United Transformation Movement (UTM) youths in Phalombe have organised prayers and a candlelight memorial service on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Phalombe Secondary School.
The prayers and candlelight memorial service is in honour of the late Dr Saulos Chilima who was Malawi’s Vice President and UTM President until his death on June 10, 2024.
Chilima and eight others died in a plane crash at Chikwangawa Forest in Mzimba and prayers and some forms of condolences have taken place in and outside the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday in Blantyre, one of the organisers of Phalombe event, Priscilla Moniwa confirmed that the event was to honour “a generational hero”
“This is not a political event but prayers to pay respect to our leader who inspired many youths,” she said.
The prayers and candlelight memorial service under the slogan: “Osatopa, Osatopa, Osafooka” at Phalombe Secondary School is expected to start at 5 pm to 7 pm and the patronage is expected to dress in black and dark attire.
Moniwa invited people in Phalombe and surrounding districts to come in larger numbers to attend the event and assured them of safety and security.
“We have contacted the Police and we have our security team to ensure safety,” she said, adding that UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati will be the guest of honour at the event.
Similar event is expected to take place on Sunday at Zingwangwa Youth Centre in Blantyre.
Blantyre held the first candlelight memorial on June 16, 2024, near curio selling point in the Blantyre CBD where musicians such Eli Njuchi and Onesmus took part.
Since the death of Chilima and eight others, candle-lighting ceremonies have taken place in Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Karonga and Mulanje among others.
