21/10/2026
AN OPEN LETTER TO MR FRANK L. KAMWENDO
FROM: LIMBIKANI SHAWA (NONM paid up member, Salima DHO)
Dear Mr Kamwendo,
I understand your decision to withdraw from the race for the NONM presidency, having realised that your firm, no-nonsense, and results-driven leadership may have unsettled certain individuals. Although I respect your decision, I cannot hide my disappointment on behalf of the many nurses and midwives who had pinned their hopes on your leadership.
If some individuals within NONM do not consider you suitable to lead the organisation, I wonder why you should continue sacrificing your time and energy to fight for civil servants affected by the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). It is unfortunate that those who have frustrated your leadership ambitions may ultimately benefit from your continued efforts for, your fights do not benefit few individuals. We saw how you fought for mass recruitment in this country yet few others tend to discredit such proven record of leadership.
We remember how you fought wanting the nurses and midwives with diplomas (NMTs) to be allowed contesting for NONM executive positions through Zomba High Court at a time the constitution was bent. We remember how you got transferred from Nsanje to Lilongwe DHO just because you wanted nurses and midwives to be receiving the then agreed top up allowances well known as juicy deal.
You have demonstrated a commitment to fighting for nurses, midwives, and civil servants, even when many have remained silent. Sadly, your withdrawal may have brought relief to a few, but it has left many paid-up NONM members uncertain about their future.
I therefore urge you to reconsider your involvement in the CPS struggle and allow those who have been permitted to contest for NONM leadership to take up the responsibility. Let them prove their ability to secure a return to the old pension scheme and address the concerns surrounding Amaryllisgate. If you are deemed unfit to lead NONM, why should you still be expected to spearhead the struggle for all civil servants on CPS?
It is deeply disappointing that you have been denied the opportunity to contest while others may still expect you to lead the difficult fight for better welfare by returning to old pension scheme. Perhaps your determination to demand accountability has made some people uncomfortable. Nevertheless, you have fought a worthy battle, and we will always appreciate your courage and commitment to the cause.
Mr Kamwendo, I appeal to you to take a step back from fighting for us, continue serving as a Nursing Officer at Thyolo DHO, and seek God's guidance for the future. Let the incoming NONM leadership carry the torch from where you have left it. Those entrusted with leadership must now demonstrate that they can fulfil the promises and expectations that you inspired among nurses and midwives.
I once looked forward to a stronger NONM, three effective working shifts, nurses and midwives leading at health centres, and the eventual end of CPS in Malawi. Today, these aspirations seem uncertain. It pains me that we failed to stand up for you and allowed fear to silence us when you needed our support.
Thank you for standing up for us, even when we failed to stand up for you. You have fought a good fight, and your contribution will always be remembered. For now, I encourage you to rest, protect your peace, and allow God to guide your next steps. You have spent so much of your energy fighting for the welfare of others; you, too, deserve support, peace, and appreciation.
Yours sincerely,
Limbikani Shawa
A Concerned Paid-Up NONM Member and Nurse/Midwife
