The funeral ceremony of Sub Traditional Authority Malembo has drawn attention to the life and legacy of a respected leader in Malawi.
Former President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera was among those who paid their last respects to the late Sub T/A Malembo, who passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 94.
The ceremony at Kasiya in Lilongwe was a testament to the impact Sub T/A Malembo had on his community and the nation at large.
Chakwera paying last respect to the late Malembo
As a traditional leader, he played a significant role in promoting cultural heritage and community development.
Sub T/A Malembo’s leadership was marked by wisdom and a deep understanding of the needs of his people.
His contributions to the community will be remembered for years to come, and his passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him.
The outpouring of tributes from across the country is a reflection of the respect and admiration in which Sub T/A Malembo was held.
As Malawi mourns the loss of this respected leader, there is a sense of gratitude for the life and legacy he leaves behind.
The Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing the Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme ( SAPP 11) within the administrative districts of Mzimba, Lilongwe, Dowa and Balaka.
Farmer Challenge Fund ( FCF) seeks to provide financial resources to implement upgraded agricultural production systems by local farmer groups, women, men and youth.
in order to operationalize the Farmer Challenge Fund (FCF), SAPP 11 contracted the consultant to develop the guidelines that will be used to administer the Farmer Challenge Fund.
Presenting the FCF SAPP 11 project to the District executive committee (Dec) in Dowa, Dowa East Agriculture Crops Officer Chifundo Mpoola, said the overall objective of the assignment was to develop guidelines to facilitate the implementation of Matching Grants under the Farmer Challenge Fund for SAPP 11.
Chifundo Mpoola-FCF is aimed at developing Matching Grants for both production, agro – processing and Value Addition Window.
Mpoola said the assignment to develop guidelines for FCF was aimed at developing Matching Grant guidelines for both production and agro – processing and Value Addition Window.
She said Matching Grants under FCF production window under FCF production is USD 4 million financing farmer groups that are facing constraints related to improving production and productivity.
She said Agro – processing and Value Addition Window USD 6 million will prioritize financing towards purchase of assets and equipment for agro – processing in the target value chains as well as improving quality standards as part of market integration.
The officer said the criteria for accessing FCF Matching Grants will be minimum of 10 farmers who are engaged in active agriculture activities, members should come different households and families, individual persons that have a common bond, group that is either village based, and group that has a specific enterprise or service to offer to its members as laid down in the eligibility criteria.
” Initial stage will invite farmer groups to provide an abstract summary or concept of the proposed project or investments they are planning to undertake,” said Mpoola.
She said the District Council through the Agri -business officer will be responsible for providing necessary tools to interested farmer groups to apply for the Farmer Challenge Fund Grant.
In his remarks, Dowa District Council’s Director of Agriculture Services Chikumbutso Liwonde, has urged potential beneficiaries that this is an opportunity that has come to farmers in the district observing that one of the challenges farmers are facing, is capital.
Liwonde said farmers may be in groups producing but they are not able to reach their potential because of the constraints of capital saying with the coming of these Grants, potential groups or farmers will make sure that they fully utilize this opportunity by developing their business plans or concept notes so that at the end, they will be able to benefit from these Grants.
” As a district, we already sensitized the potential groups, extension workers will go to the potential groups to assist them in developing their business concept so that when they are ready, they should be able to submit to SAPP 11,” he said.
The Farmer Challenge Fund (FCF) SAPP 11 project is being financed by the European Union ( EU) through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Former Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has urged citizens to embrace peace and tolerance as a foundation for national development.
He made the remarks on Monday during the burial ceremony of Sub Traditional Authority Malembo in Lilongwe District, where mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
Chakwera emphasized that unity and peaceful coexistence remain critical if Malawi is to move forward and overcome its challenges.
Chakwera and Phiri
Reflecting on cultural values, he reminded attendees that Malawian traditions have always promoted harmony and mutual respect among communities.
“I belong here in Malawi and our forefathers taught us to live in peace. As a person who values peace, I should not be drawn into conflict,” said Chakwera.
His message appeared to resonate with the mood of the gathering, which brought together people from different political and social backgrounds.
The late Sub T/A Malembo, whose real name was Edson Phillipo Ng’ombe, passed away last week on Thursday.
He was described by many as a dedicated traditional leader who played a key role in fostering unity and development within his area.
The burial ceremony attracted several prominent figures, highlighting the significance of his leadership and service. Among those present were Minister of Local Government Dr Ben Phiri and opposition leader Simplex Chithyola Banda.
Senior members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) also attended the ceremony alongside other officials and community leaders. The event not only honored the life of Sub T/A Malembo but also served as a moment for national reflection on the importance of peace and unity.
