Rest in peace Bingu! My advice to Her Excellency JB
However, indulge me a bit. You and I can agree on one thing: The quality of a country’s political leadership has a direct link to people’s level of personal finances and their quality of life. I am happy we agree on this. So, allow me to advise my President on Malawi’s economy.
“But should [you] really write about Bingu on this column?” you ask. Please understand me. Tell me, what would you have done when a fellow mighty economist fell? I am talking of no ordinary economist here.
This is an economist who ruled this country for eight years. An economist who, at his peak, brought so much pride to the profession. I am talking here of somebody I wholeheartedly served as advisor in the National Advisory Council for Strategic Planning until I resigned on September 6 2011 on a matter of principle and on dictates of an international civil servant of the United Nations. So, allow me to write about him for once.
As President of the Economics Association of Malawi and adviser then, it saddened me to see Bingu throw away expert advice and make avoidable mistakes in his economic policies. But one thing I can tell you, this man ardently believed that what he was doing was for the good of ordinary Malawians.
I salute this man because when history books record all his shortfalls, the story will never be complete until all his great achievements, especially in his first term of office are also written down for posterity to appreciate. Nobody is perfect. Oh! I salute you Bingu—may your Soul rest in eternal peace!
To my beloved mother, Her Excellency Joyce Banda, accept my sincere congratulations. God loves Malawians, but His favour on you is beyond discussion.
Now remember, Madam President, that you have so many admirers, but equally numerous are detractors and those who will love to see you fall. The waters you are walking on will require you to focus on Jesus. The day you take your eyes off Him, the ground beneath you will begin to sink just like Paul did when he began to fear his surroundings and took his focus off Jesus—you know the story too well, Your Excellency.
This column is about personal finance management, but there can be no resources for individuals and households to manage if the Malawi economy is in shambles. This is where my advice begins with you, Your Excellency, fully aware that you have prioritised the need to restore the economy.
To begin with, let me mention that this country’s economy is built on four legs: Donor’s good will, agriculture, Malawians’ goodwill, and God’s favour. This is my well researched assessment, Madam.
For instance, the moment you fall out with donors, you are in for big trouble. Yes, donor money comes with all strings attached, but the beauty is that, serve for a few outrageous demands, it all reflects on the priorities defined by Malawians in their own development blue print—the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy.
What donors need most is value for their taxpayers’ money. This is a test you shouldn’t fail, Your Excellency. The reason is simple: Malawi will need donors in the short to medium term.
