A cross-section of Malawians who have either worked or interacted with the late Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima remember him as a man of good counsel and wisdom who has left a legacy in Malawi.
Charles Kamoto, the Managing Director for Airtel Malawi, reminisced about Dr. Chilima’s transformative influence on the company. “I can testify I have learned a lot from late Dr Saulos Chilima, I am shocked,” said Kamoto.
Leader of opposition in Parliament, Dr George Chaponda, describes Chilima as someone who reshaped the political landscape in Malawi.
“I am happy that he was being recognized by the President and was scheduled to meet him, mainly on the issue of youth empowerment,” Chaponda said.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe who was recently with the late Dr Chilima in South Korea for a trade summit, hailed him as a voice of reason and a transformative leader. He also paid tribute to the other fallen Malawians who accompanied the Vice President on the journey that ended in the tragic accident.
“He urged Koreans to come to Malawi and invest and he said he was even ready to give them visas on behalf of the government, I am saddened,” Gwengwe said.
One of the Tonse Alliance partners, George Mnesa of Mafunde recognised the late Dr Chilima as one of the key players in Malawi politics, especially with the introduction of the 50%+1 provision in the electoral law.
“He used to give counsel to the President and cabinet,” Mnesa said.
Brian Coombes, a longtime friend and golfing companion of the late Vice President, remembers Dr Chilima as a great golfer who made sure the sporting activity grew in Malawi.
“He used to call me every weekend so that we play golf,” Coombes recalled. “He was a key person in the sport.”
