MISA Malawi Mourns VP Chilima, Hails His Media Freedom Support
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said Chilima's death was a major loss for the media fraternity.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter joined President Lazarus Chakwera and the nation in mourning Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others killed in a Malawi Defence Force aircraft crash in Chikangawa Forest, writes Winston Mwale.
In a statement Tuesday, MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said Chilima's death was a major loss for the media fraternity, describing him as "a solid friend of Malawi media and passionate supporter of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information."
From his time as Airtel Malawi managing director to his nine years as vice president, Chilima "provided unwavering support" to MISA Malawi's advocacy work, Matonga said.
He specifically highlighted Chilima's financial backing for the construction of MISA's training center in Lilongwe.
Matonga also praised Chilima for participating in the 2019 presidential debates, saying it "signified the importance he attached to our work and access to information."
The other victims were former first lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, Lukas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Col. Sambalopa, Maj. Wales Aidin and Maj. Flora Selemani.
"On behalf of the media fraternity, MISA Malawi offers heartfelt condolences to President Chakwera, the entire government, Mrs. Mary Chilima and the Chilima family on the tragic death of the vice president," Matonga said.
He extended condolences to former President Bakili Muluzi and families of the other victims, adding "May their souls rest in eternal peace."