Hundreds of mourners, including President Lazarus Chakwera, gathered yesterday at Mpeni Village in Thambani, Mwanza, to bid farewell to Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo.
The 47-year-old, who was also Member of Parliament (MP) for Mwanza West Constituency and a mother of four, passed away at Kamuzu Central Hospital after collapsing at her home in Area 25, Lilongwe. Her death followed a leg fracture sustained in a road accident on May 15, 2025, near Elephant Rock in Viphya Plantation along the Mzuzu-Mzimba M1 Road.
on her grave. | Arkangel Tembo, Mana
In her emotional tribute, Chitsulo’s eldest daughter Maureen thanked President Chakwera and other government officials for supporting her mother during her illness. She said the government had offered to fly Chitsulo abroad for treatment, but the deputy minister declined, believing she was recovering. “She was not only a mother to us but to many others,” said Maureen before breaking into tears.
Senior Chief Govati highlighted Chitsulo’s impact in Mwanza, noting projects such as health posts, police units, school blocks, bridges, and houses for the poor. Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara praised her as a trailblazer — the first female MP for Mwanza West and the first woman to chair the Public Appointments Committee.
She also lauded Chitsulo’s efforts in supporting female MPs’ re-election campaigns ahead of the September 16, 2025 General Election.
Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda, speaking on behalf of President Chakwera, described Chitsulo as a national asset: “In Joyce Chitsulo, the President found a person who loved her country and was dedicated.”
Chitsulo was elected in 2019 under the Democratic Progressive Party but later fell out with the party. She joined Cabinet on January 1, 2025, and had declared her intention to contest as an independent in the upcoming general election.
She is survived by her husband, four children, and two grandchildren.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Vice-President Michael Usi, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, Leader of Opposition George Chaponda, and SDA Church President Tony Nyirenda.
