By Moses Magadza

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – The African continent is in mourning following the death of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto of Malawi, a globally celebrated traditional leader whose fearless fight against child marriage transformed countless lives.

The Chief passed away on August 13, 2025, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, development partners, and civil society organizations across the region and beyond.

In a statement, Hon. Justin Tokely, the President of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), described the late Chief Kachindamoto as “a towering figure and shining example of how tradition can evolve to uphold the rights and dignity of children.”

Hon. Tokely, who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, said Chief Kachindamoto, known worldwide as the “Terminator of Child Marriage,” annulled thousands of underage unions and championed girls’ return to school.

He urged lawmakers, civil society, the judiciary, and traditional leaders to “redouble efforts to eradicate child marriage in all its forms,” harmonise national laws with the SADC PF Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage, and invest in education.

“The best tribute we can offer,” he said, “is to continue her fight until every child in our region can grow up free, educated, and full of hope.”

CARE Interim Regional Director for Southern Africa, Ms. Chikwe Antoinette Mbweeda, hailed the late chief’s “fearless leadership and tireless advocacy for girls’ and women’s rights” and said her legacy would “continue to inspire generations.”

CARE Malawi Country Director, Ms Pamela Kuwali, added that Chief Kachindamoto’s “bold, compassionate, and unrelenting” fight against child marriage and for girls’ education had transformed lives.

“Malawi has lost a true hero… may we honour her memory by carrying forward her dream of a Malawi where every girl can live free, learn without fear, and reach her fullest potential,” Ms Kuwali said.

Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell, CEO of Girls Not Brides, the Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, called Chief Kachindamoto “a visionary leader, fearless advocate, and long-standing ally.”

She noted that the Chief’s leadership averted over 3,500 child marriages and “galvanised a movement” to protect girls’ rights.

“We had the privilege of working with her over many years… her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us,” she said.

The Clerk of Parliament of Malawi, Mrs. Fiona Kalemba, praised Chief Kachindamoto’s “tireless efforts” in influencing the adoption of the 2017 constitutional amendment that raised the minimum marriage age from 15 to 18.

She highlighted her role in the domestication of the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage and said her leadership brought “global recognition to Malawi’s efforts to protect girls’ rights.”

Dr. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director at UN Women, described Chief Kachindamoto’s work as a “major breakthrough” in using culture positively to protect children and women.

She recalled how the Chief pioneered bylaws making it illegal for traditional leaders to allow child marriages and stripped offenders of their positions.

“She saw culture as a positive force… in a world where culture is often seen as negative,” Dr Gumbonzvanda said.

She added that beyond ending child marriages, Chief Kachindamoto worked to support survivors, securing scholarships and ensuring girls could return to school.

“We owe that to Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto,” she stressed and pledged to honour her work at SADC, the African Union, and global levels.

-Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.