President Lazarus Chakwera yesterday led Malawians in paying tribute to the late Inkosi Theresa Kachindamoto, hailing her as “a dedicated soldier” whose unwavering commitment safeguarded the rights of girls across the country.
Speaking at her funeral in Mtakataka, Dedza District through Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda, the President praised Kachindamoto’s bold leadership in annulling early marriages and ensuring every girl had the opportunity to complete her education.
He said her legacy is a testament to the power of conviction and compassion,” adding “and the government will honour her memory by sustaining the reforms she championed”.
Chakwera underscored his administration’s resolve to expand community outreach and strengthen legal protections against child marriage—continuing the late chief’s work.
“Kachindamoto’s work ensured that girls not only had classrooms built for them, but also the protection and encouragement to use those opportunities. Government will continue to honour and build on that legacy,” he said.
The funeral drew thousands of mourners, including chiefs from across Malawi, government officials, the clergy and ordinary citizens.
The atmosphere was sombre, punctuated by hymns and traditional dirges as people gathered to pay their final respects to the revered chief.
Impi George Mussa recalled Kachindamoto’s humility, saying: “She resisted ascending to the throne for two years until 2003 when a senior cleric persuaded her it was God’s calling. From that day, she embraced her role and never looked back. She will be remembered as a mother and girls’ defender, whose work transformed lives far beyond her community.”
United Nations representative Beatrice Kumwenda said the global body mourned with Malawians, describing Kachindamoto as a model traditional leader who inspired many across the globe.
“Her advocacy for girls’ education and fight against child marriages inspired many communities within and beyond Malawi. The world has lost a reformer whose works were replicated far and wide,” she said.
In his remarks, Ngoni Paramount Chief Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V highlighted late Kachindamoto’s contributions to both the Maseko Ngoni society and the nation.
“She was not only a leader for Dedza; she was a national figure who uplifted the dignity of the chieftaincy itself,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Maseko Ngoni supreme ruler has decreed that all chieftaincies under his jurisdiction, including the Kachindamoto throne, will now revert to the original tradition where succession is from father to son rather than rotating among royal families.
As the late inkosi’s remains were finally lowered into her grave beside four of her predecessors on a clear, hot Saturday afternoon, the consensus among mourners was that Kachindamoto had a unique ability to blend tradition with progressive values and that she has left behind a legacy of justice, dignity and hope that will continue to shape generations to come.
