Malawi: The President of Malawi Dr Lazarus Chakwera has officially installed Senior Chief Kaduya as Paramount Chief Kaduya. The installation of the chief was hosted at the Mpasa CCAP Primary School ground in Phalombe.
President Chakwera described the installation of Kaduya as a special occasion for the people of the community and leaders. It encapsulates traditional leaders’ and the Lhomwe community’s will to work together with the government.
The authorities can work together in preserving culture, promoting unity and developing the country.
He said that the government will support the newly installed Paramount Chief as she discharges her duties. Meanwhile, the president urged her to promote unity among the Lhomwe people and other tribes. They seek to do this by promoting peace, togetherness and development, among other things.
Lazarus Chakwera said that his administration is developing all communities and improving the welfare of Malawians in all regions, regardless of their tribal backgrounds.
He said that this has been demonstrated through the swift interventions by the government in providing relief during cyclone Freddy, distribution of maize, affordable farm inputs, social protection programmes in all communities and other development projects across the country.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, said the elevation of Paramount Chief Kaduya is a demonstration of President Chakwera’s commitment to promoting women in the country.
He commended the Malawi leader for prioritising the welfare of traditional leaders in the country by among other things increasing their honorarium.
Banda also warned Malawians against mistreating the elderly and accusing them of witchcraft.
In his remarks, Paramount Chief Kawinga described the installation of Paramount Chief Kaduya as a very significant moment as she is the first female Paramount Chief in the country. Kawinga said that this is a monumental occasion in the promotion of women in positions of influence.
Kawinga urged the Paramount Chief Kawinga to work hard in discharging her duties which are challenging.
Kawinga also asked traditional leaders and the Lhomwe people to work together with Paramount Chief Kaduya to ensure that she discharges her duties as they work to develop Malawi.
Chairman of Mulhako Wa Alhomwe Muchanakhwaye Mpuluka applauded the installation of the paramount chief and asked the government to timely feel the gap left by the elevation of Senior Chief Kaduya.
He asked the government to increase the number of beneficiaries of social cash transfers to cushion the victims of Cyclone Freddy and other vulnerable people.
Mpuluka also said that Mulhako Wa Alhomwe is not affiliated with any political party but a community of Lhomwe people from all walks of life in the country.