Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Thursday paid a tribute to the fallen hero former Minister of Finance Dr Goodall Gondwe at his residence in Area 10 in Lilongwe to pay his last respect for the fallen veteran politician-cum-seasoned economist.

Speaking on behalf of President Chakwera, Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani-Hara said the Malawi leader is heavily shocked and touched by the demise of Gondwe, describing him as a selfless and patriotic politicians who opted to leave the diaspora to serve Malawi.

According to Gotani, Gondwe was a good advisor to the President starting to the time that he was a Minister of Finance since it was the same time that the president was the leader of opposition.

Hara said Gondwe was doing his work with anybody without taking in consideration of political affiliation.

The President has since made a strong appeal to Malawians to mourn Gondwe in a way of celebrating his works.

Upon his arrival, the seemingly grief-stricken President-in the company of the country’s First LadybMadam Monica Chakwera- was welcomed by senior cabinet ministers, traditional leaders and other senior party officials (both from Malawi Congress Party and Democratic Progressive Party), and immediately proceeded to join scores of mourners who thronged the residence.

Gondwe, who served in various cabinet positions after working in multiple portfolios as an economist, both locally and internationally, died at the age of 87 on Tuesday after collapsing.

He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Adventist Hospital in the capital city.

He hailed from Kayiwononga Village at Enukweni in Mzimba District where he also once served as a Member of Parliament.