By Chisomo Phiri
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, popularly known as ‘Manganya’ in drama circles, has pledged to cover the initial costs of actor Pennoh Mussa’s medical treatment worth K18 million.
Mussa, well known in drama circles as ‘Dimingu’, has been battling a gastrointestinal-related disease and is scheduled to undergo surgery in August this year.
Speaking at a fundraising event organized by the National Theatre Association of Malawi (NTAM) Southern Region Chapter at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre on Monday,Usi expressed gratitude to the all those who attended the event to support Mussa.
“As Malawians, as people, we are supposed to be a blessing to each other.We are supposed to live for one another.So our friend is in this predicament. It is just proper that we come together to assist him,” he said.
The VP also highlighted another pressing issue that requires attention – the plight of retired pastors.
“They are in their villages, in their homes, suffering.But it would appear that there is not much that is going that way,” said Usi.
He proposed that the artistic community come together to raise funds to support these retired pastors.
On his part,NTAM Southern Region Chapter Chairperson, Alison Mpunga,expressed gratitude and happiness over the success of the fundraising event.
“We are very grateful, and we are happy that we have achieved what we wanted.
“The little that we discovered suffices the objective that we have,” said Mpunga.
He added that the event demonstrated the potential of artists to make a positive impact when they come together to help others.
Mpunga also praised the support received from Usi.
“We have the potential, we have the support from the world, from the outside, and with the vice president , I think we are good to go,” he said.
