Ngoni Chief Leads Ceremony to Honour Late Vice President Chilima, "Soldier"
NTCHEU, Malawi— Paramount Chief Gomani V led a traditional ceremony Saturday to mark the end of the mourning period for Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and musician Lucius Banda, highlighting their contributions to the nation's cultural heritage, writes Maston Kaiya.
The ceremony at Nsipe Catholic Primary School honoured the duo.
Chilima served as Impi (advisor) to the Maseko Ngoni tribe.
"They were patriotic, they loved their country and their culture, and will always be remembered," Gomani V said during the ceremony.
Current Vice President Michael Bizwick Usi attended alongside Mary Chilima, widow of the former vice president, and Sunganani Banda, widow of the musician.
The Maseko Ngoni heritage group had postponed their annual Umhlangano cultural event out of respect for the deceased.
Father Atanazio Steve Manyenga, the Nsipe Parish Priest, praised the ceremony as evidence of harmony between religious and cultural practices.
"The family salutes the Maseko Ngoni heritage," said Ana Sazuze, speaking for the Chilima family.
"We had organized a ceremony after 40 days, but the heritage organized this special period."
Ntcheu West Member of Parliament Simion Salambula called for the construction of a mausoleum to honor Chilima and urged unity among political party members.
The Maseko Ngoni tribe is one of Malawi's major ethnic groups, known for preserving traditional customs while embracing modern governance structures.