‘Should we always dialogue in the media?’
In this interview, Weekend Nation talks to chairperson for Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (Congoma), MacBain Mkandawire, who shares his vision for the organisation and speaks on divisions that threaten to tear apart NGOs affiliated to it.
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Q
It is six months since you ascended to the position of Congoma chairperson. How can you describe the journey so far?
A
The journey has been exciting; lots of shocks, learning and leadership building. It has been a shock because of how the society thinks, how Malawi views issues and how civil society organisations (CSOs) view their role in the country. Sometimes you ask whether we, CSOs, understand our role in the society. For example, those that are CSO leaders today may be join politics tomorrow. There is obviously the question of credibility of the CSOs.
The past six months have also taught me how to engage with people of differing views, the importance of sticking t principles and also how to balance the society’s expectations and individual beliefs and attitudes.
There has been an element of leadership building in me because by engaging with people who have a strong position on some issue, I have had an opportunity to learn and practice leadership. I should emphasise that leadership is not as easy as we see it. I am sure that the last six months have made me a stronger and more focused leader.
Q
How can you describe the state of unity among NGOs in Malawi as of now?
A
It is important to note that in any development work or activity, it is unhealthy for all people to just agree. Differences in a group of people are important and useful because they shape the future. The crucial thing, however, is how you resolve the differences. I, therefore, would describe the current state and arguments in CSOs as healthy development. As long as the differences are not personal and on matters of principles, it is my feeling that this is good for the CSOs.
We just need to work closely with each other and engage meaningfully. I am very sure that the differences in CSOs are not personal. As a Congoma chairperson, it is my intent to work and resolve all the difference and ensure we work as a unified front.
Q
Recently, we saw divisions among NGOs on the idea to hold mass demonstration against Beam Trust and Mulhako Wa Ahlomwe over the funds they received from National Aids Commission (NAC). Don’t you think these squabbles can affect Congoma’s reputation?
A
Let me begin by saying that the issues of Beam Trust and Mulhakho wa Alomwe should not have been the centre of the discussions at this point in time because there were many issues that we needed to engage government on. In my opinion, the above issues should have just been a part of the broader discussion.
However, I must point out the fact that it could have been important for all of us to engage first before the idea of holding demonstrations was hatched up. For me, the perceived division was not real. I am of the view that there were some issues being propagated which could have been avoided.
What surprises me in Malawi is that before dialogue is given a chance, we are already in the media and everywhere. Does it mean that we will dialogue in the media only? Is it about being seen or doing what is right? Are we supposed to be discussing everything in the media? What evidence do we have that NAC was not responding [to the queries that were raised]? What evidence do we have that the system is not responding? Did media engage all the actors? It is sad that we want to deal with matters that way
By the time these issues were being discussed, Congoma was planning a Government of Malawi –CSO dialogue which was supposed to cater for such discussions. Some of the people involved in the demonstrations were well aware of the initiative. So, one wonders about the motive behind.
Q
Some NGOs argue that CSOs have interests such that they do not expect Congoma to always side with them every time they raise an issue because reasons for their existence vary. What is your take on this perspective?
A
Whether they have varying mandates or not, this is a coordination issue. It is unfortunate that some leaders think this way. But as I mentioned earlier, differences are healthy. However, let me point out that the assertions are not correct. This is coming because of the way the demonstrations were organised. In my view, there is also an element of unwillingness to work with others. You will be surprised that initially some CSO leaders approached Congoma on this, but we felt that we could not just rush into demonstrations before the engagement with government. I want to emphasise that Congoma is legally constituted as a coordinating institution and its importance cannot be overemphasised.
Q
Malawians, I am sure, await to see a unified NGO community. With you at the helm, what is in stock and how long should we expect to appreciate this?
A
Congoma has in place a number of initiatives which border on strengthening the CSO movement in Malawi and we have recently been working closely with some of the networks to invigorate them and ensure that they take their rightful roles. My final comment goes to the media: It is also very important that you understand the dynamics of CSO operations and not just focus on the negatives. I would want to emphasise that you should avoid dividing the country because in the demonstrations saga, I was saddened by the way the media conducted itself. You become selective of the people you contact and also how you deal with the issues. I do hope that the Media Council of Malawi will work on this to ensure that the media does not fuel divisions.
