Malawi News

Lazarus Chakwera for good State-church affairs

Lazarus Chakwera for good State-church affairs
VERSE FOR MGAWI—Reverend Chatha Msangaambe recites a poem at the ceremony

By Pemphero Malimba:

Chief Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs Kingsley Sulamoyo has expressed President Lazarus Chakwera’s commitment to working with churches in fostering development.

Sulamoyo said this in his eulogy which he delivered on behalf of Chakwera at the funeral ceremony of Reverend Killion Mgawi at Nkhoma CCAP Church in Lilongwe.

Mgawi, who was the first black person to become the synod’s general secretary (GS), died on Sunday due to kidney problems.

Sulamoyo said Chakwera is open to working with various stakeholders including churches.

“The President is assuring all church ministers and the entire synod that he is with you in this difficult time.

“Let us work together. The Malawi Congress Party -led government is ready to work with Nkhoma Synod, other churches and all stakeholders in developing the country,” he said.

Sulamoyo described Mgawi as Chakwera’s spiritual father who used to advise the President during his days at the theological training school at Nkhoma.

Speaking on behalf of Mgawi’s family, former cabinet Minister Hetherwick Ntaba said they have lost a family pillar.

“He was not just a family man, but also instrumental in different places such as in the church and society as a whole,” Ntaba said.

Mgawi’s daughter Address Malata said she will remember her father for raising his children well.

“He taught us to be responsible. He had a caring and giving spirit even to people he didn’t know personally,” Malata said.

Nkhoma Synod Moderator Reverend Edward Masona Tembo commended Chakwera for gracing the funeral ceremony.

Mgawi was ordained church minister in 1956.

Throughout his ministerial journey that ended in 2008, he served in various positions including being GS for Nkhoma Synod and a commissioner of Malawi Electoral Commission.