His Excellency, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, is today 6th July leading Malawians in a National Service of Worship, commemorating Malawi's 60 years of independence, taking place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) Auditorium, in Lilongwe.
Vice President, Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Clergy from various denominations, foreign dignitaries and traditional leaders including Paramount Chief Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mbwelwa V, Paramount Chief Inkosi Gomani V, Paramount Chief Kaduya; and political leaders are some of the notable high ranking officials attending the event.
This year's event honors the memory of late Vice President Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others that lost their lives in a tragic plane crash, in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba on 10th June, 2024
The Chakwera led administration directed a prayer focused commemoration, as opposed to the usual traditional activities like dances and music as the nation continues to mourn Former Vice President Chilima and others including musian cum politician Lucius 'Soldier' Banda.
The event started with a minute of silence in honour of the departed souls.
During the service, President Chakwera read a scripture in the Bible, from the Book of Romans chapter 5 verses 3 to 5.
The theme for this year’s commemorations is: 'United in Resilience; Moving forward together.