By Suleman Chitera
Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sameer Gaffar Suleman, has paid glowing tribute to the late former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Madalitso Kazombo, describing him as an exceptional unifier whose humility, warmth, and sense of humour brought stability and harmony to Malawi’s Parliament.
Speaking during Kazombo’s burial on Sunday at Vikuyu Estate in Traditional Authority Kaomba, Kasungu District, the Speaker said the late legislator possessed a rare leadership quality that transcended political divisions, enabling him to calm tensions and restore order during heated parliamentary debates.
“Hon. Kazombo had a unique gift. When the House was deeply divided or emotions were high, he would simply use humour to bring Members together and refocus us on national interest,” said Rt. Hon. Suleman. “He was a unifying force in the truest sense.”
The Speaker recalled Kazombo’s outstanding parliamentary service during the 2014–2019 term, during which he served diligently on key committees including Trade and Tourism; Transport and Public Works; and Local Authorities. His leadership credentials were further underscored by his role as Chairperson of the Population and Development Caucus, where he championed accountability, inclusive development, and people-centred policies.
Rt. Hon. Suleman noted that Kazombo’s elevation to First Deputy Speaker in the 2019–2025 Parliament was a testament to the confidence and respect he commanded across party lines. In that role, the late legislator represented the National Assembly in various international parliamentary forums, significantly enhancing Malawi’s parliamentary image and strengthening diplomatic engagement.
“Kazombo was humble, approachable, and deeply social,” said the Speaker. “His character endeared him to colleagues from all political parties, and his leadership style reminded us that politics can be firm, yet respectful and humane.”
The burial ceremony attracted a wide cross-section of national leadership and citizens, reflecting the deep respect and admiration Kazombo earned during his lifetime. Among those in attendance were Deputy Speaker Hon. Victor Musowa, Second Deputy Speaker Hon. Esther Jolobala, serving and former Members of Parliament, former President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, former Vice Presidents Hon. Michael Usi and Hon. Khumbo Kachali, Blantyre City Mayor Jomo Osman, and thousands of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects.
Born on 31 May 1979, Hon. Madalitso Kazombo was educated at Kamuzu Academy before earning a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Malawi. He later qualified as a chartered accountant from the Malawi College of Accountancy in 2009 and served with distinction in the private sector before entering public life.
Kazombo joined frontline politics in 2014 after being elected Member of Parliament for Kasungu East, a position he held faithfully until his death. His legacy is defined by service, unity, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to democratic governance.
As Malawi bids farewell to one of its most respected parliamentary leaders, Hon. Madalitso Kazombo will be remembered not only for the offices he held, but for the values he embodied—unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and leadership rooted in humility and humanity.
