By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, May 16, Mana: Deputy Mayor for Mzuzu City council (MCC), Monica Simwaka, who represented the Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture at the funeral ceremony of the late Councillor Agness Chembezi of Sanga ward in Nkhata Bay South West, described Chembezi's death as a big loss to the ministry.

Simwaka said this on Thursday at Kayuzi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Fukamalaza, where Chembezi was laid to rest.

According to Simwaka Chembezi was one of the hard working female councilors the Ministry had.

"As a country, we have 66 female councillors. It's not easy for females to be found in political positions, and today losing one is heart breaking and a loss to the ministry," she said.

She therefore encouraged the people of Sanga Ward to trust women in the upcoming general elections, citing Chembezi's good work as a testimony of what women are capable of doing when put into decision making positions.

Chairperson for Nkhata Bay District Council, Joseph Thula described the late Chembezi as a role model to many women and girls in the area.

"Chembezi was someone who was always willing to lead and served in various positions, including Chairperson for Development Committee. She was a friend to everyone and will miss her advice and generosity," he said.

Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, who is also Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay South West, called upon political leaders to be tolerant for the good of their communities.

"Late Chembezi was a caring and tolerant person who loved to work with everyone despite their political party or religion and this we must emulate," he said.

People's Development Party (PDP) leader, Kondwani Nankhumwa commended government for the support rendered to Chembezi during her illness till the day she was laid to rest.

The late Chembezi, 50, died on Monday evening at Nkhata Bay District Hospital after a short illness.

Until her death, she was PDP’s Director of Women in the northern region.