VP, others plane crash site monument calls intensify

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have backed a proposal by the family of fallen Vice-President SaulosChilima for government to erect a national monument at the site of the plane crash in Chikangawa Forest.

Centre for Human Rights Rehabilitation (CHRR) executive director Michael Kaiyatsa said in a statement yesterday the monument should be constructed to preserve the legacy of Chilima and eight others.

He said: “This monument, apart from recognising one of the worst aviation disasters in our country’s history, will be a much-needed step to honour the lives lost in this tragedy.

“However, our wish as CHRR is that this monument should not just be a pillar to mark the site where the plane crashed. It should also be a solid, all-inclusive structure that will provide visitors not only with the opportunity to express grief and honour the victims, but also to learn from their legacies.”

Kaiyatsa said Chilima and the eight others were distinguished individuals who made significant contributions to the nation through their achievements, leadership, and service.

He said: “Apart from the Vice-President, we also had a former first lady who also served as a member of Parliament and a Malawi Defence Force first female pilot.

“It is, therefore, proper that this monument should be constructed in such a way as not only to honour their memory but also to preserve their legacy and ensure that future generations learn from their contributions.”

In an interview yesterday, Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Gift Trapence also supported the call for the national monument, adding there is also a need to have a statue for the late vice-president in one of the country’s cities.

He said Chilima helped to promote a mindset change among Malawians, championed reforms in government and revolutionised Malawi through issue-based politics.

Said Trapence: “Just like we did with former presidents the late BinguwaMutharika and the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda, we need a statue of SKC [Chilima] in one of the strategic places to honour him.”

Nyika Institute director Moses Mkandawire said the death of Chilima and eight others was a big tragedy hence the monument would be for historical purposes for next generations to learn from the fallen patriots lives.

“No one will fault the government for putting money into erecting the monument,” he said.

Minister of Information and Digitisation Moses Kunkuyu said government took the Chilima family’s call seriously, adding that government also appreciates the further calls being made by other quarters.

He said the committee that President Lazarus Chakwera instituted to look into the victim’ funeral arrangements will have to meet and discuss the issue.

Kunkuyu said the committee also took on board other calls by the bereaved families, other stakeholders and the public.

Meanwhile, calls are growing for government to institute an independent inquiry into the plane crash.

The Malawi Council of Churches (MCC) yesterday said relying on local experts’ investigations could aggravate some people’s anger and create tension.

Chilima and eight others were on board a military aircraft from Lilongwe to Mzuzu Airport when it crashed in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba on June 10.