People from all walks of life today gathered at Mangunda Headquarters in Thyolo for the funeral programme for the late Major Flora Selemani Ngwirinji ,the first Female Pilot in Malawi and one of the victims of the Chikangawa accident that also saw the death of the country’s Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima.
District Commissioner for Thyolo Hudson Kuphanga said the district has lost a role model who was inspiring girls in the district by showing them that it is possible to achieve their dreams.
“As a council, we have lost a courageous daughter who inspired our girls that education and determination can take them wherever they want to go.
“Being the first female pilot in the Malawi Defence Force showed her bravery,” said Kuphanga.
Traditional Authority Nanseta said that he has lost a daughter who contributed in the development of the area.
“Today is the saddest day of my life. As you can see,her house is stone throw away from my house,I have seen her grow and achieved her dream of becoming a pilot,” said T/A Nanseta.
The funeral ceremony of the former First Lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri has taken at Mfulanjovu in the area of Traditional Authority Chanthunya in Balaka District.
Speaking during the ceremony on behalf of the State President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, Presidential Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs Maxwell Thyolera said the late Dzimbiri was always available for her responsibilities at Parliament and as a member of the Legal Affairs Committee when she was Member of Parliament
The funeral of Shanil Dzimbiri
He described Dzimbiri as humble and that her death was a big loss to the nation
Former President Joyce Banda described the late Dzimbiri as a dedicated christian who, despite being a politician and a highly ranked woman in Malawi, portrayed royalty, kindness, love and sacrifice to others.
“I remember when she was the First Lady, she adopted 10 needy children and provided for them. This is love and kindness,” she said. “She was a rare germ. May her soul receive the price of her good deeds,” Banda said.
A representative of the bereaved family, Samuel Kamwendo described Dzimbiri as a pillar of the family and that her death was a big loss.
Dzimbiri’s daughter Edna said her mother sacrificed tirelessly for her children’s welfare.
Remains of late Inspector Chisomo Chimaneni have been accorded military honours in his home village, Makwaule, Senior Chief Chilooko, Ntchisi district.
Representing President Lazarus Chakwera at the funeral, Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma who was in the company of Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sam Kawale, described the late Chimaneni as a patriotic hero who died serving his country.
The remains Chisomo Chimaneni
He however decried his untimely demise saying his death is heartbreaking and a big loss to the nation.
Also present, were legislator for Ntchisi North constituency, Arnold Kadzanja and Senior Chief Chilooko who took turns to describe late Chimaneni’s death as a loss Ntchisi as a district and to his family as he was one of the district’s role models to the youth.
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.
