South African show runner, screenwriter, film producer, director and script editor Thandi Brewer is dead.
Thandi Brewer often called the “Shonda Rhimes of South Africa” has died after losing her third battle against cancer.
The highly respected writer and producer had a storied career in South Africa’s TV and film industry for close to 60 years.
She also launched many careers in script-writing, directing and acting. She was also the founder and first chairperson of the influential and growing Writer’s Guild of South Africa (WGSA).
Harriet Meier, chairperson of the WGSA, told Channel24 on Monday: “[Thandi Brewer] passed away this morning at around 02:15 after a long battle with cancer. She was in tremendous pain over the last year, but fought and was our pillar of strength until the end”.
“Thandi touched so many lives during her time with us, not only as an extremely talented writer, producer, director, teacher and mentor, but also as a friend. Her love embraced all who met her, and she will be greatly missed by many, many people.”
“While we desperately miss her, we will also celebrate her life and legacy by continuing her work and her vision. Thandi leaves behind her daughter Cody and an extended family of wordsmiths throughout the world.”
Beyond TV and film, she was also a writer and director of numerous stage productions over many years.
In 2018 on Facebook Thandi wrote: “I am in the midst of the third round with cancer.”
“The breast cancer metamorphosed into bone cancer attacking the back. Remember the back pain I used to moan about? That wasn’t just ‘writers back’. It was cancer, which obviously loves me and wants to live with me on a permanent basis. I’ve no idea how those actresses manage to look palely interesting when playing someone with cancer because I look like hell.”
The Friends of Thandi Brewer (FTB) Facebook group shared on Wednesday that she died “at home on her beloved Smoke, with her daughter by her side, her river and her dogs – all she wanted. Thank you so very much to all of you who supported Thandi in her journey with her illness”.
Thandi was responsible for the film screenplays of movies like Story of an African Farm with Richard E. Grant, De Gerrie for Hugh Masekela and The Chemo Club, which marked her directorial debut.
Some of the shows she created for the SABC or steered as showrunner range from Dynamite Diepkloof Dudes, 37 Honey Street, End Game, Keeping Score to Usindiso, Sticks and Stones and many more.
As a script editor, she wrote and improved text from shows from SABC1, SABC2, to e.tv and M-Net, as well as worked on scripts for international films and more than 24 documentaries.
In March the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) honoured her at the 13th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) with a special industry achievement award.
The outpouring on Wednesday following news of Thandi’s death was swift with Thabang Moleya, co-founder of Seriti Films and director of the film Happiness in a Four Letter Word, saying “A true leader and a legend. Thandi Brewer. Rest in power”.
“She was someone who would believe in you and challenge you to push yourself. I salute her and the impact she has had on the industry and the people whose lives she touched.”
Malawi former cabinet minister Harry Thomson laid to rest
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Thousands of Malawians to witness the burial of late Harry Ian Thomson at Limbe Cemetery in the commercial capital Blantyre on Monday.
Thomson, a former Minister of Trade and Industry under the reign of Dr. Bakili Muluzi died on Thursday last week in South Africa after a long illness.
The funeral ceremony started with a mass which was presided over by His Lordship Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Diocese.
Late Thomson’s grandson Theo described late Thomson as loving and caring man who had the well-faire of the family at heart.
The funeral of late Thomson was accorded a full military honour following the directive from President Peter Mutharika.
Some of the notable faces at the funeral were DPP President for the South Kondwani Nankhumwa, former Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya and former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.— Romans 14:17-18
On June 1, 2019, Dr. Margaret Asalele Mbilizi-Sawerengera succumbed to a short illness bravely borne, after a gruesome campaign for parliamentary seat in Chiradzulu District.
A highly accomplished Malawian woman, Dr. Mbilizi thrice aspired to gain a parliamentary seat
A highly accomplished Malawian woman, Dr. Mbilizi thrice aspired to gain a parliamentary seat, and thrice was beaten, duped by the likes of Tippex mobsters. The loss through death of Dr. Mbilizi, is a great loss to Malawi, especially the education sector in which she spent her entire professional career.
According to a news report, Margaret Mbilizi-Sawerengera wife to Malawi US Ambassador Edward Sawerengera, passed away on June 1, 2019.
