Former Malawi President Dr. Joyce Banda has paid a heartfelt tribute to Vice President Saulos Chilima, who tragically passed away in a plane crash alongside eight others, including Shanil Patricia Dzimbiri, a former wife of former President Bakili Muluzi.
In a moving eulogy, Dr. Banda fondly referred to Chilima as “son”, reflecting the close relationship they shared.
She praised his kindness, compassion, and dedication to his work, saying, “Saulos tried so hard to check on us. He was with us in good times and in bad times.”
Dr. Banda also highlighted Chilima’s support during difficult times, including the illness and passing of her other “son”, Geof.
She expressed gratitude for his unwavering friendship and guidance, saying, “SKC also became good friends with my other children…when Ambassador Roy was sick, SKC helped him seek help from the best doctors…when Geof got seriously sick, it is SKC who lined up expert doctors to take care of him.”
In a tearful farewell, Dr. Banda said, “Go well, my son. Go well until we meet again. May your life rest in everlasting peace.”
Here is Dr. Joyce Banda’s full eulogy:
How am I going to forget a son who has done so much for me through thick and thin? Tragedies such as the one our nation has witnessed this week are rare in Malawi.
Saulos grew up with my son in Blantyre. He went to Chanco, and Geof went to Lincoln University in the United States of America. Later, Saulos went on to work in the corporate world like Southern Bottlers and Airtel, where he rose to become its Managing Director.
After Lincoln University, Geof went to Nottingham to do an MBA. He came back and started his own company as well as assisted me to establish The Joyce Banda Foundation.
Every time I see Geof’s friends, I am reminded of my son and weep for Geof. Whenever SKC came to visit me, the situation wasn’t different. Saulos would quickly say “Zimenezo nde ayi. Ndimakana zolirazo. Ndibwelere?”. I would say “Ndasiya” and Saulos would proceed to say “takatengani thobwa”.
Thank you, Mary, my daughter, for what you have been in our lives, especially since Geof left us. Stay calm, my daughter, and know that God loves you. Saulos tried so hard to check on us. He was with us in good times and in bad times. The attached photos speak for themselves.
You see, as a believer, I have been telling myself that you have met. I can just hear both of you laughing as you used to do. Maybe even wondering why we are crying when they are sitting with the Lord in heaven. You have served Your God well. May he reward you abundantly.
You used to drive yourself anytime to check on us. In your jeans and t-shirt and caps. My grandson Wemi always wondered how a Vice President would be so free. His mother is struggling to explain to him how the young VP will never visit GOGO and Grandpa again. Eeeish, it is hard, but the Bible tells us that in everything, we must say thank you.
Go well, my son. Go well until we meet again. May your life rest in everlasting peace.
