The body of author and journalist Willie Zingani was laid to rest today, September 2, 2024, at Area 18 Cemetery in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.

Zingani passed away on Saturday, August 31, at MASM Medi Clinic in Lilongwe following a short illness.

The late Zingani, whom the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Malawi) described as a literary giant, was a distinguished journalist, corporate communications professional, and author.

Zingani began his journalism career in 1982 at Blantyre Newspapers Limited (now Times Group), where his exceptional performance and capabilities led to his promotion to Editor. At one point, he also owned a newspaper called The Express.

Zingani later served as an editor in the Ministry of Information before being appointed as Press Secretary for President Dr. Bakili Muluzi. He also worked in the office of then-Vice President Dr. Joyce Banda between 2009 and 2010.

In addition to his journalistic work, Zingani authored several novels and poems, including his renowned works ‘Njala Bwana’ and ‘Madzi Akayika’. He also assisted Dr. Bakili Muluzi in writing his book ‘Democracy’, and his latest work was a biography of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera titled ‘Chakwera: Journey to the Presidency’.

Golden Matonga, the Chairperson for MISA Malawi, described Zingani as one of the doyens of the media industry and one of its most humble figures.

“He contributed significantly to the growth of the media industry in its early days as one of the pioneering editors of the fledgling newspaper industry that emerged at the dawn of multiparty democracy. He made a successful transition to government service, where he served the first president of the multiparty democracy with distinction and dignity,” Matonga said.

Born in March 1954, Zingani leaves behind a legacy as one of the most celebrated figures in the Malawian media industry.

By Chikumbutso Gasper Willard