By Debra Rono
Condolences are still being received for the late vice president of Malawi, Saulos Chilima, who tragically passed away on Tuesday, as confirmed by Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera.
Read more:Malawi Vice President, 9 Others Dies In A Plane Crash
Airtel, an Indian multinational telecommunications and mobile money company, has express sorrow over the loss of the former managing director.
Airtel conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Dr. Chilima and the nation of Malawi as a whole for the loss of Dr. Chilima and 8 others who perished together with him.
“Our deepest condolences to His Excellency President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, Madam Mary Chilima and family, and all Malawians mourning the tragic passing of the Vice President and our former Managing Director Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima,” read the message.
Dr. Saulos Chilima served as the managing director of Airtel Malawi, a leading mobile telecommunications company in the southern African country, from 2010 to 2014.
During his tenure, Dr. Chilima achieved significant milestones, such as driving business growth from 357,000 customers in 2006 to 2,800,000 customers by December 2012, and enhancing employee satisfaction from 50% in 2006 to 80% in 2012 for Airtel Malawi.
Dr. Chilima also successfully oversaw the rebranding of Celtel to Zain in 2008, with a total market awareness of 52% as of April 2010, and the transition from Zain to Airtel in November. His contributions led Airtel Malawi to win the “OPCO of the Year 2008” and “Initiative of the Year” awards.
Dr. Chilima implemented an innovative outsource model in Airtel Malawi’s Network, call center, and IT departments, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
Read more: Who Was Malawai’s Vice President Saulos Chilima
Several additional African leaders have expressed their condolences for the loss of the Vice President, including Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of Wiper; Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s EFF Julius Malema, and Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU).
Among the leaders who have offered their condolences to Malawi is President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania. In a statement, President Samia expressed her deep sadness upon hearing the news of the tragic passing of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima.
“With great sadness that I have received the news of the tragic demise of the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, the Right Honourable Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima,” she said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I convey our deepest condolences to His Excellency President Lazarus Chakwera and the people of the Republic of Malawi, family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. Amen,” the Tanzanian head of state added.
Dr. Saulos and 9 others perished while onboard a military aircraft that wasreported missing after failing to make it scheduled landing at Mzuzu International airport from Lilongwe on Monday 10th June 2024.
The military reported that the plane went off the radar and all efforts by the aviation authorities to contact it failed.
On Tuesday 11th, President Lazarus Chakwera announced the sad news that the aircraft wreckage had been found on a hill in Chikangawa forest with no survivor.
“I am deeply saddened to inform you all, that it has turned out be a terrible tragedy, the search and the rescue team has found the aircraft near a hill in the Chikangawa forest and they have found it completely destroyed, with no survivors as all passengers on board were killed on impact,” said the Malawi President.