By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, December 7, Mana: The body of the late Traditional Authority (TA) Gumba of Mchinji has been laid to rest on Saturday at her headquarters in Nkhwazi.

TA Gumba passed away at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe on Thursday, December 5, after a short illness, following an earlier stay at Mchinji District Hospital.

In her eulogy, Principal Secretary for Unity, Dr Elizabeth Gomani, said the chief’s passing has created a void in local development, noting that she was a custodian of culture and tradition.

“The death of traditional leaders always leaves gaps in development, often negatively affecting the community,” she said.

During the funeral service, the bereaved family introduced the late chief’s successor to the gathered mourners.

Dr. Gomani commended the family for ensuring a smooth transition.

“We are pleased to see the successor identified. Succession disputes often arise when a chief dies, but your decision will hopefully prevent such wrangles. I urge you to follow proper procedures to ensure the installation of the chosen individual,” she said.

Senior Chief Dambe, speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, thanked President Lazarus Chakwera and Mchinji District Council for their support during the chief’s illness and burial.

He urged the family to protect the chosen successor and avoid succession disputes.

“You have shown us the successor and the gathering here, including the Principal Secretary and Presidential Advisor on Chiefs, bears witness. Let us ensure this decision is upheld and we should not see another person coming,” he said.

He added that if other chieftaincies followed the example set by the Gumba family, succession conflicts could be avoided entirely.

Representing the bereaved family, Moffat Richard described TA Gumba as a pillar of support for the family.

“We always relied on her as our grandmother. We trust that God has identified the right person to take over, and we are confident in the chosen successor,” he said.

Prominent attendees included Minister of Lands Deus Gumba, Members of Parliament Rachel Zulu (Mchinji North) and Esther Majaza (Mchinji North East), District Commissioner Lucia Chidalengwa, Presidential Advisor on Chiefs Gerald Chigona, and Senior Chiefs Mavwere and Mduwa of Mchinji, as well as chiefs from other districts, including Masumbankhunda, Kaomba, and Santhe. Councilors, led by Chairperson Dorothy Musa, were also present.

Records show that TA Gumba, born Faneli Lemekani in 1973, was elevated from Sub-Chief to full Traditional Authority on November 8, 2022.

She is survived by seven children and five grandchildren.