The Maseko Ngoni Heritage on Saturday marked closure of the traditional mourning period for former Vice-President Saulos Chilima and musician Lucius Banda.
Chilima died in a plane crash on June 10, 2024, alongside eight others while Banda died in South Africa on June 30 2024 of a kidney-related disease.
The Maseko Ngoni Heritage announced the start of a three-month mourning period on July 10, which ended on October 10
In an interview, Paramount Chief Gomani V praised the late Chilima for his interest in Ngoni culture and for the support he provided to Ngoni cultural activities.
He said the ceremony was organised to honour and promote the spirit of national pride Chilima and Banda embodied.
“This was our way of showing respect to our fallen heroes and expressing our gratitude. Memorial services reflect on the positive impact of individuals and we wanted to acknowledge their contributions both to Maseko Ngoni and the nation,” he said.
Chilima’s family member Joshua Valera thanked the Ngoni Heritage for recognising the late Veep as one of their Impis during his lifetime.
“The duo’s departure broke our hearts, but we are satisfied with how things have turned out. We thank God because he has been with us,” he said.
In his remarks, St. Peter’s Craver Catholic Parish priest Father Steve Manyenga said the ceremony highlighted the harmony between tradition and religion.
“Faith and virtues shown by Chilima and Banda have brought them closer to God and all the saints,” he said.
