Students on the Move: Marching Against Plastic Waste at UNIMA

A spirited group of students from the University of Malawi Wildlife and Environmental Society (UNIMAWES) on 24th February 2026 presented a petition to the UNIMA administration, calling for urgent intervention on environmental challenges affecting the campus.

Before submitting the petition, the students staged a peaceful march around the University Office, holding placards with powerful messages urging the university community to take greater responsibility in protecting the environment.

Presenting the petition, the society’s President, Mr Robert Kamwendo, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Sociology student, expressed concern over the growing use of thin plastic papers by business operators within and around the campus. He noted that the increased reliance on thin plastics has significantly contributed to the rising levels of plastic waste across the university grounds.

Mr Kamwendo also presented a proposal to transform the area surrounding the Chikowi Lecture Theatres into a vibrant recreation centre for students and staff. The initiative aims not only to beautify the space but also to promote a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable campus environment.

Receiving the petition, the University Registrar, Mr Martin Matululu, commended UNIMAWES for its proactive and consistent role in environmental conservation both on campus and beyond. He praised the society’s dedication, noting that environmental issues require greater public attention and collective effort.

“This is exactly the kind of impact we want people to see from UNIMA students, showing how much you can contribute to the university, the community, and Malawi. The administration will make sure you have our full support,” said Mr. Matululu.

Mr Matululu also applauded Mr Vitumbiko Chijere Chirwa, patron of UNIMAWES, for his dedicated leadership and continued support of the students’ initiatives.

Beyond campus, UNIMAWES has remained actively engaged in environmental management, participating in tree-planting activities around Zomba City and conducting awareness visits to primary and secondary schools to inspire responsible environmental practices among young learners.

According to Mr Vitumbiko Chijere Chirwa, the society has lined up several impactful activities for the week. These include distributing kraft paper as an eco-friendly alternative to thin plastics, conducting a clean-up exercise at the Chikanda big bin on Thursday, and collecting thin plastics around campus on  Friday as a clear demonstration of their commitment to eliminating plastic waste at the university.