By Chisomo Kambandanga and Yamikani Sabola
Nkhata Bay, March 3, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has asked people in the country to emulate selflessness and patriotism demonstrated by martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the country’s independence.
Chakwera was speaking in Nkhata Bay on Monday when he led the nation in honoring the fallen heroes who were shot by colonial police on March 3, 1959.
He said the best way to honour martyrs is not just to remember them but to continue their struggle, to live by the principles they fought for and to tirelessly work towards a country they envisioned.
“The country needs patriotic people who have the welfare of their country at heart and not sellouts who betray their country because of greed,” Chakwera said.
Chakwera said though every 3rd March is a somber day because lives were lost, it is also a celebration of the bravery and sacrifice made by the martyrs to secure the country’s independence.
“The men and women we honour on Martyrs Day were visionaries who believed in a Malawi where everyone, regardless of region or tribe, could live with dignity, respect and freedom.
“They fought for the freedom to shape our own destiny, to build a nation that truly belongs to all its citizens; and it is this dream of an inclusive and prosperous Malawi that we must continue to strive for,” he said.
He admonished the tendency by other politicians to engage the youth in violence and vandalism of property instead of encouraging them to contribute positively to national development.
Chakwera also criticized ADMARC officials who he said are conniving with vendors to buy its maize at cheaper prices and resell it at exorbitant prices.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda said government has set aside K15 million to compensate 61 families across the country who lost their loved ones on 3rd March, 1959 while fighting for independence.
He said the bereaved families in the northern region had already received their compensations and disclosed that families in the southern and central region will get their compensations on Wednesday and Thursday.
Representative for the bereaved families, James Thawi said he was grateful to the government for paying the compensations and thanked Chakwera for availing himself every year to preside over the commemorations.
President Chakwera alongside First Lady Monica Chakwera laid wreaths at Kakumbi Cemetery in the district where some of the martyrs were buried.
In addition to the President and the First Lady, wreaths were laid by Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara; Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda, Malawi Defence Force Commander, Paul Valentino Phiri, and Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu.
Others included James Thawi and Dorothy Chirwa, representing the bereaved families; Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda; Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba; Leader of the Opposition George Chaponda; and Nkhata Bay Central MP Vuwa Kaunda.
This year’s Martyrs’ Day was commemorated under the theme, ‘The martyrs: A great model of patriotism’.
