Gazette Media has paid tribute to Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, the late beloved Vice President of Malawi and nine others on his entourage, all of whom perished in a tragic helicopter accident on June 10, 2024.
Gazette Media founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mc Donald Chapalapata has offered heartfelt and deepest condolences to the late Chilima’s family, the families of all those that died in the crash in Chikangawa Forest, the government and people of Malawi.
Mr. Chapalapata, who described the departed citizen number two as beloved, energetic and forward-thinkingand passionate leader, honoured the memory of Dr. Chilima, who was popularly known as SKC — a consummate economist, and astute marketer.
Dr. Chilima, a political stalwart and a former business captain, who faithfully stood firm in leading Malawians into believing that a good Malawi for everyone is possible was a popular figure in Malawi loved by all Malawians from all walks of life and backgrounds.
“Dr. Chilima’s death is generational loss,” mourns Mr. Chapalapata.
Encouraging “the Malawian people to gather courage and come to terms with their profound loss.”
Mr. Chapalapata, who was a close friend to the departed Vice President, voiced confidence that “their resilience will guide them to demonstrate remarkable strength in this difficult time of loss and mourning”.
“In these difficult times, cooperation and unity are needed more than ever,” said Chapalapata. ” Let us mourn SKC with the dignity he deserves.”
Born on February 12, 1973 Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima was a Malawian economist and politician who served as Vice President of Malawi from 2014 to 2019 and again from 2020 until his death in 2024.
Dr. Chilima assumed office on 28 June 2020, winning the majority alongside presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera.
Dr. Chilima also served as the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, as well as Head of Public Sector Reforms, a position he also previously held under the administration of former president Peter Mutharika.
Before joining politics, Dr. Chilima held key leadership positions in various multi-national companies including Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Airtel Malawi, where he rose to become Chief Executive Officer.
On 10 June 2024, a Dornier 228 aircraft of the Malawi Defence Force carrying Chilima and nine others went missing in the Chikangawa Forest Reserve in the Northern Region while they were on their way to attend the funeral of former government minister Ralph Kasambara, who was also Chilima’s close friend.
On 11 June 2024, in a national address, Chakwera stated that Chilima and all the other passengers on the plane (including a former First lady of Malawi Patricia Shanil Muluzi) were confirmed dead in the crash.
The country is gripped in deep grief and enveloped in dark clouds of sadness following Chilima’s death with a lot Malawians asking questions and demanding answers on what exactly happened.
The late Dr. Chilima, a charismatic politician who was loved by many, is expected to be buried on Monday, June 17, 2024 in Ntcheu district.
“In these difficult times, cooperation and unity are needed more than ever..”
Mc Donald Chapalapata
Gazette Media Founding CEO
