tiyende ISSUE 28 | Your take home copy
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
With compliments of Malawi Airlines
Country music star Singer Dodo Nyoka goes from silence to stardom Wild wonder The conservation success story of Kuti Wildlife Reserve
SCORCHERS MAKE HISTORY
Captain Tabitha Chaŵinga reflects on team's historic WAFCON journey
tiyende ISSUE 28 | With Compliments of Malawi Airlines
View Tiyende online
Rooftop bars in Nairobi– page 19 6
28
Malawi Airlines News
Employee interview
9
29
Malawi Scorchers
Makuzi Beach Lodge
15
31
Malawi-made festive gifts
Kuti Wildlife Reserve
19
34
Rooftop bars in Nairobi
24 Hours in Lusaka
24
36
The theatre of Scars of Life
27
39
Poem
For the latest flights, information and to book download our app or visit
www.malawian-airlines.com
2 / Tiyende
malawi-airlines
Malawi Airlines Head Office: Golden Peacock Shopping Complex, Eastern Wing, First Floor, City Centre, PO Box 2095, Lilongwe info@malawian-airlines.com
Reservations:
Tiyende is published by: Land & Marine Publications Ltd
reservations@malawian-airlines.com
Head Office: +44 (0)1206 752902
+265 992 991 097 malawianair
malawi.airlines
45
Flight schedule
46
Destinations and flight routes
48
Contact us
Lin the Poet
Competition
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
40
Dodo Nyoka
MalawiAirlines
United Kingdom +44 (0)7714 448059 (WhatsApp) publishing@landmarine.com
www.landmarine.com
Cover photograph © Football Association of Malawi (FAM)
Malawi Airlines’ Public Relations Officer: Joseph Chikalipo josephc@malawian-airlines.com
Editor: Mark Edwards markedwards@landmarine.com
Advertising sales: Lucia Gimson +44 (0)7787 227531 (WhatsApp) lucia.gimson@landmarine.com Printed by Jamana, Dar es Salaam. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ©2026 Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
A COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Over the past several months, Malawi Airlines has gathered feedback from passengers and stakeholders across the aviation and tourism sectors. These valuable insights have helped us better understand our customers' needs, identify areas for improvement, and recognise the strengths we should continue to build on. We are grateful for the feedback shared with us. It plays an important role in shaping our services and guiding our efforts to deliver a better travel experience for all our customers. As travel needs continue to evolve, we remain focused on strengthening our network and enhancing our services to provide greater flexibility, comfort, and convenience. One of the key improvements we have introduced is a second late-afternoon flight from Lilongwe to Johannesburg. The service arrives in Johannesburg at around 7pm, with the return flight departing at 8pm and arriving back in Lilongwe at 10pm. This additional service offers passengers, particularly business travellers, greater flexibility through both morning and afternoon departure options, as well as convenient same-day return travel. We have also upgraded our Harare and Lusaka services, increasing weekly seat capacity on these routes by more than 20 per cent, including additional business-class capacity. These decisions reflect our commitment to providing reliable air transport services that respond to customer needs and support the evolving demands of the aviation sector. They also demonstrate our broader contribution to Malawi's economy by strengthening connectivity, supporting tourism, and facilitating trade. Looking ahead, Malawi Airlines remains committed to expanding its fleet, increasing flight frequencies, and exploring new routes. We will continue to seek opportunities to introduce high-quality, value-for-money services that make air travel more accessible and convenient. On behalf of Malawi Airlines, I encourage our passengers and stakeholders to continue sharing their feedback. Your views help us build an airline that responds to your needs and reflects our shared vision for the future. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of our journey.
Solomon Bekele CEO, Malawi Airlines
4 / Tiyende
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
NEWS
The latest news and information from across our network
SUPPORTING ARTS, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
FEEDBACK SURVEY Your feedback matters. Help us improve your journey. We value your voice, scan the QR code below to share your experience with Malawi Airlines.
Or use the following link: www.forms. gle/6fPit7xYkbUFFMpt8 As the national carrier, Malawi Airlines recognises its commitment to supporting arts and culture in the country. Through our partnerships with various organisations, we continue to contribute to initiatives that bring people together and create opportunities for cultural and creative expression. In August, Malawi Airlines was one of the major sponsors of the Landlord Pa Kwawo Concert organised by renowned Malawian rapper Gwamba. The airline provided return air tickets to ensure artists such as Nigerian headliner Ruger made it to the Lilongwe event safely and smoothly. Malawi Airlines’ commitment during this period did not focus on events in Malawi alone. In July, the airline also
6 / Tiyende
partnered with the diaspora community in Kenya, namely the Association for Malawians Living in Kenya (AMAKE), for its independence celebrations. The partnership helped facilitate travel for acclaimed Malawian artists Eli Njuchi and Bwede, who performed at the celebrations.
MALAWI AIRLINES APP For the latest flights, information, book and manage your flight easily download our app
MALAWI SCORCHERS
SCORING SISTERS
Inside Malawi’s historic WAFCON RUN
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 9
MALAWI SCORCHERS
Malawi Scorchers captain Tabitha Chaŵinga reflects on family, faith and the remarkable journey that captured the imagination of a nation.
Malawi to F ewmakeexpected an impact at the
Temwa Chaŵinga with her signature vibrant dyed hair
10 / Tiyende
2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Fewer still imagined the Scorchers would reach the final. Yet the tournament ended with millions of Africans talking about a team ranked 153rd in the world and two sisters who had become the faces of the tournament. It was an outstanding team performance, but the undisputed stars were sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chaŵinga. Between them, they scored nine of Malawi's 12 goals during the tournament,
with the younger Temwa claiming the WAFCON Golden Boot after scoring five goals and providing two assists. In this exclusive interview, conducted just days after massive crowds greeted the Scorchers on their return home, the team captain Tabitha discusses the impact they hope the team's success will have on football in Malawi, the instinctive understanding she and her sister share on the pitch, and why the national team’s remarkable WAFCON campaign came as no surprise to the Scorchers themselves.
Q: You grew up in Rumphi, in northern Malawi. How were you first introduced to football? Tabitha: “It was a boys’ sport. Girls weren’t expected to play or even be interested in the sport. But life has a way of revealing one’s path. The boys in the village allowed us to enjoy the game of football and we fully embraced it.” “Our family wasn’t supportive of our football path but we it came naturally to us, so we pursued football anyway.” Q: When did you first realise that
All images © Football Association of Malawi (FAM)
you had the talent to go far in football? “As the eldest, I was first to attract attention? I started playing football when I was six and Temwa naturally followed my interest and we would spend most afternoons playing football in our village with the boys. Q: Both you and your sister have scored goals consistently at different clubs, countries and levels of competition? Is there a particular mindset that allows you to perform immediately in a new environment? “God has remained at the centre of our talent. We put God first, work hard and believe that the same God that gifted us will give us the grace to excel. And God comes through for us. “That’s the reason that convinces us that football is our calling, and we must empty ourselves for our country and club duties alike.” Q: Going into this year’s WAFCON, the Malawi Scorchers were regarded by many as underdogs. Was there a feeling, though, among the players that the team could make a big impact? “As a team we were confident that our participation was not just about showing up, but to prove that Malawi too deserves a seat at the table. And we have proved that and believe both that the upcoming World and Olympics will continue to cement our confidence and our courage to face any opposition.” Q: Did your underdog status give you extra motivation during the tournament? “It worked to our advantage. We were so underrated, but we knew Malawi had the arsenal to shock the continent. The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) also made sure we were well prepared for the tournament. After defeating Nigeria, we knew the sky was the limit.” Q: You were both among the stars of the tournament, but how
important was the collective effort behind the Scorchers' success? “Very important. The team understood that individual brilliance is good, but team effort will get us the wins we needed to qualify for the World Cup and do well at WAFCON.” Q: Morocco is a long way from Malawi. Were you surprised by the level of support you received from Malawian fans, and how much did that support inspire you? “Malawian fans both in Morocco and at home were amazing. We felt the support and pride from everyone.” Q: The Scorchers appeared to be one of the fittest and most resilient teams in the tournament. What do you put that down to? “FAM put heart in the preparations. During the club season’s international breaks, FAM was organising friendly games. That preparation was crucial.” Q: You have both enjoyed tremendous success at club level. Do you see yourselves primarily as each other's biggest supporters, or is there a healthy rivalry between you? “We are each other’s keepers. Our success carries the same surname, Chaŵinga. We refuse to treat each other as rivals. We want to build a legacy that will stand the taste of time.”
MALAWI SCORCHERS
on big screens. How aware were you of that support? “Being in camp is such a call to discipline. We have to shut out the noise to focus and continue motivating the team with all the different dynamics at play in the camp.” (Above) Tabitha takes a shot while (below) Temwa receives the WAFCON Golden Boot
Q: The welcome you received on your return to Malawi was extraordinary. What was it like to see so many people celebrating the team's achievements? “Humbling. We appreciated that thunderous welcome. We were still feeling the pain of the loss to Cameroon, but that welcome comforted us and we can’t wait to fight again for our flag.”
