James Lapani Ng'ombe

Dr. James Ng'ombe "is executive director of the Malawi Institute of Journalism, which promotes media independence and professionalism through training, research, and writing. One of Malawi's most distinguished and prolific authors, he has published numerous works on political themes, including the novels Sugarcane with Salt (1989) and Madala's Children (1996). The latter, a national classic that explores the harsh realities of life under the one-party dictatorship of Dr. Hastings Banda, is a required textbook for high-school students. Dr. Ng'ombe also manages a publishing company, runs a radio station, and has taught language and communication at the University of Malawi. Following on the success of his second novel, Dr. Ng'ombe devoted his fellowship to writing a sequel, tentatively entitled Madala's Grandchildren. The novel examines the sociopolitical conditions in Malawi in the ten years following Dr. Banda's removal from office and pays special attention to issues of good and bad governance, corruption, and accountability."

• NED Past Fellows