MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-On Saturday July 6, 2024 UTM party organised prayers at Thungwa in Chikangawa for prayers in memory of the late Vice President Dr saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others whose lives were cut short in a plane crash last month.
Speaking at the function Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Vice President responsible for Operations Senior Comrade Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo described the day as a ” day of sorrow”.
Mtambo said, “Today marks 60 years of suffering. There is no reason to celebrate but to cry. Two deaths here, firstly, loss of the maestroic Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and secondly, lack of national progress. Malawi is in a serious reverse gear. Malawi is at crossroads. Malawi is in a wilderness.”
The Citizen for Transformation (CFT) Commander-in-Chief attacked leaders who threaten citizens.
“No leader must think he/she can threaten us,” said Mtambo.
He further disclosed that AFORD had cancelled Monday July 8th, 2024 rally in Mzuzu to express unity and solidarity in times of such prayers.
“You know we were supposed to hold a rally on Monday July 8th, 2024 but considering the significance of the candlelight memorial occasion Comrade President Enock Kamzingeni Chihana thought it wiser to shift our rally to 13th, July, 2024 to honour SKC and eight citizens of Malawi who bid us farethee in such tragic plane crash.”
The youthful leader lamented, “Today marks 60 years of perennial hunger. Today marks 60 years of abject poverty. Today marks 60 years of poor road infrastructure. Look at Nthalire road, Nyika road among others, in very pathetic state. They are only used for political campaigns. Chiweta Karonga Road is in a very dilapidated shape but it rakes in more revenue.”
Mtambo described Chilima as a beacon of light of hope and future hence appealed to UTM candlelight memorial functions organisers to undertake the virtue in all districts to clear away the bad omen and darkness that had engulfed the nation.
Mtambo lost kind words for unproductive political leaders in the country.
“Politics of witchery must stop with immediacy. Recycled politicians must see the exit door right now. Your time is over. The youths now are taking it over. It is meaningless to call off prayers in memory of Chilima. The spirits of Saulos Chilima, Orton Chirwa, Kanyama Chiume and Henry Chipembere reign in our blood.”
The versatile human rights activist further clarified, “Malawi is a miserable nation. Too much deceleration of socio-economic activities. 2025 is year of restoration. 2025 is a year of elevation. The idea that began with the Chilimas in 2019 still lives. We need better Malawi. Almighty Lord says that Malawi will attest change through AFORD, UTM and other opposition political parties. No one must frighten fellow citizens. Generational mandate still stands tall among us. We deserve industrial revolution. We deserve economic liberation. The SKC Transformational Agenda still breaths. President Enock Kamzingeni Chihana is extending appreciation for the cordial and mutual oneness between AFORD and UTM. We are one on a cooperative Project Malawi.”
The former civic education and unity minister concluded, “I thank God for an opportunity to serve in government. Too much mess in government. We need youthful blood to change. As Malawi youths let us come together and join forces to redefine the life and future of Malawi. Sad 60th independence anniversary to you all. Thank you very much.”
Chilima was buried on June 17, 2024 at his home village, Nsipe in Ntcheu district.