Nation Publications Limited (NPL) has condoled the family of one of its senior managers the late John Kaunda, hailing him as an employee par excellence who selflessly served the company with diligence and the spirit of a sage.
Until his death in the wee hours on Friday at Spring Valley Clinic in Lilongwe, Kaunda was the company’s technical services manager.
Kaunda was admired across the company’s rank and file because of his generosity, sincerity and humour.
As condolences poured in, NPL spokesperson Macdonald Kadewa described Kaunda’s demise as a huge loss to the company considering how technically skilled he was.
“As a company, we will greatly miss his services and integrity. He was the brains behind the maintenance of all our equipment. John was one person who easily blended with everyone from messengers to fellow managers. He was simply a down to earth individual and if there is something like a perfect person I would say John was a perfect person,” grieved Kadewa.
“He has had cancer for sometime but he never gave up. Actually he would give hope and motivation to persons who were stronger than him. I really wish we had so many Johns we would have a wonderful Malawi.”
Kadewa, who is NPL head of business organisational development, also said Kaunda was an “extraordinary individual and very passionate” in whatever he was doing and epitomised hard work, discipline and dedication.
According to his elder brother James, Kaunda was a tower of strength, a moral authority for the family and an inspiration to everyone who loved peace and unity.
“His death has left an indelible mark on the growth trajectory of our family because of his vision, straightforwardness, honesty and strength of character. He was a mentor and gave direction to the family direction. He hated creating enmity wherever but love and unity. He took on challenges without fear,” lamented the brother.
Born on August 17 1963, in a family of two boys and a girl, he joined NPL on June 6 2008 and is survived by a wife, Joyce Gondwe, three children and a granddaughter.
Late Kaunda will be buried tomorrow at Lusangazi in Mzuzu at Chauluma Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba District.
