By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has joined the nation in mourning the death of Chikumbutso Mtumodzi, a senior civil servant who until his passing served as Principal Secretary in the Department of Procurement and Supply Services.
Among the many voices paying tribute is Chalo Mvula, the party’s Second Deputy Director of International Affairs, who took to his Facebook page to express profound shock and sorrow at the news.
In his emotionally charged post, Mvula wrote, “Gutted to hear about the passing of Comrade Chikumbutso Mtumodzi. A good man, a great friend. Rest in Peace.”
Mvula’s choice of words reflected deep personal loss as well as the broader emotional weight felt within the MCP and Malawian society at large.
His use of the term “comrade” emphasized the political and professional bond he shared with Mtumodzi, a fellow patriot known for his contributions to public service and governance.
The tribute immediately resonated with many, drawing responses from friends, colleagues, and ordinary Malawians who recognized Mtumodzi as a committed public servant.
Chikumbutso Mtumodzi previously served as Director of Information, a role that placed him at the heart of government communications and public engagement.
In that position, he earned respect for his clarity, patriotism, and dedication to truth-telling—qualities that made him a pillar in Malawi’s information landscape.
As Principal Secretary for Procurement and Supply Services, he worked tirelessly to ensure transparency and efficiency in government procurement, an area often marred by controversy.
His leadership in the department was widely seen as a stabilizing force and one that embodied the kind of professional ethics Malawians yearn for in public institutions.
Chalo Mvula’s tribute served not just as a note of mourning but also as a reflection on the legacy that Mtumodzi leaves behind.
It highlighted the strong network of friendships and political alliances Mtumodzi had cultivated over the years, both within and outside the Malawi Congress Party.
In Mvula’s brief yet powerful statement, many found their own feelings articulated—feelings of loss, gratitude, and respect for a man whose life was cut short but lived with purpose.
The loss of Mtumodzi has created a vacuum, especially in the civil service, where his institutional memory and leadership were seen as invaluable.
His death also comes at a time when Malawi is grappling with serious governance challenges, making his absence even more deeply felt by those who valued his contributions.
As the country continues to mourn, tributes like Chalo Mvula’s are a testament to Mtumodzi’s enduring impact on Malawi’s political and administrative fabric.
The Malawi Congress Party, through figures like Mvula, has shown that Mtumodzi was not only a colleague but also a friend, a mentor, and a patriot.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
