Lawmaker Atupele Muluzi, son of former president Bakili Muluzi, has been given an award by  a pan-African organisation, Africa Heritage Society (AHS) in South Africa and an honorary membership in recognition for his interest to bring about change in Africa especially inspiring the next generation.

The younger Muluzi was given the award when he was invited to address South African enteprenuers, academics and politicians at the society in Johannesburg.

The  award given to Muluzi is aimed at inspiring change. Previous politicians who are recipients include  former Zambian president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda,  former South African presidents Thabo Mbeki and  icon Nelson Mandela.

There are also many CEO’s, business leaders and academics in Africa who have received the award.

A conversation of Malawi challenges and opportunities was the theme of the event where Muluzi received his award and made an address.

According to AHS website, the Machinga North East MP highlighted the governments changing the flag against the wishes of the people and that the biggest threat to development is freedom and Malawi needs to look beyond.

Muluzi, who is also deputy parliamentary leader of former ruling UDF, went on to express the need for infrastructure development in the nation.

AHS website said it was evident in the conversation that the “winds of change are blowing on Malawi”  for a younger generation to lead the nation into a new era and their involvement in the next elections in 2014.

“The business community that attended the event requested for a full geological report on Malawi to see opportunities into the infrastructure,” AHS said.

Delegates at the conference listening to Atupele’s speech 

The subject of member nations came up and that South Africa a is a strategic key  partner for Malawi and that by the Chinese accepting South Africa which they believe represents Africa with its 50 million population can add the 13 million of Malawi to its name and participate effectively with the Malawians playing a significant role.—(Reporting by Charles Kufa, Nyasa Times)