The voice that once closed programmes with “bye for now” has fallen silent.
Brian Banda, the journalist who built a reputation for fearless journalism, was laid to rest at M’banda Village in Chileka, Blantyre, on Monday, 10th August, 2026 leaving behind an unfinished mission at the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
Banda died on Saturday after a short illness, barely five months into his tenure as Director General of the state broadcaster.
His death has cut short what many viewed as an opportunity to reshape an institution that has faced years of criticism over its perceived closeness to governments in power.
Banda had a different vision.
Those who worked with him say he wanted MBC to become a broadcaster that all Malawians could trust, follow and feel belonged to them.
“Banda wanted MBC to be loved and followed by all Malawians. He always consulted me before taking crucial steps. He was fearless,” Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Justin Saidi said at the funeral.
Saidi represented President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who, he said, valued Banda’s talent and trusted his judgement on media matters.
MBC Board Chairperson Benson Tembo said Banda arrived at a time when the corporation was seeking to change the mindset of its audience and embrace the digital age.
“He found us at a time when we were about to change the mindset of viewers, and he gave all his life to the duty. He believed that digital media has a crucial role in national development,” said Tembo.
For years, opposition parties and media rights groups have accused MBC of favouring ruling parties, particularly during election periods.
Banda’s appointment therefore came with expectations that his experience outside the state broadcaster could help improve its credibility and relevance.
Before joining MBC, Banda worked for Capital FM and Times Media Group, where he became known for asking tough questions and refusing to shy away from difficult issues.
But at his burial, the tributes were not only about the journalist. They were about the man behind the microphone.
His close friends Wonderful Msiska and Cathy Maulidi struggled to hold back tears as they remembered Banda as a selfless friend and a man who brought people together.
Maulidi said Banda was peace-loving and often took the initiative to reconcile friends whenever disagreements arose.
“He repeatedly told Wonder and I that no matter what the circumstances, we should not be separated. He was peace loving. Whenever we encountered a misunderstanding, he was the one who used to call for a reconciliation meeting,” she said.
Msiska then brought the mourners to tears when he imitated Banda’s familiar sign-off from his days at Times TV and Radio.
“From all of us here, bye for now. My name is Brian Banda, bye for now,” he said.
For a moment, the familiar words carried a different weight.
This time, there would be no programme to return to and no microphone waiting for Banda.
MISA Malawi Chapter Chairperson Felix Washon described Banda as a journalist who respected professional standards and media freedom.
“He has died at a young age and has not enjoyed life. We will remember him for his humility, courage and talent in his work,” said Washon.
On behalf of the family, Pastor James Ramsey Mbewe said Banda’s death came as a shock after relatives were informed that he was being treated for malaria.
“We believed that Gogo Nanjaiko was expected to be buried by Brian, but contrary to our expectations, Gogo is burying Brian today,” said Mbewe.
Banda’s journey has now ended, but the question he leaves behind at MBC remains: Can the reforms he envisioned survive without him?
The answer will determine whether Banda’s brief tenure becomes merely a chapter in MBC’s history, or the beginning of a transformation he did not live long enough to complete.
Banda who was born on 16 June, 1980, survived by a wife and six children.
