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Mary Chilima Biography
Mary Chilima was born on November 3, 1980, in Zingwangwa Township, Blantyre, Malawi. Growing up in Blantyre, she lived in areas like Zingwangwa, Namiwawa, and Chilomoni. Her mother, Margaret Kamoto, was a lecturer at The Polytechnic, an institution that played a significant role in shaping Mary’s early life. As the firstborn in a family of two children, Mary learned the values of hard work and perseverance from her mother, who raised her and her younger brother alone. Mary Chilima is 44 years old as of 2024.
Mary’s academic journey began at Chichiri Primary and South End schools before she moved on to secondary education at Our Lady of Wisdom in Limbe. During her time there, she excelled academically, becoming the deputy head girl and the highest scorer at the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE). Her academic prowess earned her a spot at The Polytechnic, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Mary Chilima’s education didn’t stop there. She continued to advance her knowledge and skills, earning a Master of Science in Strategic Management from the University of Derby and a professional diploma in marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Her academic journey culminated in a second master’s degree with distinction from the Gordon Institute of Business Studies, making her one of the few students to gain automatic entry into the doctorate program and the graduate with the most awards on graduation day.
Mary Chilima Career
Mary Chilima’s career is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the fields of banking, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Her professional journey began at the Reserve Bank of Malawi, where she worked under Malswitch. She then moved on to hold significant positions at Standard Bank and First Capital Bank (formerly FMB). Her roles in these financial institutions provided her with a wealth of experience and a solid foundation in business administration and strategic management.
Alongside her banking career, Mary Chilima ventured into entrepreneurship. She founded two retail clothing stores, Exquisite Edge, located in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her ability to successfully manage and grow these businesses while balancing her other professional and philanthropic commitments.
Mary’s passion for education and child welfare led her to establish the Children First Trust. This organization is dedicated to providing quality education, healthcare, and nutrition to Malawian children, particularly those with disabilities. Under her leadership, Children First Trust has made significant strides in creating a more inclusive and equitable society for children in Malawi.
In addition to her work with Children First Trust, Mary serves as the patron of the Visually and Hearing Impaired Association of Malawi (VIHEMA). Her role in this organization underscores her commitment to improving the lives of people with visual and hearing impairments. Furthermore, as an Ambassador for Ending Online Harassment and Cyber Bullying for Plan International Malawi, she works tirelessly to create a safer online environment for children and adolescents.
Mary Chilima’s career is marked by her relentless pursuit of excellence and her dedication to making a positive impact on her community. Her work spans various sectors, including banking, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, showcasing her versatility and commitment to service.
Mary Chilima Personal Life, Husband and Family
Family is a cornerstone of Mary Chilima’s life. She is married to Dr. Saulos Chilima, the Vice President of Malawi. Together, they have two children: a 15-year-old son who attends Kamuzu Academy and an 8-year-old daughter. Despite her demanding career and philanthropic commitments, Mary places great importance on her family and ensures she is actively involved in her children’s lives.
Mary’s upbringing in a single-parent household, with her mother Margaret Kamoto as the primary caregiver, instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience. Her mother’s influence is evident in Mary’s dedication to her professional and personal endeavors. The strong bond she shares with her brother, and the support she receives from her family, have been crucial in her journey.
Mary is also an avid reader, a passion that complements her academic and professional pursuits. Her love for reading is a testament to her continuous quest for knowledge and self-improvement. This passion for learning has driven her to achieve numerous academic accolades and maintain top positions in her class throughout her educational journey.
In 2022, it was revealed that Mary Chilima needed medical attention and traveled to South Africa for a medical check-up. The specific details of her illness have not been disclosed publicly. The trip, which was publicly funded, sparked some controversy due to its high cost. Despite this, her condition and treatment have been kept private, with official statements only confirming the necessity of her medical trip​.
