2007 Annual Diversity Leader Awards Evening

Sunbird Capital Hotel came abuzz on the 30th of Novermber 2007 with Malawi's captains of industry, members of parliament, NGO heads, Diplomatic corps, politicians and socialites alike as they celebrated the achievements of the cream of Malawi's social and economic sectors.

The who's who list of patrons included the head of the UN in Malawi, Michael Keatin; UNFPA country representative, Fundira Esperence; PLAN International country representative; Hon Minister of Finance, Dr Goodal Gondwe, MP; Hon Aleke Banda, MP; Principal Secretary Industry, Trade & Private Sector Development, Mr Kumwembe, Her Excellencies, the High Commissioner of South Africa, Ntshadi Tseole and Ambassador of Zimbabwe, Thandiwe Dumbutshena, CEO's and General Managers of Malawi's businesses plus heads of different organisations.

Equally notable was the fact that this year's glittering event was covered live on two radio stations and was sponsored by the banking giants National Bank of Malawi, the recently-rebranded lime green cellular phone leaders tnm, leaders in insurance Prime Insurance, Malawi's finest hotel Protea Ryalls, ICT pioneers Malswitch, the legendary providers of dairy products, Dairbord Malawi and the Nutrition, HIV & AIDS Department headed by PS Dr Mary Shawa.

The guest of honour Dr Goodal Gondwe praised the organisers, incmedia, for celebrating leadership in its truest and most diverse forms and said the time had come for Malawians to realise that only Malawians can change Malawi for the better. The South African High Commissioner called on Malawians to respect themselves and develop a sense of national pride through concepts like Best Malawian spearheaded by the youthful and visionary incmedia and launched during this event. Best Malawian is a concept modelled on Proudly South African which is in turn modelled on Australian Made.

Dr Shawa cited statistics that showed nutrition had played a pivotal role in improving and elongating the lives of those living positively. She said this was partly due to good rains and harvests in the 2005-2007 seasons.

All in all, awards were given to Top Businessman, Hitesh Anadkat of First Merchant Bank (FMB); Top Businesswoman, Mbumba Atchuthan, Nation Publications CEO; Budding Entrepreneurs, Male, Regi Calvalho for Crocodile farming; Budding Female, Gaulpine Nyirenda, Maneno Bookshops proprietor; Top Executive, Connie Msiska - Acting CEO Sunbird Hotels, Top School, Marist Seminary;  Top Bank - Customer Service, FMB; Top Emerging Business, Maldeco Aquaculture; Top Business, Universal Industries; Top Government Department, National Roads Authority; Umunthu/Humanity, Stephen Friday - donated blood the most, atleast 15 times, since inception of Malawi Blood Transfusion Service; and HIV & AIDS Service Delivery, Hon Justice Malewezi, Ahmed Sunka, Manet Plus, Population Services International and Tovwerani.

The judges included Wilkins Mijiga, Julie Lunguzi and Alick Sukasuka.

The event was sold out at MK10,000 a seat and part of the proceeds were in aid of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital for purchasing of nebulisers and construction of an additional guardians shelter.

Watch part of the event on this site soon and view our pictorial focus. Also look out for the individual profiles of the awardees.