“We knew Malawi had the arsenal to shock the continent.”
Q: You have been team-mates many times in Malawi, Sweden and with the Scorchers. Can you explain the bond you have on the pitch? “To be teammates with my sister is the best feeling. I don’t even have to see where she is on the pitch, my mind knows. Our bond is like that of twins. You have to watch any of our games as teammates to fully appreciate and understand.” Q: As the tournament progressed, support for the Scorchers grew dramatically back home, with crowds gathering to watch matches Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 11
MALAWI SCORCHERS
Q: How do you hope your own success, and that of the Scorchers, inspires the next generation of Malawian footballers, both girls and boys? “We truly hope that every child who has a football dream uses our WAFCON journey as inspiration to refuse to give up and to believe in the impossible.” Q: How would you compare the opportunities available to young footballers in Malawi today with those that existed when you were growing up? “We have a long way to go but we are heading in the right direction. We still need massive investment in women’s football to reach the levels of the developed nations in Europe, the United States, China and Japan.” Q: What is your vision for the future of women's football in Malawi? “That our women’s football grows to have 90 per cent of the Scorchers playing in competitive leagues in Europe, US and Africa. In addition, we want to see that every girl wanting a football career has resources, infrastructure and support to realise her dream and participate in the economic growth of Malawi.” Q: The Scorchers’ WAFCON success means they have now qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2027. What do you believe the team can achieve on that stage? “Grab a ticket to Brazil and come watch Malawi! We will fight for our Flag that’s our promise to the nation.”
Goal machines
Both Tabitha and Temwa Chaŵinga have proved prolific goalscorers in every team, every country, and every level they have played.
TABITHA
TEMWA
Tabitha first blazed a trail, signing for Lilongwe club DD Sunshine aged just 13. In 24 appearances for the club, the teenage sensation scored 83 goals.
Temwa is known on the pitch for her incredible scoring ability as well as her colourful hairstyles that included vibrant blue during the Scorchers’ historic WAFCON run.
She was signed by Swedish team Kvarnsveden IK in 2015, making her the first Malawian women’s footballer to play for a European side. In her first season for the club Tabitha was the league's top scorer with 43 goals – 14 more than the next highest scorer. Amid interest from top teams all over the world, Tabitha signed for Chinese club Jiangsu Suning where she received the Player of the Year award in her first season scoring 31 goals. She retained the award in the following season with 38 goals in all competitions. Next came a loan spell at Inter Milan who play in Italy’s Serie A, one of the top women’s leagues in the world. Even at this level she proved a goal machine, scoring 23 goals in as many games. There was another loan spell the following season, this time with Paris St Germain where she netted 21 times in 19 appearances. Her achievements in the French top tier, the Première Ligue, led to a permanent move to Lyon where the goals have kept coming – 18 so far. Tabitha’s club success has sometimes restricted her availability for the Scorchers, but she has proved just as ruthless in front of goal for her national team scoring 30 goals in just 20 appearances.
Aged just 19 she proved she had already outgrown Malawian women’s football when in just three games for Blantyre Zero she scored 29 (yes, 29) goals. She joined her sister at Kvarnsveden IK, scoring 57 goals in 55 appearances. Next came a contract with Chinese side Wuhan Jianghan where Temwa scored 84 goals in 83 appearances. This included the 2023 league title-winning season in which she scored 51 goals for Wuhan and 12 for Malawi, making her the world’s top goal scorer for the year, male or female. In 2024 she joined the Kansas City Current and soon became the first Malawian to score in the NWSL – the top tier of women’s soccer in the US. The record breaking continues with Temwa the league’s top scorer and MVP in backto-back seasons. Temwa has also scored more than 30 goals for the Scorchers, including her Golden Boot-winning five at WAFCON 2026.
Q: Looking back on WAFCON, is your overriding feeling one of pride and achievement, or is there still disappointment at not winning the final? “Definitely of pride. The story is forever written: the underdogs played in the WAFCON final. Next time, we will not just play in the final, we will be the champions.” Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 13
FESTIVE GIFTS
MALAWI-MADE
Festive Gifts Looking for seasonal souvenirs that also support your local economy? Laura Schuerwegen, co-founder and CEO of Zomba Arts Platform, explores Malawi’s markets for inspiration.
ARTISANAL MARKETS IN MALAWI Interest in shopping local has grown in Malawi in recent years. Nowadays, most cities have their own market where producers of fresh produce and artisanal makers meet. These markets are often a good place to meet new people and find out what’s available and locally made. Once you've explored Malawi's markets, you'll find plenty of locally made products that make thoughtful festive gifts.
ZOMBA Malawi Made Market is hosted at Blend Lodge and Kitchen by Zomba Arts Platform every second Saturday of the month and brings together a variety of locally made products from macadamia nuts to chitenge fabric. Explore the stalls to a 100 per cent local soundtrack, often with a bonus afrohouse performance by resident DJ Karibs.
BLANTYRE Every first Saturday of the month, Blantyre’s Glass House sustainability centre hosts a big food and product market. The food fair is the biggest draw
and offers a great variety of international food and beverage. Blantyre Farmers market runs from 10am to 5pm with an entry charge of 500 MWK for adults and 300 MWK for children.
LILONGWE Woodlands Farmers’ market at the end of each month is the longest-running market in Malawi and offers a full-day outing for locals and visitors, with a wide array of local products and produce, and vendors coming from far and wide. The market also brings entertainment, such as local dancers or musicians.
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 15
FESTIVE GIFTS
Malawi Made gifts to buy this festive season
Moringa We continue the plant-based gifting trend with another one from Malawi’s botanical bounty, Moringa. Moringa can be used as a herbal supplement but is also very beneficial in skin care. Malawi-based company Moringa Acres has developed an excellent skincare range infused with Moringa. Online: Moringa Acres on Facebook
Handbags Handmade bags – especially those crafted from vibrant Chitenje fabric – make fantastic gifts. Mimie Arts, an arts and crafts store in Blantyre, sells handmade tote bags and traveling bags that are as strong as they are stylish.
16 / Tiyende
Coffee Foodies will love this must-have Malawi gift. Malawi’s coffee growing sector has increased exponentially in the past couple of years and the country now offers a nice variety of exportable coffee brands. The Higher Coffee Company is a small-batch specialty coffee roastery owned by AquaEdge Permaculture. Its single-origin Malawian Arabica is roasted in traditional clay pots for a smooth flavour profile.
FESTIVE GIFTS
Macadamia nuts Malawi is the world’s third largest macadamia grower, so why not gift some to your family and friends? Mumma Uchi is a beautiful local brand, based in Thondwe, which sells small batch roasted and salted macadamia. The packaging is so pretty there’s no need to gift wrap. Online: @mummauchimalawi on Instagram
Ady Bean Art Adyson Waite swapped California for Blantyre four years ago. Her eye-catching digital art pieces, released under the brand Ady Bean, captures the topography of some of the most famous locations in her adopted home. Her creations range from stickers through prints to T-shirts. You can find her work at La Caverna, African Habitat, Blantyre Farmer’s Market, and Tee’s Gallery in Zomba. Online: @ady.bean.mw on Instagram
Jewellery Malawi boasts a wonderful selection of handmade jewellery through brands such as Yewo Collective, Kennedy Kwithu Crafts, and Jupri Productions. Local markets are also a rich source of handmade designs. Online: @yewositolo and @jupriproductions on Instagram
Pottery Handmade pottery in Malawi centres around prominent local studios like Dedza Pottery and Lodge and Nkhotakota Pottery, which turn locally sourced clay into renowned handcrafted ceramics. Dedza Pottery, which has a quality lodge and restaurant on its beautiful grounds, is a great base for exploring the highland town of Dedza. Ngona Pottery sits on the banks of the Shire River in Chikwawa and can easily be combined with a visit to nearby Majete Wildlife Reserve. Kayak studios in Thyolo offers a very colourful selection. Online: @dedzapottery and @ngonapottery, on Instagram
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 17
ROOFTOP BARS
Nairobi’s BEST ROOFTOP BARS Nairobi’s finest views now come with a drinks list. Travel and tourism marketing professional Adam Maina takes the lift.
The one where you drink the best cocktails in Africa HERO, TRADEMARK HOTEL, LIMURU ROAD, GIGIRI At the World’s 50 Best Bars awards in 2025, Hero was named the finest bar on the continent and placed sixty-ninth on the planet. Nine floors above Gigiri, it commits fully to a comic-book conceit, with the menu filed under heroes, sidekicks and villains and the non-alcoholic drinks grouped as law enforcement. The view runs north across the diplomatic quarter toward the hills. Reserve ahead, the whole city has worked this one out.
