Govt to construct Chihana mausoleum
Minister of Civic Education and National Unity Timothy Mtambo has disclosed government’s plans to construct a mausoleum for Tom Chakufwa Chihana, who he hailed as father and founder of Malawi democracy,
The minister disclosed this in Mzuzu on Wednesday when he visited Chihana’s tomb at Kawiluwilu, formerly Katoto Freedom Square.
He said: “The Tonse Alliance administration under the leadership of Lazarus Chakwera would like to respect our heroes.
“This is a lesson to young people and the nation that when we respect our heroes, we encourage the living to work hard so that they can be recognised in future.”
Mtambo said the fallen trade unionist was fearless and selfless in the fight against founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s 31-year dictatorship.
“We need to give him a befitting burial [site]. This government will set a heroes’ acre where all our heroes can be put so that they are honoured in this country,” he said.
Church and Society representative Paul Mvula asked government to enact a Heroes Act to ensure deserving icons are honoured without favour.
Mzuzu mayor Kondwani Nyasulu said the city council is ready to provide land for a heroes’ acre.
Chihana served as the country’s second vice-president, President of Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and Rumphi Central legislator.
He died on June 12 2006. His family representative, Gerald Banda, asked for security personnel to guard Chihana’s overgrown resting place, which has been ransacked ever since.
