MALAWI: KUWALA FM Radio Goes on Air

Luke Bisani

Strengthening its arm of evangelization, the Archdiocese of Blantyre of the Catholic Church in Malawi has established its first-ever regional radio station named Kuwala to complement efforts of spreading the Gospel to Catholic Christians in the Archdiocese.

As the name in local language suggests, Kuwala means light. Light in the Bible stands for spiritual illumination and truth. It encompasses all that is pure, good and holy as opposed to the darkness of evil. Hence the radio station stands to reflect this.

Leader of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa is on record to have said that the Radio has found its way to Malawi’s broadcasting waves intending to broaden channels of evangelization to already existing channels among them being other regional Catholic radios with their mother being Radio Maria.

With weeks now since the radio started airing programmes, has the radio brought complements in evangelization to the already existing channels of the Catholic Church? Is Kuwala FM programming in line with the philosophy of the Church and enlightened by the Bible?

Benedetta Mathyola a parishioner from Bangwe Catholic Parish in the Archdiocese of Blantyre who is among the top fan of the radio station has applauded the programmes aired for the listener’s ear on the new radio station.

“Honestly, I am enjoying the programmes being aired on the new radio station, they are so educative. You talk of Nthanzi Langa program (My Nutritional Health), it has helped me. With Covid-19 pandemic I was able to learn how I can protect myself from the virus. At the same time, the program is helping me to be positive if I have contracted the virus,” said Mathyola.

She added that the radio station is complementing evangelization efforts made by the other Catholic Church radio station such as Radio Maria through its programmes.

Mathyola further added that the radio station needs to work on some technical issues for the listener to enjoy the programs more.

Concurring with Mathyola, the Director of Kuwala FM Father Frank Mwinganyama said the new baby radio is receiving wonderful feedback and responses as it strives to grow big on the radio industry in the country.

“We are also receiving remarks on the areas we need improvement both technically and in the manner of presentation of our programmes. So, we are glad people are sending feedback,” said Father Mwinganyama.

Father Mwinganyama added that the radio strives to reflect the theology of Kuwala (light) in the Bible context through its programming.

“Being the light of the world entails many things for this radio. The radio will enlighten listeners through well-researched stories and programmes. But essentially, we want to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to the world, so that people become more Christ-like,” added Father Mwinganyama.

He further added by giving an example of Ndichitenji (What must I do) program that is aimed at addressing social as well spiritual challenges that one can find themselves in.

“Like Lero Mumpingo (Church Today) program gives information about what is happening in the Universal Church. So, every program is intended to give light to some aspects of our lives or particular age group” He added Further.

The Archdiocese of Blantyre Pastoral Secretary Father Alfred Chaima has also commended feedback from listeners of Kuwala FM as they continue to improve on programmes that are aired.

“So far am impressed with the feedback from the people, we have received more of positive comments that are encouraging us to keep on with the programming as it is. We also receive interesting suggestions on how we can improve and touch base with the Church on the ground,” said Father Chaima.

Father Chaima added that the Pastoral Office in the Archdiocese looks forward to having the radio station as a platform for simplifying Catechesis teaching to parishioners of the Archdiocese.

“Again, we want to use this radio station as a channel of formation to our lay leaders on the ground so that the Church may have empowered lay leadership that is vibrant and helpful to the Church, especially in leading from Small Christian Communities,” added Father Chaima.

The Pastoral Secretary hopes the radio station is to help in implementing dreams of the Archdiocese outlined in the Strategic Plan.

“We want to have a self-reliant Church, a Church that can run from its own resources but to do that we need the faithful to understand their role and their mission in the Church,” Father Chaima added further.

Established as a commercial regional radio station, Kuwala FM has coverage in eight districts under the Archdiocese of Blantyre and some districts in the neighbouring dioceses.