On July 1, 2022, the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) bid farewell to one of its long serving researchers, Mr. Witness Alfonso. Mr. Alfonso, who joined IPOR in 2016, has joined Centre for Social Research (CSR) of the University of Malawi.  At a farewell dinner that was held in Mr. Alfonso’s honour at Wadonda Suites in Zomba, IPOR staff members had an opportunity to send off their Senior Research Associate colleague and wish him well as he takes up his new role with CSR.

As part of the event, IPOR team shared memories and lessons they’ve learnt from Witness since he joined the team in 2016.

In his speech, Witness expressed his sadness at leaving the IPOR family, but was also happy at the same time that he had joined another research institution that is located a stone throw away from IPOR. He assured his former colleagues that he will continue to regard himself as a member of IPOR’s family and that as he takes up his new job, he will become one of IPOR’s ambassadors in recognition of what IPOR has done in grooming him to become the accomplished researcher that he is today.  

Speaking on behalf of IPOR, Director of Research, Dr. Boniface Dulani thanked Witness for his many contributions that have helped IPOR to grow to the institution that it is today. Dr. Dulani acknowledged that while staff departures, especially among experienced team members such as Witness, are heartbreaking, he pointed out that he is proud that IPOR has contributed to nurture and develop Witness’ research capacity and that he is happy to see this growth being shared with an established research firm such as CSR.

Speaking at the same function, Dr. Micheal Chasukwa, IPOR’s Deputy Director of Research, wished Witness all the best as he takes another step in his professional career and said he is always welcome at IPOR.