On what would have been his 51st birthday, friends, family, and fellow musicians are remembering Dr. Lizard—born Malumbo Chisiza on April 6, 1975—as a pioneering force whose brief but brilliant career forever changed the sound of Malawian music.
Dr. Lizard died on the same date 28 years later, a coincidence that has given his legacy an almost poetic weight. But those who knew him say his true monument is the music he left behind, especially the beloved track “Mama,” which continues to resonate across generations.
Dr Lizard In Action
He was not just a performer. He was a co-founder of the House of Lions band, a gifted drummer, bassist, songwriter, and vocalist who could shift effortlessly between English, Chichewa, and Chitumbuka without losing a song’s emotional core.
“He was the most talented musical icon this country has ever had,” recalls Chris Salaniponi, former director and co-founder of House of Lions. “He taught me how to grow, survive, handle crises, and build teams. Several times I felt like quitting, but he gave me moral support to move on.”
In June 2000, a national contest by Malawi Gin saw House of Lions take first place with two Dr. Lizard originals—“Ujipwelelere” and “Tivine.” That victory launched the band into national recognition. Their debut album followed later that year, and Dr. Lizard soon shared stages with legends like Evison Matafale, Lucius Banda, and San Banton.
Reggae artist Diwa Khwiliro, one of the greats of the genre, remembers Dr. Lizard as a trailblazer. “He was among the young musicians who started reggae dancehall in Malawi,” Diwa writes. “It was not easy. He and Matumbi, San B, Teargas, and Vic Marley were amongst the first to sell their music with OG. He also had the energy—whenever he was on stage, he lit it up.”
Sam Chunda, who knew Dr. Lizard as a neighbor in Nkhatabay, recalls sneaking out of school to watch him perform at Ntcheu Secondary School. “When he saw me, he was happy and let me and my friends in free of charge. He was a down-to-earth person who chatted with everyone despite his fame.”
Though his journey was cut short, Dr. Lizard’s voice lives on—in the bands he built, the artists he inspired, and the fans who still sing along to “Mama.” Gone but never forgotten.
Revolutionary leader of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah the Utopian, says Malawians have suffered enough and they have been patient for far too long.
Jumah said for 62 years of the country’s independence, Malawians have been told by political party leaders that things will be better but these things have been turned from better to worse.
He said people that are governing this country are all greed, they are for their own riches and not servant leadership case in point the cost of living, very expensive, electricity blackout and no fuel.
Speaking through a Revolutionary voice, Jumah said Muvi wa Chilungamo has been cleared by the Censorship Board asking MBC Director General Brian Banda that if the public broadcaster is for the people of Malawi and is being run by taxpayers money, let its Mindset Change program be heard on the radio and television.
Jumah said the Spear of Truth ” Muvi wa Chilungamo” is a Movement for justice, and accountability, a Movement that says enough is enough, they are the voices of the voiceless, they are the hope of the forgotten and they are the hope for a better Malawi.
He said no leader or political party can transform the country, the country needs everyone and Muvi wa Chilungamo is the change not clapping hands at stupidity but to tell the government and the ruling party in government nothing but the truth of Malawi.
The Revolutionary leader said Muvi wa Chilungamo is not begging for change, they are for the change, change never comes to those who wait but to those who rise up and speak with a loud and courageous voice, enough is enough.
He said Malawi is not poor or under created, it has been misled by politicians since 1964 observing that Kamuzu Banda was using the only single radio station MBC to spread propaganda and deceive the nation.
Jumah said MBC 1,2 and television of today remain the mouthpiece of a political party in government, opposition party views and those with dissenting voices and opinions cannot be heard, saying this is not a democracy Malawians fought for in 1992 and 1993.
Bantu Saunders Jumah
He said Malawi has been flooded with fear of unknown, during Kamuzu Banda’s era, people with dissenting voices, views and opinions were being thrown into Shire River for crocodile meat and under multiparty politics and democracy, they are being criminalized, or killed.
” On 10th June, 2024 nine innocent lives were lost in the Chikangawa forest because of fear of unknown, Dr. Saulosi Chilima posed as a threat to MCP President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera,” said Jumah.
He said that fear of unknown has grown in Justice Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC (RTD), she has been turned into a useless Vice President because she is a threat to the DPP after President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika quit from active politics in 2030.
The Revolutionary leader said Malawians cannot continue to be misled by politicians in government, they need to seek the truth and that truth can be found in one and only Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) to stop the mentality of clapping hands at nonsense.
Jumah said Malawi is a country rich in land, rich in people, and rich in potential, what the people are lacking, is not resources, what they lack is truth, leadership, and courage to take away the fear of unknown urging Malawians regardless of party affiliations to join Muvi wa Chilungamo for change.
