BY BERTHA BANDA:
A mixture of emotions of celebration and grief engulfed Nsipe Parish Ground in Ntcheu District Saturday as thousands gathered to honour the life of former vice president, Saulos Chilima.
Chilima, alongside former First Lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri and 7 other citizens, died on June 10, 2024 in a plane crash in Chikangawa forest in Mzimba District.
Yesterday, the memorial mass, led by Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima, thousands of people from across Malawi – a reflection of the lasting impact Chilima left on the nation.
In an emotional speech, widow Mary Chilima said the pain of losing her husband remains unbearable.
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“Even today, I am still living in shock, disbelief, and pain,” she said.
Mary described Chilima as a humble and prayerful leader who endured criticism and political humiliation with peace and dignity.
“Even when his position was not respected, he remained strong through prayers,” she said.
The widow also expressed hope that the ongoing plane crash inquiry commissioned by President Peter Mutharika will finally provide answers surrounding the accident that shocked the nation.
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She further appealed to the government to establish a special memorial day and construct a special museum in honour of the former vice president.
Their son, Sean, said heartbroken as they may be, the family remains comforted by the fact that his father lived a life celebrated by many Malawians.
In his statement, Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani V described Chilima as a leader who deeply respected Ngoni culture and served people with courage and love.
Representing President Mutharika, Minister of Education, Bright Msaka, urged anyone with information regarding the plane crash to cooperate with the inquiry committee.
Msaka said the investigation seeks to establish the real cause of the accident so that both the Chilima family and Malawians can find closure.
He also challenged citizens to remember not only how Chilima died but also how he served the nation.
“I hope the [family] mausoleum will become a place where people will come to learn about his life and legacy,” Msaka said.
After the mass, there was unveiling of the mausoleum the family has constructed for the former Vice President.
Among other prominent figures present at the event were Vice President Jane Ansah, former President Joyce Banda and former First Gentleman Richard Banda, former Vice President Michael Usi, UTM president Dalitso Kabambe and UDF president Atupele Muluzi.
After the ceremony at Nsipe Parish Ground, a memorial service organised by the UTM was held at Ntcheu Stadium
