Colonial hangovers must fall

I am a patriot, a proud and idealistic one.However, as we celebrate our 59th year of independence, the persistent presence of colonial tendencies continues to bother me.

These tendencies glare everywhere one goes: in the streets, courts, suburbs and even hospitals.

One of the missed opportunities in our history occurred in 1964, but it was in 1994, during the transition to democracy, when we truly should have changed the narrative.

When we achieved self-rule and reverted to democracy 30 years ago, we failed to address the scars of the past and embrace a narrative that celebrates our local heroes.

This failure is particularly evident in the names of our cities, roads and monuments.

Consider, for example, Blantyre City. Would it not be more appropriate to rename it Kabula, a name that holds greater significance to our cultural heritage than maintaining a colonial name with imperial connotations?

As we traverse the city’s streets, we encounter names such as Glyn Jones Road, Henderson Street and Livingstone Avenue. Why not have a Rafiq Hajat Street, Kinnah Phiri Avenue, Rose Chibambo Crescent, Kanyama Chiume Highway or Aleke Banda Road?

Why not David Rubadiri or Brown Chimphamba Close?

These are some of the names of sons and daughters of Malawi who have contributed significantly to our nation.

By naming our streets after these local heroes, their legacies will forever be etched in our memories and history.

Moreover, the names displayed on our roads serve as a living history lesson for young Malawians, inspiring them to explore the stories and achievements of these remarkable individuals.

Another colonial excess that deeply troubles me is the continued use of wigs by lawyers, judges and Speakers of Parliament.

This archaic gesture not only evokes a sense of discomfort, but also perpetuates and entrenches colonial customs that mean nothing to liberated Malawians.

Wigs hold no practical purpose in the modern-day legal and parliamentary systems.

The use of wigs is declining globally.

In the UK, where the tradition began, a 2007 change in the rules meant barristers no longer need to wear a wig during civil and family law courts. They are also no longer required in the UK Supreme Court.

To truly move forward and embrace our independence, it is crucial that we address these colonial hangovers.

We must take deliberate actions to reshape our narrative and celebrate our local heroes by renaming our cities, roads and monuments to reflect the true spirit of Malawi.

By honouring our heroes, we will ensure that their contributions are acknowledged and remembered by future generations.

Moreover, it is time to discard outdated  colonial practices to send a clear message that we are breaking free from the shackles of the past and embracing a future that is truly Malawian, a future that reflects our identity, our values, and our aspirations.

Changing the narrative and erasing the colonial legacy remains will not be easy. It requires the collective effort of our leaders, communities and citizens.

We must engage in meaningful conversations, raise awareness and advocate for change.

Let us come together and forge a new path for our nation that is firmly rooted in our history but shaped by our aspirations for a brighter future.

As a patriot, I hold onto the belief that we have the strength and resilience to overcome these colonial hangovers.

Let us take pride in our independence and work towards a Malawi that truly reflects the hopes and dreams of its people.

By embracing our local heroes and rewriting our narrative, we can create a legacy that future generation, will be proud to inherit—a Malawi that is free from the shadows of its colonial past and stands tall as a beacon of African pride, independence and  rebirth.