Rubadiri burial today
Government has accorded the late Professor David Rubadiri a hero’s status, and will be buried today at the Heroes’ Acre in Mzuzu.
Rubadiri, an accomplished poet, who was twice an ambassador to the United Nations and University of Malawi vice-chancellor, died last Saturday, September 15 2018 at the age of 88.
Rubadiri’ son Kwame confirmed that his father will be buried at the Heroes’ Acre in Mzuzu.
“We were looking for a cemetery in Mzuzu, but because of his contributions to the country, government decided that he should be buried at the Heroes’ Acre. We are very grateful for this,” he said.
Kwame said the funeral service will start at around 9am at Anglican’s St Mark Church close to Mzuzu Court House, and later proceed to the Heroes’ Acre.
Mzuzu City deputy mayor Alexander Mwakikunga said the late Rubadiri deserves respect.
“We all know that Rubadiri played a great role in improving the country’s education and his contributions will always be remembered. So, it is only proper that he should be buried there,” he said.
Livingstonia Synod’s Church and Society Programme director Moses Mkandawire, whose organisation has been fighting for the welfare of heroes, said Rubadiri helped market Malawi to other countries.
According to www.poemhunter.com, Rubadiri was born on July 19 1930 and attended King’s College, Budo in Uganda from 1941-1950 then went to Makerere University from 1952- 1956, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and History.
He went to King’s College, Cambridge from 1956-1960, where he received a Master of Arts degree in English Literature.
At independence in 1964, Rubadiri was appointed Malawi’s first ambassador to the United States and the United Nations.
He is survived by a wife, 9 children, 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