The one where you dress for the occasion MR. PANG SKY BAR AND LOUNGE, JW MARRIOTT HOTEL, CHIROMO LANE, WESTLANDS Thirty-one floors up, this is the highest lounge in Nairobi. The kitchen is Pan-Asian, the room is adults only, and the house keeps a written dress code alongside a minimum spend. It’s worth the expense.
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 19
ROOFTOP BARS
The one where you finish dinner under the stars UPEPO. KWETU NAIROBI, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON Upepo does something no other rooftop in the city can. Floor-to-ceiling glass puts you level with the treetops of Karura Forest, and once the light has gone the roof slides back, so the last hour of dinner happens under open sky. The kitchen is Pan-Asian and was refreshed this year. Arrive for golden hour, order slowly, and stay until the ceiling opens.
The one where you watch aircraft and wildlife SKY LOUNGE. EMARA OLE-SERENI, MOMBASA ROAD Built along the fence line of Nairobi National Park, with an infinity pool pointed straight at it and a waterhole across the way. City skyline on one flank, plains game on the other, aircraft descending into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport overhead. No other capital in the world offers all three from the same seat. Come at dusk, when the animals move to water and the lights come on behind you.
The one where you watch the runway from your table TAZAMA. FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Ten minutes from the terminal, Tazama looks over Nairobi National Park on one side and the airport runway on the other. Combine the panoramic views with grills, craft beer and a heated rooftop pool. For anyone with a sunrise flight, this is the most enjoyable possible way to spend the evening before it.
20 / Tiyende
The one where you play HORIZON. THE GLEE HOTEL, NORTHERN BYPASS, RUNDA Seven floors above Runda with treetops on every side, Neapolitan pizzas and grill skewers, live music and rooftop games running most nights. Over-18s only, and open from early afternoon at weekends.
The one where you sing social NAIROBI STREET KITCHEN, MPAKA ROAD, WESTLANDS Live bands, karaoke and the big matches on screen, sitting on top of a complex holding nearly a dozen kitchens and bars that you wander through on the way up. Come hungry and come with people.
ROOFTOP BARS
The one where you can decide on SARABI ROOFTOP. SANKARA NAIROBI, WOODVALE GROVE, WESTLANDS Sarabi is the rooftop OG running a poolside deck on the eighth floor of the Sankara since long before the rest of the skyline caught on. Live music and guest DJs several nights a week, doors open daily until midnight, and walkins genuinely welcome.
The one where you take someone special TAMBOURIN. VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI, CHIROMO ROAD, WESTLANDS Cabanas, soft light and Levantine food served across a whole evening rather than a sitting. Tambourin is the most unapologetically romantic room on any Nairobi roof, and the Kempinski name still means exactly what it has always meant. This is the anniversary booking, and it knows it.
The one where you eat nyama choma in the sky KILELE NYAMA. IBIS STYLES NAIROBI WESTLANDS, RHAPTA ROAD Kenya’s national dish, served under a 360 degree view, with the Ngong Hills visible on a clear afternoon and live jazz on Friday evenings. Char-grilled cuts done properly, families very welcome, no ceremony required.
The one where you eat your way around the Mediterranean TROY. GEM FOREST HOTEL, MGALLERY, LIMURU Eight floors above Limuru Road, Troy runs a long mezze menu that wanders between Greece, Turkey and the Levant, with forest canopy in every direction. Ask for The Helena, the house cocktail, and order more small plates than you think you need.
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 21
ROOFTOP BARS
The one that comes with a film screening UNSEEN NAIROBI. WOOD AVENUE PLAZA, KILIMANI
The one where you get three evenings in one FIFTEEN. THE CURVE BY THE PARK, OFF MOMBASA ROAD Fifteen floors up with Nairobi National Park and the Ngong Hills held in the frame, and three separate spaces on the same roof, a sunset lounge, a chef’s table and a bar. The evening can change direction twice without anybody leaving the building.
Twelve floors above Kilimani, Unseen pairs a garden-style terrace with an independent cinema seating around 80 people in cheerfully pink chairs. Screenings run most evenings at seven and the ticket comes with a cocktail, popcorn and wireless headphones. The kitchen leans Asian, bao buns and Korean fried chicken, and on Sunday mornings they screen for children. It is the most quietly original thing on any roof in the city.
The one where you keep the view whatever the sky is doing THE LOCATION. ALTA TOWERS, RING ROAD, KILIMANI Thirteen floors up with the full panorama wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass, so the view is yours in every season. The drinks list is the strength here. Ask for a window table when you reserve.
Need to know • 5pm to 7pm is the golden hour (ok, two hours). Nairobi sunsets move quickly and the light is the whole point. • A collar and closed shoes will comfortably get you into every room on this list. • Reserve ahead for Hero, Upepo and Mr. Pang. Sarabi and Kilele Nyama will happily take you as you arrive. • Book the film as well as the table if you are heading to Unseen. • Staying near the airport? Tazama makes the evening before a flight the best hour of the trip.
Adam Maina is a travel and lifestyle expert based in Nairobi. He has worked in Kenyan travel and tourism for over 15 years and is marketing manager at Bountiful Safaris.
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 23
SCAR OF LIFE
FROM SCAR TO STAGE How Scar of Life is empowering Malawi’s next generation of socially conscious creatives. n new stage production Court of Hearts, audiences are invited into a courtroom where questions of truth, accountability and gender-based violence are fiercely contested. Through stories of love, betrayal, family loyalty and justice, the production asks audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about their own values and beliefs.
I
24 / Tiyende
Yet beyond the spotlight lies another story of judgement. Many of the young Malawians involved in Court of Hearts encounter scepticism from a society that often regards artistic careers as unrealistic or unproductive. It is precisely this challenge that Blantyre-based theatre and film production company Scar of Life
Youth Organisation was created to address. Founded by executive director Valentino Vincent Molosen, Scar of Life is helping young people discover that creativity is not a distraction from development but a powerful tool for personal growth, leadership and social change. “I saw many talented young people who can act, write, perform,
SCAR OF LIFE
“Court of Hearts is not intended to be only a legal drama. It uses the courtroom as a platform to explore deeper human issues such as love, betrayal, family loyalty, truth, power and justice”
organise events or communicate very well, but they often lack opportunities, mentorship, resources and networks,” says Molosen. “Scar of Life was set up to say: ‘if the opportunity is not available, let us create one.’” That philosophy remains at the heart of the organisation today. Rather than waiting for investment or opportunities to arrive, Scar of Life has focused on creating its own productions and projects as platforms for young people to learn, collaborate and grow.
Courtroom drama For Molosen, the appeal of Court of Hearts – Scar of Life’s most recent theatrical production – lay in the courtroom itself. It is a setting naturally suited to conflict, consequence and difficult questions and allows the cast to explore deeper human experiences. “Court of Hearts is not intended to be only a legal drama. It uses the courtroom as a platform to explore deeper human issues such as love, betrayal, family loyalty, truth, power and justice.” At its centre is the issue of gender-based violence, a challenge that continues to affect communities across Malawi and the wider region.
Rather than presenting simple heroes and villains, the production seeks to reveal the complexity of human relationships and moral choices. “The courtroom gives us an opportunity to show that when serious harm occurs, there are consequences and that truth and accountability matter,” says Molosen. “At the same time, we wanted the characters to feel human.” Behind every performance is an extensive network of young people gaining skills and experience. Alongside actors are photographers, costume designers, videographers,
(Above) Scar of Life founder and executive director Vincent Molosen
sound technicians, stage managers and public relations teams, all contributing to the final production. This practical approach is central to the organisation’s philosophy. Rather than relying solely on workshops and certificates, participants learn by doing. “We tell young people that talent alone is not enough. You need discipline, Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 25
SCAR OF LIFE
training, experience, networking and professionalism,” Molosen says. The emphasis on professionalism is particularly important in a country where many still view the arts as a hobby rather than a viable career path. “Scar of Life creates practical opportunities where young people can actually participate in productions rather than simply attending workshops and receiving certificates.” Molosen believes Malawi’s creative sector possesses enormous talent but lacks the infrastructure and investment needed to fully realise its potential.
Creative collective “Talent needs an ecosystem around it. You need venues, producers, investors, equipment, training, distribution, marketing, audiences and professional networks.” Scar of Life's response has been to contribute to that ecosystem one project at a time. The organisation intentionally brings together people from different creative disciplines, recognising that artistic success depends on collaboration. In Court of Hearts local fashion designers created the costumes for he cast. “A theatre production is never only about actors,” says Molosen. “Malawian creative talent should have opportunities to work together." “Our mission is to empower young people to recognise their
26 / Tiyende
potential, develop practical skills and actively contribute to their communities and the development of Malawi.” The organisation encourages participants to become innovators and opportunity creators rather than waiting for opportunities to arrive. "We want to create young people who are not simply waiting for someone to employ them, but who can create, lead, innovate and build opportunities for others."
