President Lazarus Chakwera on Thursday led thousands of Malawians from all walks of life in paying homage to late ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda who died on Sunday receiving treatment in South Africa.
Speaking on behalf of President Chakwera, Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda said the musician was a dedicated advisor to the president.
He said the late Banda, who was the presidential advisor on youth and arts, was passionate about improving the welfare of youths and artists in the country.
Addressing thousands who gathered at Balaka Stadium, a family representative and son to the late music icon, Johnny Banda described his father’s passing as a huge blow to the family.
He said his father was a loving and caring father and husband.
“He always encouraged us to work hard like slaves and to never give up,” Johnny said.
He added that he will always remember his father as a man who was patriotic and visionary.
And in her remarks, Patricia Kaliati, who is the secretary general for UTM party, which Soldier Lucius Banda belonged to, described the death of the musician as a huge loss for the nation and the party.
“Losing Soldier Lucius Banda a few days after losing the former Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima and others has hit us hard as UTM and we really wish the month of June 2024 never came,” she said.
At around 3:12 pm, Soldier’s casket was lowered into the grave in Sosola cemetery located in Sosola village in the area of Traditional Authority Msamala in Balaka District, marking the final destination for an individual who has left a huge gap in the lives of Malawians.
Banda, 53 died Sunday evening in South Africa where he was receiving treatment for kidney problems at Sunninghill Hospital.
