They are grieving their father’s demise! Yet in their grief, the family, especially two sons of the fallen music giant, Soldier Lucius Banda, could not forget to show their gratitude to President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for caring for their departed father when he was sick.
Lucius Banda died on June 30, 2024, having succumbed to kidney failure at a South African hospital where he had gone to seek medical assistance.
President Chakwera, just like many Malawians, described his death as painful and untimely. They felt Lucius Banda needed to stay a little longer so that he could continue educating the nation through new compositions, but God had other plans for him.
It was, however, touching to note that in their grief, two sons of the departed artist, Jonny and Mapiri, found it imperative to return respect, which Chakwera had shown on their father.
In their eulogies, both Jonny and Mapiri Banda could not help, but to thank President Chakwera and his government for the unconditional love, respect and honour he bestowed on Lucius Banda whilst he was still alive.
Johnny and Mapiri took time to give an account of the events that demonstrated the Head of State’s love for the soldier, including sending him to prestigious hospitals outside Malawi to receive specialized medical assistance.
“I would like to give my special thanks to His Excellency the President, the State President, the government officials, friends and family for holding our hands tight throughout the entire time he was unwell. Please receive it from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you!” said Johnny while clapping in honour of the President. “You loved this man and we knew it kuti mmawakonda.”
The sons’ gratitude was echoed by UTM Party Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, who acknowledged that President Chakwera did not only honour Lucius Banda by appointing him his aide on Youth and Arts, but also ensuring that he received optimal medical care and support during his ailment.
Kaliati observed that the President did not tire in delegating his ministers to check on him while at the hospital.
