Major Flora Selemani Ngwinjili, the first female pilot in the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), was laid to rest Friday at her home village, Kasalika, in Traditional Authority Nanseta in Thyolo District.
Selemani died on Monday, June 10, 2024, alongside the country’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and seven others in an air crash tragedy at Chikangawa Forest.
Deputy Commander of the MDF, General Lieutenant George Jafu, described the passing of Selemani as a heavy blow to the MDF considering her extensive experience in flight operations.
“News about the passing of Major Selemani has left us devastated, considering her vast experience in flight operations. It took a long time to train her, and it will be very difficult to replace her,” said Jafu.
According to Jafu, Selemani was commissioned as an officer in 2015.
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She had been upgrading her studies throughout her years of service, which saw her receiving promotions.
“This simply shows her hard work and dedication,” he added.
In his eulogy on behalf of President Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Sports Uchizi Mkandawire said the President is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the nine lives and extended his condolences to their families.
Thyolo District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga described the passing of Selemani as devastating, considering that she was a role model to many girls.
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“Being the first female pilot, many girls were inspired by the late Major’s educational background. So, her passing affects not only her family members but the nation as well,” Kuphanga said.
Harneck Mataka, uncle to the deceased, described Selemani as a kind-hearted person and a leader within her clan and the community.
She was born on January 5, 1979 and is survived by a daughter and husband.
