Thousands of Malawians gathered at Bingu National Stadium to pay tributes to Vice President Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash last week.
The 51-year-old, a devout catholic was honored with a full mass at the funeral service. He was an energetic figure in Malawi, and he was particularly admired by the youth, who are the majority of the population.
The 41,000-seat Bingu National Stadium was filled to the brim, with many more mourners outside. Chilima’s coffin, draped in Malawi’s red, green, and black flag, was brought into the stadium by a guard of honor.
Tributes from Family
Sean Chilima, the Vice-President’s son, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, painting a picture of a loving father who always made time for his children.
“Dad was a hard worker who always made sure he got things done,” Sean said, recalling his father’s dedication. Ben Chilima, Chilima’s brother, expressed gratitude to the government for recovering Chilima’s personal belongings, including his watch and rosary, from the crash. These items were handed over to his family.
The stadium witnessed emotional moments, especially when mourners booed government officials, including President Lazarus Chakwera, during their speeches. However, Catholic priests moved in to restore calm, allowing the government officials to proceed with their tributes.
The plane crash
Vice President Chilima died on Monday when an MDF plane crashed near a hill in the mountainous part of Chikangawa forest. Former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri was among those killed in the crash.
The plane disappeared shortly after leaving the Capital, Lilongwe, and was scheduled to land at Mzuzu Airport at 10.00 am. The group was traveling to attend the burial of former minister Ralph Kasambara.
President Chakwera attributed the crash to poor visibility caused by bad weather, but Chilima’s UTM party has demanded a thorough and independent investigation. The President announced that the government had invited investigators from foreign governments and agencies to determine what caused the plane crash.
The call for an investigation was supported by Archbishop Desmond Tambala of Lilongwe, who spoke on behalf of the Catholic Church in Malawi.
Burial
Vice-President Saulos Chilima will be laid to rest on Monday, June 17, in his home district of Ntcheu, 180km south of Lilongwe.
The government has declared Monday a public holiday in his honor. Chilima will be accorded a state burial with full military honors.