Professor Zimani Kadzamira laid to rest

By Imam Wali:

Renowned academician Professor Zimani Kadzamira was laid to rest in Dedza District yesterday, when people from all walks of life flocked to the area of Group Village Headman Mphenzi, under Traditional Authority (TA) Kaphuka, in Dedza District.

Former State president and Malawi Congress Party leader Lazarus Chakwera was among those who attended the funeral service.

In his eulogy, Chakwera described Kadzamira as a principled man “who never mixed politics with his professional work”.

On his part, University of Malawi Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, described Kadzamira as a “noble man from whom many drew wisdom”.

“He dedicated a significant part of his life to serving the University of Malawi, where he held several high-responsibility positions. His career was marked by professionalism, dedication, a commitment to excellence and a strong sense of duty.

“He was a result-oriented leader who contributed immensely to the development of the country and touched many lives. One key lesson I learned from the Professor was his ability to keep politics separate from university operations. Although people may have associated him with a particular political party, I never knew him to be involved in politics within the institution. He never brought politics into our discussions, meetings or engagements with the university community. I regard these as one of his finest qualities,” Sajidu said

Kadzamira’s eldest daughter, Thokozile Kadzamira, said she would remember her father as a deeply devoted family and community man.

“He was always present for his family. He pooled his resources to support his children and members of the community. He also invested heavily in us. He ensured that we understood farming operations. We did not know why he was doing that back then but now we do,” she said.

Kadzamira was born on July 1, 1941 in TA Kaphuka’s area.

He began his academic career as a lecturer in 1964 before rising through the ranks to become Vice-Chancellor in 2005.