Renowned lawyer and law lecturer Ngeyi Kanyongolo has passed away. Kanyongolo died on Monday at a hospital in Blantyre following an illness, according to family relations. They have confirmed her death but say details of her funeral will be provided later.

Ngeyi Ruth Kanyongolo was, until her death, the Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi and the board chairperson of Airtel Malawi. She previously served in various positions at the University of Malawi, where she rose to become Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Law.

She was married to well-known academic and legal expert Fidelis Edge Kanyongolo.

Family representative Henry Kanyongolo said the family has been dealt a serious blow following her death. “She was our pillar. She was a woman everyone in our family would look up to whenever they had a problem. Even for myself and family, she regarded us as her own children."

He added that the law lecturer had been admitted to Mwaiwathu Private Hospital for about two weeks with a leg problem. Her condition worsened recently, leading to her death on Monday.

Ngeyi Kanyongolo attended Our Lady of Wisdom Girls Secondary School and St Michaels Girls Secondary School before studying law at the University of Malawi, Chancellor College in Zomba. She earned her Master of Laws degree from the University of London and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.

The 58-year-old was a keen human rights activist and a promoter of women's rights.

Several of her colleagues and companions have taken to her Facebook page to express shock at her death, describing her as a woman of integrity.

"I mourn a colleague, a friend, and a big sister. Always available for me. She was interested in knowing how things are working out at WOLREC. Always available with new advice. A giant in the women's movement. 

"She believed in the women's manifesto cause and worked tirelessly to have the manifesto on paper. Just when we agreed to start another piece of work you were plucked from us. I will miss you, Ngeyiruth Kanyongolo. May your soul rest in peace,” wrote Maggie Kathewera Banda, executive director of Women’s Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC).

Karina Ntokoma Kanyinji wrote: “The pain of losing you is unbearable. You were the true definition of an exemplary lady in all angles. Taphunzira zambiri kuchokera kwa inu. I will always miss your motherly advice, Ngeyiruth Kanyongolo. RIP Mum.”

Women Lawyers Association President Chisomo Governor said in a statement: “Prof Ngeyi, as we fondly called her, was our dear friend, mentor, and bedrock. 

"She dedicated her life to championing women’s rights and supporting women lawyers to thrive… Your remarkable legacy will forever inspire and illuminate our path as we carry your vision forward.”