Mary Chilima Relationship With Saulos Chilima
Mary Chilima shares a strong and supportive partnership with her husband, Dr. Saulos Chilima, the Vice President of Malawi. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, encouragement, and a shared commitment to service. Mary often highlights the support and encouragement she receives from Saulos, which has been crucial in her professional and personal achievements.
Together, Mary and Saulos Chilima are a formidable team, leveraging their respective positions to advocate for the rights and welfare of Malawians. Mary’s work with Children First Trust and her advocacy for the visually and hearing impaired are supported by Saulos’s political influence, enabling them to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima killed in plane crash
Tragically, on June 10, 2024, Dr. Saulos Chilima and nine other individuals were killed in a plane crash in the Chikangawa mountain range. This devastating event shocked the nation and led President Lazarus Chakwera to declare a national day of mourning. The circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether Mary was on the plane, remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging about her whereabouts.
“Unfortunately, everyone on board died in the crash,” the Office of the President and Cabinet stated Tuesday morning. The confirmation came after a day-long search in the mountains of northern Malawi. The military plane crashed Monday morning after departing from Lilongwe, the capital.
Chilima, 51, and the other passengers were on their way to the funeral of the former attorney general when their plane lost contact. Air traffic officials said the plane couldn’t land at Mzuzu airport, about 200 miles north of the capital, due to poor visibility. The pilot was advised to return to Lilongwe when the flight disappeared. In a Tuesday address, President Chakwera said Chilima, seven military officers, and two other passengers were on a small military plane, identified as a Dornier 228-type, delivered to the Malawian army in 1988.
Some sources told CBS News that Chilima’s wife was not on the plane, but the government didn’t clarify her whereabouts or condition.
Chilima was considered a potential candidate for next year’s presidential election. A controversial figure, he had been arrested in 2022 on corruption charges, accused of receiving kickbacks for government contracts. He denied the charges, which were dropped last month by the national prosecutor.
In a televised address Monday night, President Chakwera assured the nation that the search would continue until Chilima’s plane was found. “I know this is a heartbreaking situation,” he said, “and we are all frightened and concerned.”
Several countries, including the United States, provided technological support for the search. The U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe expressed deep concern over the crash and offered assistance, including a Defense C-12 aircraft.
Despite the tragedy, Mary’s resilience and commitment to her advocacy work continue to inspire many. Her ability to balance her professional, personal, and philanthropic commitments, even in the face of personal loss, highlights her strength and dedication to making a positive impact on her community.
Conclusion
Mary Chilima’s life and career is marked by her early years in Blantyre to her remarkable academic achievements and professional success, Mary has consistently demonstrated her passion for making a positive impact on her community. Her work in banking, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy showcases her versatility and determination to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Mary’s strong partnership with her husband, Dr. Saulos Chilima, and her unwavering commitment to her family further highlight the values that drive her. Despite facing personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her husband, Mary continues to inspire and lead with grace and determination.
FAQs
Who is Mary Chilima?
Mary Chilima is a prominent Malawian banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is known for her work in banking, her entrepreneurial ventures, and her advocacy for children’s rights and welfare.
What organizations has Mary Chilima founded?
Mary Chilima founded the Children First Trust, an organization dedicated to providing quality education, healthcare, and nutrition to Malawian children, particularly those with disabilities.
What is Mary Chilima’s educational background?
Mary Chilima holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Polytechnic, a Master of Science in Strategic Management from the University of Derby, and a second master’s degree with distinction from the Gordon Institute of Business Studies.
How is Mary Chilima involved in advocating for the rights of the visually and hearing impaired?
Mary Chilima serves as the patron of the Visually and Hearing Impaired Association of Malawi (VIHEMA). She actively supports initiatives that improve the lives of people with visual and hearing impairments.
What was the impact of the plane crash involving Dr. Saulos Chilima?
The plane crash on June 10, 2024, tragically resulted in the deaths of Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and nine other individuals. The crash led to a national day of mourning and raised questions about Mary Chilima’s whereabouts, with conflicting reports emerging about whether she was on the plane.
