The disability rights activist Juliana Mwase, who died on Friday at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, will be buried in Monkey Bay, Mangochi today, her niece Hellen Mpira has confirmed.
Mwase, who was also councillor for people with disabilities at the Blantyre City Council, succumbed to high blood pressure.
Her work in fighting for the rights of people with disabilities was through the council and her associations such as the Malawi National Association for the Deaf (Manad) as well as the Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP).
“She always stood firmly for disability rights and we are sure it’s not only a loss for us as a family, but the nation at large. We have lost a humble person, kind and always willing to help hand regardless of her own needs,” said Mpira.
Manad executive director Baird Chimenya said Mwase’s death was a blow to the organisation she served as chairperson after they formed it in 2009, rooting from their common background in the early 1990s at the Maryview School for the Deaf in Nguludi, Chiradzulu.
He said she helped fight for the incorporation of sign language at the national broadcaster MBC-TV in their news and other programming.
“I remember her as someone who worked for the betterment of persons with disabilities and the deaf in particular. We travelled together representing Manad in overseas conferences. Because of her advocacy, Manad has grown to where it is today,” said Chimenya.
Blantyre Deputy City Mayor Isaac Osman said the council was devastated with Mwase’s death, saying she was the voice of people with disabilities in the council.
“She had many skills. At every meeting, hers was a voice for people with disabilities. That is why whenever we plan for a building in the city, we consider people with disabilities,” he said.
