PIM says no politicking at Chilembwe Day event
Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) says it does not want political undertones to mar the celebration of the life and legacy of its founder and early freedom fighter the Reverend John Chilembwe in Chiradzulu tomorrow.
PIM deputy publicity secretary Davies Lucius Kambewa said the church has since distributed the event’s theme cloth to all major political parties to ensure that their supporters do not wear political party attire to the event.

He said they have also asked the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and Malawi Police Service to restrict any political party supporter in party regalia.
Kambewa spoke to The Nation when we visited PIM in Chiradzulu District on Monday to appreciate progress of preparations in readiness of John Chilembwe Day observed on January 15.
He said: “People are free to come in their large numbers regardless of their background because this is a very important occasion for Malawi. Our history cannot be told without mentioning the name of the Reverend John Chilembwe.
“But our plea to political party leaders is that they must ensure that their followers do not wear any party cloth at the event, and those that will attend must come with a peaceful and unifying mind and not with an aim to disrupt proceedings”.
Kambewa further said as of on Monday, preparations were at an advanced stage and that a final preparatory meeting will be held later today to address any outstanding issues.
But when asked how different this year’s event will be as compared to those held in the previous years, he said there is nothing new except that preparations have been smooth and that they have received all the necessary support from different stakeholders.
Kambewa said as per tradition, President Lazarus Chakwera, and Vice-President Michael Usi, will be in attendance.
When The Nation arrived at PIM around 11am, scores of MDF soldiers were seen rehearsing their routine parade at the PIM Memorial Tower while passers-by watched and cheered.
Malawi Police officers and other senior government officials were also on site.
Several choirs were also seen rehearsing while members of the clergy were busy with discussions.
Maintenance works on some selected buildings were being done to give a fresh look of the area.
Some of the people we talked to praised Chilembwe, describing him as a hero who needs befitting honour other than the annual prayers.
A community member, Mary Burton, said it is important that as a country, Chilembwe is given the honour that he deserves.
She said: “We cannot talk about liberation without mentioning Chilembwe. We need to make sure that he is honoured, but greatly”.
Another community member, Jordan Mpaka, said more should be done in honouring Chilembwe, describing him as a selfless person who died for a good cause.
January 15, which is tomorrow, was declared John Chilembwe Day, and is a public holiday in Malawi to celebrate the life and achievements of the anti-colonialist.