…begs dad’s clients to stay
The voice of a grieving son brought both tears and hope as the family and friends of renowned photographer Ras Peter Kansengwa bid farewell to a man whose camera captured Malawi’s history for decades.
At the funeral service in Chilinde, Lilongwe, Kansengwa’s last-born child, Sylvate, pledged to carry on his father’s photography work, saying the lessons that once felt harsh had prepared him for the responsibility now resting on his shoulders.
“I would like to thank my father for teaching me this work. At times I felt that he was being too hard on me, but now I realize that he was preparing me for the future,” said Sylvate.
In an emotional tribute, he appealed to his father’s clients and supporters to continue standing with the family, promising that the photography business would not die with Kansengwa.
“I will continue and complete the work he started, and I will continue using the same phone number that he used,” he said.
Sylvate also thanked mourners, relatives, government officials, church members and well-wishers for the support shown to the family during the difficult period.
“Please do not leave us alone to struggle in our bereavement. We thank everyone who has spent time with us and for all the assistance you have rendered. May the Lord bless you all,” he said.
The son’s hopes received a major boost when Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu, through a message delivered by his son Mphatso, pledged continued support for Kansengwa’s children.
Mphatso told mourners that the relationship between Chipungu and the late photographer would not end with death, saying Kansengwa’s son would continue receiving support as he takes over the photography work.
“The work that he and the late Ras Peter used to do does not end here. His son will continue the work they used to do together. They should not worry because they are not alone and they have not been forgotten,” said Mphatso on behalf of the minister.
He added that Chipungu would continue standing with the family through prayers, thoughts and practical support.
Mphatso also read a heartfelt message from the minister, who reflected on his final conversation with Kansengwa while he was admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital.
“When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No. When he suffers from a disease? No. When his heart stops? No. A man dies when he is forgotten,” read part of the message.
Chipungu recalled the light-hearted moments they shared during official assignments in Luchenza, Parliament, the Ministry of Defence and later at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
“I feel honored that you remembered you had a friend when you called me while you were at KCH. That was our final chat,” the message stated.
The minister concluded with words that drew applause from mourners: “Legends don’t die; they just fade away. Surely, you will not be forgotten.”
Born in 1982, Kansengwa passed away at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe on Friday, June 19, 2026 after a leg related illness.
Born in 1982, Kansengwa died on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe following a leg-related illness and was laid to rest on Sunday, June 21, at Area 18 Cemetery in the capital, Lilongwe.
