Creatives rate Usi’s performance

In his first Cabinet after being elected President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera appointed actor-cum-politician Michael Usi as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Wildlife.

Given Usi’s artistic background, there were huge expectations on his shoulders as many viewed him as the right man to swing the fortunes of the creative industry. But after being at the helm for over two years, Usi has been shifted to another ministry.

In the aftermath of the change, a number of creatives have commented on what they make of his performance during his tenure as minister responsible for the arts, culture and tourism sector. From the interviews, many believe that Usi did his best though more could have been achieved.

Filmmakers Association of Malawi president Gift ‘Sukez’ Sukali said though he registered a number of strides, a lot was expected from Usi, but he did not do much, especially when it comes to infrastructure development.

He said: “Apart from starting renovations at Blantyre Cultural Centre, there is nothing else that has been done when it comes to infrastructure for the arts.

“If we look at other sectors such as sports, we have seen what they have managed to do during the same period. However, there has been nothing on the part of arts.  All in all, we thank him for his service.”

Sukali saluted Usi for championing initiatives such as the establishment of the Artist’s Welfare Fund and the Copyright Fund managed by the Copyright Society of Malawi.

“It is something that we have to applaud the former minister for. Under his tutelage, we have also seen Cosoma intensify its efforts in uplifting the creative industry,” he said.

Photographers Association of Malawi president Lucky Mkandawire described Usi’s removal from the ministry as a drawback to the creative industry. He described Usi as a goal-getter who brought significant changes to the industry.

He said: “We saw how things started shaping up though there were some bottlenecks which is typical of government systems. He personally sourced K16 million for the Artists Welfare Fund which is a great initiative.”

Musicians Association of Malawi president Vita Chirwa said the change of ministers is a normal process and he hopes that they will maintain a good working relationship with the new minister like the one they enjoyed with Usi.

Usi has been replaced by Richard Chimwendo Banda who will now head the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture while Vera Kamtukule will head the Ministry of Tourism.