MALAWI: Bingu Wa Mutharika Memorial Event Set for April 5, 2025

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The family of Malawi’s former President, the late Professor Bingu wa Mutharika, has announced that this year’s annual memorial event will take place on April 5, 2025 at his Mpumulo wa Bata Mausoleum, located at Ndata Farm in Thyolo.

According to a family member, Arthur Masamba, preparations are underway to maintain the mood of previous events, with no special changes planned.

Bingu wa Mutharika served as the President of Malawi from May 24, 2004, until his death on April 5, 2012.

During his presidency, he implemented various initiatives aimed at improving the country’s economy, food security, and infrastructure development.

Since Bingu’s passing in April 2012, his family has been at the forefront of efforts to immortalize his life and legacy. This has sparked calls for the government to co-organize the event, given the former president’s status as a national figure.

Culture and traditions analyst Aupson Ndabazake Thole has praised the family for their efforts, suggesting that the government should instead focus on incorporating Bingu’s legacy into a special day for heroes, rather than joining the memorial event, which could be seen as political.

The Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture spokesperson, Anjoya Mwanza, has requested more time to comment on the matter.

Notably, the family has been reluctant to hand over care of the mausoleum to the government since 2022.