By Rick Dzida
It has been argued by some people that the simultaneous commemorations of Chilima’s life on June 10th by different individuals at different locations goes against his legacy and demonstrates a lack of unity among the mourners. However, this perspective lacks sound reasoning.
Unfortunately these sentiments emanate from Chilima’s family making arrangements for mass services in Nsipe, Ntcheu, where he was buried.
Concurrently, the Chakwera administration has declared plans to hold a commemorative service near the location of Chilima’s plane crash.
Throughout history, it has been the norm for individuals to honour their loved ones, acquaintances, and role models at different gatherings. Chilima’s commemorative occasion is not an exception.
Arguably, every year on January 15th, John Chilembwe Day is observed in Malawi at different locations, such as the Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu District. The President of Malawi typically attends this event.
In fact, John Chilembwe’s commemoration events take place at different locations, including hotels and bars, where citizens gather to honour his legacy. Similarly, why can’t supporters, or any other sympathisers of Chilima also come together on June 10th to remember him?
Truth be told, I have no reservations about President Chakwera and members of the ruling Malawi Congress Party holding a memorial service at Nthunga. This will finally give President Chakwera the chance to visit the location that he has been shunning, where a tragic event occurred.
Why not have schools and other educational institutions honour the life of Saulos Chilima by organizing lectures, seminars, and discussions about his life and accomplishments? It is worth noting that Chilima previously gave a public lecture at the University of Malawi that some of us cannot match in terms of his intellectual and political prowess.
As Chilembwe’s day is inundated with social media and digital new, anecdotes, and honours, it is not inappropriate for some concerned Malawians to commemorate Chilima’s memorial service through similar means in different locations. To my fellow creators of online content, this is your opportunity to rise to the challenge.
It is against this background that all interested parties that have intentions to remember Saulos Chilima in various venues should be permitted to do so.
Ultimately, Saulos Chilima was part of numerous communities within Ngoni culture, such as politics, religion, profession, business, social circles, family connections, and more.
My only recommendation is that let anyone who was touched by Chilima’s death from all walks of life commemorate in their own way at any venue of their choice.
As members of the Ngoni community, we continue to uphold Lucius Banda’s song about the four fundamental aspects of Ngoni culture. We will commemorate Chilima’s downfall through the lens of ‘Ngodya Zinayi Za Angoni’. We have chosen a location that resonates with Chilima’s spirit for the 10th of June. May Chilima’s passing serve as a catalyst for resolving Malawi’s problems.
