By: Lloyd M’bwana
The loyal King for the Chewa tribe living in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi, Kalonga Gawa Undi on Tuesday, March 15, led hundreds of mourners in burying the mother of former vice President Dr. Justine Malewezi who died on March 10, at Area 18 Adventist clinic in the capital Lilongwe due to Kidney failure.
Dr. Malewezi who served as a vice president for 10 years under Bakili Muluzi era, his mother Barlut Malewezi was one of the pillars for the formation of Chewa Heritage Foundation, (Chef), a cultural and charitable grouping.
The late Gogo Malewezi was buried at her home village Chizura, Traditional Authority (T.A) Chilowoko in the central district of Ntchisi which attracted government officials, chiefs from different tribes including Chewa, Lhomwe and Ngoni, political parties and religious leaders.
In his eulogy, Gawa Undi expressed sadness over the sadden death of Gogo Malewezi who he said was a pillar among the Chewa people through her uniting, humble and peaceful spirit.
“She was a lovely mother to all chewa people including other tribes. She used to provide guidance on how Chef could settle disputes amicable in Malawi. Therefore, her death is a big blow to my children in Malawi. Let’s just accept what God has decided while continuing with prayers that she rest peacefully in eternal life”, cries the loyal King Gawa Undu who was accompanied by his wife-Nyangu.
Sharing the same sentiments, Francis Kaulanda, Bishop of Anglican for Lake Malawi diocese who led the mass, said the late Gogo Malewezi was a dedicated member and a wife to former priest of the church that her death would bring a big gap among women church league.
Echoing on the same, Joe Ching’ani Deputy Regional Chairperson for the main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) who represented Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at the burial ceremony said the later Gogo Malewezi produced the dedicated and true son of Malawi who served the nation whole heartedly hence the need for the last respect.
“The death of Gogo Malewezi it’s a concern to MCP because she gave birth to the true son-Dr. Malewezi who served well the founder and father of the nation, Dr. Hasting Kamuzu Banda regime as Secretary to the state or President. Dr. Malewezi even served well during Dr. Muluzi era as Vice President as such his mother needs to receive full honor.
“As per traditional, it’s also important to show empathy to those lost loved ones as one nation. So, MCP also shares the same grief with the entire Malewezi family. Therefore, it’s time for all tribes in Malawi to stand together in dealing all challenges facing the nation based on unity legacy the late Gogo Malewezi has left us with”, urges Ching’ani.
The late Gogo Barlut Malewezi was born in 1925 and died at the age of 91. She survived by seven children and 119 grandchildren (54 grandchildren and 65 grand grand children).
Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chef) was established early 2004 with aim of preserving customs, values and traditions of Chewa people in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi with over 13 million people and 137 chiefs under its operation.
