Maseko Ngoni Heritage Foundation chairperson Traditional Authority (T/A) Ma kwangwa l a ha s described as a devastating blow the death of Senior Chief Kwataine of Ntcheu District.
In an interview yesterday, Makwangwala said : “ He [Kwataine] was a beacon of our heritage, both within Malawi and beyond.
“To incur such a huge loss barely a month after burying another influential figure, Senior Chief Kachindamoto, is simply unbearable.”
Makwangwala said Kwataine will be remembered for, among other things, his instrumental role in promoting uMhlangano, the annual cultural festival of the Maseko Ngoni hosted in his area.
“He was a beacon for all of us; a chief who taught us courage, respect, honour and loyalty. He will be greatly missed,” he said.
Kwataine, fondly addressed by his clan name Masina, was pronounced dead yesterday at Lilongwe Private Hospital in the capital city.
Meanwhile, the family has announced that the late chief ’s body is lying in state at Mthunzi Funeral Parlour in Lilongwe.
P r e l i m i n a r y f u n e r a l arrangements indicate that there will be a memorial service at the funeral parlour this morning before the remains are repatriated to Ntcheu where his subjects and other sympathisers will have the opportunity to pay their last respects at his headquarters.
Consultations are still underway regarding the final burial plans, including the date with Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V and his council of impis (advisers) expected to play a central role in the decision.
Meanwhile, the family has opened up about life with the late chief and the void he leaves behind.
One of the departed chief ’s daughters, Martha, described him as not just a leader, but a guiding light for his family and community.
She said: “He was a man of the people, but also a loving father f igure. Personal ly, my dad influenced me to pursue education. He always reminded us not to depend on his chieftaincy, saying, ‘a child who eyes a parent’s inheritance for survival eventually dies a liability’.”
Martha said her father taught them responsibility and that she was glad the children took his words to heart.
Born on June 30 1966, Kwataine is survived by five children— two sons and three daughters as well as three grandchildren. He succumbed to diabetes, a condition he had battled for over a decade.
