Vice President Saulos Chilima led others in condoling with family members of departed veteran politician John Zenus Ungapake Tembo.
The second-in-command also signed in the book of condolence messages at Tembo’s Area 10 residence in Lilongwe.
Chilima was welcomed by Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo and John Tembo Junior, among others.
The Vice President— wearing a black suit— wore a somber face when he signed in the book.
“I am saddened by the death of our father, John Tembo,” he said while consoling Tembo’s children.
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In the evening, former president Joyce Banda also signed in the book of condolence messages.
Former Speaker of Parliament Louis Chimango also paid tribute to Tembo.
“I shall remember John Tembo as a teacher and great mentor. I shall remember him as one of the finest political leaders in the country,” Chimango said
On her part, Foreign Affairs Minister Tembo described Tembo as a great father.
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“He was a man who loved his country, his party, his family. He was a strategist; a straight shooter who didn’t mince words. A man of conviction, well read, man of class. A man who loved the finer things in life,” she said.
John Tembo, who was 91, died on Wednesday morning in area 10 at a private clinic.
He was the last Cabinet minister of the first Dr Kamuzu Banda cabinet.
During his tenure, Tembo championed several initiatives to support the country in its development endeavors.
Several ministers and members of diplomatic missions also signed in the condolence messages book on Thursday.
Chairperson for the special committee for the funeral, Albert Mbawala, said the condolence messages book was opened for everyone.
