By Funeka Sobantu
In a moment of profound significance, Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto of Malawi was honoured with the prestigious African Genius Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to societal transformation. The official handover took place at the Malawian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, where Her Excellency Stella Chiripo Ndau, the High Commissioner of Malawi to South Africa, accepted the award on Chief Kachindamoto’s behalf. The award was presented by Saul Molobi, a representative of Brandhill Africa, a key partner of the African Genius Awards (AGA).
While Senior Chief Kachindamoto was unable to attend the AGA 2024 awards ceremony held earlier at Fourah Bay College of the University of Sierra Leone in Freetown, her presence was felt through a heartfelt video recording of her acceptance speech. In her address, Chief Kachindamoto expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to ending child marriages and championing girls’ education in Malawi. The ceremony in Sierra Leone, hosted by one of Africa’s oldest institutions of higher learning, provided a fitting stage for the celebration of African excellence and ingenuity.
The handover ceremony in Pretoria, though intimate, was marked by pride and admiration for Senior Chief Kachindamoto’s trailblazing work. She has become a beacon of hope for many across the continent, particularly for her efforts to annul over 3,500 child marriages and her advocacy for returning young girls to school. Chief Kachindamoto’s leadership has demonstrated the vital role that traditional leaders can play in addressing critical social issues and fostering positive change.
Saul, speaking on behalf of the African Genius Awards, emphasised the importance of recognising leaders like Chief Kachindamoto, whose contributions are shaping Africa’s future. “Leaders like Senior Chief Kachindamoto remind us of the immense power that resides in African communities and traditional structures. She embodies the spirit of African ingenuity and resilience, qualities that the African Genius Awards are committed to celebrating and elevating,” he stated.
Her Excellency Stella Chiripo Ndau expressed her pride in receiving the award on behalf of Chief Kachindamoto, praising her achievements and reaffirming the Malawi High Commission’s support for her work. “It is an honour for Malawi to witness the global recognition of one of our finest leaders. Senior Chief Kachindamoto’s work has not only changed individual lives but also brought about broader social change that will be felt for generations to come,” she said. The event underscored the deep diplomatic and cultural ties between Malawi and South Africa, further strengthened by the celebration of such remarkable leadership.
As the Pretoria ceremony drew to a close, it was clear that the legacy of Senior Chief Kachindamoto’s work would continue to inspire and challenge leaders across the continent. Her African Genius Award stands as a testament to her remarkable contributions and serves as a beacon for future generations.
The African Genius Awards, which aim to honour visionaries, innovators, and changemakers across the continent, continue to shine a spotlight on individuals whose contributions have made a profound impact. Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto’s recognition is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of African leadership in addressing global challenges like gender inequality, education, and human rights.