Young Achievers Development (YAD) last week awarded 12 individuals for the impact they have in their communities.

Some of the awardees included Kondwani Ngwira, Felie Malola, Tusaiwe Munkhondya, Kondwani Sibale, Pemphero Mphande, Schizzo Thomson, Apostle Clifford Kawinga, Ida Mwango, Courageous Musasa, Marcel Chisi, Vasco Hamid and Brenda Mhlanga in categories such as entrepreneurship, arts, umunthu, humanitarian, environment and innovation.

Milanzi (C) presenting an award to Musasa (R)

Speaking during the award presentation in Blantyre, YAD executive director Jefferson Milanzi said it is important to recognise people making significant contributions to social and community development.

“For some time, we have been recognising people when they are dead, but we are saying don’t we appreciate people when they are still available to give them the energy to do more.

“We will be doing this annually and we are hoping in years to come it will be a big event. The process of identifying the awardees started last year when we received 51 nominations and after scrutinising, 12 names were submitted to be awarded.

In his remarks, First Capital Bank Hitesh Anadkat, who was the guest of honour at the event, urged Malawians to be patriotic regardless of what they have.

He said: “If everyone gives whatever they can to the less-privileged, society will be better. We should try to do whatever we can within our means.”

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Chisi said it was an honour to receive the first award after serving for 27 years in promoting rights of the youths.

He said: “We are asking the government to start recognising its people by naming the streets after Malawians.

“There are many people who have contributed greatly to this country but we don’t do that, we only recognise politicians.”

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