By Chisomo Phiri
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has declared Monday June 17, 2024 a public holiday in order to allow people to pay their last respects to the departed Vice-President Saulos Chilima as he will be laid to rest at his home village in Ntcheu District.
Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu disclosed this on Saturday during a press briefing at Parliament Building in Lilongwe.
Said Kunkuyu: “Monday 17th June, is a holiday which has been declared in order to give everyone a chance to pay their respects to late Vice-President Chilima.”
The minister said President Chakwera will on Sunday lead Malawians in honouring the Vice President Saulos Chilima at a public memorial service to be held at Bingu National Stadium.
Kunkuyu also disclosed that nation is expected to receive delegates from around the world, including Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania, Ghana, and others.
He commended former President Joyce Banda and all Cabinet Ministers for representing President Chakwera at all eight funerals ceremonies.
He also further commended all stakeholders for lending their support towards the funeral ceremonies.
The late Chilima was expected to attend the burial ceremony of the former Minister of Justice and prominent lawyer Raphael Kasambara in Nkhata Bay on Monday June 10,2024.
But the military plane carrying him and eight others could not land at Mzuzu Airport due to bad weather.
On return to Lilongwe, the plane crashed near Chikangawa Forest where he and eight others perished .
The Roman Catholic Church Dedza Diocese will lead the burial ceremony for the late VP.
