Rev. Sr. Perpetua Mutonga leaves Radio Musi-O-Tunya
Today, Thursday 15th April, 2021, Sr. Perpetua Mutonga, Lssf, filled with a perfect Franciscan joy, has left Radio Musi-O-Tunya after a mutual agreement between the Catholic Diocese of Livingstone and herself. She had been at the helm of the first-ever Catholic Community Radio station in Livingstone since 2013.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Sr. Mutonga stated that the Radio station has over the years developed to be a radio of choice in Livingstone and Kazungula Districts and the surrounding areas.
A lot achieved
Many successes were scored at the radio despite the challenges faced. To improve radio programming, radio Musi-O-Tunya partnered with several institutions to work on studio equipment and the training of staff.
‘In the years I have worked at Radio Musi-O-Tunya a lot has been done, despite the challenges we have faced….My first priority was to improve programming. But to do that I needed to work with other partners.’
Be loyal to the Director
Beaming with a broad smile, Sr. Mutonga called on the Radio staff to continue being respectful and dedicated to work. She called on the staff to be as loyal to the new radio Director as they were to her.
‘I still love you as you are …..you were loyal to me, please, I encourage you to continue to be loyal to your new Director, Fr. Imasiku Ngalama.’
Guidance needed
When there is change in management in an institution, there is usually fear of the unknown for the staff. However, the current radio staff face the future of Radio Maria Musi-O-Tunya with great confidence.
In response to the outgoing Radio Director, Muuba Gabriel Josias, representing the Radio staff promised the new Radio Maria Musi-O-Tunya director of the staff’s undivided loyalty during the execution of their assignments.
‘Fr. [Imasiku] Ngalama we want to promise you that we will work with you closely, just the way we worked with Sr. Perpetua [Mutonga]. We will need your guidance on a lot of issues… My colleagues let’s continue working together.’
Fr. Imasiku comes in
Fr. Imasiku Ngalama takes over from Rev. Sr. Mutonga as Radio Director. With the change in leadership at Radio Musi-O-Tunya, comes in the new operations of the radio station.
Radio Musi-O-Tunya has now partnered with Radio Maria World Family. In this case, Radio Musi-O-Tunya 106.1 FM shall now be called Radio Maria Musi-O-Tunya 106.1 FM.
A feeling of gratitude and Call for support and prayers
In accepting his appointment as Radio Maria Musi-O-Tunya Director, Fr. Imasiku stated,
‘I unreservedly express invaluable gratitude and inestimable indebtedness to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Livingstone, the Right Reverend Valentine Kalumba, OMI, for appointing Mr. Abel Mpondela as Radio Maria Musi-O-Tunya Substation Chairperson and Board Member of Radio Maria Zambia, and yours truly as Director of Radio Maria Musi-O-Tunya on 15th April, 2021.’
The new Radio Director equally called for continued support and prayers.
‘As we pray to God for guidance and wisdom, we ask for the support of everyone connected to Radio Musi-O-Tunya within and outside the Catholic Diocese of Livingstone.’
Fr. Imasiku Ngalama is not new to the radio environment. He once served as Radio Director from 2007 to 2008, until now he served as Radio Musi-O-Tunya Board Chairperson.
Present at the Handover ceremony were representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Livingstone and the Little Sisters of St. Francis, Radio Staff and Radio Board Members.