Mpinganjira loses NAM GS post
The sky fell on long-serving NAM general secretary Hellene Mpinganjira on Saturday when she lost the position to Carol Bapu by 27 votes against 17 during hotly contested elections held in Mzuzu.
Rosy Chinunda retained the hot seat of Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) presidency after defeating former Blantyre and Districts Netball League (BDNL) chairperson Khungekile Matiya by 28 votes against 16 to earn her third term in office.
This was the second successive time that Chinunda has defeated Matiya.
Speaking soon after the polls, Chinunda said her re-election was clear testimony that the netball fraternity had trust in her leadership.
“I am very excited as my victory demonstrates the confidence and trust that the netball fraternity has in me and I pledge to continue with my plans to develop the game further,” said Chinunda in a her acceptance speech.
Mpinganjira and Matiya could not immediately comment on the outcome of the polls.
The position of vice-president went to Chimwemwe Kachingwe who beat four other contestants, including the body’s previous veep Henry Kamata.
Kachingwe had a landslide victory, amassing 29 votes against Fanuel Katengeza’s five, Florence Chakhaza and Kamata (four each) and Ethel Muphuwa (three).
Abigail Sharif also retained her position as treasurer with 33 votes. She outclassed Martha Matewere (nine) and Agness Chaima (two).
Brian Gausi was elected vice-general secretary after scooping 30 votes against Allan Nkhonjera’s nine and Patricia Jumbe (five).
Jane Kachali retained her position as vice-treasurer, beating Tamara Fureta 26-18 on a recount after they had tied in an earlier poll.
However, the elections were not without controversy as one of the delegates belonging to Mpinganjira’s camp demanded a recount for the GS votes.
But Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) executive secretary George Jana threw out the demand on the basis that she did not have valid reasons.
“On what basis are you demanding the recount? It shows you have no trust in us as returning officers,” said Jana.
But the delegate later on withdrew her demand after other delegates hinted that they would also want a recount for the results of the other positions.
Earlier on, the meeting adopted the body’s new constitution that will, among other things, see the new executive committee serving for four years.
The national netball body’s general assembly also adopted the financial report amid disagreements that there were gross irregularities.