Margaret Asalele Mbilizi was a very accomplished woman. She served as Deputy University Registrar at the University of Malawi, Director of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, and Special Assistant for Education to the President of Malawi.
She was an Associate Professor of Educational Policy and Research at D’Youville College; Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb Illinois; and Assistant Professor of Foundations of Education at the University of West Alabama in Alabama.
Mbilizi had a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies and a Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed) from Indiana University. She also had a Master of Education (M.Ed) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) from Chancellor College, University of Malawi.
But I’ve not come here to talk of these accomplishments, great as they were. I’ve come here to tell the nation of MagZeenTha Promotions, a three-person civil society organization formed in the mid-1980’s and contributed over MK4,500 (the equivalent then to over $4,600.00) to the University of Malawi. MagZeenTha Promotions was the first organization to contribute to UNIMA for scholarships to needy students after government stopped making stipend contributions to the lone tertiary institution.
MagZeenTha Promotions was birthed by Zeenat Karim (aka Janet Karim), at the request of Margaret (to settle a school-based debt owed by her drama club), and endorsed by Thandikile Chisala, hence MagZeenTha Promotions.
One Sunday afternoon my Managing Editor, David Tattersall, having been convinced of the worth of my former fellow Chancellor College student Isaac Chirwa, asked me to attend his Shindig event. Tattersall asked me to bag whatever disdain I may have for Chirwa: “Just attend, write three positive paragraphs and one negative one, and enjoy a Fanta on behave of BP&P, and you’ll be fine with me.”
To get my three paras, I straight asked Isaac who else he was with, how much it cost him to hire the room, and what charity he was supporting. He was a lone horse, the room was gratis, and he was supporting MACOHA, MAP or some Malawi charity.
As I thought the gist of my third paragraph, I saw Margaret Mbilizi with a team of her drama group that had clinched 2nd place in the National Schools’ Drama Competition. She told me that she was at the Chirwa Shindig to fund raise for a K250 mini bus charge that her Head Master refused to pay from the school’s funding.
She would make about K75 from Isaac’s function, a portion of which would be divided between the dramatists. Margaret told me “Janet I’ll be dead before I finish paying this debt.”
At that point, I asked her why she didn’t organize her own event. I told her what Isaac had told me and thus began the journey to our organization. Margaret and I sat in the back of the Mount Soche Hotel and planned for a music, fashion, and drama show.
Knowing how busy Margaret could get, I approached Thandikile Chisala to join MagZeen Promotions. She was all in but asked for some buy-in on our name; this paved the way to the birth of MagZeenTha Promotions.
The first MagZeenTha Promotions show held at the French Cultural Center raised K350. The organization gave Maggie and her drama group the K250, with the K25 serving as expenses, MagZeenTha Promotions had K75 in its kitty which was used to open a bank account.
The joy for us other than having helped a friend out of a burdensome debt, was the presence of our mothers (Mom Jeannie Mbilizi, Mom Lois Mbekeani, Mom Veronica Chisala, and Gogo Thindwa in the audience, cheering and loudly clapping hands. They encouraged us to find something to support.
The encouraging words of support for our work led the organization to focus on the University of Malawi. Thus, MagZeenTha Promotions took the show up several notches and organized an Extravaganza Shindig at the Mount Soche Hotel. Through the event, MagZeenTha Promotions raised K4, 250. While the organization gave K4, 000 to our next project, the University of Malawi Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund.
The Fund was set up to help needy UNIMA students after the Malawi Government removed the tuition subsidy from university education. Both Margaret and I were alumni of UNIMA and had benefited from tuition-free university education, while the other MagZeenTha Promotions director had a high school education plus scholarship for her university education abroad.
By the time of our last contribution, Margaret was Deputy University Registrar. But our pride and joy was a cameo mention in the speech of the Chairman of the UNIMA University Council John Tembo. He commended our selfless contribution into the Vice Chancellor’s Fund.
At the time of these commendations, I was a feature’s editor at the national daily, the Daily Times, and I took the remarks and wrote articles encouraging commercial companies as Chairman Tembo had asked. He pointed out that companies were the recipient of graduates from UNIMA and that they should assist students or sponsor one or two in appreciation.
While MagZeenTha Promotions folded, the mention led to the start of social responsibility whereby numerous commercial entities such as the National Bank, Press Corporation and others began to supporting Malawi’s lone University.
