Malawi honours March 3 martyrs

 President Lazarus Chakwera yesterday led Malawians in commemorating Martyr’s Day designated to appreciate sacrifices made by our forefathers who were massacred on March 3 1959 while fighting against British colonial rule.

In a direct response to a question The Nation posed last year on whether March 3 should be a day of sorrow or celebration, the President, speaking during the commemoration at Nkhata Bay Memorial Pillar, said  Martyr’s Day was observed as a sorrowful remembrance for over 50 people who lost lives and sustained injuries as well as those who were arrested. since the country’s independence,

During the Malawi Congress Party one-party rule under founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda, Martyr’s Day was also a public holiday, but no business was allowed on the day.

Chakwera described The Nation question as crucial considering Malawi’s funeral rites include traditions for moving on after a life is lost.

The President said the day should remind Malawians of  the sacrifices made to win the country’s future generations the freedom they enjoy today.

Said Chakwera: “This question The Nation posed should remind us that in our sorrow for our slain forefathers, we should remember their death was not ordinary. Those that died sacrificed their lives to save this country from slavery.

“Their deaths brought us freedom and united the nation. We, therefore, need to remember what our ancestors did for us with joy and gratitude.”

He said Martyr’s Day is a joyous

occasion as Malawi celebrates the sacrifices that her forefathers made in fighting colonial rule.

During the commemoration held under the theme ‘Remembering our heroes:

 Upholding the legacy through unity and progress’, the President, Vice-President Saulos Chilima, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara and other dignitaries laid wreaths at Kakumbi Cemetery and at the memorial pillar for martyrs who died during the March 3 1959 State of Emergency against colonialists.

The President further said the bravery of the martyrs is exemplary to the present day citizens.

Chakwera said the ancestors’ actions should give lessons that a good citizen participates in national development, uses the tools at their disposal and does not let foreigners take advantage of them.

He said: “In 1953, the colonialists made a decision to join the Central African Federation which was a cruel administration. That was the day our forefathers said enough is enough. That should also tell us that some foreigners come into the country with sinister motives.”

Meanwhile, the President has also ordered Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo to work with the President’s office in compensating the families of the martyrs.

In his speech, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda condemned the recent incident of political violence in Lilongwe.

He said politicians enjoy peaceful coexistence and should not be divided by a few party fanatics with evil intentions.

“ Some times we politicians are surprised to see our supporters fighting when their leaders are living peacefully. I warn those that are sponsoring  political violence that the law will take its course on you,” said Chimwendo Banda.

On March 3 1959, at least 31 natives were killed in Nkhata Bay after the colonial government army opened fire. Nationwide, 51 people are reported to have been killed with over 1 300, including Kamuzu Banda were arrested