By Durell Namasani
The nation is in mourning following the death of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General Brian Banda, who passed away on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre after a short illness. He was 47.
Banda, a seasoned broadcaster with a career spanning nearly three decades, had only been appointed to lead the public broadcaster in March 2026. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through Malawi’s media landscape and beyond.
President Peter Mutharika led the tributes, describing Banda as a patriot whose dedication to public service left a lasting impact. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire media fraternity during this incredibly difficult time,” read a statement from State House.
Former President Joyce Banda, who worked closely with the late broadcaster between 2012 and 2014, called his death “most shocking and very hard to accept.” She said: “While we must all submit to God’s will, we mourn because of his immense contribution to our nation. All I can do is pray that God allows his soul to rest in everlasting peace.”
Times Group managing director Leonard Chikadya remembered Banda as a multi-talented host who connected deeply with audiences. “He used to tell me that the only job he knew best was asking questions to his guests,” Chikadya said. “Brian was one of the most talented and trusted presenters and hosts at Times Group. It is rare for the public broadcaster to be led sequentially by two journalists from the same media house.”
Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi chairperson Felix Washon hailed Banda’s unique ability to engage interviewees and audiences with a fearless approach as a talk show host. Media Council of Malawi executive director Moses Kaufa said Banda’s passing was a “profound blow” to the nation’s media landscape, praising his “courageous questioning with humor and charisma.”
United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi expressed deep sadness on Facebook: “Brian Banda’s passing after a short illness has left me deeply saddened. He was far too young to leave us.”
Social commentator Onjezani Kenani, who had known Banda for 16 years, wrote: “News of Brian Banda’s death hit me like lightning this morning, entirely without warning.” Musician Jolly Bro recalled how Banda had personally called to congratulate him after the elections, asking in disbelief: “Pano akuti watisiya?” (Now they say he has left us?)
Banda’s career began at Capital FM Radio before stints at MBC as a news reporter and later at Times Group, where he hosted acclaimed programmes including Hot Current, Times Exclusive, and Times Talk. He also served as Press Officer for former President Joyce Banda and Press Secretary to former President Lazarus Chakwera.
At MBC, Banda was credited with initiating reforms aimed at restoring the station’s former glory.
His remains will be taken from Mthunzi Mortuary on Sunday for a church service at Word of Faith Church in Chilobwe, Blantyre, and laid to rest on Monday at M’banda Village in Chileka.
