Chikwili laid to rest at Misesa Cemetery

Mrs Juliana Kwapata Chikwili, an Aunt to the newly-elected Minister of Information and Communication Technology Mark Botomani, has been laid to rest at Misesa Cemetery on Sunday.

Chikwili, who until her death was a teacher, died after a long battle with illness since 2014.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life flocked to Limbe Cathedral where there was a mass service before going to Misesa Cemetery where they paid their last respect and tribute to Chikwili as she walked her last mile on earth.

Some notable faces at her burial place were Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Director General Aubrey Sumbuleta, Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority Director General Godfrey Itaye and Chief Director in the Ministry of Information among others.

Speaking at the funeral, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Dr Suswele Banda, who represented President Peter Mutharika, described the death as a loss to the development of the country.

“We are looking at what she did when she was young and energetic as well as serving the nation as a teacher. We haven’t lost an ordinary woman but someone who contributed greatly to national development. The president has sent me to convey the message of condolence to the bereaved family,” he said.

In his eulogy, Limbe Cathedral Chairman for Parish Council, Andrew Simango, hailed the late Chikwili for being a mentor of St Theresa children at the parish adding that the parish would miss her in the children’s mission of evangelism.

“She has been instrumental in teaching the Theresa kids in Christian life since they were small. She was a very dedicated Christian, a model to the kids. All of us here have lost a very important member of our parish,” Simango said.

Anthony Chikwili, first born son to the late Chikwili said the family and the clan have lost their pillar.

He said: “She was very good at teaching the youths and even us children on the best way to live spiritually and life in general. That is the best thing that we are going to miss of her life.”

The late Chikwili, who hailed from Chiluka village in Zomba, is survived by five children.