Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has apologized to Malawians for the hardship suffered during the one Party reign.
Chakwera said this during the burial ceremony of Malawi’s First Cabinet Minister Rose Chibambo in Mzuzu on Saturday.

In his speech, Chakwera described Chibambo as a fearless leader who believed in leading by example, saying she wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the struggle for Malawi’s political independence.

“Having heard firsthand and read about her patriotism, courage and diligence, I am certain that IF Mama Rose Chibambo was looking upon us now, nothing would displease her more than seeing us continue to take the freedom she fought for, for granted.

“She would not give us full marks for our performance in translating our political independence into economic independence,” said Chakwera.

Added Chakwera: “I believe that nothing would displease her more than seeing us refuse to rise out of the depths of the mediocrity, institutionalised corruption, and dependency on hand outs that we are wallowing in.”

On his part, Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima said Malawi has lost one of the selfless women who fought for the nation.

After independence in 1964, some ministers, including Rose Chibambo, rebelled against Kamuzu in a cabinet crisis. Chibambo went to exile in Zambia only to return home 30 years later (1994).