Malawi president leads nation in honouring founding father, Kamuzu

Malawians commemorate the legacy of their late founder, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, at CIVO Stadium, attended by President Chakwera and First Lady Monica, writes Winston Mwale.

LILONGWE, Malawi — President Lazarus Chakwera and First Lady Monica Chakwera joined thousands of Malawians on Sunday at CIVO Stadium to celebrate the legacy of the nation's father and founder, the late Ngwazi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, writes Winston Mwale.

Banda, who led Malawi to independence from Britain in 1964 and ruled as a dictator until 1994, is remembered as an astute, forward-thinking statesman who laid the foundations of the nation on four cornerstones: unity, loyalty, obedience, and discipline.

"His bold leadership from the anti-colonial struggle in the late 50s to the nation's formative years in the early 60s impressed upon subsequent generations the spirit of courage, hard work, unity, and nation-building," Chakwera said in his speech.

The president also urged Malawians to emulate Banda's values and learn from his leadership style, especially in times of national distress.

"Today, I desire that we reorient our systems with the values he instilled in the nation, for they are key to how we respond to the socioeconomic challenges we encounter today," he said.

Chakwera cited examples of how Banda handled contemporary problems such as climate-induced disasters, corruption, and dysfunctional systems.

The commemoration, which is held every year on May 14, Banda's birthday, was attended by dignitaries from various sectors of society.

The event also featured cultural performances, a military parade, and a wreath-laying ceremony at Banda's mausoleum.

Dr. Hastings Banda died on November 25, 1997, in South Africa.