VP Chilima salutes Malawi heroine Chibambo: Makes eulogy in fluent Tumbuka

Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima was a centre of attraction on Saturday in Mzuzu when he spoke in fluent Tumbuka, a local dialect in most of the districts in the north, during the funeral service of political icon Rose Chibambo at Mzuzu heroes’ acre.

Rose Chibambo's grandchildren praying after laying wreaths during the burial of their grand mother-Pix By Joel Chirwa( Mana)
Rose Chibambo’s grandchildren praying after laying wreaths during the burial of their grand mother-Pix By Joel Chirwa( Mana)
Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima paying his last respects to the late Rose Chibambo-Pix By Joel Chirwa (Mana)
Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima paying his last respects to the late Rose Chibambo-Pix By Joel Chirwa (Mana)
Vice President Dr Chilima addressing mourners during the funeral of late Rose Chibambo at St Andrews CCAP church in Mzuzu-Pix By Joel Chirwa (Mana)
Vice President Dr Chilima addressing mourners during the funeral of late Rose Chibambo at St Andrews CCAP church in Mzuzu-Pix By Joel Chirwa (Mana)
Vice President Dr Chilima and his spouse Mary laying wreaths on the grave of Rose Chibambo-Pix By Joel Chirwa (Mana)
Vice President Dr Chilima and his spouse Mary laying wreaths on the grave of Rose Chibambo-Pix By Joel Chirwa (Mana)

Chilima, who was representing President Peter Mutharika, first spoke in English and later switched to Tumbuka to the amazement of many but for those who attended the burial of Bishop Zuza in 2015 this, was not a surprise for the VP also spoke in Tumbuka at that funeral.

The State Vice President described Chibambo as the very essence of compassion, of duty, of breaking political barriers and a symbol of selfless humanity by remaining true to her country despite the hardships she went through during the MCP rule.

“On behalf of the President, I pay tribute to her level headedness and strength that despite the most bizarre life imaginable while in prison she remained to herself and to her country,” said Chilima as people nodded in agreement.

Turning to family members who were visibly heartbroken, Chilima said this was the time to be strong and remain calm and never ask or doubt the power of God.

As a prayerful Vice President, Chilima told a story that when people question where God was when deaths occur, God’s answer is:

“I am at the same place I sat when John the Baptist my servant was beheaded. I am at the same where I sat when Stephen my servant was stoned to death. I am at the same place I sat when Paul my servant was murdered in Rome. I am at the same place I sat when my son Jesus Christ was humiliated, crucified and killed,” he said.

Chilima said this shows that God does not change and people need to accept that His ways are not our ways.

Speaking earlier, MCP President Lazarus Chakwera, who was invited to speak but was not on the programme, had nothing to say but apologise for the atrocities of MCP and forcing many into exile including the late Chibambo.

Uladi Mussa, who the synod recognised as PP President, said there was need to pass a law that would help to financially support those who politically served Malawi.

Secretary General of Livingstonia Synod Reverend Levy Nyondo thanked government for according due respects to Chibambo and told VP Chilima to convey a message of appreciation to President Mutharika.

“It is important to give credit where it is due. Please convey our appreciation to the President. You have done a lot and by delegating you here, the government has really dignified this funeral,” said Nyondo.

Conspicuously missing were cabinet ministers from the north apart from Goodall Gondwe.

Jappie Mhango, Minister of Information, chose to travel to nearby Nkhatabay to address a political rally.

Sports Minster Grace Chiumia was reportedly among the Mvano women at the funeral service.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
20 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
mache Joy
mache Joy
8 years ago

@Zanga Phee: Mmafuna the whole president apite nao?? nde wats the meaning of delegating??? muzizinvesatu bwino

Temaco
Temaco
8 years ago

So when Tumbukas speak Chichewa there is no news but when Chewas speak Tumbuka it becomes heatwave. I could have been amazed if he was speaking Swahili or Portuguese or any other language not spoken in Malawi.Addressing Malawians in North in their mother tongue shouldn’t be a debate but lets focus on the message delivered. Dziko laling’ono koma sankhu yolokoto!!!!!

kk
kk
8 years ago

Chitumbukanso ndi chani kodi? Ife tisamwe madzi chifukwa VP analakhula chi mbwenu mbwenu.Shupit

Unenesko
Unenesko
8 years ago

Yes indeed, it is prime time news for the vice president to express his inner feelings in Tumbuka, a language DPP hates – as demonstrated especially by that spirit; whose bones rests unpeacefully in that white elephant erected through stollen money.

thapatula
thapatula
8 years ago

MCP has a lot to apologize. Just jot down all the attrocities committed by MCP and ask Malawians for forgiveness. We dont want piecemeals in your appology. Do it once and for all.

Nyembezi
Nyembezi
8 years ago

U think all ministers from the north shud have attended?

Mwamba
Mwamba
8 years ago

Iwe reporter, you think for someone to speak in Tumbuka is news. In many countries in Africa people speak more than one language. Here people are brainwashed. They want everyone to speak Cewa. Look @ our tv stations. Cewa is the only vernacular spoken. What about other Malawian languages!

Tennyson Musisipala
Tennyson Musisipala
8 years ago

That is good gesture . If you are in Rome do as Romans.

zanga pheee
8 years ago

kuzikonda or chani a President anuwo?mwina tinene kuti samayendayenda or poti saziwa kuyankhula?pokumbukila chilembwe anakhalaso reroso mayaziso…….khalani nawo pansi aziyenda mu zochitika ngati izi pz……

Phaghlani Vwavwa
Phaghlani Vwavwa
8 years ago

So speaking Tumbuka is something amazing. Really? OMG!

Read previous post:
Seek Him for who He is and not what He can do

I have noticed that most people are not seeking a relationship with our heavenly father but instead desire to receive...

Close