Financial crisis derails Ziliro Mumba memorial campaign

Organisers of nationalist Levi Ziliro Mumba memorial service have failed to raise K8 million for a tombstone envisaged to be unveiled next month.

Some activists in the Northern Region have launched a campaign to belatedly honour the first president of Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) who led the fight against colonial rule until his death in January 1945.

In an interview yesterday, Livingstonia Synod Church and Society Programme executive director Moses Mkandawire, who is coordinating the campaign, said people have not donated enough  for the cause.

He bemoaned lack of patriotism among Malawians, saying true patriots would have recognised the role Mumba played in emancipating the country from British rule.

But the memorial service will take place “at all cost” despite financial setbacks, Mkandawire said.

He explained: “We will announce the date when we finalise arrangements with Mumba’s family. Due to financial challenges, we will have to do with a cheaper tombstone, worth about K1.5 million, so long as it changes the face of the grave of the unsung hero in Mzimba.

“We are who we are because of this man. Ziliro Mumba paved way for Kamuzu, He fought for this country and we need to honour him.”

Mkandawire asked government to take the lead in honouring deserving heroes to preserve history for future generations and promote tourism. n