As we mourn the passing of one of the pillars of the phenomenal MagZeenTha Promotions, let us salute Dr. Margaret Asalele Mbilizi Sawerengera for being one of the three champions that promoted and brought to the forefront the issue of affordable university education in Malawi.
May her soul rest in God’s eternal loving peace.
Janet Zeenat Karim
Author of Women & Leadership: Women are the Change you Seek “
A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” – Brad Henry
M.A. Sociology (Global Development & Soc Justice). St. John’s University
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Former Cabinet minister Harry Thomson has died this morning in South Africa.
Chief Secretary to the Government Lloyd Muhara has confirmed about Thomson’s death.
Muhara said in a statement today that details of funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Thomson served as the Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs in the Bakili Muluzi administration.
He was also a former Member of Parliament for Chikwawa North.
He left the then ruling United Democratic Front after Muluzi picked Bingu wa Mutharika as UDF presidential candidate for the 2004 elections.
Thompson was Chairperson of Malawi Confederated Chamber of Commerce; Muluzi was his Deputy.
When multiparty talks were held in Lusaka and USF formed, Thomson gave way for Muluzi (citing Malawi was not ready for a coloured President).
Thomson was Secretary General of UDF and held several ministerial positions.
The break with UDF came when Muluzi Hand-picked Mutharika as UDF candidate in 2004 election (most undemocratic convention)
At convention Thomson was manhandled and pushed out of convention hall along with Aleke Banda, both of whom were contesting against Mutharika.
Having been banished from the convention, Mutharika sailed through “unopposed.”
Thomson went back to private practice, but won his first seat in parliament in the last (check the dates) election on independent ticket.
He has three children (Oscar FM 101 director), and two daughters. His last born son Ian, died tragically in a car accident in 1995 on May 31. He had been the national break dance champion.
The body of late Margaret Mbilizi, one of the parliamentary candidates in the May 21 tripartite elections in Chiradzulu Central, is expected to be buried Tuesday, June 4 at the HHI cemetery in Blantyre.
The Aspirant who was born on 21 August 1960, died on Saturday at Adventist hospital in Blantyre.
Mbilizi, an independent candidate, was among eight contestants who battled it out in the polls, but did not make it.
Before contesting on an independent ticket, she had been to Malawi Congress Party as well as UTM party where she failed during primary elections.
Meanwhile, Chiradzulu Central DPP MP- elect, Mactimes Malowa has expressed sadness over the demise of Mbilizi, saying she was one of the few women who had the interest of the constituency at heart.
“She was a well-educated woman with a great focus on development. For instance, she was in the middle of constructing school blocks in the constituency,an indication that she prioritised education among several needs,” he said.
Malowa added that the late Mbilizi will be remembered as a hardworking woman who chased her dream despite failing in the process.
He cited her continued parliamentary race in the just ended elections as an example, despite failing the same in 2014.
According to a funeral program, her remains will be collected today at college of Medicine, followed by a church service, before burial tomorrow at the HHI cemetery.
Virginia Beach police confirmed that a city employee shot and killed 12 people, and injured several others, including a police officer, at the city’s Municipal Building on Friday.
Virginia Beach Police confirmed that the suspect has also been killed. Virginia Beach Police said that it believes that the suspect acted alone.
“This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach,” said Mayor Bobby Dyer. “The people involved are our friends, coworkers, neighbor, colleagues.”
Virginia Beach Police said that the suspect was a “long time” employee of Virginia Beach’s Public Utilities division.
The incident took place at 4 p.m. ET. After gunning down his co-workers, police fired on the suspect.
An officer responding to the incident was shot in the vest. Police Chief Jim Cervera said that the officer was saved by the vest.
The suspect was then killed by police, Cervera said.
“There’s no way to describe an incident such as this.,” Cervera said.
Cervera said that the incident took place on multiple floors before police engaged the suspect.
“There was a long gun battle between the first four officers that responded and the suspect,” he said.
Originally, officials said 11 people died. A 12th victim died while being transported to the hospital. Four people were injured, including the unidentified officer, during Friday’s shooting.
Both the ATF and FBI are en route to assist in the investigation.
There are several municipal buildings on site in Virginia Beach. The particular building where Friday’s shooting occurred houses the Public Utilities Department.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam arrived in Virginia Beach hours after the incident. He was then briefed by local officials on the details of Friday’s shooting.
