Tributes are pouring in for Minister of Local Government Lingson Belekanyama who has died today.

Belekanyama is the first Cabinet Minister in the Tonse Alliance government to succumb to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While confirming the death, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Gospel Kazako said in Belekanyama the country has lost a hard worker and patriot.

“In Honourable Belekanyama we have lost a true patriot, a hard worker, he was very focused, its hard to understand,” said Kazako.

on his part, Werani Chilenga, Chairperson for Natural Resources Committee, speaking before the opening of the committee meeting, also paid tribute to “a great friend.”

“I have lost a friend whom I have known since 1983. We worked together in the Department of Aviation and we were on duty when Kamuzu International Airport was opened. We were close friends in the house all these years.”

Belekanyama will be laid to rest today in Lilongwe.