Veteran politician, economist and statesman late Goodall Gondwe was buried Monday at his home village of Kayiwonga in Enukwenu, Mzimba putting to rest a distinguished career that he spanned for over 42 years.
The departed economist cum politician has been laid to rest with full military honors after President Dr Lazarus Chakwera had declared his funeral as a state funeral to commemorate late Gondwe’s contribution to the country.
Delivering his eulogy, Vice President Saulos Chilima said Gondwe was a distinguished gentleman who loved his country dearly.
“We gather today to mourn one of the finest minds that Malawi has ever seen. A fearless fighter for the poor, a leader whose characater is worth eminating and above all one of the greatest sons of the country.
“He embodied service and duty to one’s calling in life to improve the lives of others. Although he was trained abroad, he returned home as a dutiful Pan Africanist to offer his service to his homeland,” Chilima said.
He added that there is a brilliance of those that hold differing political views is underated but there are bright bulbs that shine beyond political borders and that late Gondwe was one of those people.
“This is why he served as Finance Minister is several administrations. His career embodied proffessionalism, statesmanship and he always argued from a point of knowledge,” said Chilima.
He said late Gondwe shall be remembered as a straight talker in negotiations and always said that he owed his allegiance to Malawi and he demonstrated it.
“He was also a promoter of young people and although he called some of us babies, he was a great mentor whose great legacy will be remembered in history,” Chilima continued to say.
Former President, Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika described late Gondwe as a decorated, respectable patriot and an accomplished economist who has done a lot for the country.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Group Village Head Kayiwonanga Gondwe said late Gondwe was an international figure, pillar of the family and God fearing person.
He hailed President Chakwera for according late Gondwe a state funeral.
Gondwe’s only daughter, Tionge thanked people who had graced the ceremony to witness the burial of his father.
“Together with our mother, our father was our inspiration. He made a lot of jokes in the family and he taught us to love all kinds of people and be open to possibilities that the world has to offer.
“My father loved Malawi so much so that even though I grew up in Washington DC, United States of America, he always reminded us that home is in Malawi,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa, Senior Chief Mwaulabo described late Gondwe as a man of integrity saying no wonder he worked with many political administrations.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa said Gondwe’s death should unite Malawians for the good of the country.
He said late Gondwe was a symbol of national unity and that his burial, should be an opportunity for Malawians to also bury their political differences.
“There might be disagreements within parties or even between parties but by the end of today, let us put all this behind us and move forward as one people,” said Nankhumwa.
Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara described Gondwe as a person who did not discriminate against anyone and worked with old and young people.
Former Vice President, Khumbo Kachali said the late Gondwe was a person who had great empathy for others.
“His death has brought people of different political parties together a thing which he would have loved to see,” Kachali said.
Until his death, Gondwe served as Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the North a position he held since 2011.
Some notable faces at the burial ceremony included Ministers Harry Mkandawire and Richard Chimwendo Banda, former Vice President Khumbo Hastings Kachali, Atupele Muluzi, Hetherwick Ntaba, Dalitso Kabambe, Henry Mussa, former Speaker of Parliament Henry Chimunthu Banda, Joseph Mwanamvekha and several government officials.
Born on December 1, 1936 late Gondwe who passed on August 8 is survived by a wife Gertrude, two sons Edward, Fikepo and a daughter Tionge.
Reported By George Mponda
