By Clever Mwale
President Peter Mutharika has delegated senior government officials to preside over this year’s Remembrance Day events as part of a cost-cutting measure aimed at reducing state expenditure.
The commemorations, which honour Malawi’s war veterans, will take place on Sunday, November 11 in Lilongwe, Zomba and Mzuzu, marking the end of the annual poppy week.
According to the government, the decision for the President not to attend any of the ceremonies personally was made to ensure the prudent use of limited national resources while maintaining the spirit of honouring the country’s fallen heroes.
Minister of Information Shadric Namalomba said Vice President Jane Ansah will preside over the main event in Lilongwe, the Second Vice President Enoch Chihana will lead the Mzuzu ceremony while Minister of Gender Mary Navitcha will represent the President in Zomba.
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financial prudence
Namalomba said such delegations reduce the cost of hosting the President, whose attendance would require extensive security arrangements, large delegations and logistical expenses.
“The President believes in financial prudence and wants to ensure every kwacha counts, especially during a period when the country is facing pressing needs such as hunger relief and fuel stabilisation,” he said.
Veterans Ex-Service League of Malawi Chairperson General Henry Odillo welcomed the government’s continued support but urged further attention to the welfare of ex-servicemen and widows.
Odillo said most veterans continue to face challenges such as poor housing, inadequate medical care and low pensions despite their invaluable service in global and regional peacekeeping missions.
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“We are asking the government to make use of the skills of our retired soldiers in national programmes such as training, border patrols and wildlife protection so that they continue contributing to the country,” he said.
Remembrance Day, observed annually on November 11, honours Malawian soldiers who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars under the King’s African Rifles
