Chakwera Cancels South Africa Trip After VP Chilima's Death
Chakwera declared a 21-day period of mourning following the crash as Malawians grieved the loss of Chilima and the others killed.
LILONGWE, Malawi— President Lazarus Chakwera has canceled plans to attend the inauguration of re-elected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday, the government announced Tuesday, as Malawi continues mourning the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash, writes Edward Chikwanda.
Minister of Information and Digitalization Moses Kunkuyu said Chakwera has delegated Foreign Minister Nancy Tembo to represent Malawi at the ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday.
"The president has canceled his trip to RSA for the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa," Kunkuyu told reporters.
Social commentator Ceazar Kondowe commended the decision as showing Chakwera's leadership and commitment to the 21-day mourning period declared after Chilima's death on June 10.
"By canceling the trip, the president has shown that he is dignifying mourning moments," Kondowe said.
"He has shown good skills of leadership."
Kondowe also praised how authorities handled communications around the funeral, with Kunkuyu's ministry providing daily updates in consultation with Chilima's family and the Catholic Church.
"The relationship was very intact," Kondowe said.
"The government fully consulted family members and the Catholic Church played a vital role...The government also managed to provide all the resources."
Chilima, 51, and eight others were killed when their small plane crashed in Chikangawa Forest in northern Malawi after developing engine trouble while returning to the capital, Lilongwe.
Thousands attended Chilima's burial on June 17 in his home village of Nsipe.
The rising political star had united opposition parties to unseat the previous government in 2020 elections.
Chakwera declared a 21-day period of mourning following the crash as Malawians grieved the loss of Chilima and the others killed.
Noted and appreciated. Action from leaders should be predictable though. I certainly did not expect him to leave the land till after 21 days. That's what days of mourning means.