59 years of disunity, unpatriotic leaders
This year, Malawi has clocked 59 years of independence. Malawi gained its independence on July 6, 1964. One thing many Malawians are proud of is the peace and stability that this country has enjoyed since gaining independence. These are some of the things that can never be taken for granted when there are countries that have never known peace.
This year’s independence celebrations theme is: Celebrating Renewed Unity and Patriotism. At 59, this is quite a befitting theme and speaks to the need for a proper introspection of where we have come from, where we are and the future Malawi that we desire.
The truth is that it is hard to celebrate in this country when every regime since i n d e p e n d e n c e ha s had little regard for the welfare of the ordinary Malawians o t h e r t h a n l i n i n g their pockets. Since independence, politics o f p a t r i m o n i a l i s m and clientelism have characterised political governance. A few privileged and politically c o n n e c t e d p e o p l e continue to enjoy what ought to be enjoyed by every Malawian.
It is hard to celebrate in a country where one’s tribe, religious affiliation and political affiliation determine what opportunities one gets and basically, determine one’s future. Every regime since independence, has been in a race to enrich their kinsmen while the rest wallow in poverty. At 59, it is sad that our politics continue to be characterised by one’s stronghold being their t r ibe and region of origin and not what they are capable of offering when elected regardless of their tribe. Malawi is a country divided on tribal leanings.
It is really hard to be patriotic in a country where leaders run amok plundering public resources and enriching themselves and their cronies. If our leaders were patriotic, they would have ended corruption and ensured t h a t g o v e r n m e n t business deals are not meant for the politically exposed only. It is sheer unpatr i o t ism fr om those in high political positions that has led the ordinary man to have no regard for taking good care of government property— in the end, we all suffer. We see it every day, an ambulance driver packing charcoal bags in a government vehicle that is supposed to be looked after in saving the lives of Malawians. There are health personnel stealing drugs and involved in mismanagement, impoverishing the health sector.
It is hard to happy in a country where the only way one can get better service delivery is after paying bribes. Some of us try hard to love this country, but every time we do, we are given a thousand reasons why we shouldn’t.
At 59, let ever y Malawian do a self-introspection on what they have contributed to present Malawi and what they are willing to contribute to a future Malawi that is prosperous, united and one that is to die for.
