just a very slim line. Let us remain resolute to prayer. To me he was a journalist extraordinaire
By Duncan Mlanjira
As soon it was confirmed by Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) that its Director General has passed at Mwaiwathu Hospital following a short illness, Malawians have expressed deep shock, saying “there is indeed a thin line between life and death”.
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Max & Sherry Dine & Lounge posted on its official Facebook account, saying: “We will all certainly depart, but you don’t leave right when life seems to open its finest doors for you, do you?
“At the peak of your career, with so much more to give, to enjoy and to become, and then you are called away? — that’s so heartbreaking!
“Go well, you, a people’s person — a familiar voice, a celebrated face that now turns to become a cherished memory. Thank you for the times we brushed shoulders with you and for always encouraging Max & Sherry!
“Now those encounters we had feel strangely precious. We will never know but one thing we are sure about is that life truly fragile.
“If you asked anyone yesterday to guess, perhaps none would have had Brian Banda on their list of people to die today! May God receive your beautiful soul, sir!”
Netball administrator Carol Bapu joined in: “Iyiyi ndiye yawawadi iiiiiishi zoona, kwathudi sipadziko! This is so painful and heartbreaking. Some losses leave a void that words can never explain.
“Njayiko, you will forever remain in our hearts and in our memories. Your beautiful memories will continue to live on, and you will never be forgotten.
“May the Lord receive your soul and grant you eternal rest. Rest peacefully, Njayiko, until we meet again, you shall forever remain in our hearts.”
Amos Mafuta said: “Life is fragile indeed, we might seen strong but death is more stronger than all it be, for to dust we came to it we’ll all return in different ways. Rest well, Brian Banda — an Icon in Malawi’s journalism.”
Vitumbiko Chihana: “Speechless. Between life and death there’s just a very slim line. Ler us remain resolute to prayer. To me he was a journalist extraordinaire.“
Protasio Jedidiah: “What a man, what a life, what a legacy, and what an indelible impact. Some people pass through this world, but a rare few leave footprints that time cannot erase. Brian was one of them — a father figure to so many people, a mentor, a servant of God, and a voice that touched countless lives.
“His absence leaves a profound void, but his legacy will continue to speak for generations. Rest well, Man of God, until we meet again on that glorious resurrection morning.”
Jedidiah further preached that “Brian Banda’s departure is a sobering reminder that none of us is promised tomorrow. We are all passing through this world, and one day, whether we are ready or not, our journey will come to an end.
“The question is not how long we will live, but what we will leave behind. Let us, therefore, live deliberately, love generously, serve faithfully, and make a difference wherever God has placed us.
“Like Brian, may our lives speak even when our voices are gone, and may the footprints we leave behind lead others toward hope, purpose, and God. Tomorrow is never guaranteed; let us make today count. There is a thin line between life and death. Rest well, son of the soil.”
United Democratic Front (UDF) president, Atupele Muluzi wrote on his Facebook account: “A deeply painful and shocking loss. Brian Banda’s sudden passing has left me deeply saddened. He was far too young to leave us. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may God give his family strength and comfort during this difficult time.”
Trending on Facebook as Shaka Zulu, wrote: I’m a Zambian and I feel so sad losing such a gallant son of Malawi, our sister country. I always enjoyed his interviews with political giants especially Hon. Nicolas Dausi.”
The tributes continue to pour in for the electronic media personalities, who rose to fame through live interactive radio programme at Capital FM before joining Times Group, where he was immensely involved in the popular Hot Current programme.
When Joyce Banda assumed the Presidency in 2012, Brian Banda was appointed as State House press officer and returned to the Times Group before being re-appointed to serve as President Lazarus Chakwera as press officer.
He had a short stint with Chakwera and when relieved he returned to Times Group and upon being elected President, Arthur Peter Mutharika appointed him as Director General of the state broadcaster, MBC.
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