Malawi mourns JZU wife: ‘Cometh the hour, came the Lady’

Lingadzi CCAP on Thursday led mourners in Lilongwe at the funeral vigil of the much-respected wife of party’s former long-time leader John Tembo.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Tembo’s residence in Area 10 and  paid their last respects  to Mamarita Ruth Tembo, who passed on in the late hours of January 5 at Dae Yung Luke Hospital in Lilongwe where she was rushed after a sudden illness

Malawi Congress Party (MCP)  president Lazarus Chakwera , who described Mrs Tembo as a woman of great outstanding virtue not only to JZU Tembo but to MCP and the entire nation,  said  it is appropriate to show respect to  the “beloved mother”.

The mourners included First Lady Getrude Mutharika and members of other political parties including top brass of MCP.

The President’s spouse was accompanied by cabinet ministers including Minister of Gender, Disability, and Children welfare, Patricia Kaliati.

Speaking to Nyasa Times on behalf of the family, Morgan Tembo said as family they feel honoured with the coming of the First Lady.

“You know in African culture and indeed in any culture, losing a mother is very painful, and it takes well wishers like the First Lady to come and surround you in time of grieving,” said Tembo.

MCP spokesman Jessie Kabwira commended the First Lady for joining the party in mourning the death of Mrs Tembo.

“We are thankful to the First Lady for being with us during the good part of the afternoon, this shows real love in time of real need,” said Kabwila.

She  also commended the First Lady and other mourners for bringing in various food items to be used during the vigil.

Mrs Tembo, originally from Lesotho, will be buried in Dedza on Saturday. She  is survived by a husband and four children.