I have come as far away as I possibly can from the first announcement, in the form of a question that an MDF plane had gone missing, and was carrying the Vice President, the Right Honorable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima on Monday June 10, 2024.
After a myriad of prayers to the heavenly Creator, death was announced of the VEEP and 9 others (including former First Lady Shanil Muluzi.
State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera made the announcement to Malawians Monday evening of this very tragic, troubling, hurtful long moment in our nation’s history.
It’s been three years since we lost former UDF VP Justin Malewezi, and 12 years since Bingu wa Mutharika passed away (long illness and cardiac arrest respectively); 25 years since first President Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda passed away in a South African hospital.
Of all these deaths, VP Saulos Chilima’s tragic, untimely, sudden passing, hurts so much. So very much.
Malawi O my Malawi, how I pray for you. As we continue to mourn (something I dare say, will last a long time) I remember him in so many ways, and truckloads of accolades and condolences are already filling the information platforms. I fill mine with 12 for this Special Tribute.
Ode to SKC – I remember Saulos
1. The first time I met Saulos, he was an elementary school lad living with his Aunt Ann and Uncle Francis Sazuze. On occasion, he visited Uncle Jasper and Aunt Grace (Sazuze) Mbekeani. Every time my family (Chiza, Adam Sr., Adam Jr., Moses) and I visited Aunt Grace and Uncle Jas, it was the elder of the cousin in the house, Saulos, who opened the door for us.
2. When I established my Now Publications publishing company, I needed adverts for my Woman Now magazine. My cousin Elizabeth Chulu introduced me to the marketing executives at Lever Brothers; there among the team were Maurice New and Saulos Chilima. He usually gave me adverts, but his quiet demeanor made me avoid him. One day he followed me to my car, to give me an advert. I was deeply touched. I had forgotten him as the young door opener at Uncle Jas’ house; although he remembered, he never said a word.
3. From Lever Bros, the late Saulos moved to Southern Bottlers (producers of Coca-Cola) and then to a banking house on Victoria Avenue; I needed some stock buying advice, and he was glad to provide it.
4. His move to Airtel made me meet up with him again. This time my cousin Chidze reminded me who Sau was, when I asked him why he referred to me as “auntie Janet.” At this time he was a big wig at Airtel (the first African CEO) and he helped me link my US cell phone with the Malawi airwaves. He even put $50.00 airtime.
5. I was a diplomat when I heard that SKC was teaming up with Professor Peter Mutharika as his Vice President. I congratulated him (having found his number through the family network).
6. At the expiry of my diplomatic contract at the Malawi Mission to the UN, I asked to meet with him to inform him that I was back. He gladly welcomed me to his office; we shared and exchanged advice. The room was packed with two people and their diverse skills.
7. When trouble started brewing in the DPP, I had the privilege to share with him my historical perspective: the story of former VP Justin Malewezi of the UDF.
8. He did not resign from the position of VP, but later, as former President Joyce Banda had done, formed her People’s Party; the late VP formed the United Transformation Party (UTM) while still sitting in his post as Vice President in the Democratic Progressive Party government.
9. As he competed in the 2019 Tripartite (Presidential, Parliamentary, and Councilor) elections, I requested a meeting (just for 30 minutes). The meeting took place, he met me at his hotel’s lobby, again addressing me as Aunt aNamayombo. Again, relatives reminded me of our close relation. And despite my asking for only 30 minutes, the meeting took two hours. There was so much to discuss. I had brought a list of discussion points. At the end of the meeting, although he had taken notes, he asked for my list.
10. After losing the 2019, taking the MEC to court over the irregularities, I conferred with the VP, thanks to WhatsApp. The victory in the ConCourt and the court’s directive for the fresh 2020 elections led to numerous interviews; while some were used for my articles, many others just recorded for family history.
11. And SKC was still very much a quiet person. But he was a giant of a person in pulling crowds and wooing them with his mwambis. I remember the Ndirande to Njamba Park Big Trop for the last campaign stop after the successful countrywide whistle-stop rallies: the Ndix to Njamba pictures are an epic poem. The thought of having a very clever, industrious waKumangoni in the Presidency, warmed my mind always.
12. These past two years, we have kept contact through WhatsApp, always proud that he was part of the presidency, a member of the steering team of this ship called Malawi. I will always remember the Right Honorable Biyeni, VP Dr. Saulos Chilima.
In its condolences to the Malawi nation and the Chilima family, the Africa Christian Professional Forum mourned the late Vice President Chilima passing as an unprecedented tragedy, which has left a significant void, calling it a monumental loss that will be felt deeply across all sectors of society. Expressing its profound grief and sorrow, the Forum prays that “the Almighty grant peace to the souls of the departed and provide solace to all who mourn.” The Forum asks all Malawians and people in Africa, to commit to continuing the legacy of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Malawi and Africa shown by the late VP Chilima and the nine other persons that perished in the plane crash.
The government has decreed a mourning period from June 10 to July 1, 2024, during which time flags will fly at half-mast.
The beloved departed will be truly and sorely missed for many years to come. May God help and heal our wounds, only as He possibly can. Deepest condolences to Mrs. Mary Chilima, the children (Sean and Elizabeth), and family. Condolences to His Majesty, Ngwenyama Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V and the Ngoni peoples everywhere.
