M’mbelwa laid to rest

Malawi President Joyce on Saturday led the burial of Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa 1V who died of diabetes on Tuesday in Blantyre. He was buried a few metres away from his house.

Most political party leaders were present, including MCP president John Tembo, UDF’s Atupele Muluzi, DPP acting president Professor Peter Mutharika, PPM’s Mark Katsonga, Aford chairperson Enock Chihana and Petra’s Kamuzu Chibambo.

In her eurology, President Banda praised the unity shown by the parties, saying if this started long time ago, things could be different in the country.

Dignitaries included Chewa chief Gawa Undi and Inkosi ya Makhosi Mpezeni from Zambia; Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani and local paramount chiefs Nkhumba, Lundu and Kyungu.

Prince Thulani Zulu represented King Goodwill Zwelithini of South Africa while Swaziland sent a representative. There were several messages of condolences from some countries such as Zambia.

A representative of the bereaved family, Milingo Jere, thanked the President for not only ordering the State funeral, but also providing cattle and money.

Others that spoke at the ceremony included a representative from the family of late M’mbelwa’s wife, Mzimba South West MP Raymond Nkhata, Inkosi Mtwalo, Inkosi ya Makhosi Mpezeni, Prince Thulani Zulu and Malawi’s Local Government and Rural Development Minister Grace Maseko.

The son of Maxon Jere, M’mbelwa IV was born in 1954. He did his primary school education at Edingeni before he was selected to Mzuzu Government Secondary School.

He then worked for Press Holdings and Shire Valley Cattle Ranch before being installed chief in 1984. He is survived by three sons and one daughter.

His first born son, bank clerk crown prince Mkhosi, takes over as paramount chief.