MALAWI: Catholic University Mourns Vice President Chilima: A Model of Living the Values and Action

Luke Bisani

The Catholic University of Malawi has joined the nation in mourning the country’s Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and other eight deceased compatriots who died in a plane crush on Monday in Chikangawa Forest.

In a condolence message released on Tuesday this week that was approved by the Chancellor of the University Most Rev. George Desmond Tambala, the University is saddened by the tragic loss of nine lives due to the plane crash.

The Vice Chancellor of the University Associate Prof. Ngeyi Ruth Kanyongolo described the Vice President and eight other deaths as a big loss to the country considering that the deceased were public servants serving the nation in different capacities.

Associate Prof. Kanyongolo added that the Vice President’s death has also hit hard the higher education sector, describing him as a model to many youths studying in different disciplines offered by different tertiary institutions of the country.

“His life exemplified the values that anchor an effective education system: a passion for knowledge, excellence, discipline, and professionalism. He inspired by living the values and action,” said Associate Prof. Kanyongolo.

The Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others—former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, Lukas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani, and Major Aidin—were declared dead on Tuesday after their plane crashed during tumultuous weather.

The late Veep was on his way to attend the funeral of Raphael Kasambara, the former attorney general and justice minister, who died June 7.

Chilima came to the limelight of Malawi politics when the country was posed for the 2014 polls after being unveiled as former President Peter Mutharika’s running mate.

The late vice president has been on records of joining a fundraising drive to assist needy students in higher education and many others for the noble cause.

Born on 12 February 1973, Chilima, a devout Catholic, married Mary Nkhamanyachi Chilima, with whom he shared two children, Sean and Elizabeth. He will be laid to rest on Monday, June 17, 2024, in his home district, Ntcheu.