Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha has stressed the Malawi Government’s commitment to economic recovery, national unity and development. Speaking during the commemoration of John Chilembwe Day at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu yesterday, the minister, who represented President Peter Mutharika, said the legacy of early freedom fighter Chilembwe serves as a reminder that national progress cannot be achieved without unwavering unity, dedication and purpose. Mwanamvekha acknowledged the economic challenges affecting households and businesses, but said the government remains firm to steering the country towards recovery and stability.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskes said the true honour Malawians can give Chilembwe is utilising the freedom he fought for to advance national development. On his part, PIM president Wilson Mitambo called on the government to implement development projects in Chiradzulu, saying the district that produced Chilembwe does not reflect its historic role in the country’s liberation struggle. He said Chiradzulu lags behind others in infrastructure and public services, citing poor road networks, dilapidated council offices, inadequate facilities at Chiradzulu District Hospital, lack of decent chiefs’ houses, police offices and a stadium.
“We also ask the government to construct a university and a museum in honour of Chilembwe,” said Mitambo. This year’s commemoration was held under the theme ‘The Lord is my Shepherd I Shall Not Want’ drawn from Psalms 23. The event started with laying of wreaths at the Memorial Tower followed by a service of worship.
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Dignitaries at the event included Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri, Chief Secretary Justin Saidi and First Deputy Speaker Victor Musowa. Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V, Paramount Chief Kaduya and Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V were also in attendance. Born in 1871, Chilembwe was killed in 1915. He was buried at an unknown place in Esperanza Estate in Mulanje.
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