By Jones Gadama
In a surprising move, some primary schools in Blantyre did not report for classes today, citing June 10th as “Chilima’s Day” and therefore a holiday. According to sources, the schools alleged that the government had ordered the commemoration of the life of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, but the government has vehemently denied this claim.
Speaking with this publication, Government Spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu clarified that the government did not declare today as a holiday.
“We did not declare today as a holiday, and schools should operate as usual,” Kunkuyu said. “We understand that some schools may have chosen to observe a moment of silence or hold memorial services, but there was no directive from the government to close schools,” he added.
Despite the government’s denial, many primary schools in Blantyre remained closed, with pupils and teachers staying away from school premises.
The decision to close schools appears to have been driven by popular demand, with many Malawians choosing to pay tribute to the late Vice President.
The government’s clarification comes as a relief to some parents and guardians who had expressed concerns about the sudden closure of schools.
However, the situation highlights the complexities of balancing official directives with public sentiment.
As the nation continues to mourn the loss of Vice President Chilima, it remains to be seen how schools will operate in the coming days.
For now, the government has urged schools to adhere to the regular calendar and ensure that academic activities proceed without disruption.