The Court of Hearts cast in rehearsals
For many participants, involvement in a production becomes the first step in discovering both their abilities and their ambitions. There are plans to adopt Court of Hearts from stage to screen with a feature film version involving actors and creatives from Malawi, Kenya and Uganda, with a planned premiere in Kenya. For Molosen, the project is an opportunity to demonstrate that stories developed in Malawi can resonate across Africa. “Ultimately, our vision is a Malawian story, developed by African creatives, connecting African audiences.” Throughout its work, Scar of Life is guided by the motto "Together we can". For Molosen, the phrase reflects the belief that creativity, when matched with opportunity, discipline and mentorship, can transform lives. Just as Court of Hearts asks audiences to reflect on justice, responsibility and social change, Scar of Life challenges Malawi to rethink how it values young people and the arts. For the young people stepping onto the stage, the verdict is far from predetermined. Scar of Life is giving them the tools to write their own story.
For more information or to get involved in the net production, call +265884352415 or +265997286355 or email scaroflifefilms@gmail.com
COMPETITION
Your next journey could be on us
WIN A MALAWI AIRLINES RETURN TICKET Love to travel? Then why not let your next adventure begin with us? We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a return ticket between Lilongwe or Blantyre and Johannesburg with Malawi Airlines.
HOW TO ENTER It couldn’t be easier. Simply take a picture of yourself holding this issue of Tiyende while on your Malawi Airlines flight today and email your photograph to: competition@landmarine.org That’s it — you’ll be entered into the draw for your chance to win a return flight between Lilongwe or Blantyre and Johannesburg. Closing date for entries: 10th December 2026. Good luck - and happy travels!
Whether you’re travelling for business, catching up with family and friends, or simply enjoying the journey, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of having your next trip already planned. And this time, the ticket is on us. Competition Terms & Conditions. Prize subject to availability. One entry per person. Entrants must be 18 years or older. The decision of the organisers will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into. Employees of Malawi Airlines and Land & Marine Publications Ltd and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. The prize does not include flights or any other transport. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Competition closes on 10 December 2026. Winners will be contacted directly.
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 27
INTERVIEW
More than a decade behind the wheel Tiyende continues its series spotlighting the people who keep Malawi Airlines running behind the scenes. In this edition, Christopher Khifa Nyasulu, the airline’s longestserving driver, reflects on his journey since joining the company at its launch in 2014.
What inspired you to join Malawi Airlines? I joined Malawi Airlines as a driver when the airline launched in 2014. The role gives me an opportunity to contribute to the success of Malawi’s national airline. I take pride in knowing that my work as a driver supports smooth flight operations and helps create a positive experience for our passengers. Q: How would you describe your journey with the airline? My journey has been fruitful and rewarding. Over the years, I have grown both personally and professionally, gaining valuable experience, building lasting relationships with my colleagues, and developing a deeper understanding of my responsibilities. Every challenge I have faced has
28 / Tiyende
helped me become a more productive, dedicated, reliable, and disciplined employee. I remain committed to serving the company with loyalty, professionalism, and pride. Q: What are some of the most memorable moments or experiences you’ve had in the role? Crew pick-ups are a vital part of my job. When there are delays on the road it can become stressful with supervisors and managers from different departments immediately calling to find out what happened, where the driver is, and how many minutes remain before reaching the airport. This proves how important a driver to the company. Although these situations are challenging, they have taught me to remain
calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and focus on getting the crew to the airport safely and as quickly as possible. They have strengthened my understanding of the importance of punctuality, teamwork, and effective communication in airline operations. Q: What are some of the biggest changes you have observed within Malawi Airlines during your time here? I have seen improvements in the company’s operations, growth in professionalism, and a stronger focus on safety and customer service. I have also seen changes in the fleet, the introduction of new technologies and work procedures, improvements in staff development, and stronger teamwork. These changes have helped the airline become more efficient and better equipped to serve its passengers. Q: What challenges have you faced throughout your career, and how have those experiences shaped you both professionally and personally? One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a junior employee is working under different senior leaders, including CEOs, finance directors, and managers. Every leader brings a different management style and new ideas. Adapting to each new leadership style takes time. I have learned to work effectively with different leadership styles while remaining committed to my responsibilities and maintaining a positive attitude. Q: As one of the longest-serving employees of Malawi Airlines, what message or advice would you like to share with younger employees who are beginning their journey with the airline? I am really very happy that the company is bringing in new, young, energetic, and active employees. My message to them as colleagues is to remain committed, professional, and proud of what we do every day in all our different departments.
MAKUZI BEACH LODGE
THE GARDEN THAT GREW FROM
5 TREES
Lara Pollard, the co-owner of exclusive retreat Makuzi Beach Lodge on the northern shores of Lake Malawi reveals the labour of love behind the property’s lush gardens. hen guests visit Makuzi Beach Lodge today, they wander through lush gardens, spot vanilla under the shade, cacao pods on trunks, and pineapples pushing up from the soil. Few realise that when my family arrived in 1993, the land held only five trees. The rest was cassava. Nothing like the tropical space that exists now. What followed was never a business plan. It was a labour of love. For more than 30 years Makuzi has been our home. I met my husband, Brett, here, we raised
W
our sons here and together we’ve spent countless hours planting, experimenting and learning. We didn’t set out to build a spice garden or even consider it would become a business. We just wanted to create a beautiful place to live and share. Both of us love gardening, collecting plants and cooking. But living in remote Malawi meant fresh herbs, fruits and spices simply weren’t available. So, we grew them ourselves. Every spare corner slowly became something new, a fruit tree here, a spice variety there, a tropical plant
Cookery courses at Makuzi reveal the fresh spices and produce grown in the lodge's garden
added to the collection. The gardens expanded, then expanded again. Today the property holds more than 30 fruit varieties, more than 40 indigenous trees, palms and tropical species as well as countless herbs, spices and medicinal plants. We stopped counting the number of trees we planted years ago. The number is in the thousands, planted here at Makuzi and in local schools and communities. We planted because trees mattered, not to keep records. Our spice journey began in 2008 with a single arm’s-length cutting Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 29
MAKUZI BEACH LODGE
of vanilla. Sourced from an organic farm in India. From that one vine came over 200 thriving vanilla vines. Vanilla taught us patience, each flower hand pollinated. We started with five flowers a week. Now at peak we pollinate 380 a day. From vanilla came cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, citronella and dozens more. The hobby grew, and in 2023 it became Rift Lake Spice Co.
Garden-to-plate Our cacao started with a single pod from Indonesia. Those seeds became trees, those trees produced more pods. Today we have more than 400 cacao trees. We’re still harvesting from only a few, but each season the yield grows. We ferment and dry our own beans for wellness retreats and cacao ceremonies at Makuzi. For years we’ve worked with a local beekeeper and his traditional hives on the property. His knowledge is woven into the gardens. That honey goes into the lodge’s jams, chutneys, pickles and preserves, all made from fruit, herbs and spices we grow.
30 / Tiyende
The greatest joy is sharing it. What began as our kitchen garden is now ‘A Journey Through Spices’, a garden-to-plate experience. Guests harvest seasonal herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables straight from the garden before joining us in our private kitchen to prepare a threecourse meal.
Wellness retreat They learn flavour combinations and techniques, and we finish at the Chef’s Table overlooking Lake Malawi, eating food grown just metres away. For many, it’s the first time they see vanilla on a vine or learn where chocolate comes from. Harvesting with your hands reconnects you to
The garden now has more than 400 cacao trees
food in a way that’s becoming rare. Today Makuzi remains a small, family-run lodge with nine rooms on a secluded stretch of Lake Malawi. About 90 per cent of our kitchen ingredients are local or homegrown. Sustainability isn’t a slogan for us, it’s just how we live. The gardens have also become the base for wellness retreats, cacao ceremonies, yoga, sound healing, and creative experiences that invite guests to slow down and reconnect with nature, the same peace that drew us here three decades ago. Looking back, the real story isn’t about spices at all. It’s about planting something small, caring for it daily and trusting it will grow into more than you imagined.
CHILD MARRIAGE
Fund continues the vital work of Malawi’s
“CHILD MARRIAGE TERMINATOR” Honouring the life and legacy of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto. “I remember the late Chief Kachindamoto in many ways, because she changed my life," says a young survivor of child marriage in Malawi. She is one of more than 3,500 girls whose marriages were annulled by Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto. A true African leader, Chief Kachindamoto proved that change begins at grassroots. Through her bold, bottom-up approach, she worked with UN Women, the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, civil society, and traditional leaders to end hundreds of child marriages, return girls to school and raise Malawi’s legal age of marriage. In a society where deep-rooted traditions resisted progress, she stood firm, reshaping cultural norms with courage, persistence, and visionary leadership.
