This article was originally published on Malawi24 ">Malawi24, Malawi's #1 independent news platform. Lucius Banda Foundation has hit back at remarks questioning why money used to construct the late musician Lucius Banda’s mausoleum was not instead used to support his ailing brother, Paul Banda. The response follows remarks by Alexious Kamangira, who questioned the decision on his social media page, asking why resources were used to construct Lucius […] Read the full article and more Malawi news
Lucius Banda Foundation has hit back at remarks questioning why money used to construct the late musician Lucius Banda’s mausoleum was not instead used to support his ailing brother, Paul Banda.
The response follows remarks by Alexious Kamangira, who questioned the decision on his social media page, asking why resources were used to construct Lucius Banda’s mausoleum when Paul Banda was struggling to raise money for medical treatment.
Kamangira wrote: “Kunena zoona, mumanga bwanji Chiliza cha Lucius Banda of that cost pomwe PAUL BANDA akusowa Ndalama zopitila kuChipatala? Woe to you hypocrites!”
However, the Foundation says the mausoleum was not built using money meant for Paul Banda’s medical treatment, but was funded voluntarily by friends who wanted to honour the late musician.
In a statement signed by Samuel Khwiya on behalf of the Lucius Banda Foundation, the organisation said the remarks created a misleading impression that the mausoleum had been prioritised over Paul Banda’s medical needs.
Paul Banda been raising funds for his medical support
“The issue is not that money meant for Paul Banda was taken and used to construct the Mausoleum. Rather, the argument being made is that the resources used for the Mausoleum should have been given to Paul Banda instead,” the Foundation said.
The Foundation said construction of the mausoleum was initiated by Lucius Banda’s friends, who voluntarily contributed their own resources to give their departed friend a dignified final resting place.
According to the Foundation, the friends were aware that Paul Banda was unwell and needed medical assistance, but still chose to honour Lucius in their own way.
It said the Banda family had no reason to reject the gesture or instruct people who had voluntarily decided to honour Lucius to redirect their resources elsewhere.
The Foundation further argued that Paul Banda’s medical needs do not automatically mean every resource committed to another legitimate cause should be redirected to him.
“People have the right to decide which causes they wish to support. One person may choose to support a sick person, while another may choose to honour a departed friend. Both can be acts of genuine compassion,” it said.
The Foundation, however, acknowledged that Paul Banda needs support for his medical treatment and called for efforts to mobilise the resources required.
It urged those concerned about his condition to channel their energy into fundraising and appealing to well-wishers, companies and organisations to assist with his treatment.
“The most meaningful response to a person’s need is to help meet that need,” the Foundation said.
It added that questioning why people chose to use their resources for another cause would not put money towards Paul Banda’s treatment.
The Foundation also appealed for sensitivity when discussing the Banda family, saying the family had already endured profound loss and pain.
It said the mausoleum should not be portrayed as a choice between supporting the living and honouring the departed.
“We can support Paul Banda while respecting those who chose to honour Lucius Banda,” the statement said.
The Foundation said it remains committed to preserving Lucius Banda’s legacy while encouraging genuine efforts to support people in need.
“There is room for both compassion for the living and honour for the departed,” it said.
