President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera led thousands of people at Mpeni Village, Thambani in Mwanza in mourning Joyce Chitsulo who until her death on Friday was Deputy Minister of Local government, Unity and Culture, Member of Parliament for Mwanza West.
Chakwera did not speak but let Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda speak about the life of late Chitsulo, her contribution to the nation and service to the people of Mwanza West.
He, therefore, thanked the President for being there for Chitsulo soon after the accident to the time of her death saying this is a testimony that the President regarded her as a valuable asset.
“You appointed her after realising her patriotism and hard work in serving the nation. We had a woman that was always there to serve her area and the nation.
“She has left a legacy and we will remember her. She was there to serve the nation and not her interest,” said Chimwendo Banda.
Speaker of Malawi National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara, applauded Chitsulo for proving to be instrumental in a number of parliamentary committees saying she was the first woman to chair the Public Appointments Committee of parliament.
“She was exceptionally excellent, thoughtful, hardworking and we will miss her,” Hara added.
Senior Chief Govati described the late Chitsulo as a darling of the people of Mwanza West, saying people in the area will remember her humane character in caring for the less privileged during her time in non governmental organisations and in parliament.
“We remember in her days when she worked with FAWEMA and took the organization home where it left an impact. This is the reason chiefs in Mwanza West asked her to contest as Member of Parliament in 2018.
“She contested and won. After Chakwera was elected President, we also asked her to work with the government in power,” Govati said.
Govati testified that late Chitsulo facilitated a number of development projects in Mwanza West citing, Chimbwinda Health Post, bridges, provisioning motorcycles and fuel to health workers, a police unit and school blocks.
“Joyce’s death is a big blow. She was so kind and wanted to continue serving as Member of Parliament to continue with her work and we were ready to vote for her to continue her good work,” the senior chief added.
Member of Parliament for Mwanza Central, Nicholas Dausi, described Chitsulo as a precious gift for the people of Mwanza West and the nation, saying her death struck a painful blow to bear.
He, therefore, thanked Chakwera for appointing Chitsulo as deputy minister saying she deserved the position.
Chitsulo’s daughter, Maureen, said the children stand to celebrate the life of their mother who assumed a lot of official duties.
“We thank the President for appointing her in the cabinet. The president rendered great help to my mother and let me dispel misinformation that the government did not render her help.
“You played your role. The Office of President and Cabinet was also there during her illness,” the daughter added and also thanked district councils for being there from illness till the time of her death.
Seventh Day Adventist President, Pastor Tony Nyirenda, preached the message of hope, called on Christian faithfuls to live the life to its fullness and according to the will of God.
At the cemetery, Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, Chief Justice Rezine Zikamanda, Speaker of National Assembly, Catherine, Gotani Hara, Minister Chimwendo Banda among others laid their wreaths in honour of Chitsulo.
Chitsulo, born on May 27, 1978 died on June 6, 2025 and was laid to rest Saturday with military honour by the Malawi Defence Force.
She was elected Member of Parliament for Mwanza West in 2019, sworn in as Deputy Minister of Local government, Unity and Culture on January 7, 2025.
Chitsulo died three weeks after being involved in a car accident on May 15 near Lunjika Turn Off on her way from Mzuzu where she went on official duties.
She has left behind a husband, four children and two grandchildren.
