APPRECIATION FROM THE FAMILY OF LATE KANYAMA CHIUME

The entire Chiume family, including the related Nkhata, Simbeye and Semguruka families, once again would like to wholeheartedly thank all of you who condoned with us during the mourning period following the passing of our dear father, the late Kanyama Chiume (78), for the love and support you extended to us, and for the messages of comfort you showered upon us after his departure on November 21, 2007.

Our special thanks go to Malawi citizens, friends and relatives from different parts of the world, particularly those living in Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and United States of America for their prayers and for their solidarity with us. We also extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the President of Republic of Malawi, H.E. Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika for showing recognition by according our father a fitting ministerial State burial. We also want to recognize Malawi cabinet ministers, government officials and leaders of political parties, particularly Chief Secretary Hon. Bright Msaka; Malawi Ambassador to the U.N., Hon. Steve Matenje; and Malawi High Commissioner to South Africa, Hon. Agrina Mussa; as well as officials at the Office of the President and Cabinet, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lilongwe, and at New York Mission and Pretoria Embassy; other Malawi government institutions, particularly Malawi Army and Malawi Police Service for their assistance and cooperation that enabled us to lay our father at his final resting place in Lilongwe, Malawi on December 1st, 2007.

We would also like to thank the following: Deputy Secretary General of the U.N., Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro; Former Tanzanian Prime Minister and former Secretary General of the O.A.U, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim; Tanzanian Ambassador to the U.N., Dr. Augustine Mahiga; Tanzanian Ambassador to Malawi, Major General (rtd) Makame Rashid; Former Malawi cabinet ministers - Ambassador Willie Chokani, Rose Chibambo and Aleke Banda; Our aunties - Mrs. Vera Chirwa, Mrs. Catherine Chipembere, Mrs. Christina Chihana; Professor Issa Shivji and Dr. Azaveri Lweitama of University of Dar es Salaam; Members of the media in Malawi, Tanzania and various web bloggers for their fraternity with the family, and for emulating our father. We also like to recognize the contributions of Mr. Felix Chando and Mrs. Chrissie Silumbu from the Malawi U.N. Mission in New York; Mrs. Grace Mujuma and Mrs. Rose Mkapa from the Tanzanian U.N. Mission in New York; Mr. Jenerali Ulimwengu of Channel Ten TV in Dar es Salaam; Christine and James Mwaikambo of XTine Travels; and web-designer Stephen Wasira, Jr.

We also give thanks to God’s servants: Rev. George Houser of New York; members of the clergy from Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) in Malawi; as well as from Azania Front Lutheran Church in Dar es Salaam for leading remembrance prayers for our father; Flynn Memorial Home and Chapel, New York; doctors and nurses at St. John’s Riverdale and Mt.Vernon hospitals in New York for the medical services they extended to our father.

For all those mentioned in this message, and many others who cannot be individually mentioned, we would like to wish you prosperity in all that you endeavor, and we promise to cherish our friendship and foster our cooperation in the days to come.

Dad has gone ahead of us but his lifelong effort to stand for the downtrodden, for building an equal society than respects human rights and democracy will continue forever. We will hold fast all the principles he stood for, particularly the dream of a united Africa, his uncompromising stand against tribalism and regional politics, and his stand against dictatorship and corruption. His love, his genuine charm and sense of humor, his wisdom and his friendship will stay with us forever.

He is fondly missed by Edas and Natalia, his loving children Michael Kwacha; Jessie Wayasa; Tasokwa; William Mpambika; Sarai; Sonia; Nathan and Miriam. He is also remembered by his daughters-in-law, Susan Kubaga-Chiume; Eunice Mongi-Chiume and Lilian Nyakyi-Chiume, without forgetting his grandchildren, Natalia Malaika; Michael-Kwacha Jr.; Peter; Edas; Akili and Sankofa.

May the Soul of Murray William Kanyama Chiume Rest in Eternal Peace.

AMEN