Bright Msaka to represent Peter Mutharika at Chilima mausoleum unveiling.

As vice president Jane ansah and Second Vice President Enoch chihana will be in attendance.

Preparations for the official memorial and unveiling of a mausoleum for former State Vice President Saulos Chilima at his resting place in Nsipe, Ntcheu District, on Saturday are on course, family members have said.

Efrem Chilima, who is chairing the organising committee made up of Chilima family members and close friends, said yesterday that they were receiving support from various individuals, including the government.

“We are set to remember our dear brother, father and friend Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima during his second death anniversary with a memorial mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaipa of Zomba Diocese at Nsipe Catholic Grounds from 9am, before the unveiling of the mausoleum,” Chilima said.

He said they were expecting a huge turnout at the memorial service considering the friendships and many people the departed politician has touched in his lifetime.

“We want to honour the late Dr Saulos Chilima in a dignified and respectable manner and that is why we are asking all those who have been invited to the event at Nsipe to remember that the dress code is black, white and purple,” Chilima said.

In a surprising political move that has raised eyebrows within government circles, President Peter Mutharika has opted to sideline his two most senior deputies Vice President Jane Ansah and Second Vice President Enoch Chihana by tapping Education Minister Bright Msaka to represent him as the guest of honour.

To represent Mutharika: Msaka

This decision sends a loud and clear message about the current power dynamics at the top. Despite both Vice Presidents confirming their attendance at the high-profile memorial, the President has chosen a junior cabinet minister to stand in his place a move many Malawians are already interpreting as a deliberate political statement.

After the mass, speeches will be delivered by family members, the clergy, traditional leaders, the late Chilima’s close friends, and other dignitaries, with Bright Msaka positioned as the face of State House.

Other confirmed attendees include former State President Joyce Banda, former Vice presidents Cassim Chilumpha, Khumbo Kachali and Michael Usi, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, Speaker of Parliament Sammer Suleman, other Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, the diplomatic corps, and families of the victims who perished alongside Chilima in the tragic plane crash.

The family is also aware of a separate UTM Party event scheduled for the afternoon at Ntcheu Stadium.

“We all remember him in different ways. Let us honour his memory with dignity and respect,” Efrem Chilima urged.

Chilima, together with eight others, died in a tragic plane crash at Thangwa in Chikangawa Forest on June 10, 2024, while travelling to the funeral of lawyer Ralph Kasambara in Nkhata Bay District.