Martin Chiwanda, who until his death was District lnformation Officer for Machinga has been laid to rest at Karonga Village, Traditional Authority Ntonda in Mangochi on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Chiwanda who also served as Public Relations Officer for Machinga District Council died on Friday, May 2, at Machinga District Hospital where he was admitted on May 1, for pneumonia.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony, Deputy Director of Information, Lisa Malango described Chiwanda’s passing as a loss to the ministry, saying he will be remembered for his hard working spirit.
According to Malango, late Chiwanda was dedicated to duties, saying the ministry will greatly miss his contributions.
“It is very heart-breaking that our friend and workmate who was selfless and dedicated to his job has departed from us,” said Malango.
A representative of Machinga District Council, Shepherd Jere expressed sadness over the death of Chiwanda, saying that the council has lost a person who had passion to transform the district.
“The council is saddened with the death of our brother, Martin Chiwanda. He was available anytime the council wanted him,” he added.
Lucius Msosa who spoke on behalf of the deceased family said the family was shocked with the death, saying that Martin was a strong family pillar that stood for everyone.
“The family has lost a pillar and we are going to miss him. He taught us a lot and for that we are thankful to him. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
People from Mangochi, Machinga, Nsanje, Lilongwe and other parts of the country gathered at his home village to pay their last respect among them included officials from the Ministry of lnformation, journalists from various media organisations and Association of Catholic Journalists.
Senior Chief Chamba of Machinga and Traditional Authority Ntonda of Mangochi also paid their last respect to Chiwanda at Karonga Village saying his death has left a gap.
Chiwanda, who was born on March 3, 1984, joined Ministry of Information and Digitalization on April 18, 2012 and served as District lnformation Officer in Nsanje and Machinga.
He is survived by a wife and two children.
