Sunduzwayo Madise steps down from National Council of Sports leadership

Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, the long-serving chairman of Malawi’s National Council of Sports, announced his resignation from the position on Wednesday, bringing to an end a tenure spanning three consecutive terms over five years.

Speaking to TVI on Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Madise cited the standard practice of dissolving government boards during political transitions as his reason for stepping down voluntarily ahead of any official directive.

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“I am leaving this position in line with the government’s practice of dissolving government boards when administrations change, so I saw it fit to resign from this position early,” Madise explained during the televised interview.

The resignation comes at a time when Malawi’s sports sector has seen significant development under Madise’s leadership. During his tenure, the National Council of Sports oversaw the expansion of sporting infrastructure, increased funding for various athletics programs, and enhanced support for Malawian athletes competing on international stages.

In his farewell statement, Dr. Madise expressed gratitude to the Malawian people and his colleagues at the Sports Council for their trust and collaboration throughout his leadership period.

“I thank Malawians and everyone I have worked with at the Sports Council organization for trusting and believing in my work during all three terms that I have led this organization,” he said. “I wish all the best to the new people who will be selected to run the organization.”

The outgoing chairman also acknowledged the government’s confidence in his leadership, thanking officials for appointing him to serve three consecutive terms at the helm of the national sports body.

Dr. Madise’s departure marks the end of an era for Malawian sports administration. His leadership coincided with several notable achievements in the country’s sporting landscape, including improved performance by Malawian athletes in regional and international competitions, enhanced sports facilities across the country, and increased grassroots sports development programs.

He wrote a farewell message to the fellow councilors and part of the message reads: “It has always been the tradition that, with a change of Government, statutory boards stand dissolved. In this regard, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the outgoing appointing authority for granting me the honour of serving once again as Chairperson of the Malawi National Council of Sports, and to each one of you for the privilege of working alongside you.

“This was my third opportunity to serve in this role, yet I remain ever aware that no Chair can be effective without the dedication, counsel, and teamwork of the members. Together, we have walked a meaningful journey, and while our official duties may now come to a close, I trust that the friendships, goodwill, and spirit of service we have shared will continue to bind us wherever our paths may lead.

“In accordance with procedure, I now formally relinquish authority to the Secretary for Youth and Sports and the Comptroller of Statutory Corporations, who assume oversight responsibilities in the absence of a constituted board.

“As we part in this capacity, I pray that the Almighty bless you abundantly, shine His gracious face upon you, and grant you lasting peace.”

Dr Madise, Deputy Chancellor of University of Malawi was appointed as the Chairperson of the Council in 2020 by Dr Lazarus Chakwera after being voted as the President of Malawi.

He is regarded as one of the founders of the Super League of Malawi, a body that he headed at one point, also worked as general secretary for Football Association of Malawi. He also led Bullets Executive committee.

Meanwhile, Dr Chakwera who appointed Dr Madise as the Chairperson for the Council conceded a defeat to Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika during the National address that he made on Wednesday.