Anti-Bakili Muluzi / MALAWI POLITICS TODAY

North asks for continuation of Ethel Mutharika Foundation
BY FRANCIS TAYANJAH-PHIRI
09:18:14 - 04 June 2007

Ordinary people in the northern region, touched by the death of the First Lady, have asked that the charitable good works she initiated should not be allowed to die with her.

Charity Nyangulu of Malema Village in Karonga said in an interview on Friday that she and many people in Karonga were shocked to Learn of Madame Ethel Mutharika’s death, especially as the charitable works she initiated were starting to bear fruit.

“To consider that this lady, who dedicated her time to care for the less privileged and not politics is gone is a shock. In the three years she has been a First Lady, Madam Mutharika has shown she was a kind lady– we have gardens here in Karonga established sorely to care for orphans,” said Nyangulu.

While consoling President Mutharika, Nyangulu pleaded with him to ensure the Ethel Mutharika Foundation continues working with the vision of the fallen First Lady.

Other two Karonga women, Keteline Kamela and Queen Mhango, shared similar views.

“It is sad we have lost our First Lady whose works did not segregate against region, religion or status in society. She assisted orphans from all corners of Malawi without bias and was very exceptional in the way she conducted herself,” said Mhango.

Lyton Mangochi, a popular vendor in Karonga Market said he was touched by the First Lady’s death because of her vision for a better Malawi for orphans and the underprivileged.

“Those people in authority should emulate the example of our late mother. The Ethel Mutharika Foundation should not die because our relatives out there who we cannot help ourselves, have been relying on this foundation to made a difference in their lives,” said Mangochi.

Davie Mwale, a Mzuzu businessman popularly called D&M, said the death of Madam Mutharika was shocking because Malawi has lost a rare woman and First Lady who had proved to be exceptional in public conduct and her care for the disadvantaged.

“This is a lady who despite her position did not show partisan emotions. Even when the media or other politicians attacked her she did not react and to me she was a lady worth to be commended,” said Mwale.

He said it was important that female public figures emulate the behaviour of Madam Mutharika, who also demonstrated she was a real mother figure for the nation.

Ethno-musician Harold Mkanthama of the Photola wa ku Phokela fame, said the late Mutharika had left a mark in the history of Malawi.

“She was not politically biased and that was a special gift from God. Many people would want to respond to political negatives, but she never did that – she also accommodated diverse people in the conduct of her business as First Lady,” said Mkanthama.