“This is a horrific day for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are devastated by the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach. I am in Virginia Beach with law enforcement authorities and Mayor Dyer, where I am monitoring the situation and offer the state’s full support,” Northam said.
“My deepest condolences and prayers go to the families of those who left home this morning, and will not return tonight, as well as those who have been injured in this tragedy.
He adds, ” This is unspeakable, senseless violence. I commend local and state law enforcement, first responders, medical teams, and all others who acted swiftly to respond to this situation. My thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families.”
Jonas Savimbi’s coffin was carried to its final resting place in Lopitanga
The former leader of Angola’s Unita rebel group, Jonas Savimbi, is being reburied 17 years after his death.
Thousands of former Unita fighters wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with images of Savimbi attended the ceremony in his home village of Lopitanga.
His 2002 death brought an end to one of Africa’s longest civil wars.
According to BBC, the lat Savimbi’s remains were finally handed over to his family on Friday following confusion earlier in the week.
Unita says the funeral ceremony will be an important step towards national reconciliation in the oil-rich nation.
However, no government representatives were present at the ceremony, reports the AFP news agency.
His coffin was draped in Unita’s green and red flag.
Angola was a Cold War battleground, with the US and apartheid South Africa backing Unita, while the governing MPLA received support from the former Soviet Union and Cuba.
At least 500,000 people died in the 27-year conflict.
Savimbi, known as the “black rooster”, was an extremely divisive figure.
He was accused of widespread atrocities but was also a charismatic leader revered by thousands.
He was killed by government soldiers in 2002 and was hurriedly buried in a cemetery in the central town of Luena. His grave was marked by a cross of iron on a mound of red soil, AFP reports.
He will be buried near his father.
His family and Unita officials had demanded his reburial for many years to no avail.
The impasse was broken after his long-time foe, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, stepped down as president in 2017.
His successor, Joao Lourenco, agreed to their demands and his body was exhumed earlier this year, with DNA tests confirming his identity.
Durão Sakaíta, one of Savimbi’s eldest sons, told the Lusa news agency that the family would “finally be at peace” after he was reburied.
Savimbi timeline:
Founded Unita movement in 1966 in eastern Angola
Abandoned his medical studies in Portugal to join anti-colonial struggle
Despite Angola’s independence in 1975, Unita continues to fight the government
Savimbi considered himself leader of Angola’s struggle against communism
He received strong support from the US and met President Reagan at the White House in 1986
His death in 2002 was celebrated in the capital, Luanda
Margaret Asalele Mbilizi-Sawerengera PhD – has died
Update:
Margaret Asalele Mbilizi-Sawerengera wife to Malawi US Ambassador Edward Yakobe Sawerengera has died.
Margaret Asalele Mbilizi was a very accomplished woman. She served as Deputy University Registrar at the University of Malawi, Director of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, and Special Assistant for Education to the President of Malawi.
Margaret Asalele Mbilizi was an Associate Professor of Educational Policy and Research at D’Youville College, Buffalo New York; Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Northern Illinois University, Dekalb Illinois; and Assistant Professor of Foundations of Education at the University of West Alabama , Livingston Alabama.
Mbilizi had a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies and a Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed) from Indiana University, Bloomington IN. She also had a Master of Education (M.Ed) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) from Chancellor College, University of Malawi.
Margaret Asalele Mbilizi published extensively on women in higher education, women and STEM education, women in poverty, and women in politics. Making numerous presentations on education and gender policies at national, regional, and international conferences and workshops. She was also an independent consultant who worked with government organizations, UNICEF, and the UNDP on various projects related to gender issues.
Margaret Asalele Mbilizi was a recipient of prestigious awards including an international fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a scholarship from the World Bank Margaret Macnamara Memorial Fund, and the African Dissertation Internship from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Details of cause of death are yet to be made available.
Funeral program;
According to a Facebook posting by Mr Owen Mbilizi brother of Dr. Margaret Asalele Mbilizi Sawelengera, the body will at the mortuary, college of medicine at 3 pm on Monday June 3rd, 2019. Thereafter the body of Dr. Margaret Asalele Mbilizi will be taken home to Michiru. Virgil will be held at older bothers house Francis Mbilizi.
