District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay District Council, Rodgers Newa, has confirmed that preparations for this year’s Martyrs Day commemoration are complete.
The event, scheduled for March 3rd, will be led by President Dr Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera as the guest of honour in Nkhata Bay District.
Newa said the day is significant as it serves as a reference point for the freedom and democracy Malawians enjoy today.
“The commemoration honours the lives lost during the country’s struggle against British colonialism, particularly 51 Malawians killed on March 3, 1959. As a host district of this national event, I would like to assure everyone coming that all preparations are in order,” he said.
According to Newa, President Chakwera is expected to visit Kakumbi cemetery where he will lay wreaths at the mass grave and then proceed to the memorial pillar at Nkhata Bay Jetty, to lead Malawians in laying wreaths in respect to lives lost across the country.
Thereafter, Dr Chakwera will attend the worship service at Nkhata Bay District Hospital ground led by the clergy.
Principal Secretary responsible for national unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Elizabeth Gomani, stated that this year’s commemoration will be unique as they have produced a commemorative cloth for the first time and everyone should come in one colour, not in political party colours.
This year’s Martyrs Day commemoration will be held under the theme “The Martyrs: A Great Model of Patriotism.”
By Chisomo Kambandanga, MANA
