By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, July 11, Mana: United Transformation Movement (UTM) youths in Phalombe have organized prayers and candle light memorial service on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Phalombe Secondary School.

The Prayers and candle light memorial service are in honour of late Dr. Saulos Chilima who until his death on June 10, 2024 was Malawi’s Vice President and UTM President.

Chilima and eight others died in a plane crash at Chikwangawa Forest in Mzimba and prayers and some forms of condolences have taken place in and outside the country.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday in Blantyre, one of the organizers of Phalombe event, Priscilla Moniwa confirmed that the event was to honour “a generational hero”

“This is not a political event but prayers to pay respect to our leader who inspired many youths,” she said.

The prayers and candle light memorial service under the slogan: “Osatopa, Osatopa, Osafooka” at Phalombe Secondary School is expected to start at 5 pm to 7 pm and the patronage is expected to dress in black and dark attire. 

Moniwa extended invitation to people in Phalombe and surrounding districts to come in larger numbers to attend the event and assured them of safety and security.

“We have contacted the Police and we have our security team to ensure safety,” she said, adding that UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati will be the guest of honour at the event.

Similar event is expected to take place on Sunday at Zingwangwa Youth Centre in Blantyre.

Blantyre held the first candle light memorial on June 16, 2024, near Curio selling point in the Blantyre CBD where musicians such Eli Njuchi and Onesmus took part.

Since the death of Chilima and eight others, candle lighting ceremonies have taken place in Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Karonga and Mulanje among others.