The reality Child marriage is illegal in Malawi: no one may marry before the age of 18. Yet the reality is often different. According to government sources, 38 per cent of girls in Malawi are married before their 18th birthday. For each of them, the horizon narrows before it has had a chance to open. Chief Kachindamoto died on August 13, 2025, aged 66. On 25 November 2025, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Chief
Kachindamoto Fund was launched to honour her life and legacy. Known as the “child marriage terminator” in Malawi and beyond, Chief Kachindamoto demonstrated the power of traditional leadership to transform communities. She also played a pivotal role in Malawi’s 2017 constitutional amendment raising the legal age of marriage from 15 to 18. Together with its partners, UN Women works with UNICEF and UNFPA to transform the discriminatory social norms that allow child marriage to continue. By combining education and economic opportunities for girls with leadership and close collaboration with traditional leaders, the Fund carries Chief Kachindamoto’s work forward. Guided by her vision, the Chief Kachindamoto Fund seeks to ensure that every girl in Malawi has the freedom to pursue a future of her own choosing.
For more information please contact: Monika Bihlmaier at: monika.bihlmaier@unwomen.org or Linda Assani at linda.assani@unwomen.org
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 31
KUTI WILDLIFE RESERVE
A new chapter for KUTI WILDLIFE RESERVE estled between Lilongwe and Lake Malawi, Kuti Wildlife Reserve has long been one of Malawi’s hidden conservation success stories. Once known for thriving populations of zebra, sable antelope and other wildlife, the reserve became an important source of animals for reintroduction programmes across the country, helping support Malawi's growing reputation as a safari destination. But like many tourism-dependent conservation areas, Kuti faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Visitor numbers collapsed, tourism revenue disappeared and pressure on the natural environment increased. Wildlife populations declined, fencing deteriorated and illegal activities such as poaching began to threaten years of conservation progress. Today, however, a new chapter is unfolding. At the heart of this recovery is the Kuti Experience, which is working alongside conservation and tourism partners to restore the reserve's wildlife, rebuild infrastructure and strengthen relationships with surrounding communities. The vision is ambitious: to return Kuti to a safe and thriving environment where both people and wildlife can flourish. One of the first priorities has been addressing the factors that
N
32 / Tiyende
After a decline following the Covid-19 pandemic, Kuti Wildlife Reserve is being given a new lease of life. Through the work of the Kuti Experience and conservation partners, efforts are underway to restore wildlife populations, strengthen community involvement and secure the future of one of Malawi's most accessible wildlife destinations.
led to wildlife losses in recent years. Efforts are underway to improve fencing, reduce human-wildlife conflict and create stronger partnerships with neighbouring villages. Community engagement has become a cornerstone of the reserve's recovery strategy, recognising that long-term conservation can only succeed when local communities benefit from protecting natural resources.
Opportunities Innovative initiatives are already being developed. Discussions with nearby farmers have explored opportunities to grow sunflower crops that can be sold to the reserve for horse feed, creating an economic incentive to help protect the reserve boundary. Plans are also progressing for a buffer zone of fast-growing indigenous trees that could provide a sustainable source of fuel wood while reducing pressure on natural woodland. Nature itself is responding. Across the reserve, previously cleared areas are beginning to regenerate, and wildlife continues to breed successfully. Pregnant sable antelope and young animals are increasingly being spotted, offering encouraging signs that populations can recover if given adequate protection. Kuti's role in Malawi's wider conservation landscape is also expanding. Working with Lilongwe
(Top) Sable antelope in the Kuti Wildlife Reserve. (Above) A Verreaux's eagleowl surveys the reserve at night.
Wildlife Centre, the reserve has become an important release site for rehabilitated wildlife. Barn owls, water mongooses and a brown snake eagle have already found new homes within the reserve, contributing to the gradual restoration of a more balanced ecosystem.
Visitors returning The reserve remains unique within Malawi's tourism offering. Without large predators, visitors can explore Kuti on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback, creating opportunities for close encounters with nature in a safe and accessible setting. These activities provide valuable tourism revenue that directly supports ongoing conservation efforts.
KUTI WILDLIFE RESERVE
'Visitors can explore Kuti on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback'
While challenges remain, optimism is growing. Visitor numbers are steadily increasing, community relationships are strengthening and wildlife is beginning to reclaim its place within the reserve. The restoration of Kuti is about more than recovering a wildlife area. It is an example of how conservation, tourism and community partnership can work together to rebuild natural landscapes. As
Malawi continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa's emerging safari destinations, Kuti Wildlife Reserve offers a powerful reminder that, given the opportunity, nature has an extraordinary capacity to recover.
To book a visit to Kuti Wildlife Reserve go to www.kuti-wildlife.org Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 33
24 HOURS IN…
24 hours in… LUSAKA Tiyende puts together the perfect one-day itinerary in the Zambian capital.
7.30am:
Breakfast at Mint Lounge, Rhodes Park Start you day in Rhodes Park. The leafy central neighbourhood is a picturesque place for exploring on foot, especially in September through November when the large, mature jacaranda trees that line the streets burst into violet bloom. You’ll also find some excellent cafés here. Mint Lounge (mint_lounge_lsk on Instagram) is a favourite among Lusaka residents. The café serves excellent coffee, freshly baked pastries and substantial breakfast plates. Its shaded outdoor seating makes it particularly pleasant before the midday heat arrives. After breakfast, take a short taxi ride to the city centre.
8.30am:
Lusaka National Museum Morning is the perfect time to visit the Lusaka National Museum, before it gets crowded with tour groups. The large modern building has two floors with exhibition space on the top storey housing an engaging introduction to Zambian history with artefacts including a replica of the Kabwe Man skull, thought to date back 300,000 years. On 34 / Tiyende
the ground floor there are excellent examples of Zambian contemporary art with the most attention-grabbing being the eight-metre-high Anti-Retroviral Man statue built by local artists out of hospital beds to honour HIV/Aids awareness. There is another gigantic sculpture just a short walk from the museum along Independence Avenue. The Freedom Statue is a 4-metre work in bronze inspired by a real-life event in the fight for independence involving Zanco Mpundu Mutembo. He was bound in heavy chains by colonial authorities in front of armed soldiers and ordered to break free or be shot – a seemingly impossible task he managed to accomplish through sheer strength. The statue – unveiled October 23 1974, 10 years after Zambia’s independence from colonial rule –has become such a profound symbol of unity and resilience that its image appears on all denominations of the Zambian kwacha currency. From here, a short taxi ride brings you to one of Lusaka's best-known cultural attractions.
Mint Lounge for breakfast then Lusaka National Museum
1pm:
Lunch at Marlin Restaurant
11.00am:
Kabwata Cultural Village Few places showcase Zambia's artistic heritage better than Kabwata
Cultural Village. Established to preserve and promote traditional crafts, the village consists of artisan workshops and stalls selling wood carvings, baskets, paintings, jewellery and textiles. Visitors can watch craftspeople at work and speak directly with artists about their techniques and traditions. This is also the ideal place to buy authentic souvenirs rather than imported curios.
Boris Mayer / Shutterstock.com
For a genuine taste of Zambia, head to Marlin Restaurant (marlin_restaurant on Instagram), one of Lusaka’s longest-established local eateries. It is the place to try traditional dishes such as nshima (the country’s staple maize dish), and chikanda, which is also known as ‘Zambian sausage’ because of its firm, meaty texture but is actually a vegan-friendly dish made by boiling wild terrestrial orchid tubers with
24 HOURS IN LUSAKA
shopping, cafés, bookstores and boutiques. On Sundays, it is particularly known for its crafts market, where local artists and designers display their work. Even when the market is not operating, Arcades offers a fascinating glimpse into modern urban life in Lusaka. Take a coffee break at one of the centre’s cafés before preparing for sunset.
Head to Latitude 15º for its atmosphere
Park Mall’s with a dense strip of restaurants, bars, lounges, and clubs is this cool and cosy venue that operates as a bistro during the day and transitions into a nightlife lounge. Expect DJs, live acts, dancing and a mix of local and international music that continues well into the early hours. Alternatively, those preferring something quieter can return to Latitude 15° for a final nightcap in more relaxed surroundings.
5.45pm:
Sundowners at Latitude 15°
2.30pm:
Henry Tayali Art Gallery It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride north to the Henry Tayali Art Gallery, named after one of Zambia's most celebrated artists. The gallery showcases contemporary Zambian painting, sculpture and mixed-media works, providing an excellent counterpoint to the traditional crafts seen earlier in the day. It is a compact gallery, allowing visitors to enjoy the exhibits without committing an entire afternoon.
