By Burnett Munthali
President Lazarus Chakwera has called on Malawians to embody the selflessness and patriotism demonstrated by the country’s martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence.
Speaking in Nkhata Bay on Monday, President Chakwera led the nation in commemorating the fallen heroes who lost their lives on March 3, 1959.
He emphasized that the best way to honor the martyrs is not merely to remember them but to continue their struggle, uphold the principles they fought for, and work tirelessly toward building the country they envisioned.
“The country needs patriotic people who have the welfare of their country at heart and not sellouts who betray their country because of greed,” Chakwera said.
He acknowledged that every 3rd of March is a somber day because of the lives that were lost, but he also described it as a moment of celebration, recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of the martyrs who paved the way for Malawi’s independence.
President Chakwera highlighted that the men and women being honored on Martyrs’ Day were visionaries who dreamed of a Malawi where every citizen, regardless of region or tribe, could live with dignity, respect, and freedom.
“They fought for the freedom to shape our own destiny, to build a nation that truly belongs to all its citizens. And it is this dream of an inclusive and prosperous Malawi that we must continue to strive for,” he stated.
He also condemned the practice of some politicians who engage young people in acts of violence and vandalism instead of guiding them to contribute positively to national development.
In his speech, Chakwera also took a strong stance against corruption within the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC), accusing its officials of colluding with vendors to buy maize at lower prices and later reselling it at exorbitant rates.
The President’s remarks come at a time when Malawians are grappling with economic challenges, and access to affordable maize remains a critical concern.
During the event, Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture disclosed that the government has allocated K15 million per family as compensation for the 61 families across the country who lost their loved ones in the fight for independence on March 3, 1959.
He further stated that families in the northern region have already received their compensation, while families in the southern and central regions are set to receive theirs on Wednesday and Thursday.
A representative of the bereaved families, James Thawi, expressed gratitude to the government for fulfilling the compensation pledge and thanked President Chakwera for consistently presiding over the annual commemorations.
The event also featured a sermon by Reverend Maxwell Mezuwa Banda of the CCAP Livingstonia Synod, who urged Malawians to love one another regardless of tribal, political, or religious differences.
Reverend Banda emphasized that the unity and love exhibited by the martyrs in their struggle for freedom should serve as a model for present and future generations.
As part of the commemorations, President Chakwera, accompanied by First Lady Monica Chakwera, laid wreaths at Kakumbi Cemetery in Nkhata Bay, where some of the martyrs are buried.
Other dignitaries who laid wreaths included Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara, Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda, Malawi Defence Force Commander Paul Valentino Phiri, and Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service Merlyne Yolamu.
This year’s Martyrs’ Day was observed under the theme, “The Martyrs: A Great Model of Patriotism,” reflecting the ongoing need for national unity and dedication to the country’s progress.
