By Samuel Kalimira & Cathy Maulidi:
Tributes continue to pour in for former Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe, who died on Tuesday evening in Lilongwe.
President Lazarus Chakwera has described Gondwe as a man who was dedicated and made several contributions to the country.
“[The] First Lady and I are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe. His dedicated service and contributions to our nation will forever be remembered,” Chakwera said.
Former President Peter Mutharika, who is also Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president, has described Gondwe as a distinguished, decorated and accomplished economist and politician.
In a statement, released Wednesday, Mutharika said Gondwe was an instrument in the stabilisation of the Malawi economy during DPP regimes (2004 to 2012 and 2014 to 2020).
Mutharika also said Gondwe, in his capacity as DPP vice president responsible for the Northern Region, promoted unity among party members.
“As we mourn, we also celebrate his life, we take a moment to reflect on his life and learn from him. As we mourn, we further take cognizance of his greatness and, therefore, challenge to continue from where his roads on earth ended,” Mutharika said.
Another former head of state Bakili Muluzi said the country has lost an icon, who contributed a lot to the economic development of the country.
Muluzi said Gondwe, who once worked as chief economic adviser during his term, served his country diligently and with utmost patriotism.
“He served in my administration and other regimes and I can assure you that not only the family has lost but also the nation at large,” Muluzi said.
In Parliament, lawmakers took some time to pay tributes to Gondwe.
Reading a condolence message in the chamber, Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda said the whole nation is mourning the departed economist and politician.
“Goodall was one of the Malawi’s finest ministers and a rare breed of a politician. I carry a message of deepest sympathy and condolences from His Excellency the President Lazarus Chakwera and our First Lady Monica Chakwera to the Gondwe family and the nation during this most trying moment,” Chimwendo Banda said.
He said Gondwe will be remembered for his contribute to national development.
“The late Goodall Gondwe was an exceptional politician and an economist. He served his nation with utmost dedication and high sense of patriotism. Goodall was loved and admired by many Malawians. He dedicated [a] great part of his life to shape the country’s economy,” Chimwendo Banda said.
And delivering his condolence message in Parliament, Leader of the Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa described Gondwe’s passing as a painful loss.
“Goodall was not only a beloved brother, uncle, father and grandfather; he was also a respected friend and citizen of this country who touched the lives of many [people] with his kindness, wisdom and unwavering dedication to making Malawi and the world a better place.
“As we mourn Goodall today, let us remember him not only for his accomplishments but also for the values he embodied. Let us carry forward his legacy by embracing education, compassion and social justice in our own lives. Goodall’s departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will continue to guide us, members of Parliament, university students, academicians, professionals, politicians and all Malawians, as we strive to make a positive difference in our nation,” Nankhumwa said.
Also expressing sadness, Second Deputy Speaker Aisha Adams said she was lost for words, such that she could only say: “From God we came and to Him we return”.
Gondwe’s nephew, Komani Gondwe, said Gondwe will be laid to rest on Sunday at his home village, Kayiwonanga, at Enukweni in Mzimba North.
Komani said the family is waiting for Gondwe’s two sons, who are in the United States of America and are expected to jet in the country by Friday.
“The vigil is taking place at Goodall’s home in Area 10, Lilongwe. On Friday, the body will be taken to Mzuzu where, on Saturday, it will be ferried to his home for burial on Sunday,” he said.
According to the nephew, Gondwe was pronounced dead upon arrival at Adventist Hospital at around 10:15pm on Tuesday after holding a successful meeting with DPP party leaders in the afternoon.
Komani said his uncle had been complaining of backache.
He died at the age of 87.
Meanwhile, Mzimba North lawmaker Yeremiah Chihana has asked the government to give Gondwe a befitting farewell.
“Accord him a State funeral and declare a day of mourning,” he said.
