President Lazarus Chakwera has cancelled his trip to South Africa, where he was scheduled to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa, as a sign of respect for the late Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others who perished in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba on Monday June 10, 2024.
The remains of Chilima were laid to rest yesterday Monday June 17,2024 at Nsipe in Ntcheu, marking the final farewell to the fallen heroes.
The country will continue to honor their memory for 21 days, with flags flying at half-mast as ordered.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe,Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu, said President Chakwera will instead be represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo at the inauguration ceremony in South Africa.
Moses Kunkuyu
The Minister also confirmed that discussions are underway to bring in expatriates to assist in the inquiry into the cause of the plane crash.
Kunkuyu took the opportunity to praise the media, clergy, and other partners who played a significant role in honoring the fallen heroes, including the Vice President.
“We appreciate the support and solidarity shown during this difficult time,” Kunkuyu said.
The cancellation of the President’s trip and the ongoing tribute to the late VP and eight others demonstrate the nation’s commitment to honoring their memory and ensuring that their sacrifice is not forgotten.
The recent burial ceremony of the late Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima was intended to be a solemn event, uniting the nation in mourning the loss of a prominent leader. However, it became a stage for political maneuvering by the former President, Peter Mutharika, and his party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
While leaders from other major political parties, including the Malawi Congress Party, United Democratic Front, and People’s Party, focused on paying their respects and participating in the burial mass, the DPP seemed more concerned with mobilizing their supporters. Witnesses observed that the DPP members were actively trying to show their morale during the ceremony.
Mutharika at the funeral
The culmination of these actions came at the end of the burial ceremony. As the proceedings concluded and other political leaders departed from Nsipe ground, Peter Mutharika continued to parade around, seemingly aiming to provoke reactions from the attendees and rally his supporters. This behavior starkly contrasted with the unified, respectful conduct expected at such a significant event.
Many attendees expressed their disappointment with Mutharika and the DPP, accusing them of attempting to gain political popularity during a time of national grief. The general sentiment was that the funeral should have been an apolitical event, dedicated to honoring Dr. Chilima’s legacy and allowing the nation to mourn together, free from political agendas.
The actions of the DPP and Mutharika have sparked a broader conversation about the appropriateness of political activities during national ceremonies and the importance of unity during times of mourning. The criticism underscores a desire among Malawians for their leaders to rise above political rivalries and show respect for national events, especially those marking the loss of significant figures in the country’s leadership.
In a poignant display of unity and reconciliation, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera extended a warm welcome to former President Peter Mutharika at the funeral of Vice President Saulos Chilima. The event, held at Nsipe in Ntcheu on Monday 17 June 2024 marked a rare moment where political differences were set aside in honor of a national figure.
President Chakwera’s gesture was seen as a significant step towards fostering national unity, especially amidst political tensions that have sometimes polarized the country. Welcoming Mutharika, his predecessor and a prominent opposition leader, demonstrated a commitment to putting aside partisan divides during moments of collective mourning and reflection.
Chakwera and Mutharika
The funeral ceremony has been attended by a diverse array of political figures, dignitaries, and citizens, all paying their respects to Vice President Saulos Chilima, whose legacy as a unifying figure in Malawian politics is being celebrated.
President Chakwera’s and Peter Mutharika’s presence together at the funeral has sent a powerful message of unity and reconciliation in Malawi’s political landscape. It reinforced the potential for collaboration and dialogue across party lines for the betterment of the nation, beyond individual differences and ambitions.
As Malawi continues on its path of democratic consolidation and national development, gestures such as these serve as reminders of the importance of leadership that prioritizes unity, dialogue, and national cohesion.
In a poignant display of unity and reconciliation, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera extended a warm welcome to former President Peter Mutharika at the funeral of Vice President Saulos Chilima. The event, held at Nsipe in Ntcheu on Monday 17 June 2024 marked a rare moment where political differences were set aside in honor of a national figure.
President Chakwera’s gesture was seen as a significant step towards fostering national unity, especially amidst political tensions that have sometimes polarized the country. Welcoming Mutharika, his predecessor and a prominent opposition leader, demonstrated a commitment to putting aside partisan divides during moments of collective mourning and reflection.
Chakwera and Mutharika
The funeral ceremony has been attended by a diverse array of political figures, dignitaries, and citizens, all paying their respects to Vice President Saulos Chilima, whose legacy as a unifying figure in Malawian politics is being celebrated.
President Chakwera’s and Peter Mutharika’s presence together at the funeral has sent a powerful message of unity and reconciliation in Malawi’s political landscape. It reinforced the potential for collaboration and dialogue across party lines for the betterment of the nation, beyond individual differences and ambitions.
As Malawi continues on its path of democratic consolidation and national development, gestures such as these serve as reminders of the importance of leadership that prioritizes unity, dialogue, and national cohesion.
Scores of people from Malawi and other international dignitaries on Monday converged at Nsipe Primary School ground in Ntcheu to witness the burial of the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima who died in a plane crash on Monday, June 11, 2024 along with eight others.
In a eulogy, a representative from the bereaved family, Elizabeth Mkandawire Mwanga said Late Vice President, Chilima was a happy, loving and charitable man, who was poised to become a global leader.
She thanked the international community, Malawi government and church community for honouring him.
Chilima being laid to rest
“Allow me to thank the United Transformation Movement (UTM) for the support rendered during the mourning period and thanks to the chiefs for the love. I would like to thank the people of Malawi for the gesture during the mourning period.
“I appeal to the government to conduct an investigation to establish the truth and that such a tragedy should not happen again. Let me appeal to the Nation to keep the Chilima dream alive and not to give up hope so that his dreams become a reality. Osaopa, osatopa, osafooka,” Mwanga said.
In his eulogy, Dr Ben Chilima thanked the government and former Presidents and Chiefs for their support.
In paying his last respect, Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V said the Late Vice President was the pride of the Ngoni people in Ntcheu.
He said Chilima was both a friend and advisor who was always there in times of need.
Gomani thanked the government and well wishers for the support rendered during the funeral ceremony.
“Chilima was peaceful, humble, and loving and always wanted to see Malawi develop and this is why he always put the country’s future first in his priorities. Let me ask the people of Malawi to continue wishing the country well just as he had hoped he added.
Notable people who attended the burial include Former President, Dr Bakili Muluzi, Former President, Peter Mutharika, Former Vice President, Khumbo Kachali and UTM Secretary General Patricial Kaliati, among others.
In his sermon when he conducted a funeral mass, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Diocese said several Malawians are in mourning for the departed late Vice President and this was why all Roman Catholic faithfuls held Mass in remembrance of him.
He encouraged people to maintain peace just as how late Vice President had hoped for, and that his death should not bring about confusion and disagreements among the people.
A devout Christian, the late Chilima was born on February 12, 1973, and together with his wife, Mary had two children.
The first to lay the wreaths was the wife of the late Vice President, Madame Mary Chilima, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and Madame Monica Chakwera, Former President Dr Bakili Muluzi, Former President Peter Mutharika and his wife, Gertrude Mutharika among others.
The late Chilima and eight others died in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba district.
