Senior Chief Chitera

Recently, President Joyce Banda elevated Senior Chief Chitera of Chiradzulu from the position of a traditional authority (T/A). During the elevation ceremony, people spoke highly of this chief because of her sound administration and the development structures the area has achieved since she took the reins. WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR talks to the senior chief.

When we talk about Senior Chief Chitera, who are we talking about?

I am Cheusyewani Abudu of Sadi Village, T/A Mpama in Chiradzulu. I am not sure about year and date of birth, but it should be 1954. I have never attended any formal school in my life because my parents would not let me. In those days, parents used to urge their daughters to help their mothers with household chores and that only boys should be going to school. I remember my father used to tell me that ‘a woman’s place is the kitchen and in the bush to fetch firewood’.

I, however, enrolled in the adult literacy school at some time. But the basic lessons I attended at the adult literacy school have not necessarily addressed my illiteracy as I would want it to. Before making judgments and comments on different issues, I just use basic wisdom to understand the topics under discussion and this has helped me as a leader.

 Tell us about your family?

We were 13 children and I was the seventh child. Four were boys. My father came from Lidala Village in the same T/A.

 How did you become a T/A?

I was the sixth to be installed as T/A Chitera. I succeeded my brother who was deposed by the Malawi Congress Party regime in 1983. It was rumoured that government was plotting to kill him. So, he went into exile where he eventually died. Thus, I was installed T/A on November 19 1983 when I was 29 years old.

What motivated you to embark on girl empowerment campaign in your area?

It was in 2011 when I started advocating for girl empowerment. My area had high rates of school dropouts, early marriages and poverty levels in the country.  I discovered that lack of girl empowerment is contributing significantly to the rising poverty levels and early marriages.

The initiative is aimed at promoting female education, thereby reducing cases of early marriages and poverty levels.

I have since instituted a rule that seeks to wipe out cases of early marriages and promote girl education. The rule prescribes harsh penalties, including a fine of a live goat on anyone that contravenes it thereby deterring would-be offenders.

What about the safe motherhood initiatives?

This initiative came with support from President Joyce Banda in 2012. The aim is to reduce child and maternal mortality rates in the area. Since the programme rolled out, only one woman has died during childbirth. It was a very special case as the woman was initially suffering from anaemia.

How serious was the problem of maternal deaths previously?

Since girls were marrying at very tender ages they were always in danger of having complications or even dying from them. Even survival of the baby was minimal. Although I am not educated, I have educated my subjects on the importance of practicing safe motherhood by attending ante-natal clinics and giving birth at a hospital.

Tell us about your trip to Kenya?

I owe it to President Banda for including me on that trip. I learnt a number of things, but notably agricultural diversification. I am a farmer. What I learned from Kenya has helped me improve my farming skills and knowledge. I tried to grow tobacco against my Islamic religion. I got 18 bales, which I sold at very good prices. No one in my area has ever produced that much. The trip has also taught me love for mankind.

What challenges do you face?

In the past, I used to be belittled and frowned upon by men. But with the coming in of gender equality, things have improved.

What dreams did you have while growing up?

I admired medical doctors, but since I was prevented from going to school, my dreams died. Today, I admire social workers; they are doing great work to assist people. I am trying to emulate them, but with very limited resources.

What big sacrifices have you made in life for you to get to where you are?

Quite a lot! Every year, I donate five bags of maize to the mosque for distribution to the poor. I buy clothes and uniforms for needy children. I also urge my chiefs to contribute resources for assisting the needy and the elderly. I don’t allow my people go hungry when I have plenty of maize. During lean periods, I lend them bags of maize, which they can repay after harvesting.

What would you want Malawians to learn from you?

People should learn to share with others what they have. That’s the spirit I am instilling in my people, especially through community leaders.

How do you balance your career and family life?

My husband passed away in 2007. But mine was a very happy family. I have a son—village head Sadi. I have 22 grandchildren including those from my late brothers and sisters, but I only live with eight of them.

What do you like doing in your free time?

I like spending it with my grandchildren. I always tell them folktales and they are happy to learn from that.

Are folktales relevant in this age?

Yes, they are very important. We still use them to impart knowledge to the younger generation to help them sort through life’s problems. In these stories, the timid little boys and girls often become heroes, rising above themselves to defeat an evil force or challenge.

 Do you have a role model?

I admire all farmers because I like farming a lot.

Where do you want to see yourself in the next five years?

My heart will rest if this area develops where every family has enough food to eat, girls are marrying after attaining 21 years and more people acquire wealth and education.

 What is your favourite food?

I like nsima, rice, potatoes spiced with vegetables. I hardly eat meat because it’s costly nowadays and I can’t manage to buy.