Chakakala Chaziya

Lynold Chakakala Chaziya is a distinguished Malawian, statesman, economist, and politician who served as the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank/Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor under Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda's MCP regime and also served as Board Chairperson of various parastatals/government agencies like OILCOM (the precursor of NOCMA), Limbe Leaf Tobacco Limited and various others. Born on 31st March, 1947, with his first wife Anne Kafaaiwala he had three children Lawrence, Geoffrey and Lynold Jr. At the dawn of multi-party democracy in 1992 he came together with other former cabinet ministers of Dr. Banda's era like Elson Bakili Muluzi, Edward Chitsulo Bwanali and other willing Malawians to form a pressure group United Democratic Front (UDF) championing the return of Malawi to political party pluralism as was the case in the 1960s. He was its First Vice Chairman with Dr. George Afawaka Mkandawire as Second Vice Chairman and Elson Bakili Muluzi as its Chairman. The grouping couldn't be called a political party then as Malawi was a one-party state and thus the constitution was only recognising the existence of Malawi Congress Party. Later the UDF was to form the new government in a new multi-party era in 1994 United Democratic Front.

Early life and education
Chaziya was born in 1925 in Likuni, Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. His early life was marked by a strong desire for education, which led him to attend various primary schools. He attended several primary schools before graduating to Blantyre Secondary School attended Zomba Secondary School in Zomba, the former capital of Malawi.

Career
Chakakala Chaziya was a Minister of Finance from 1981 to 1984 and bank governor during the 1980s. Chaziya's academic prowess earned him a place at the University of Malawi, where he graduated with honors in economics in 1950s. His career in public service began in the 1960s, when he joined the Ministry of Finance as a young economist. He rose through the ranks, becoming Minister of Finance from 1981 to 1984 and later serving as governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi. Throughout his career, Chaziya has been recognized for his astute leadership and economic acumen. He played a crucial role in shaping Malawi's economic policies, fostering growth and development. His contributions have been acknowledged both nationally and internationally.

In addition to his career, Chaziya has been an advocate for democracy and human rights. He has served as vice-chairman of the opposition party, United Democratic Front, and has been a vocal critic of government policies that undermine democratic values.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including arrest and detention in 1993 for his outspoken views, Chaziya remains a notable figure in Malawian politics. His legacy as a champion of economic development, democracy, and human rights continues to inspire future generations of leaders.

Arrests
Chaziya was arrested in Lilongwe at his home on 5 January 1993. His arrest was followed after an official of the then ruling party, Malawi Congress Party (MCP), had publicly accused him of being involvement with a news magazine that was critical of the government. The news was published by the anonymous exile government opponents and was smuggled into Malawi. The magazine hadly advocated the violence and it hardly had any connection with UDF or Chaziya himself. Chaziya was accused with other three namely Johnson, Khoswe and a driver were arrested two days before Chaziya. A vehicle whose owner was Khoswe, a businessman from Lilongwe, was stopped by the police at a roadblock and the two occupants, Johnson and the driver were arrested whereas the owner of the vehicle was arrested the following day. The four were held in Maula prison in Lilongwe without any charge or official explanation. Chaziya was bailed on January 22, 1993, and was released from police custody.