By staff Reporter
The Widow of the late Aleke Banda , Mbumba Banda was laid to rest in Chirimba Blantyre on friday. With the late Aleke Banda being one of the famous sons from Nkhatabay, veteran politician and current member of parliament for Nkhatabay south Hon Ken Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma was delegated to represent President Chakwera and he made a moving tribute for the late mother.
The late Mbumba was born in 1938 in Chirimba . She was the 7th in the family of 9 siblings and she was born Mbumba Margaret Kahumbe. She died after a battle with Covid
The late Mbumba met and married Politician Aleke Banda back in 1961. President Chakwera had earlier on through state house issued a message of condolence describing her as a symbol of resilience in the struggle and an embodiment of democracy “The First lady and I have learnt with sadness the passing of Mama Mbumba Margaret Banda, wife to late Mr Aleke Banda. We have fond memories of the last time we visited Mama Banda at their home at Tukombo in Nkhatabay and of the cordial relationship our families have had. “Mama Banda was instrumental in the fight for Democracy in Malawi, not only by supporting her husband but taking an active role herself” read Chakwera’s statement.
At the funeral several dignitaries attended and Nkhatabay south MP and Strategic Director of MCP Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma was tasked with representing the President. In his speech Ng’oma conveyed a condolence message from President Chakwera highlighting that the president wanted to be physically present but due to busy schedules he had to delegate.
Dr Zikhale said the loss of Mama Mbumba was a big loss to the nation but also to the people of Nkhatabay who regarded her as a mother “ I can say by losing her we have lost and buried untapped history , history is gone “ lamented Zikhale.
On her Nkhatabay connection Zikhale said Mama Mbumba was described as Mother Tukumbo for she brought development in the area. He urged the family to be together and look after the property that the mother has left.
Mbumba’s husband, the late Aleke Banda served as a member of parliament for Nkhatabay South, a constituency currently served by Dr Zikhale. He had held several ministerial positions in a political career that spanned several decades. Through all this, it was the late Mbumba that stood by him during the lows and highs of his political career.
