Malawi’s Minister for Local Government, Lingson Belekanyama, has succumbed to Covid-19 after two weeks of illness.
Belekanyam’s death was confirmed by the Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako, on Tuesday.
Kazako, in a statement, described Belekanyama as a true patriot, hard worker, and unifying factor.
Werani Chilenga, Chairperson for Natural Resources Committee, paid tribute to “a great friend.”
He said, “I have lost a friend whom I have known since 1983. We worked together in the Department of Aviation and we were on duty when Kamuzu International Airport was opened. We were close friends in the house all these years.”
Belekanyama is the highest public official and first Cabinet member to succumb to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Belekanyama was diagnosed with Covid-19 two weeks ago.
Malawi has 9,027 confirmed cases of coronavirus including 235 deaths.