Late Traditional Authority (TA) Gumba of Mchinji District has been laid to rest at her headquarters in Nkhwazi.
TA Gumba passed away at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe on Thursday, December 5, after a short illness.
In her eulogy, Principal Secretary for Unity, Dr Elizabeth Gomani, said the chief’s passing has created a void in local development, noting that she was a custodian of culture and tradition.
“The death of traditional leaders always leaves gaps in development, often negatively affecting the community,” she said.
During the funeral service, the bereaved family introduced the late chief’s successor to the gathered mourners.
Senior Chief Dambe, speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, thanked President Lazarus Chakwera and the Mchinji District Council for their support during the chief’s illness and burial.
He urged the family to protect the chosen successor and avoid succession disputes.
Records show that TA Gumba, born Faneli Lemekani in 1973, was elevated from Sub-Chief to full Traditional Authority on November 8, 2022.
She is survived by seven children and five grandchildren.
By Brighton Thengoliweta Chimsinde and Vincent Khonje, MANA