4pm:
Shopping and peoplewatching at Arcades From the gallery, continue to Arcades Shopping Centre, one of Lusaka's most popular lifestyle destinations. The centre combines
This itinerary has been designed to minimise travel across Lusaka’s sprawling geography. Most journeys are between five and 15 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing service. Walking is practical around Arcades and Rhodes Park itself, but the city's attractions are generally best connected by car. The primary ride-hailing services operating in Lusaka are Yango, which has fixed upfront pricing calculated through the app, and inDrive that allows passengers to propose a fare and negotiate or bargain with nearby drivers. A locally developed option is Ulendo, which is also becoming popular among Lusaka residents for city transits.
10pm until late:
Drinks and nightlife Lusaka’s nightlife is concentrated in the eastern suburbs, allowing you to move easily between venues. East Park Mall is widely considered one of the best and safest spots for nightlife, dining, and socialising in Lusaka. Located at the corner of Great East Road and Thabo Mbeki Road, it transitions from a busy shopping hub into a lively evening destination Live music and late-night drinks: Tyche Bistro Lounge (tyche. bistrolounge on Instagram) A new addition to the East
Bernard Mwape / Shutterstock.com
pounded peanuts, chili, and baking soda or ash water until it forms a savoury, solid loaf.
Getting Around
For the city's most stylish sundowner experience, head to Latitude 15° (@latitude15lusaka on Instagram), a boutique hotel renowned for its sophisticated atmosphere. The terrace and gardens provide an elegant setting alongside the heated outdoor pools for cocktails as the afternoon light softens over Lusaka. Order a local Mosi lager or one of the hotel’s creative gin cocktails while watching the city begin its evening transformation. It’s worth sticking around at Latitude 15° for dinner as the hotel has a stylish restaurant that serves a diverse, contemporary menu combining international and European dishes with local Zambian twists (such as local beef and fresh regional produce).
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 35
LIN THE POET
‘If you’re waiting for permission to begin, this is it.
Start’
If you are a regular reader of Tiyende magazine, you’ll be familiar with the work of Sibusisiwe Shaba, better known as Lin the Poet. But who is the person behind the poems? In this exclusive interview she shares her thoughts on how inspiration arrives, why perfection is the enemy of action, and her passion for empowering a community of Healing Warriors.
Q: Can you take me back to the beginning of your creative journey? My creative journey began long before I called myself a poet. I was about 10 years old, in Standard 6, and already writing dialogue-based conversations and little stories. I had a wild imagination and loved stories in many forms. At that age, I didn't think of it as a creative career. I simply loved creating stories and sharing them with people around me. A friend at school enjoyed reading what I wrote and encouraged me to write more, and that small encouragement stayed with me. Later, I discovered writers and poets such as Langston Hughes and Malawian poet Qabaniso Malewezi, whose work further opened my eyes to the power of language, identity, and cultural expression. So, I suppose I was a storyteller before I knew I was one. Poetry and
36 / Tiyende
visual art are simply two of the ways that storytelling has evolved for me. Q: Was there a particular moment that made you realise you had something you needed to share? I think the realisation came gradually rather than through one dramatic moment. Sometimes someone will tell me that a piece helped them through a difficult season, gave them words for something they had been feeling, or simply made them stop and reflect. Writing has also been important to me during some of my own difficult seasons. It became a therapeutic way of processing emotions, making sense of experiences, and finding meaning in things I was going through. So, there wasn't one moment when I suddenly decided, “I am a poet.” It has been a gradual
Lin's poems aim to be empowering and a form of therapy for her 'Soul Tribe' of readers
Lin's poems are also inspiration for her illustrations
realisation that this is something I am meant to continue doing. Q: How do poetry and illustration work together for you? For me, words and art speak two different but connected languages. When I create artwork for a poem, I am not necessarily trying to illustrate every line literally. I am trying to capture its emotional atmosphere. At the same time, poetry can give an image a voice. It can introduce a story, give an object meaning, or take the reader somewhere that a visual alone cannot. For me, they are both ways of making the invisible visible. Q: How much of your work comes from your own personal experiences? A lot of my work begins with personal experience, but not everything
All images by Lin the Poet
I write is autobiographical. I think personal experience gives writing emotional truth, but imagination allows that experience to become something larger than one person’s story. When I write about healing, for example, I may be drawing from something I have experienced, but I am also thinking about the many people who have had to rebuild themselves quietly. So, my work may begin with me, but I hope it doesn't end with me. Q: Why is “action over perfection” so important to you? This is actually a reminder to myself as much as it is a message to others. I struggle sometimes with the pursuit of perfection. I can spend too much time thinking, refining, second-guessing, and wondering whether something is good enough. The danger is that in trying to make something perfect, you can end up not doing it at all. For me, action doesn't mean producing careless work. It means allowing myself to begin, to learn, to improve, and to keep moving. Q: What would you say to someone who has a dream but is afraid of criticism or failure? I think it is a great disservice to yourself to leave this world without sharing one of the talents or passions God gave you. Of course, people will judge you. People may criticise what you create, question your choices, or tell you that you are not good enough. I think we are often more afraid of other people's opinions than we are of our own future regrets. So, write the book. Paint the picture. Start the business. Sing the song. Apply for the opportunity. Create the thing you keep thinking about. Q: Who are the “Comeback Queens, Kings and Healing Warriors” you
“My work may begin with me, but I hope it doesn't end with me.”
LIN THE POET
their work with me and with one another. That is what I love about it. It isn't just me speaking and everyone else listening. It is becoming a community. Q: Where can readers find your work? Readers can find my work on Substack at www.motivationalvibeswithlin.substack.com/, where I share poetry, reflective writing, motivational pieces, and stories around love, healing, identity, purpose, and becoming. I also share some of my original artwork on Pinterest. Ultimately, I hope people take something personal from my work. I just want something to meet them where they are.
say you write for? They are people who refuse to give up. The healing warriors are people going through the pangs and pains of life. They may be hurting, exhausted, uncertain, or trying to find their way again. Life has kicked many of us way down at some point. Sometimes you fall so hard that standing back up feels impossible. Sometimes you have to crawl first. Crawl until you find your strength. Crawl until you find your footing. Crawl until you can stand. Then stand. I write for the person who needs to know that falling down does not disqualify them from rising again.
Read Lin's work at www. motivationalvibes withlin.substack. com
Q: What would Lin the Poet say to someone still waiting for the perfect moment to begin? Start anyway. You may never feel completely ready. There will always be another skill to learn, another reason to wait, or another person who seems further ahead. Take the first imperfect step. Write the first sentence. Make the first sketch. Send the application. Start the business. Create the thing you keep thinking about. And if you fail, let the failure become information rather than a verdict on who you are. So if you're waiting for permission, this is it. Start.
Q: How did the Soul Tribe community come into being? I wanted a name for my community, and Soul Tribe felt very relatable to me, especially coming from Africa. It felt like a space built around connection, belonging, and shared energy. I have an ongoing chat for my subscribers where people can share
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 37
LIN THE POET
Last word with
Zomba-based writer Sibusisiwe Shaba has long used writing as a source of encouragement and reflection. Under the name Lin the Poet, she shares empowering poems that speak to the inner struggles and turning points people experience in life. ‘The Moment we met God’ is one of nearly 30 poems she has published online, alongside her own original illustrations.
The moment we met God They were looking at God. And God was looking at them. Not from a voice that splits the sky, not from a height no hand could reach but from the quiet center of the moment. Their eyes lifted upward, full of questions, full of longing. Hands folded like small bridges between doubt and hope.
They searched the heavens for a sign, for a voice that could hold the weight of everything.
They began to recognize it that same fire moving softly through their bones.
But God was looking at them.
And God was looking back through their eyes.
They were looking at God.
Watching the fragile courage in the way they loved each other, the stubborn light they carried through dark days. And somewhere between prayer and breath their chests began to warm, a familiar hum rising from the marrow.
To read more work by Lin the Poet head to www.motivationalvibes withlin.substack.com
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 39
DODO NYOKA
40 / Tiyende
DODO NYOKA
DODO NYOKA
The country singer creating a place where everyone belongs
How South African singer found his voice to beat the bullies and go from silence to stardom. here were times when Dodo Nyoka could have been forgiven for believing there was no place in the world for him. Forced to flee the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo as a child, he arrived in South Africa carrying the trauma of displacement and the uncertainty of starting over. In the Eastern Cape, school brought new hardships. Bullied because of a severe stutter, he eventually stopped speaking altogether for several months. It was in that silence that he discovered the power of music. “I never fit in the world and then I realised I was made to create a place where everyone can belong.” Few artists embody Nelson Mandela's ideal of the Rainbow Nation as completely as Dodo, Nyoka's stage name. Here is a Congolese-born African who grew up in South Africa, dresses in a Stetson, boot-cut jeans and spurs, and sings self-penned country songs that bridge cultures, languages and histories. In doing so, he has built a multi-racial fanbase running into the millions and challenged assumptions about who country music belongs to. Today, Dodo stands among the brightest stars of South Africa's growing country music scene. His breakthrough hit ‘Foto’s
The DRC-born artist has adopted the look and sound of country music as a singer
Photograph: Mark Photography
T
became a viral success, while songs such as ‘Jannaman’, ‘Meisie’, ‘Country Girl van Bloem’, ‘Dancin' In The Stars’ and ‘Days Go’ have helped him build a diverse fanbase across the country. But the same struggle that once left him withdrawn would ultimately ignite a lifelong passion for communication. Determined not to be defined by his speech impediment, Nyoka threw himself into developing his confidence and mastering language, using singing to improve both his English and Afrikaans. What began as a refuge from ridicule became a mission to connect with people through words, stories and ideas, whether on stage, in song or in public speaking.
