Tributes continue to pour in following the death of renowned Malawian poet and academic Professor Jack Mapanje, who died on Wednesday in the United Kingdom.

Professor Mapanje was a distinguished writer and poet whose notable publications include The Chameleon and Of Chameleons and Gods.

Former President Dr Bakili Muluzi has described Professor Mapanje as a courageous and dedicated individual whose life and work offer valuable lessons to the younger generation.

Dr Muluzi said Professor Mapanje leaves behind an important legacy, particularly through his poetry, literary works, and contribution to education.

“I knew Professor Mapanje for a long time, from his days teaching at Chancellor College to his work at a university in the United Kingdom. His death leaves an important legacy for this country,” said Dr Muluzi.

Meanwhile, poet and former student of Professor Mapanje, Dr Benedicto Okomaatani Malunga, has described his literary talent and poetry as invaluable, saying his works demonstrated courage during the rule of Malawi's first President, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, when people were afraid to openly express their views on various issues.

Dr Malunga said he had been discussing with Professor Mapanje the possibility of securing funding to translate some of his English-language books into Chichewa to make them accessible to people who cannot read English.

He said Professor Mapanje's death had inspired him to consider translating some of the late poet's works in the future.

“I would love other people with the necessary skills to develop an interest in joining hands to fulfil Professor Mapanje's vision of having his books translated into Chichewa,” said Dr Malunga.

Poetry Association of Malawi president Robert Chiwamba has also described Professor Mapanje as a pillar of poetry in the country, saying his works were creatively crafted and carried profound meaning.

“Professor Jack Mapanje played a significant role in taking poetry to where it is today. He also taught us that poetry is an important tool for expressing what is happening in the country and highlighting the challenges people face,” said Chiwamba.

Another poet, Q Malewezi, said Professor Mapanje was an important and courageous figure who stood for justice despite the challenges he faced because of his writings.

Malewezi said young people have many lessons to draw from the late professor's life, including his commitment to education, integrity, and honesty in literary expression.

Meanwhile, Professor Edrinie Kayambazinthu, who was taught by and later worked alongside Professor Mapanje, described him as a pleasant colleague whose contribution to poetry and literature was invaluable.

She said his books were sometimes frightening to read because of the political climate that prevailed at the time they were written.

Professor Jack Mapanje was born on 25 March 1944 and hailed from Kadango Village in Mangochi District.