Mutharika and the outgoing Commissioners at the farewell meeting
* Acknowledged the important work the outgoing Commissioners have accomplished over the past three years
* Including protecting the human rights of women, children, and the elderly, as well as advancing access to information
By Duncan Mlanjira
President Arthur Peter Mutharika has committed to protecting human rights in the country by, among others, pledging to address financial challenges faced by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).
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According to a report posted on official Facebook account of the Malawi Government, the President made the commitment yesterday at Kamuzu Palace during a farewell meeting for the outgoing MHRC Commissioners, whose 3-year terms have concluded.
President Mutharika acknowledged the important work the outgoing Commissioners have accomplished over the past three years, including protecting the human rights of women, children, and the elderly, as well as advancing access to information.
Outgoing MHRC Commissioner Chikondi Chijozi Jere said the engagement provided an opportunity to brief the President on the commission’s work, its challenges, and its future outlook.
The 8th Cohort of the MHRC, who were sworn-in in October 2023 concluded their three-year mandate on August 26, 2026.
On his part, outgoing Commissioner, Sunduzwayo Madise — who is Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi (UNIMA) — posted on his Facebook account, saying: “I shall forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve.
“For me, this marks the end of my tour of duty, having served the Commission for two consecutive terms. I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency the President for the confidence he placed in me when he appointed me as a Commissioner in 2019.
“Serving the Commission and, ultimately, the people of Malawi has been a profound honour. The experience has been one of the most enriching learning journeys of my life — challenging, humbling and immensely rewarding.
“I leave with gratitude in my heart, lessons that will remain with me, and a deep appreciation for the privilege of contributing, in my own small way, to the promotion and protection of human rights in our country.
“It has been an honour to serve,” said Madise, who also served for two terms as chairperson of the Malawi National Council of Sports.
The outgoing commissioners included Scader Louis; the Ombudsman, Grace Malera; Viwemi Chavula; Andrew Kavala; Boniface Massah; and former president of the Malawi Chapter of Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Teresa Ndanga.
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