APM pays tribute to John Chilembwe: Martyr of Malawi nationalism

January 17, 2015 Chikondi Juma Be the first to comment

  • Pledges to construct road to Providence Industrial Mission

  • Calls on Malawians to emulate Chilembwe’s life

Malawi President Peter Mutharika on Saturday paid tribute to the country’s first freedom fighter, Reverend John Chilembwe and directed government to construct a tarmac road from Nguludi leading to Chilembwe’s Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) connecting to the Chiradzulu Road.

President Mutharika and former Malawi leader Bakili Muluzi
President Mutharika and former Malawi leader Bakili Muluzi
PIM president Rev Makondetsa briefing President Mutharika before the event
PIM president Rev Makondetsa briefing President Mutharika before the event
President Mutharika inspecting Chilembwe's legendary bell
President Mutharika inspecting Chilembwe’s legendary bell
Unity of purpose: President Mutharika greets opposition leader Chakwera at the function
Unity of purpose: President Mutharika greets opposition leader Chakwera at the function
Part of the congregation at Chilembwe memorial
Part of the congregation at Chilembwe memorial
The first couple paying respects at Chilembwe's memorial tower
The first couple paying respects at Chilembwe’s memorial tower

Mutharika made the directive during Reverend John Chilembwe centenary celebrations and memorial service of worship held at PIM headquarters in Chiradzulu district on Saturday.

This was a direct response to an appeal from a number of speakers that included President of PIM Reverend Patrick Makondetsa

The President said the road to PIM is a significant investment considering that the place is part of the country’s history in as far as the fight against colonial oppression is concerned.

“When the rains are over we will work on this road, we will make sure that we put a tarmac road to make this place easily accessible,” said Mutharika.

In his address during the service that draw leaders from various religious and political groups, President Mutharika, called on Malawians to unite and emulate the selfless life of Chilembwe and other freedom fighters of the country.

He said Malawians need to safe guard the freedom being enjoyed today, others lost their lives fighting for it.

“We should remain united and concentrate on national building and development of our   country. These fallen heroes put aside their self-interest and put the country first on their agenda. This is the spirit we need to emulate as Malawians.

“We need to love our country beside everything else. Let us unite in sprucing up the image of Malawi, the unique cultures that we have and the hard-working people in the country,” he said.

Former President Bakili Muluzi, Vice President Saulos Chilima, Cabinet Ministers and Malawi Congress Party’s leader Lazarus Chakwera and Peoples Party (PP) vice president Brown Mpinganjira  were among the officials who graced the occasion.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
Follow us in Twitter