MISA Malawi mourns Dowa FM Station Manager Rowland Shani

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Community media champion remembered for leadership, mentorship, and warm personality

Tributes are still trickling in for the departed Dowa FM Station Manager, Rowland Shani whose death has plunged the community media fraternity into mourning.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Shani who died on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

He was the founding Station Manager of Dowa FM, a role in which he played a pivotal part in shaping the station into a trusted community broadcaster.

Before joining Dowa FM in 2021, Shani served as a technical college instructor and later worked as a human resources assistant, experiences that enriched his leadership style and strengthened his commitment to people development.

At Dowa FM, he became widely respected for nurturing young talent and building capable teams within the community broadcasting space.

MISA Malawi Chairperson, Golden Matonga has described Shani as a dedicated professional whose contribution to community media will be long remembered.

“Rowland Shani will be remembered for his warm personality and unwavering dedication to the growth and development of community media. His ability to develop and manage up-and-coming community broadcasters was exceptional and will be greatly missed,” Matonga said.

Shani’s burial is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Kankhande Village under Traditional Authority Msakambewa in Dowa District.