Chibambo’s relations want heroes acre protected

Relations of the late Rose Chibambo, the first Malawian female Cabinet member, have lamented the state of her grave site, saying the place is not being protected from encroachers.

Government committed to take care of the site by building government offices, a perimeter fence as well as developing the place to suit the status of a heroes acre.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Chibambo’s nephew, Muyanga Ziba, said by not protecting the site, the country is not appreciating the role the heroes played.

“Our expectation is that the site will be properly taken care of as a heroes acre to honour people who have fought for the country. But the encroachment is a big concern to the family of Chibambos and Zibas.” he said.

Ziba said representatives from the Chibambo and Ziba families held a meeting with the Synod of Livingstonia seeking intervention.

Ministry of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development director of culture Elizabeth Chindevu said the department is currently engaging Mzuzu City Council and Department of Lands to secure the area.

Currently, the site has graves of Chibambo and academic David Rubadiri, but there are suggestions to have symbolic graves of heroes whose bodies cannot be exhumed from where they were buried.