By Chisomo Phiri

Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA) on Friday March 8, 2024 unveiled social media influencer and philanthropist Pemphero Mphande as a brand ambassador for its Bangwe Weaving Factory.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at MACOHA head office in Limbe, MACOHA Executive Director(ED) George Chiusiwa said Mphande’s influence on social media shows that he embraces diversity.

Said Chiusiwa:“Pemphero Mphande has used his influence to champion causes close to our heart and for the benefit of marginalised societies.”

Chiusiwa expressed the hope that by roping in Mphande, the organization and its programmes will gain visibility as it strives to build an inclusive society for all.

In his acceptance speech, Mphande described Bangwe Weaving Factory as an amazing place where people with disabilities are producing high quality products.

He said:”We are here to raise awareness of the work that people at Macoha are doing.

“We believe in in inclusion, we believe in raising the voice of the marginalised, we believe in partnership.”

Mphande said empowering local manufactured products and inclusivity in social economic activities has a great potential to change the current economic hardships that many Malawians are facing.

He then urged people to support and buy local products so as to save forex and create more job opportunities.

Established in 1975 as a commercial enterprise, the Bangwe Weaving Factory  provides  employment in an accessible environment for persons with disabilities.

Apart from operating as a commercial arm, the factory also raises awareness on the abilities and potential of persons with disabilities.

Currently the factory has 103 employees with 80% being staff with disabilities.