Defining moment His determination eventually took him so far that in 2019 he won a national public-speaking competition while advocating for rhino conservation. Nyoka earned a scholarship to study civil engineering at the University of Pretoria. Intelligent and academically gifted, he seemed destined for a conventional professional career. But music continued calling him back. The defining moment arrived during a school theatre production.
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 41
DODO NYOKA
“I played in a school play in my senior year and the crowd put on their flashlights in appreciation,” he says. “In that moment I realised this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his engineering studies, creating an unexpected turning point. Returning to music, he started again from scratch, performing in coffee shops and pubs while building a following one audience at a time.
“After my first big heartbreak I wrote a song in Afrikaans about it and it became one of my biggest hits”
Then came his breakthrough. In 2022, Nyoka entered the popular South African music competition Die Kontrak. Finishing as runner-up, he earned a management contract and introduced himself to a national audience. “The experience was quite intense, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life because I believe you can’t compare art or music and in the competition, we had to compete.” Yet the programme changed everything. “I feel the show was a stepping stone for my career and it changed my life by helping me create a platform to share my message with the world.”
Authentic stories The biggest lesson? “Stay true to your own purpose and calling and remember that comparison is the thief of joy. We all have our own race to run.” Country music may seem an unlikely genre to embrace, but for Nyoka, the attraction was immediate. “What drew me to country was the authentic storytelling and the organic melodic productions in country music. Country music has always been a part of me.” Country’s appeal lies in what practitioners often call “three chords and the truth” – an honest, heart-on-sleeve tradition of expressing love, heartbreak, pain and resilience.
42 / Tiyende
Photograph: Mark Photography
Big break
Nyoka experienced that power personally after high school. “After my first big heartbreak I wrote a song in Afrikaans about it and it became one of my biggest hits, Country Girl van Bloem.” That emotional honesty remains at the centre of everything he creates. “With the rise of AI people are now yearning
Dodo wants his music to bring all cultures together
for authenticity and substance and the only music genre I feel has that is country music.” Although commonly associated with white America, many historians have pointed to country music’s African influences. For Nyoka, the connection feels obvious. “There is a big similarity between country music and African musical traditions because it doesn't matter where in the world, people who live in the countryside love to tell stories around a fire about their experiences because it brings the community together. “Even the banjo originated from West Africa, so country music in itself has the same musical roots as African music.” Nyoka's success is built on crossing cultural boundaries. His songs are largely performed in Afrikaans. The significance of that choice should not be underestimated. Afrikaans remains a language with a complicated history in South Africa, yet Nyoka has transformed it into a bridge rather than a barrier. “It is very important for me to bridge cultures because my purpose and mission is to unite the world through music and to show people that we are all part of one race, and that is the human race.”
MORE AFRICAN COUNTRY MUSIC STARS Jess Sah Bi and Peter One: The Côte d'Ivoire duo has experienced a career revival (albeit as solo acts now) after the successful international reissue of their 1985 album ‘Our Garden Needs Its Flowers’ multi-platinum country albums and career spanning over two decades. Sir Elvis (Elvis Otieno): Kenya has a thriving country music scene. hosting the annual International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day Festival with Sir Elvis among the performers. The
Nairobi-based musician is known as the “Country King of Kenya,” and celebrated for his deep baritone and classic western-style performances. Esther Konkara: A prominent artist affectionately referred to as the “Kenyan Dolly Parton,” whose rural upbringing inspires her heartfelt country ballads. Clive Bruce: A legendary South African performer nicknamed the “Midnight Cowboy.”
Information
Useful information for flying with Malawi Airlines
OUR FLEET
BOEING 737-800 Seating capacity: 138 (economy) 16 (business)
BOEING 737-700 Seating capacity 118
DE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-8 DASH 8 Seating capacity: 60 (economy) 7 (business)
For the latest flights, information and to book download our app or visit www.malawian-airlines.com Reservations:
+265 992 991 097
reservations@malawian-airlines.com
CHECKING IN All check-in counters are opened two hours before departure. Passengers need to ensure that they come with confirmed bookings, and travel documents in order for their respective destination and transit points, which they will need to present at the counters. Passengers must also ensure that their luggage is within the allowed weight/piece for their particular flight. Any weight/piece above the allowance will incur extra charge.
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
7 KG
One (1) piece with a maximum weight of 7kgs is free of charge
Separate counters are available for Cloud Nine (business class)passengers with membership cards. Once Cloud Nine passengers have completed their check-in process they will be given an invitation card to use the Cloud Nine Lounge located at the Departure Area. Check-in at the counter For personal service, our friendly staffs at our check-in counters at airports we fly to around the world are happy to help you. They make sure that your baggage is checked through to your final destination and give you your boarding pass. Baggage check-in Checked Baggage: Passengers are permitted a free checked baggage allowance the limit of which may differ by class and point of origin-destination. Excess baggage may be carried on payment of applicable charges. Cabin/hand baggage: On all Malawian routes you are allowed to carry only one piece of hand baggage with a maximum weight of 7kgs and measuring not more than 20x40x55cms or 8x16x22inches into the cabin. Check-in/reporting time The time shown on flight coupons is the departure time of the aircraft. In order to perform check-in operations in due time, the passenger is requested to report at the airport check-in counter two hours prior to flights departure.
All carry-on baggage should be suitable for placement in the overhead rack or under the passenger’s seat. The total of all dimensions added together (L+W+H) shall not exceed 115 cm and/or 45 inches. In addition to carry-on baggage passengers may also carry items of personal effects for use in-flight, free of charge, these include: • A handbag (laptop bag), pocketbook or purse • A small camera and/or a pair of binoculars • A reasonable amount of reading material for the flight • Infant’s food for consumption in flight • Infant’s carrying basket • A fully collapsible cabin wheelchair and/ or a pair of crutches, and /or braces or other prosthetic devices provided that passengers are dependent on them • One laptop without accessories and attachments. Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 43
Follow us online malawianair malawi-airlines malawi.airlines MalawiAirlines
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
www.malawian-airlines.com
Flight Schedule Book a flight online at www.malawian-airlines.com
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
MONDAY
TUESDAY
SECTOR NBO-LLW LLW-BLZ BLZ-JNB JNB-BLZ BLZ-LLW
DEP - ARR 0615-0730 0810-0850 0920-1135 1220-1435 1505-1545
FLT NO
OPERATED BY B737-800 (ET-APO) SECTOR DEP - ARR FLT NO SECTOR ET20 LLW-BLZ LLW-BLZ 0810-0850 BLZ-JNB BLZ-JNB 0920-1135 ET21 JNB-BLZ JNB-BLZ 1220-1435 BLZ-LLW BLZ-LLW 1505-1545 ET50 LLW-NBO
