Govt concerned with deaths of senior chiefs

 Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika says government is concerned with the deaths of senior chiefs, saying they are fountains of wisdom for junior traditional leaders.

Speaking during the burial of Senior Chief Chimaliro at Muonekera Headquarters in Thyolo on Sunday, he said senior chiefs offer guidance to others as they have vast experience; hence, Chimaliro’s death was a loss to national development.

Chimaliro died days after Senior Chief Changata, who was buried on Friday in the district. In his eulogy, Chomanika described Chimaliro as someone who valued love, unity and hard work.

“We need to pray to God for mercy because this is affecting development,” he said. Chomanika advised other traditional leaders in the country to emulate Chimaliro’s life.

Senior Chief Khwethemule, who represented chiefs in Thyolo, said the district has lost a great adviser on local governance.

“When there were issues of community development, we could go to him and ask for advice and support. He worked

with everyone regardless of culture, religious and political affiliation,” he said.

Mulanje South West legislator George Chaponda(Democratic Progressive Party) said Chimaliro has left a legacy worth emulating. He described him as development-conscious.

Also present at the funeral was Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhunwa and Alliance for Democracy president EnockChihana.

The deceased was born in 1980 and was installed as Traditional Authority Chimaliro in 2011 and later elevated to Senior Authority in 2013.

The departed chief was born Taurayi Kaphiyo and is survived by a wife and four children