Makawa laid to rest after sombre funeral: Pictorial focus
Tens of thousands mourners on Wednesday laid to rest Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) board chairperson and hotelier Alissa Ashani Makawa, who died on Monday at Blantyre Adventist Hospital after a short illness.
“Malawi has lost an iconic person who contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the country. Looking at her Kambiri Lodge, Boadzulu Resort and Shire Highlands, one can see that the late Mrs Makawa was an ambitious woman who has left an indelible mark on Malawi and the tourism industry,” Minister of Information Jappie Mhango, who represented President Peter Mutharika told mourners who gathered at late Makawa’s residence in Namiwawa to bid the deceased farewell.
“She was an inspiration to millions of Malawians who looked up to her success story as owner of a hotel chain that it was possible for indigenous Malawians to own large scale businesses in the hospitality industry and rise to heights never seen before,” said Mhango.
He also said President Mutharika was saddened with her death as he appointed Makawa as Macra Board Chairperson because of her great leadership and interpersonal skills.
In his eulogy, representing the deceased family, Elias Nkhoma, an uncle to the deceased, said her death was shocking.
“We did not receive any message that she was sick. After her trip from Mzimba on World Post Day she drove straight to Kambiri Lodge in Salima where she complained of flue. But after seeing no changes that’s when she drove to Blantyre at Adventist to seek for medical help. Unfortunate before being attended to when she told her sister she wanted to rest she did not woke up until being pronounced dead,” said Nkhoma, who stays in Zambia.
He said the death was very sad to their family, because a week ago they were also burying another member of their family.
“Is this the way we are going to leave this earth? Who will look after these siblings since our pillar is gone,” he said.
After eulogies at Namiwawa, it was time to embark on a journey to Chirimba for prayers.
From her residence passing part of Blantyre city up to the Kandodo corner shop going to Chirimba there was a big motorcade, which was moving in a snail’s pace with a police escort car in front, as the body of Alissa made its final journey.
At Mount Moriah Church, in his preaching, Bishop Steven Mwila described the late Alissa as humble, God fearing and dedicated to Church matters.
For instance, he told mourners that where the church was built the land was donated by late Alissa.
He, however, urged the deceased family to mourn with hope, as late Alissa was now at a better place in heaven.
“Let us not mourn her death but rather we should celebrate the days she was on earth. Let me remind you that Alissa is safe singing with Angels in heaven,” said Bishop Mwila, who asked the congregation to clap hands in honour of the late Alissa.
After church service, Alissa’s last journey to HHI cemetery was embarked with the same big convoy led by the police car.
Upon arrival at the cemetery, there were short prayers before the casket was lowered onto the grave.
Alissa’s two children Eda and John, broke down in tears when the casket carrying the body of their beloved late mother was lowered into the ground at HHI Cemetery at exactly 4:00 pm.
The burial was attended by high profile people in the society.
These included Blantyre City Mayor Noel Chalamanda, Airtel Malawi Officials like Rachel Mijga and her husband Wilkis Mijiga, Anti Corruption Bureau Director Lucas Kondowe, musician Anjiru Fumulani of Black Missionaries, among others
May the humble, hardworking soul of Alissa Ashani Makawa rest in peace.
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