DEP - ARR 0810-0850 0920-1135 1220-1435 1505-1545 1645-2000
FLT NO ET51 ET20
ET53 ET24 ET25 ET52
EBB-LLW LLW-JNB JNB-LLW LLW-EBB
0615-0740 1020-1235 1325-1540 1620-1945
ET53
OPERATED BY B737-700 (ET-BCF) EBB-LLW 0615-0740 ET34 LLW-LUN LUN-HRE HRE-LLW ET42 LLW-BLZ BLZ-DAR
1030-1145 1220-1315 1350-1500 1600-1640 1710-2010
ET43
DAR-BLZ BLZ-LLW LLW-HRE HRE-LUN LUN-LLW LLW-BLZ BLZ-DAR
0730-0830 0910-0950 1030-1140 1215-1310 1345-1500 1600-1640 1710-2010
ET43
FLT NO ET51 ET20 ET21
ET35
ET42
FRIDAY SECTOR
DEP - ARR
ET20
LLW-BLZ BLZ-JNB JNB-BLZ BLZ-LLW LLW-NBO
0810-0850 0920-1135 1220-1435 1505-1545 1645-2000
EBB-LLW LLW-LUN LUN-HRE HRE-LLW LLW-EBB
0615-0740 1030-1145 1220-1315 1350-1500 1620-1945
DAR-BLZ BLZ-LLW LLW-BLZ BLZ-LLW
0730-0830 0910-0950 1045-1125 1155-1235
ET50
ET53 ET34
ET52
ET43 ET40 ET41 ET42
LLW-BLZ BLZ-DAR
ET21
ET34
ET42
OPERATED BY Q400 / B737-700 (ET-AQB) DAR-BLZ 0730-0830 ET43 DAR-BLZ BLZ-LLW 0910-0950 BLZ-LLW LLW-LUN 1030-1145 LUN-HRE 1220-1315 ET40 LLW-BLZ HRE-LLW 1350-1500 LLW-BLZ 1600-1640 ET41 BLZ-LLW BLZ-DAR 1710-2010
SATURDAY
FLT NO
ET21
ET20
WEDNESDAY
OPERATED BY B737-800 (ET-APO) FLT NO SECTOR DEP - ARR ET51 NBO-LLW 0615-0730 ET20 LLW-BLZ 0810-0850 BLZ-JNB 0920-1135 ET21 JNB-BLZ 1220-1435 BLZ-LLW 1505-1545 ET50 LLW-NBO 1645-2000 OPERATED BY B737-700 (ET-BCF) ET53 EBB-LLW 0615-0740 ET24 LLW-JNB 1020-1235 ET25 JNB-LLW 1325-1540
OPERATED BY Q400 / B737-700 (ET-AQB) ET43 DAR-BLZ 0730-0830 BLZ-LLW 0910-0950 ET35 LLW-HRE 1030-1140 HRE-LUN 1215-1310 LUN-LLW 1345-1500 1600-1640 ET42 LLW-BLZ 1600-1640 1710-2010 BLZ-DAR 1710-2010
THURSDAY
0730-0830 0910-0950
SECTOR NBO-LLW LLW-BLZ BLZ-JNB JNB-BLZ BLZ-LLW
DEP - ARR 0615-0730 0810-0850 0920-1135 1220-1435 1505-1545
ET43
DAR-BLZ BLZ-LLW
0730-0830 0910-0950
ET52
LLW-EBB
1620-1945
ET35
LLW-HRE HRE-LUN LUN-LLW
1030-1140 1215-1310 1345-1500
ET42
LLW-BLZ BLZ-DAR
1600-1640 1710-2010
ET21
1045-1125 1155-1235
SUNDAY FLT NO ET51 ET20
SECTOR NBO-LLW LLW-BLZ BLZ-JNB JNB-BLZ BLZ-LLW LLW-NBO
DEP - ARR 0615-0730 0810-0850 0920-1135 1220-1435 1505-1545 1645-2000
DAR-BLZ BLZ-LLW LLW-JNB JNB-LLW LLW-EBB
0730-0830 0910-0950 1020-1235 1325-1540 1620-0740
ET34
LLW-LUN LUN-HRE HRE-LLW
1030-1145 1220-1315 1350-1500
ET42
LLW-BLZ BLZ-DAR
1600-1640 1710-2010
ET21 ET50
ET43 ET24 ET25 ET52
Book and manage your flights download our app for instant access to the latest flight information.
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 45
Destinations
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
Bernard Mwape / Shutterstock.com
Domagoj Ruzicka / Shutterstock.com
Find out where we fly and explore our route network
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant economic hub, seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with modern attractions. From iconic historical landmarks to dynamic business districts, it’s a must-visit destination for both leisure and corporate travellers.
Tanzania’s largest city is a lively coastal destination that combines modernity with Swahili culture. Renowned for its vibrant markets, arts scene, and proximity to pristine beaches and islands, it’s a gateway to Zanzibar and safari adventures.
Lusaka is a vibrant city with a unique African culture and friendly people. Its diverse culinary scene showcases a range of local and international flavours. Whether you’re exploring markets or dining out, Lusaka offers an authentic and dynamic experience.
HARARE, ZIMBABWE
NAIROBI, KENYA
BLANTYRE, MALAWI
Zimbabwe’s capital is known for its lush green spaces and rich cultural heritage. With its welcoming atmosphere and nearby natural attractions, Harare provides a distinctive urban experience.
Nairobi boasts a lively nightlife, excellent dining, and accommodation for all budgets. It is unique among capital cities in having a national park within its city limits offering exciting game viewing.
Malawi’s commercial centre is known for its thriving business scene. The city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and modern development, along with a rich cultural heritage.
LILONGWE, MALAWI
ENTEBBE, UGANDA
Lilongwe stands out for its dual nature, with the modern city centre complementing the more traditional Old Town. It offers serene landscapes, such as the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, while serving as a convenient base for exploring Malawi’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions.
Home to Uganda's international airport, this lush, lakeside city is many travellers' introduction to the country. It is a charming base for visiting nearby attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and rare bird habitat the Mabamba swamp.
46 / Tiyende
Routes For the latest flights, information and to book download our app or visit www.malawian-airlines.com
Uganda ENTEBBE
Kenya NAIROBI
Reservations:
+265 992 991 097
reservations@malawian-airlines.com
Ta n z a n i a
DAR ES SALAAM
W LILONGWE
Zambia LUSAKA
BLANTYRE HARARE
Zimbabwe
JOHANNESBURG
South Africa
Planned Routes: Maputo (Mozambique), Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Malawian-Airlines.com
/ 47
Contact us Malawi Airlines offices and addresses
FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
LILONGWE SALES AND TICKETING OFFICE
Reservations E: JNBRES.Malawian@aviareps.com
Golden Peacock Shopping Centre T: +265 992 991 097 E: LLWCTO@malawian-airlines.com
Sales E: JNBSALES.Malawian@aviareps.com
Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) T: +265 992 991 123 E: LLWAPT@malawian-airlines.com
or TAMBO INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (JOHANNESBURG)
Baggage inquiries T: +265 996 46 66 10 E: llbaggage@lihaco.net
AVIAREPS T: +27 11 783 1181 Cell / WhatsApp: +27 (0)79 514 7694 E: JNBRES.Malawian@aviareps.com
Chibisa House next to Pep Stores T: +265 992 991 125 E: BLZCTO@malawian-airlines.com
Baggage inquiries Colossal baggage office (Next to the police station) T: +27 11 921 6074 T: +27 82 337 1565 E: LostPropertyJNB@colossalaviapartner.co.za
CHILEKA AIRPORT (BLANTYRE)
GSA DAR ES SALAAM (TANZANIA)
BLANTYRE SALES AND TICKETING OFFICE
T: +265 992 991 124 E: BLZAPT@malawian-airlines.com Baggage inquiries T:+265 992 178 627 E: blzbaggage@lihaco.net
Fast Track Ltd., Peugeot House, Ground floor, Bibi Titi Mohamed Street, PO Box 38331, Dar es Salaam T: +255 222 136 663 Cell: +255 688 737 500 E: info@fasttracktanzania.com After Office Hours T: +255 714 737200
ENTEBBE GSA SOUTH AFRICA (JOHANNESBURG) AVIAREPS/Malawi Airlines Ticketing Counter, Opposite Counter A49-50 International Departures, Terminal A OR International Airport Johannesburg, South Africa T: +27 11 783 1181 Fax: +27 11 783 8135 Cell / WhatsApp: +27 (0)79 514 7694
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT (TANZANIA) T: +255 755 218 243 Baggage inquiries T: +255 754 000 051 T: +255 754 000 052 T: +255 763 881 375 E: Dar.tracing@swissport.co.tz
For the latest flights, information and to book download our app or visit www.malawian-airlines.com
48 / Tiyende
malawi-airlines
Fast Track Ltd., Upper Ground Floor, Park Royal Mall, Buganda Road, Kampala Sales T: +256 716 680 400 T: +256 704 724 279 T: +256 711 888 226 Station in charge / Administration T: +256 782 485 368 T: +256 718 680 400 Airport sales and service T: +256779419088 E: reservations@malawiairlines.co.ug E: sales@malawiairlines.co.ug
LUSAKA (ZAMBIA) Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Office Contact: Fred Mazyopa T: +260 955 236 402 E: fredm@malawian-airlines.com
GSA ZIMBABWE Contact: Rimai Fundisai/Augustine Matingo No.5 Lezard Avenue, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe T: +263 4575191 T: +263 716 800 209 E: AugustineM@ethiopianairlines.com E: RimaiF@ethiopianairlines.com
GSA KENYA Muindi Mbingu Street, PO Box 42901-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Reservations and Ticketing Office T: +254 723 786 649 T: +254 701 223 493 T: +254 701 223 970 E: nbocto@ethiopianairlines.com E: nbores@ethiopianairlines.com Sales Angela Oduor T: +254 113 040 927 E: nbosls@ethiopianairlines.com Claire Gichuki T: +254 113 040 928 E: nbosr@ethiopianairlines.com Airport office T: +254 722 518 532
Follow us on social media malawianair
GSA ENTEBBE (UGANDA)
malawi.airlines
MalawiAirlines
Global contact Centre T: 020 3892349