The Malawi diaspora community in South Africa gathers to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the 46-year anniversary of Frank and Marie Mlotchwa, renowned for their unyielding dedication to uplifting fellow Malawians.
The couple will be honoured at a luncheon in Marlboro, Johannesburg, this afternoon, where friends, family, and admirers will come together for speeches, a meal, and a lively celebration to recognise the Mlotchwas’ lifelong commitment to their community.
Frank Mlotchwa, a former national football goalkeeper and University of Malawi alumnus, and his wife Marie relocated to South Africa in December 1993 after a brief stint in Swaziland (now Eswatini). The couple has become a beacon of hope and resilience, supporting Malawians through community events and personal counselling.
Chairperson of the organising committee well known as Bishop Jones among the Malawi Diaspora in South Africa said the Mlotchwas 46th anniversary is a testament of their strong bond and service to others.
The Mlotchwa Legacy Programme is the brainchild of veteran broadcaster Sydney Katunga Phiri and serves as a precursor to the Malawi Diaspora Legacy Programme, which aims at honouring unsung heroes and heroines in the Malawi Diaspora across the globe.
Commenting on today’s event, Katunga said, “I would rather receive flowers while I can still smell them,” emphasising the importance of recognising legends while they are still with us.
“Frank and Marie embody selflessness and generosity. Their commitment has been unmatched, and we are here to show our gratitude.”
In his remarks one of the Malawians in South Africa, Bhekisa Siula, said through the years, the Mlotchwas have shown how truly and passionate they are for their fellow Malawians.
” I’m so grateful and thankful to the Almighty that I was part of this journey and part of your life in every way possible. And at this juncture, as you celebrate the 46 years of service you stand up as one of the greatest sons and daughters of Malawi and here in diaspora, you’ve kept us together. You linked us together. You brought every son and daughter of Malawi together. And for this, we’re forever grateful,” said Siula.
Among the couple’s many initiatives is their support for CASCADE, an NGO they co-founded with Priscilla Mwasinga and the late Connie Chiume. The ‘Tracing Our Roots’ project has been instrumental in reconnecting South Africans of Malawian heritage with their families in Malawi, a testament to the couple’s devotion to community building.
Jane Nyachoo Kapanga, a longtime friend who joined the celebration virtually from Canada, shared her heartfelt wishes to the Mlotchwa family: “Thank you for being there for my family and me. May God bless you abundantly for reaching this milestone.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Priscilla Mwasinga, who recalled the couple’s exceptional leadership. “Frank’s leadership extended beyond hosting events. He was instrumental in organising Malawi Independence Celebrations and served as Chair of the Association of Malawians in South Africa (AMSA), where he championed its registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC),” Mwasinga noted.
She also underscored his role in policy development: “He facilitated the inclusion of a diaspora policy paper, co-authored by Elizabeth Mkandawire and myself, which we presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ diaspora desk.”
Their commitment also saw them spearheading fundraisers, including a memorable dinner dance held in 2006 at the Indaba Hotel, which raised funds for the Feed the Nation Campaign during Malawi’s severe famine.
“That event was a success, and the funds were sent through the High Commission,” Mwasinga added.
Dr Peter Mwangalawa also couldn’t hide his appreciation for the roles the Mlotchwas have played in South Africa among the Malawi Diaspora Community.
Beyond formal engagements, the Mlotchwas have served as mediators and mentors within the community. From marriage counselling to conflict resolution, their doors have been open to those in need of guidance.
“Many younger couples sought Mrs Mlotchwa’s advice before embarking on their marital journey,” Mwasinga said.
Frank, affectionately dubbed “Nyakwawa” or ‘Chief’ of the Malawian community, hails from Embangweni in Mzimba, while Marie originates from Ntcheu. Together, their legacy of service has become an enduring source of pride and inspiration.
Today’s event in Marlboro stands as a tribute to the Mlotchwas’ lasting impact, as friends and family celebrate not only their love and commitment to each other but also to the community they have nurtured for decades.
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