PDP’s Nankhumwa donates K2 million worth of blankets to Lucius Banda Foundation as thousands gather for mausoleum unveiling

People’s Development Party (PDP) leader Kondwani Nankhumwa donated a consignment of blankets worth K2 million to the Lucius Banda Foundation on Saturday, as thousands of Malawians descended on Sosola Village in Balaka for the unveiling of the mausoleum of celebrated musician and politician Lucius Banda, better known to millions simply as ‘Soldier’.

Speaking as he handed over the donation at Balaka’s football grounds, Nankhumwa said the items were intended to support the foundation’s charitable work – a generous gesture that added a striking moment of political goodwill to a day otherwise dominated by grief and celebration of Banda’s legacy.

The vast crowd that gathered for the unveiling brought together family members, friends, fellow musicians, political leaders and traditional leaders, alongside scores of ordinary Malawians whose lives were touched by Banda’s music and message over his three-decade career.

Second Vice President Enock Chihana, speaking  to reporters at Andiamo Residence following a Mass led by the Bishop of Mangochi Diocese, Montfort Stima, hailed the late musician as an icon for the entire nation.

‘Lucius was a close friend of mine, and we shared the same vision on how Malawi can progress. People should learn how principled he was; he was courageous and believed in himself,’ Chihana said.

In an emotional moment during the Mass, Banda’s widow, Sunganani Banda, used the occasion to make a heartfelt appeal to government, calling for a dialysis unit to be installed in the eastern region in honour of her late husband, who died from renal failure.

‘Patients requiring dialysis travel long distances to access the service, and putting the service within the reach of people will ease the burden,’ she said.

Zembani Band leader Sam Simakweri paid tribute to everyone who had contributed towards building the mausoleum, saying the outpouring of support had made the project far easier to complete.

‘Since the death of our legend, the band has seen a transformation. We are doing shows almost every week with the help and guidance of John Banda, the lead vocalist, but honestly, no one can replace Soldier, and we miss him every day,’ Simakweri said.

Chairperson of the organising committee, Allan Essau, revealed there are plans to open a museum near the mausoleum, which will also serve as the operational base for the Lucius Banda Foundation.

The day’s commemorations continued into the evening, with local artists gathering for a special music show at Balaka Stadium to formally launch the foundation. The concert brought together a host of performers covering some of Soldier’s most beloved songs, in celebration of his enormous contribution to Malawi’s music industry.

Banda, who spent much of his career using music to speak out on social and national issues, died on 30 June 2024, aged 53, at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he had been receiving treatment for renal failure.