Death is defined as the permanent end of life in a person or animal, according to the Collins English Dictionary.
This permanent end is inevitable for any living thing, regardless of race, location, religious beliefs, political philosophy, gender or academic accolades one may possess. Death is indeed the end of all ambitions.
The African worldview on death becomes highly spiritualistic. People fear death and often consider it avoidable.
When someone dies, family members search for the cause, either through spiritualism or science, even if the effects are visible.
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In Malawi, it is rare for a person to die without suspicion of foul play. Witchcraft is believed to be the primary means by which death is induced in individuals, regardless of the actual cause such as cholera, which Africans still investigate through metaphysical means (divination).
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Death is not considered ordinary; it is believed to only occur through the involvement of enemies or ancestral spirits via witchcraft.
In contrast, in Western culture, family members may opt for an autopsy to determine the cause of death if there are doubts surrounding the circumstances.
Many high-profile people have died in Malawi.
They include father and founder of our nation Hastings Kamuzu Banda, former president Bingu wa Mutharika and former vice presidents Justin Malewezi and Saulos Chilima.
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Each of these was buried in his own locations.
The fact remains that where there is life, there is also death. Death respects neither wealth nor poverty, and demonising it only leads to despair.
Regarding cultural diversity, different societies have various ways of disposing of their dead. Some parts of the world practise cremation, while Africa tends to favour burial in cemeteries.
Malawian society, in particular, seldom opts for cremation but instead prefers traditional burial in cemeteries.
Family members of the deceased dictate the burial procedures for their loved ones, which is entirely acceptable as blood ties are thicker than water.
However, there should be careful consideration when deciding where to bury our national heroes and heroines.
For the sake of history, Malawi should establish an official burial site. The current manner in which we bury our fallen heroes not only disrespects them but also erases history that future generations will need to know.
Some of the tombs of our former presidents lie in ruins. For instance, Bingu was buried on his farm at Ndata, a place that lacks the necessary respect and fails to attract tourists.
Malewezi, was buried in a common graveyard. The relatives of Banda should be commended for understanding that Kamuzu was a statesman; hence, despite traditional beliefs, they allowed their son to be accorded an official burial place in the capital city.
Had Kamuzu Banda been buried in his ancestral village graveyard in Kasungu, it would have been challenging for Mutharika to locate and construct a modern tomb for this fallen hero.
Haphazard and traditional burial practices for our fallen heroes will lead us nowhere. Malawi as a nation needs an official cemetery.
Imagine our nation having a special official burial site for deceased presidents and vice presidents. Such a place would be ideal for tourism and would serve as a monument for future generations.
It is essential that we establish this site in the capital city of Lilongwe for easy accessibility.
Therefore, it is imperative for the Malawi Government to designate special official burial sites for presidents and vice presidents as a means of honouring our deceased heroes.
Such a site can be properly maintained by the government, unlike the current state of these leaders’ tombs.
A special tomb site for presidents and vice presidents could become a focal point for tourism, which would economically benefit government.
Moreover, it would serve as a monument where future generations can learn about the history of their fallen heroes.
