Newly-elected Poetry Association of Malawi (PAM) chairperson for the Northern Region Chapter, Chigo Gondwe-Chokani says her primary task is for a more vibrant body at regional level.
Chigo, a poet of local as well as international performance and written poetry repute, said following her election on Saturday the bard’s grouping will engage a fresh gear targeting primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
“We are also going to start training members in the art of poetry – writing and performance—so that the quality of work on the market surpasses what we have witnessed in the past.
“Our membership base as PAM is not what we would like it be, so we will be working hard to increase membership and participation in the association and poetry activities,” said Chigo.
Following her election, Chigo will be leading a youthful committee comprising Darlington Chilongo (vice-chairperson), Fanny Gondwe (treasurer), Yona Gondwe (event organiser), Levison Kaonga (vice-secretary) and Dumisani Chirwa (secretary).
On the same day, regional chapters in the South and Centre also had elections where various individuals were entrusted with the role to spearhead poetry activities in their regions.
In the Central Region, Patwell Phiri was elected chairperson, Iman Mlozi (vice chairperson), Catherine Lazalo (secretary), Blessings Mtandadza (vice secretary), Rabson Bester (treasurer) and Nick Chikadza (events organiser).
In the Southern Region, Given Chichitike is the chairperson, Luckier Chikopa (vice-chairperson), Livia Nafe Gundo (secretary), Charles Membe (treasurer) and Ross Kampaundi (events organiser).
Both the national executive and regional committees will be in force for a three-year term, and eligible for re-election after that period.
