Nankhumwa urges journalists to stop ‘glorifying poverty’
By Yamikani Simutowe, Correspondent
Malawi Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa has said government has put in place a number of economic policies and strategies aimed at changing the country’s economic fortunes.
Nankhumwa spoke when he officially opened a day-long workshop for Association of Business Journalists (ABJ) members on emerging issues in Bvumbwe, Thyolo.
Nankhumwa, said in the absence of donor support, the media has painted “quiet a bleak and gloomy picture” on the future of the country’s economy.
He said this has brought doubts if Malawi will overcoming some of the country’s economic challenges.
“We are what we write. If our stories are that of desolation, failure, glorification of poverty and pessimism, then we are going to become a country that is synonymous with under-achievement and brokenness,” said Nankhumwa.
He therefore called on business reporters to use the power of the pen to “build Malawi and conquer the world”.
“Let us use the power that we have to be bridges between our society and government, donor community, private and public sector and investors at large.
“We should use this power to help our nation bang heads together and come up with the best ways of lifting Malawi. Let us not take pride in glorifying empty rankings on poverty. We are more than a statistic,” explained Nankhumwa.
The workshop, funded by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authorities (Macra), brought together business reporters from all three regions and were taken through several topics including “Understanding the bond Market” by Malawi Stock Exchange Acting Chief Executive John Kamanga; Chief Economic Adviser to the President Dr Collins Magalasi’s “Where is the economy going? Any hope for Malawi”; “Challenges and opportunities of doing business in Malawi by Indigenous Businesspersons Association President Mike Mlombwa while Macra Henry Silika made a presentation on Cirms and Television Whitespaces:.what are they and why are they important”.
Glorifying poverty? I am beginning to love this guy. He brings to an otherwise miserable society a much needed and timely comic relief.
The truth of the matter is. Malawi is a very poor country.If Dr. Banda was to wake up from the grave today and be the leader, he would not find it easy to rule us. So do you want the media to be bluffing us, when the reality on the ground points the other opposite direction. If we can not all be rich, then let us all be equally poor. Why do you want us to be told that things are alright when you are enjoying? Nankhumwa, Magalasi and Silika? By the way, with the whole PhD, just sitting phwii at the state house and thinking of ways to bluff people. Cheat others and not me
Surely the gods must be laughing at us! What were you trying to imply? Wake up Mr Honourable minister or you are not so honourable at all. Just look around you and you can’t deny that most Malawians are living in abject poverty. And it’s absurd trying to stop people to write about the same. To be honest with you, I was so angry with what you said. Don’t take Malawians for a ride and remember to tame your tough as what you utter today will be used as history tomorrow. Just because you have it easy, do not think Malawians are finding it easy. What most Malawians want now, is a government that delivers so that every Malawian is uplifted. Imagine Fifty years after attaining independence, we are still struggling as a nation yet politicians like yourself, who have amassed wealth God knows how, can be so arrogant. Remember Mbalame yowulukitsa imasempha chitsa. Next time you are given a chance to speak as you always do, don’t insult Malawians. We have already been disappointed by the way things are being run by the current regime to which you subscribe and remember not many of us do. I rest my case!