MISA-Malawi online forum founder dies

Hastings Maloya

"MISA-Malawi...is deeply saddened with the untimely death of Mr. Hastings Maloya, who passed away on Friday evening, September 14 at Adventist Hospital in the City of Blantyre," announced MISA-Malawi chairperson, Anthony Kasunda.

Maloya, besides being a journalist, was also a blogger, public relations practitioner, environmentalist and cultural conservationist, succumbed to meningitis at the age of 40.

Hastings Maloya remebered

Kasunda recollected that MISA-Malawi and its entire membership will fondly remember Maloya for his contribution towards harnessing a cordial relationship among journalists while serving as an executive member in the Chapter's National Governing Council (NGC) from 2002-2004.

"It was during this period when he introduced the idea of setting up an internet chat group where journalists could be sharing ideas as a fraternity. The chat group came to be known as the NAMISA Google Group," he explained.

"Today, the NAMISA chat group has become a source of knowledge and information for MISA-Malawi members, as well as a source of pride for the chapter. Hastings will also be remembered for numerous other contributions in the media industry, which are just too many to mention," he added.

Thousands of condolences kept on pouring on different internet forums after it was learnt of his demise.

"I learned with great shock, a few hours ago this Friday night, that Hastings Maloya is no more. Malawi has lost a young, unique dynamic Malawian who combined a passion for the environment, a zeal for communication and a love for conservation," Dr. Steve Sharra wrote about Maloya on his blog.

See: Hastings Maloya's blog.

Maloya was also regional chairperson for SADC Environmental Forum, board member for Air Malawi, vice board chair for CURE, national spokesperson for Mulhako wa Alhomwe, sponsor of Mulanje District Dorcus Women, board member for Mulanje NGO Network, chairperson for Mulanje Court Users Committee, and secretary for Mulanje District Athletics Committee. He also founded and moderated the Malawi Enviro-Forum and Namisa Members Forum.

"Mr. Maloya will be remembered for his open mindedness, his love and passion for environmental issues and his commitment to bringing journalists together as one family." added Kasunda.

Maloya is expected to be posthumously honoured for establishing the media forum with a MISA-Malawi Life Time Achiever Award.