Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri has urged communities in the Lundu area of Blantyre to maintain peace and resolve succession issues peacefully following the death of Traditional Authority (T/A) Lundu.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of the late chief on Thursday, 15 October 2026, Phiri warned that disputes over the chieftaincy could lead to government intervention if the community fails to agree on a successor.
Phiri said the chieftaincy should remain within the appropriate clan in line with hereditary considerations, urging community members to respect the established process of selecting a new leader.
He warned that if disagreements escalate into fighting, the President has the authority to appoint a suitable person from the area to take over the leadership, potentially a senior group village headman.
The minister called on residents to put aside their differences and ensure a smooth transition following the death of the traditional leader.
On the welfare of traditional leaders, Phiri said communities could use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to prioritize the construction of houses for chiefs who lack proper accommodation.
He also stressed the importance of promoting traditional leaders with the necessary experience and administrative responsibilities to improve leadership at the local level.
Phiri further highlighted the role of district councils in managing development projects under decentralisation, emphasising the need to ensure that projects meet the required standards and benefit local communities.
Turning to food security, the minister urged residents to conserve the food they have, warning that possible El Niño-related weather challenges could affect agricultural production.
He also encouraged farmers to practise irrigation using available water sources, including rivers, to improve food production and strengthen their resilience against weather-related challenges.
The death of T/A Lundu has left the area facing a leadership transition, with the minister’s message placing emphasis on peace, respect for traditional succession procedures and community unity.
The late chief, whose birth name was Hilda Peter Kumponda, was buried on 15 October 2026 with 93 years.
