In a statement, Hon. Justin Tokely, President of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, 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.”

Chief Kachindamoto, known worldwide as the “Terminator of Child Marriage”, annulled thousands of underage unions and championed girls’ return to school. Hon. Tokely urged lawmakers, civil society, the judiciary, and traditional leaders to redouble efforts to eradicate child marriage, 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 is to continue her fight until every child in our region can grow up free, educated, and full of hope.” – Hon. Justin Tokely

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”, noting that her legacy would “continue to inspire generations.”

CARE Malawi Country Director, Ms. Pamela Kuwali, echoed this sentiment, describing Chief Kachindamoto’s fight as “bold, compassionate, and unrelenting.” She added:

“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.”

Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell, CEO of Girls Not Brides, remembered Chief Kachindamoto as “a visionary leader, fearless advocate, and long-standing ally.” She highlighted that her 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.” – Dr. Mwangi-Powell

Mrs. Fiona Kalemba, Clerk of Parliament of Malawi, praised Chief Kachindamoto’s “tireless efforts” in influencing the 2017 constitutional amendment that raised the minimum marriage age from 15 to 18. She also noted her critical role in domesticating the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage, which 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 her 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, stripping offenders of their positions.

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

Beyond ending child marriages, Chief Kachindamoto supported survivors, securing scholarships and ensuring girls could return to school.

“We owe that to Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto,” Dr. Gumbonzvanda stressed, pledging to honour her work at SADC, African Union, and global levels.