As the calenda r inches toward 2025, most statesmen are reflecting on 2024 as a year marked by profound sorrow, political turbulence and significant socioeconomic challenges.
Undoubtedly among the year’s numerous setbacks, the tragic loss of former State Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) and eight others in the devastating plane crash in Chikangawa Forest Reserve on June 10 stands out as a defining moment of our collective grief.
The passing of Chilima and his entourage was not only a personal tragedy for their families and loved ones, but also a massive loss for the nation. For instance, SKC’s ‘premature’ death left a vacuum in Malawi’s political leadership—and exacerbated tensions as the country prepares for the high-stakes general elections in September 2025.
He left behind big shoes that will take many years, if not decades, to be filled. Leaders who can embody his vision and inspire similar confidence are few and far between although we must remain confident that we will see them one day.
As a leader, SKC was a rare blend of charisma, intel lect and st rategi c vision—a combination that resonated deeply with many Malawians before the 2019 and 2020 elections. His abi l it y to connect with people across the political spectrum, coupled with his bold approach to challenging the status quo, also positioned him as a transformative figure in Ma l awi ’s evol v i ng democracy.
For his supporters, he was a visionary and represented the promise of a new era of leadership that prioritised re f o r m , t ransparenc y and accountability. Even his political adversaries a c k n o w l e d g e d h i s unparal leled abi l it y to galvanise support and navigate the complexities o f Ma l awi ’s pol i t i c a l landscape and replacing such a dynamic figure will not be easy.
Chilima’s unique blend of skills and influence was not just rare, but foundational to the hope that many people placed in Malawi’s future. Someone said beyond his intellectual prowess and strategic thinking, SKC’s ‘polished appearance’ and confidence added to his political charm and made him a magnetic f igure, enhancing his appeal across different demographics.
His ability to inspire unity across political and social divides made him a rare and invaluable figure in Malawi’s politics. His death not only derailed a promising trajectory, but also robbed the nation of a leader who many believed could steer Malawi toward stability and progress.
His absence today is a void that will be felt acutely in the coming years by those who shared his vision and those who respected his strength as a political contender.
The tragedy also extends to the eight others who perished alongside Chilima. These were pat r iot ic Ma l aw i a n s — p u b l i c ser vants, advisors, and dedicated crew members— w h o c o n t r i b u t e d meaningfully to the nation’s progress. Their collective loss is a stark reminder of the value every Malawian brings to building a better future.
The nation continues to mourn them as heroes, whose legacies deserve recognition and reflection.
O n t h e f l i p s i d e , the Chikangawa plane crash is a symptom of Malawi’s systemic failures, par ticularly in aviation oversight. It underscores the fragility of the country’s infrastructure and the heavy price of neglect. We must confront these deeper issues, including weak regulatory frameworks and a lack of accountability.
In 2024, rising costs of living, worsening food insecurity and incidents of political violence further strained our resilience as a country. Yet, amid these and other challenges, 2025 presents an opportunity to reset. The emphasis must be on peace, transparency and unity.
Let 2025 be the year Malawi rises, united and resilient.
