In both solemn tributes and vibrant celebration, Saturday’s SKC Memorial in Nsipe, Ntcheu unfolded like a mirror of the life of the country’s former vice-president Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) who died in a military plane crash on June 10 2024 alongside eight others.
From cultural pride to music, reflection to festivity, the memorial captured the many sides of a man remembered as disciplined, yet charismatic, humble and yet commanding.
Chilima was not just a national figure as within the Maseko Ngoni establishment, he was an iMpi, a trusted warrior to Ngwenyama Gomani V.
He brought decorum and swagger to cultural affairs, blending tradition with a modern touch that endeared him to many.
In royal circles, he was even likened to a marriage counsellor, a steadying force within the institution.
Speaking during the memorial, his widow Mary Chilima said her husband gave himself fully to the Maseko Ngoni and to cultural groupings across Malawi and beyond, without ever practising tribalism or nepotism.
“He believed in harmony among ethnic groups and lived it. That is why he had close friends from all backgrounds,” she said.
Mary also thanked Ngwenyama Gomani V for giving Chilima the opportunity to serve under him, noting that he did so with the same diligence he applied in church, business, sports, charity and mentorship.
On his part, Gomani V described Chilima as a unifier who demystified leadership and brought cultural institutions closer to the people.
“He loved to serve, not to boss around,” he said. “He was humble, yet he brought life to everything he touched.”
In a moment that blended tribute with symbolism, the Ngwenyama echoed Chilima’s signature lion call “Hau! Hau! Hau-Hau-Hau!” drawing a spirited response from Ngoni warriors clad in full regalia, who raised spears and shields as they danced. For a brief instant, the solemnity of the occasion gave way to the energy Chilima himself was known for.
Recalled Gomani V: “He loved that greeting. He was jovial, but firm. He demanded excellence from others and from himself.”
Yet the Ngwenyama also struck a reflective note, cautioning against praising people only in death.
“If we are serious, let us practise what we preach or change the sermon,” he said, urging Malawians to carry forward Chilima’s vision of service and unity.
Elsewhere in Ntcheu, celebrations took on a more festive tone.
At Ntcheu Stadium, supporters, some of whom had waited since morning, gathered for a memorial organised by the UTM Party, which Chilima founded in 2018 and led at the time of his death.
Live performances by Zembani Band and veteran musician Joseph Nkasa kept the crowd engaged with popular hits such as Zolemba-lemba, Moses Walero and Wayenda Wapenga drawing cheers and dance from revellers.
By the time the main event began, albeit later than scheduled anticipation had only grown, musician Lulu delivered a crowd-pleasing performance that capped the evening’s entertainment.
But beyond the speeches from various political leaders, including UDF president Atupele Muluzi, it was the candle-lighting ceremony that stood out, a quiet, organised tribute that reflected the precision Chilima was known for.
Then came the visuals.
Clips of Chilima played on giant screens across the stadium moments of his life, his voice, his energy.
For many in the crowd, it felt less like remembrance and more like presence.
It was as if he had never left.
