St John Malawi held its first-ever investiture ceremony for the admission of its Members into the Order of St John on Wednesday 2nd February.

The Duchess of Argyll, Prior of St John Scotland, conducted the investiture ceremony, which saw six St John Malawi staff and volunteers, who have selflessly dedicated years of their time to supporting vulnerable people and helping to save lives within their communities, receive their insignia and certificates as Members of the Order of St John.

The Members that were admitted into the Order were:

Margaret Hornell Ali: Is an expert in human rights and gender advocacy. She has greatly supported the mother and baby programme and was one of the first to see the need to develop an in-country recognition award and volunteer engagement policies.

Lazarus Banda: A community volunteer who assists in the delivery of maternal health care services in the community. He also supervises other volunteers and provides mentorship.

Thomas Bester Kaiya: Has supported St John for 40 years as a volunteer and staff member. He provided technical first aid skills in training that have helped many people, and this has provided an income to sustain St John Malawi.

Raphael Kuyesa: Is a council member who volunteered his sales, marketing, and administrative skills, which helped grow St John Malawi to what it is today.

Rennie Magodi: Has worked for over 30 years as a volunteer, committing her time to household visits and community sensitisation. She provides first aid skills and primary health care to the people of Ndirande, Blantyre.

Jennifer Namilika: She joined 20 years ago and provides her financial expertise. She is the Council Vice Treasurer and supports the management in audit matters.  

The ceremony took place at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Blantyre. The homily was given by Bishop Alinafe Kalemba.

Many people within the community came to witness the ceremony, including the clergy, the local media, and other St John Malawi Brigade members and volunteers. The event was also featured on national television and local radio stations.

You can watch a summary of the investiture below.

We at St John would like to congratulate everyone who received their insignia and certificates as Members of the Order of St John. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

More information about our Mother and Baby programme in Malawi can be found here. 

13 February 2023