By Blessings Kadewere:
Chechamba, a relatively quiet village in Thyolo District, became the centre of attention Thursday when Professor Ngeyi Kanyongolo was laid to rest.
People from all walks of life, starting with husband Edge and Sub-Traditional Authority Kwanjani, could visibly not believe what had befallen the nation, which lost a gallant daughter and legal practitioner per excellence in Ngeyi.
She died in Blantyre on Monday.
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At the burial ceremony, Women Lawyers Association President Chisomo Nyemba could be seen trying to hold back tears.
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She described Ngeyi as not only a revered scholar and lawyer but also a beacon of hope for marginalised women and an ardent advocate of social justice in Malawi.
Nyemba could not skip the fact that Ngeyi founded the association in 1994.
“She was a phenomenal woman and distinguished lawyer. Her contribution to the legal field, especially to the cause of women and marginalised people, has left an indelible mark,” Nyemba said.
She added that, up to the end of her life, Ngeyi remained true to the cause of fighting for gender equity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape Women Lawyers Association and inspire its members.
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Ngeyi’s cousin Hope Chilemba, who represented members of the bereaved family, described her death as shocking.
“We will remember her as a pillar of strength and a God-sent gift to our family,” Chilemba said.
He emphasised that Ngeyi’s influence in the family went beyond her academic and professional achievements, noting that her wisdom and guidance had a lasting effect on family members.
“Her absence has left an irreplaceable void,” he said.
On his part, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda said Ngeyi contributed immensely to the legal profession in the country.
He added that she served as mentor to countless young lawyers in the country.
“Ngeyi’s passing is a significant loss to the nation,” Chakaka Nyirenda said, further noting that her reputation was cemented by the fact that she was a highly principled lawyer who exuded integrity everywhere she went.
“She emphasised ethical practice and justice, values that resonated throughout her career,” Chakaka Nyirenda said.
The Catholic University of Malawi (Cunima), where Ngeyi held the position of Vice Chancellor, also said her death was like a sharp knife that had cut deep into their flesh.
Cunima Registrar Francis Nkhoma reflected on her short but impactful tenure, noting that she had been officially inaugurated as Vice Chancellor just last month.
In fact, she served in the position for eight months before her inauguration last month.
“Although her time with us was brief, she has left a profound legacy,” said Nkhoma, who expounded that her leadership had already started to shape the university’s path.
He described her as a forward-thinking and compassionate leader, emphasising that although she is now gone forever, her vision for academic excellence and social responsibility would influence Cunima for years to come.
The Catholic Church led people in requiem mass.
Born on March 31 1969, Ngeyi is survived by husband Edge and daughter Ulemu Hannah.
President Lazarus Chakwera condoled with members of the bereaved family with K2 million.