On Tuesday 4th of 2019 there will be a home service at 10 am. Thereafter church services will be held at Seventh Day Adventist Church at Sunny Side. Burial will take at HHI cemetery
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe; Wreath Laying Ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
Ever since the UN deployed the first of its 72 peacekeeping missions back in 1948, more than 3,800 peacekeepers have lost their lives, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday, at a wreath laying ceremony in honour of those “brave men and women” who serve.
Speaking of “the true cost of peacekeeping”, the UN chief called for a moment of silence for those who “paid the ultimate price” to protect others and “to give war-torn countries a chance for peace and hope”.
The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned –Secretary-General Hammarskjöld
“Today, in 14 missions around the world, our peacekeepers serve heroically to preserve peace and stability”, he said, adding that they also “face grave threats”.
He noted that UN missions in Mali, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo “are among the most dangerous that we have ever undertaken”, saying that “last year we lost 98 military, police and civilian peacekeepers from 36 countries”.
“We ask much of our peacekeepers”, Mr. Guterres said. “In return, we must continue to do all we can to ensure they are as safe as possible”.
“Today, we honour the memory” of the peacekeepers who did not return home, and “recommit ourselves to carrying forward their mission for a better future”.
Honouring 119 fallen heroes
Following the wreath laying, the UN chief honoured 119 brave men and women with the Dag Hammarskjold medal.
“Fifty-eight years ago, Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash in the Congo while trying to broker a peace agreement to end the conflict in the country”, said Mr. Guterres, calling the former UN chief “a tireless and fearless champion of peace” who took “robust action when needed”.
Today’s honourees were military and police personnel, international civil servants, national staff and UN Volunteers from 38 countries who served in 12 different UN peace operations around the world.
“Hailing from different backgrounds, our fallen heroes were united in their efforts to help the UN attain its most important objective – to save further generations from the scourge of war”, said Mr. Guterres. “The medal we posthumously honour them with, bears the name of Secretary-General Hammarskjöld”.
It is also inscribed with the fallen hero’s name, “forever linking them in our hearts and in our memories”, said the UN chief.
Mr. Guterres quoted Secretary-General Hammarskjöld in saying: “The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned.”
“Today, as we honour our fallen colleagues with the Dag Hammarskjöld medal, let us also honour them by living up to his call to never abandon the pursuit of peace”, he stressed.
“I offer my highest tribute to those we remember here today, and my sincerest condolences to their loved ones left behind”, he concluded, asking for a moment of silence.
A ‘true’ hero lost
In a special event as part of the commemorations, the UN chief paid tribute to the late Private Chancy Chitete of Malawi, who was hit by enemy fire while protecting and administering lifesaving first aid to his wounded Tanzanian comrade, Corporal Omary.
Private Chitete became only the second winner of the UN’s highest peacekeeping award, the “Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage” which was established in 2014 for uniformed and civilian personnel who meet the criteria, and named after the late UN peacekeeper Captain Diagne – the first posthumous recipient of the award – who saved hundreds of lives in Rwanda in 1994, before being killed.
“The world does not have many true heroes”, said the UN chief, but Private Chitete, who was serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), was “indeed one of them”.
In November last year, while conducting an operation to stop armed attacks which were disrupting the Ebola response in local towns, peacekeepers came under heavy fire. As bullets were flying, Private Chitete dragged Corporal Omary back to an area “of greater safety”, Mr. Guterres recounted. “Both were evacuated for medical treatment. Corporal Omary survived. Private Chitete did not”.
“Private Chitete’s selfless heroism and sacrifice helped the peacekeepers achieve their objective and dislodge the militia from its stronghold and that was vital for the Ebola response to go on”, he commended. “He personally made a difference. A profound one”.
The ceremony marked the first time the award has been conferred since its initial presentation to the family of Captain Diagne in 2016, said the Secretary-General, adding: “We could not have found a more deserving recipient”.
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MagZeenTha Promotions was birthed by Zeenat Karim (aka Janet Karim), at the request of Margaret (to settle a school-based debt owed by her drama club), and endorsed by Thandikile Chisala, hence MagZeenTha Promotions.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Former Cabinet minister Harry Thomson has died this morning in South Africa.
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Jonas Savimbi’s coffin was carried to its final resting place in Lopitanga
