MBC awards 10 innovators
A Form One student from Mulanje, Paul Mahata, is one of the 10 recipients of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation’s (MBC) Innovations Awards.
Mahata was declared a star in the science category, following his recent feat of renovating a maize mill using a bicycle wheel as a propeller and some old tins.
In their second year, the awards also saw another young brain, Chimwemwe Mwenyemasi winning in the small-scale business category while Blantyre-based entrepreneur Mike Mlombwa walked away with the large-scale business accolade.
Dr. Thawani Sanjika and Dr. Grivin Chipula jointly won the environmental award after a tie while Edward Whitman won the agriculture category.
Blantyre district health officer Dr. Medson Matchaya scooped the health category, Ibrahim Kuchaga won the disability section and the arts category went to Dr. Alla Malamusi.
Senior Chief Kachindamoto of Dedza won the education category for ending marriages of young girls and returning them to school. Queens coach Griffin Saenda was crowned the overall winner.
Saenda recently led the Queens to overcome one of the world’s netball greats, England, to finish third in World Fast5 games and number one in Africa.
President Peter Mutharika, who hosted the awards at Kamuzu Palace, handed over a K2 million cheque on top of K1 million which Saenda won in the sports category.
Speaking earlier, the President urged Malawians to be innovative saying it is critical for the country’s development.
MBC director greneral Aubrey Sumbuleta said the awards are designed to complement the tax-payer funded broadcaster’s quest of inspiring the nation.
“All the 10 winners this year will go away with one million kwacha each, one month-long trip to China, a trophy and a certificate of recognition,” according to Sumbuleta. n
