A photo that first drew laughter online has ended up changing a Lilongwe-based vendor’s life, after a United Kingdom-based Malawian raised K1.6 million to support him.
The image captured Mtchona Sawasawa seated by the footpath at the new Lilongwe Bridge, selling unripe mangoes and a bunch of bananas under the hot sun.
While many online commentators made fun of his tiny trade, one man looked beyond the jokes and saw dignity in hard work.
The Patriot, Madalitso Chinguwo, a Malawian philanthropist living in the United Kingdom said the picture touched him deeply because he saw a hardworking man who only needed support.
Touched by the scene, Chinguwo posted on social media appealing for help to find Sawasawa, saying he wanted to give him K200,000 to grow his business.
After Sawasawa was found, Chinguwo exceeded his original promise by rallying his friends, and together they raised K1.6 million, which was later presented to the vendor.
Chinguwo explained that his goal was to help Sawasawa build a stronger business that could sustain him and his family.
“Our expectation is to see him doing something that brings more money to him and his family. Helping a stranger without expecting anything in return is fulfilling because good deeds do not go unnoticed by God,” he said.
Sawasawa admitted he was stunned by the kindness, as he could not understand why a stranger would give him such a large amount.
“I thought there was a catch to it, but I was informed that it was money freely given to me to help boost my business financially,” he said.
The gesture has since attracted appreciation from various quarters who have urged others to emulate the same.
