The body of Traditional Authority Onga, who died on Sunday morning at Chiradzulu District Hospital, was laid to rest on Tuesday at his Mombezi Headquarters in the district.
Speaking during the burial ceremony, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Hara, said President Lazarus Chikwera was saddened by the death of Chief Onga, who served as his advisor on various developmental issues of his area.
“Onga was a dedicated chief who was elevated from Group Village Head to Sub-Traditional Authority and then Traditional Authority due to his hard work and focus. He was known for his love, trustworthiness and efforts to unite the people in his area, and this is why his passing is loss to the district and the country,” said Hara.
Hara then advised all family parties to take their time and come together when time to select right successor comes so that the successor shall continue to unite the people and bring development to the area to emulate what late Onga used to do.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kawinga of Machinga District, who spoke on behalf of Yao chiefs, emphasised the importance of respecting the Yao culture and following the country’s laws to ensure a smooth and timely succession process.
“There are many cases of chieftainship wrangles in the country which are hindering development. Make sure you follow right procedures and select someone who is deserving and responsible,” he said.
Chairperson for Chiradzulu District Council, Charles Chigwenembe, described Onga as a patient person who enjoyed sharing his wisdom with those around him.
Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Central, MacTimes Malowa, said T/A Onga was a hardworking, development-oriented man who was accorded utmost respect by his people and his country.
A representative of the bereaved family, Mathews Chisale, said Onga was diagnosed with diabetes in 2022 and had been in and out of the hospital before his passing.
He expressed gratitude to the District Council and Chiradzulu District Hospital for the care they provided during Onga’s illness.
“Looking ahead, we have already identified Onga’s successor and we just want to evaluate his qualities. Be assured that there will be no succession disputes, and a new T/A will be appointed soon,” said Chisale.
T/A Onga, whose real name was Ranken Amos Mang’anda, was born on January 1, 1939. He is survived by a wife, seven children, and seventy-four grandchildren.
He was installed as Sub Traditional Authority on August 2, 2000 and was later elevated to the position of Traditional Authority Onga on December 23, 2021.
Source:MANA
