By MANA
Minister of Defence, Dr. Feston Kaupa, has commended Emeritus Bishop Allan Chamgwera for his courage and bravery, which played a significant role in Malawi’s transition from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy through the historic pastoral letter he co-authored.
Dr. Kaupa made the remarks on Thursday at St. Anthony Parish in Zomba during celebrations marking Bishop Chamgwera’s 98th birthday.
He noted that the peace and tranquility Malawi continues to enjoy today can, in part, be attributed to the bold stance taken by Bishop Chamgwera and fellow church leaders.He said their willingness to speak out against the one-party regime of the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda and the Malawi Congress Party in 1992 laid the foundation for the birth of multiparty democracy in 1994.
Dr. Kaupa who is also member of Parliament for Zomba Changalume Constituency conveyed wishes of good health to Bishop Chamgwera from His Excellency the State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Speaking during the ceremony, Emeritus Bishop Chamgwera appealed for unity and collective effort among Malawians in advancing national development.
He emphasized that collaboration among various stakeholders is crucial for the country’s progress.
Emeritus Bishop Chamgwera remains the sole surviving member of the Catholic Bishops who authored the pastoral letter that challenged the one-party rule of the Malawi Congress Party, ultimately contributing to the end of its 31-year rule.
Emeritus Bishop Chamgwera was born on 30th April, 1928.
