By Mary Makhiringa

Balak, April 2, Mana: The body of Wailesi M’bwana who until his death was Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Mbera has been laid to rest at his Mbera Headquarters in Balaka.

Deputy Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, attended the burial.

According to Balaka District Council, STA Mbera died in the early hours on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 due to heart failure caused by high blood pressure.

Chitsulo called for unity amongst the family members as they identify next heir to the throne saying the departed was a peace loving person.

 “Today is a sad day to the Ministry of Local Government and the entire country. We have lost two chiefs, thus Traditional Authority Ndindi of Salima and STA Mbera.

“This is sad as chiefs are custodians of culture and development. It is also sad that in a space of a year Balaka has lost three TAs; Kachenga and Amidu,” she said.

Chitsulo described the passing of the three chiefs in Balaka as an unfortunate development.

On a different note, Chitsulo called on the people of Balaka to remain peaceful as Malawi heads to general elections.

“Let me also take this opportunity to appeal to all people in this area to desist from violence as we are approaching the campaign period.

“Let us respect each other when campaigning. Let us avoid hate speech and political violence as these slowly destroy the country,” Chitsulo said.

Paramount Chief, Kawinga also called for unity among the bereaved family to ensure peaceful succession process on the heir to the throne.

“Most of chieftaincy wrangles end in court because of lack of tolerance among family members. This undermines succession process as it takes too long to be completed,” he said.

Chairperson for Balaka District Council, Pharao Kambiri, said the local authority shall always remember the departed STA for being well organized in mobilizing his subjects to development work, adding that his leadership is worthy emulating.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Frank Jomo, described Mbera’s death as a big loss, saying he was accommodative, peaceful and always jovial.

“Those that were around here on Monday saw him seated on his veranda, full of life. Anyway, we respect God’s will that everyone has his or her way of departing from this world.

“We will miss his kindness and leadership. He was there for everyone and was ready to assist whenever asked to do so,” Jomo said.

M’bwana was born on January 6, 1933, and was installed as STA Mbera on August 17, 2017.

He survived by a wife and four children.