Government is losing direction over JB

Since former president Joyce Banda left Malawi in the second half of 2014, the DPP government has been involved in war of words with her. The country as witnessed accusations and counter-accusations between government and Joyce Banda over her alleged involvement in Cashgate (which she denies).

While government has the right to comment on the issues she has raised, some of the issues that government raises are so trivial and absurd that they make one wonder whether government does not have better things to do rather waste precious time on issues that are diverting government JB knows why she does not want to return home any time soon.

If government has enough evidence that she was involved in Cashgate, they can apply to extradite her wherever she is or subpoena her to explain her role in the Cashgate debacle. But they should make JB as central issue of the government almost every week. Malawians are tired of this issue. It is time to move on. Government has better things to do rather than in engage in war of words with JB.

Government should focus on improving the lives of Malawians. So far, government has not demonstrated this. Signs of socio-economic decay are everywhere. Inflation is still very high and prices of goods and services continue to rise. As you read this article, the price of several products have been increased with effect from 1st January. For example, Southern Bottlers have increased the price of minerals. The retail price is up from K150 to K180. This is only the beginning as price of other items will rise.

Malawians are tied of political bickering. They want government to deliver. DPP is falling into the trap of Bakili Muluzi of politics. He was always reacting and castigating his political opponents at his rallies he conducted almost every day. At the end of the day, development was suffering and he left government without making any meaningful impact on their lives of Malawians.

The Minister of Information Jappie Mhango has now been reduced to Minister of refutation and propaganda. Most of the times he is reacting to issues from government detractors or political opponents instead of focusing on issues relevant to his ministry. He is ignoring important issues that directly fall under his ministry. For example, telecommunications operators have been resisting the implementation of Consolidated ICT Regulatory Management System (Cirms).

As Minister of Information, he should have organised a roundtable discussion with telecommunication companies to find out why they are not happy with Cirms. He should also work towards opening up Malawi Broadcasting Corporation to opposition political parties, NGOs and individuals dissenting views. Is he happy the way MBC operates? He can also initiate language policy.

Minister of Trade and Industry Joseph Mwanamvekha should also not just focus on globetrotting to attract foreign investors, but he should speak against the exploitation of consumers through wanton prices increases and engage the business community to be fair in their business operations.

Government should not spend sleepless nights over JB. They have better things to do. n