Taking over from Kayisi Sadala, tobacco industry regulator Tobacco Commission (TC) has hired former Nsanje South West legislator Joseph Chidanti Malunga as its new chief executive officer.

TC board chairperson Harry Mkandawire on Sunday confirmed the hiring of Chidanti Malunga, after 40 applicants and were shortlisted to 18 candidates. “I am glad to say that he came out number one,” said Mkandawire. “… let me emphasize that the selection was done on merit and in the interest of the tobacco industry.”

Chidanti Malunga holds a PhD in wetland farming obtained fromCranfield University, UK, in 2010, brings to the commission 26 years experience in the agriculture sector, particularly in policy formulation, implementation, research, outreach,and legislation. He also holds a master of science in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University, USA, which he obtained in 1999.