What ought to be a very sorrowful event, turned to be the joy, laughing event as a multitude of people gathered at Mfulanjobvu in Traditional Authority (TA) Chanthunya in Balaka awaiting to escort the body of the former First Lady, Madam, Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri.
Jokes, storytelling of the life of the late departed soul were told to all the people that gathered during the function.
Different people both from the community, Government, as well as the party that the late former First Lady loved most, UTM took turns in honouring the life of the departed soul.
Choirs, sang, guitars drums, were played, men and women sang and danced as the Catholic Church through the Arch Bishop of the Arch Diocese of Blantyre, Thomas Msusa together with his counterpart Bishop Montfort Sitima of Mangochi Diocese and Bishop Emeritus Alexandrio Pangan lead the entire crowd to a Eucharistic Celebration in honor of the late former First lady, Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony on behalf of the President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Maxwell Thyolani said unlike others, late Dzimbiri was a character of her own as she was leading a low life putting other people first before herself.
“Considering her status, that at one time she was the First Lady of this country, the late Dzimbiri was all available for her responsibilities at Parliament and a member of the Legal Affairs Committee.
“When the State President was the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, the late former First Lady was always working hand in hand and giving advice to him for a positive direction,” he said.
Former President, Joyce Banda described Dzimbiri as a dedicated Christian who unlike being a politician and a highly ranked woman in the country, she portrayed royalty, kindness, love and sacrifice to others.
“I remember when she was the First Lady, she adopted 10 needy children to the Stake House and provided for them as if there are her kids, this is love and kindness that I am talking about, she was a rare germ, may her soul receive the price of her good deeds,” she said.
Representing the bereaved family, Samuel Kamwendo described her as a fallen beacon of the family and was sorry but to accept Gods will.
He outlined the fact that the funeral programme was already well spelt by herself so as a family they exactly decided to follow.
Edina Awka her Daughter who spoke on behalf of all kids and was escorted by the others, could not hold herself but to speak as sorrow engulfed her with tears flowing her chicks.
“Her legacy will always live own as she was a shining star, she faced battles with courage, she had a brilliant mind, she sacrificed tirelessly that us her children are educated and always taken care of, I know she is at peace now, knowing that all of us are okay,” she said.
Edina quoted her mother’s favourite verse of the Holy Bible Psalms 23.
By Mary Makhiringa
