Hundreds of mourners bid farewell to the late Lukas Kapheni at Mazinga Community Ground in the area of Senior Chief Santhe in Kasungu today.
Minister of Health, Khumbize Chiponda who represented President Lazarus Chakwera, said the country is saddened by the plane crash which killed nine people including the Vice President.
Chiponda described Kapheni as a dedicated man who was climbing up the ladder of his career as a manager in the Malawi Police Service.
Remains of the late Lukas Kapheni
Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, who is also the Member of Parliament for the area said the 46-year-old Assistant Commissioner of Police was a dedicated young man who served his country well.
On her part, Senior Chief Santhe said she has lost a productive son of the community who had a bright future.
Also in attendance were Minister of Transport Jacob Hara, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Madalitso Kazombo and other government officials.
Until his death, Kapheni was the Guard Commander to the late Vice President Saulos Chilima.
In the wake of the tragic passing of Vice President Saulos Chilima, members of parliament and councilors from the UTM party have made a bold statement by rejecting the inclusion of Defense and Security Ministers, Ken Zikhale Ngoma and Harry Mkandawire, in the committee organizing his funeral.
The decision comes amidst growing discontent among UTM followers who feel that the two ministers have not effectively carried out their duties in the events leading up to Chilima’s death.
The news of Chilima’s passing shocked the nation, as he was not only the Vice President but also a beloved leader of the UTM party.
As preparations for his funeral began, it became clear that there was disagreement within the party regarding the involvement of certain ministers in the organizing committee. Steve Mikaya, a prominent member of the UTM party, voiced the concerns of many followers who feel that Ngoma and Mkandawire are not the right individuals to make decisions about Chilima’s funeral.
One of the major reasons cited by UTM members for rejecting the two ministers is their perceived lack of effectiveness in handling security and defense matters leading up to Chilima’s death.
Many followers believe that Ngoma and Mkandawire did not take adequate measures to ensure the safety and security of Chilima and other party members.
UTM Officials
This failure has left a bitter taste in the mouths of UTM supporters, who now question the competency of these ministers in such crucial roles.
Moreover, there is a general sense of disappointment among UTM members with the overall performance of Ngoma and Mkandawire in their respective ministries.
Some critics argue that the ministers have not shown strong leadership or taken decisive action in addressing pressing issues within the defense and security sectors.
This perceived lack of competence has led many within the party to doubt their ability to effectively contribute to the organizing committee for Chilima’s funeral.
As the controversy surrounding the involvement of Ngoma and Mkandawire in the funeral committee continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how party leaders will address the concerns of UTM members. The rejection of these ministers highlights the deep-seated frustrations and dissatisfaction within the party, as followers demand accountability and transparency in decision-making processes.
The decision by UTM members to reject Defense and Security Ministers Ken Zikhale Ngoma and Harry Mkandawire from the organizing committee for Vice President Saulos Chilima’s funeral underscores the growing discontent within the party.
The concerns raised by followers reflect a broader sentiment of frustration with the ministers’ perceived ineffectiveness and lack of leadership.
As the funeral arrangements progress, it is crucial for party leaders to address these concerns and prioritize the wishes of UTM supporters in honoring the memory of their beloved leader.
Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) on Wednesday June 12,2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chartered Accouts in Malawi (ICAM) aimed at enhancing professional and academic opportunities to foster educational excellence in the country.
Speaking to journalists after the MoU signing ceremony held at MUBAS main campus, ICAM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Noel Zigowa expressed hope that the partnership will take the two institutions far ahead in terms of its benefits
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Said Zigowa:” As you are aware that MUBAS is an institution of excellence which is training academically while ICAM is an institution which promotes profession for accountants in the country.As such, we are looking at accounting students be molded holistically so that they become accountants that are going to add value to this nation.”
He added that the partnership also aims to promote integrity, accountability and professionalism among accounting students before they become certified accountants.
On his part, MUBAS Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ishmael Kosamu expressed his excitement to have entered into a such important partnership with ICAM.
“As MUBAS, we are very delighted with the signing of this MoU with ICAM. ICAM actually has been part of us for a long time. We take this partnership as a big start into the promotion of accountability and transparency among our accounting students so that they become accountants that will really add value to our nation. We also believe that this MoU will bring order in terms of personnel and professional practice,” said Kosamu.
He said the partnership showcases how the two institutions are committed to promoting integrity, accountability and professionalism for the betterment of Malawi as a nation.
President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera has appealed to foreign governments and international agencies for support in the investigation of the military plane crash that killed Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others near Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba on Monday June 10, 2024.
Chakwera made the appeal on Wednesday June 12,2024 when over 20 Heads of Missions and international agencies visited him at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Chakwera arriving at Shanil Muluzi Dzimbiri funeral
“As the Malawi Defence Force begins its investigation into the cause of the crash today, I am aware that some of your governments have expertise in this area, and so I ask you to render your support,” he said.
Chakwera also expressed gratitude to foreign governments that quickly supported the search and rescue operations immediately after it was reported that the aircraft carrying the Vice-President and eight other passengers was missing.
He said Chilima has left an indelible legacy of energetic and active patriotism and dedication to public service and to Malawi’s welfare.
On her part, Nancy Saungwema, Dean of the Diplomats and Ambassador of Zimbabwe said most countries are willing to assist with the inquest.
The late Chilima will be laid to rest on Monday next week at his home village in Ntcheu.
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) President Enock Chihana has called on the United Nations(UN), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to support the investigation of the military plane crash that killed Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others near Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba on Monday June 10, 2024.
In a statement addressed to UN Secretary General António Guterres,Chihana is requesting the above mentioned international bodies to declare the plane crash site as a crime scene, and therefore, protected from contamination through internationally delegated military personnel,do a thorough forensic investigation into the events surrounding the plane crash and the death Chilima and others, and establish an urgent constitution of an internationally managed process of the Commission of Inquiry that should form part of the information gathering related to the late Chilima’s travel and other related arrangements.
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Chihana and Mtambo joined in the search for the plane
ds the statement in part :”As AFORD, we feel obliged to call for the above urgent actions for Malawi is under a period of speculation on the events surrounding the death of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and the other distinguished eight passengers.
“As a peace abiding political party, it is within our duty to support a process that hinges toward peace and prosperity for our beloved Malawi.
“Our call for a fully internationally supported and managed action as presented above, is key for the nation of Malawi to have full confidence of closure on the plane crash accident.”
It adds:”The AFORD, its entire National Executive Committee, and all its structures in all Regions and Districts of Malawi, together with many peace-loving Malawians, fully support this call for urgent international community support.
“AFORD, through its delegated representatives,is open to avail itself of this internationally managed action with information on areas of concern surrounding the plane crash, the search operation, and how the communication to the nation was managed. We look forward to your response to our urgent call to action and assure you of our highest considerations.”
The late Chilima will be laid to rest on Monday next week at his home village in Ntcheu.
