Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) President Enoch Chihana has expressed shock over the death of former Minister of Finance and Economic Development Goodall Gondwe.

Gondwe, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the North collapsed on Tuesday night and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Adventist Hospital in the capital Lilongwe.

Writing on his official facebook page Chihana described the death of Gondwe as big loss to the country.

“He was like a father to me, in fact on Tuesday, I was trying to phone him, but couldn’t get through because most of the time we spoken when I could get some advice from him. He was a very good man, very principled and you know that he steered this country at a time when it was very difficult economically.

“We are going to miss him, but sometimes the problem with our society is that we like to praise people when they are gone. I don’t know whether is out culture, but Goodall Gondwe is one of those who will remember forever. From him, I have learnt to be principled; you have to fight for what you believe in. Again, the spirit of resilience and hardworking, are other things I have learnt from him. His legacy will live forever,” wrote Chihana.

On his part former Reserve Bank Governor Dalitso Kabambe wrote: “I am at loss of words during this sorrowful time. Goodall Gondwe will always be within my heart and that of many others who loved him. You have accomplished many good things in life, for the country and the DPP. You worked hard and always followed the path of integrity.”

Gondwe died at the age of 87.

The body of former Minister will be laid to rest this coming Saturday in Enukweni, Mzimba.