NFB Filmmaker-in-Residence

IN MEMORY OF CHIEF KUNTUMANJI

July 16th, 2007

As I was taking his photo, I asked Chief Kuntumanji what books he had on that chair beside him. “I have the Bible, and the Koran. I read both books. I have music. Gospel music. As a chief, I consult many traditional books as well.”

News from Pax in Malawi today. George Kuntumanji, the head traditional Chief in Pax’s area has died of cancer. Pax mourns, “SAPAAO, the AIDS organization which I started, has lost a very good supporter. He was one of my Trustees.”

But Pax’s other news is all very promising:

“To begin with, I wish to tell you that Emmie and I, including the children and grandchildren are all well. We still have good memories of your stay at our village…

Thirdly, I wish to tell you that I am building an office and multipurpose hall at my place so that AIDS activities can now be done in a formal way.I wish to separate my personal life and that of my organization.My wife is now the Co Director of SAPAAO. She is running the organization, assisted by 10 Home BASED CARE VOLUNTEERS who are fully trained by Dignitas. By September 2007 the office complex will be in operation. Ask me where I have got the money?.I have pledged 50% of my Salary from my work with Dignitas to assist my community fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic.As long as I continue my work with Dignitas I will do every thing possible to contribute something for the good of People living with HIV/AIDS in my community.

Lastly, but not the least, the Malawi Government has approved my Proposal for ten bicycles,cooking oil and nutritious foods and the purchases of opportunist infection drugs through Global funds amounting to just above 4 million Malawi Kwacha for a period of 2 years.However we are yet to see when theses funds will start coming to us.The main point is that our Government has finally come to recognize us as a local based Organisation that is fighting the AIDS pandemic. It will be folly of me if I can not recoganise the role Dignitas and you personally has played in supporting me personally and my grouping in particular.

My organization is now looking after 204 orphans and 134 HIV/AIDS patients.”

Entry Filed under: The Bicycle