By Staff Reporter

The Second edition of the UK based Malawi Heritage Awards took place on Saturday Night in the city of Manchester. A number of community heroes were recognised for their inspiring work In various fields.

The event which was organised by a Community group called Malawi Heritage UK took place at The Hough End Centre Chorlton in the city of Manchester.

The Guest of honour at the event was Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Donna Ludford, who was accompanied by Mayor Consort Sean McHale. Other notable guests included Cllr Prof Erinma Bell MBE, Representative of Malawi Embassy Dyson Banda, MCPDN Chairperson Chalo Mvula and Sherita Mandongwe of Dimobi Children Disability Trust.

In his welcome Speech Director of Malawi Heritage UK Allan Mandindi said his organisation felt the need to recognise people that have been Influential in their communities. Mandindi said he was excited that this was a second edition of the awards ceremony after another successful inaugural event that took place last year

Lord Mayor of Manchester Clr Donna Ludford in her address thanked the Malawi community in the city for the role they are playing in making sure that Manchester continues to be a city that embraces diversity and gives opportunity to all regardless of their background

Also speaking at the event was Prof Erinma Bell who encouraged the need to be proud of ‘our Culture’. She urged families that it was necessary for the children born in the UK to be taught the culture and languages of countries they originally came from in order to help them have connection with the home countries

The event was spiced by performances. The dance group Jet Black Dance gave a stellar performance that was greatly appreciated by those in attendance. Musician Hazel Mak of the Liyaya fame also gave a solid performance. Another Malawi singer to perform was Queen Sheba who was also a recipient of an award at the ceremony.

The list of those who received awards is as follows ;

Young Volunteer of the year: Tracey Ijeoma Odidika
Group of the year; Daughters of Nyasa
Charity of the year; Family Unit Trust
Community Star; Patricia Chimanngeni
Diaspora Personality of the year; Beulah Mlanjira Musician of the year; Queen Sheba
Innovative Personality of the Year; Fatuma Sikwese
Sport Club of the Year; Manchester Socials