By Blackson Mkupatira:
Malawians on Thursday gathered at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu District to commemorate Rev. John Chilembwe Day, observed annually on January 15 in honour of the nationalists courage and legacy.
The commemoration was held under the theme The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want and was presided over by Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization, Joseph Mwanamvekha, who represented President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. The ceremony began with the laying of a wreath, followed by a memorial worship service.
Speaking at the event, Mwanamvekha said the President recognises the role Rev. Chilembwe played in praying and fighting for the countrys liberation.
Today we celebrate John Chilembwe, who was a man of high integrity. We honour the courage and sacrifice he made, he said.
The Minister said the President is aware of the challenges currently facing Malawians and assured that plans are in place to address them. He cited high public debt, global economic shocks and the high cost of living as some of the pressing issues but maintained that government remains committed to resolving them.
Since Mutharika took office, there has been an improvement in the availability of medicine, fuel and foreign currency, and economic stability. We need to work with him; he cannot achieve everything by himself, Mwanamvekha said.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Patricia Wiskes, reminded Malawians that Rev. Chilembwe and others died so that the country could attain freedom.
This can be achieved if everyone has enough food, schools, and people are living peacefully in the country, she said, while hailing the Presidents leadership, which prioritises food security, free secondary education and other development areas.
On his part, PIM President Rev. Wilson Mitambo appealed to government to prioritise development in Chiradzulu District, describing it as one of the most underdeveloped districts despite its historical contribution to the countrys freedom struggle.
We need to improve service delivery in areas such as health, education and security. Chiradzulu has no stadium for youths to advance their sports skills, he said, adding that the church will continue praying for national development.
Rev. John Chilembwe was a nationalist leader who led an uprising against British colonial rule in 1915. Born in 1871, he is remembered for his bravery, sacrifice and contribution to Malawis liberation struggle.
Among those who attended the commemoration were First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Victor Musowa, Justice Joseph Chigona, Major General George Warwick Phiri of the Malawi Defence Force, Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadrick Namalomba, and Leader of Opposition in Parliament Simplex Chithyola.
Traditional leaders, including Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa, Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani, Paramount Chief Lundu and Paramount Chief Kaduya, as well as Malawi Council of Churches Chairperson Rev. Dr. Billy Gama, were also present.
The ceremony included intercessory prayers for good leadership, economic prosperity, a favourable agricultural season, national unity, peace and patriotism.
