The struggle continues in Malawi
When Vice-President Saulos Chilima addressed a press conference on June 6 2018, he introduced his statement with a very important point. He reminded his audience and all Malawians at large that in both the fights— one against colonialism and the other one against dictatorship—Malawians from all the parts of the country were involved.
He mentioned leaders such as Levi Zililo Mumba from the North and others in the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC). He also mentioned John Chilembwe from the South. As for more recent fighters, he mentioned Chakufwa Chihana.
As stated above, any sensible leader must know that people unite for a better cause for the country, there must be equality in enjoying the opportunities of the country. The fight was not by one tribe or region, where people should be having an upper hand in accessing what the country is providing for a good life.
One can remember well that during the era of the first post colonial leader, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, his development plan was about equal opportunities, without thinking much about the Central Region where he came from, or his Chewa tribe. In addition to this, Kamuzu believed in merit.
Meanwhile, it goes without saying that adopting multiparty system of government, 25 years ago, Malawians expected an improved life. This was due to the fact that there was to be alternative views in running the government, which was missing in a dictatorship.
Unfortunately, it did not take long for people to realise that leaders have no room for alternative ideas. This was more prominent in the DPP-led government under President Bingu wa Mutharika, and it continues in the current DPP administration under Peter Mutharika.
The worse part of the two DPP-led governments are the alleged practices of nepotism, tribalism, regionalism, favouritism etc. This is very clear in the government appointments, including those in the government agencies. Winning of lucrative contracts follows suit.
If the Mutharika government does not know, it is the bad practices mentioned here that are the bedrock of corruption.
People who are favoured by government take it for granted that they can be as corrupt as they want and can be defended by government. This is why corruption fails to be controlled until, and unless, there will be change of government.
Civil society organisations (CSOs), Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and other people have exhaustively talked against corruption, but to no avail, as there is no political will.
Corruption has destroyed this country and Malawians are struggling to live. This was not expected in a democracy but it has come about due to failed leadership which is dividing this country.
Malawians are a hard working people, but they are failing even to find a reliable market for their produce.
In short, the government has stifled opportunities for Malawians to gain from the fruits for their hard work. The other sad thing is that the current government has no policy on job creation.
It is so surprising that when people are complaining about the problems they are facing, government comes up with attractive economic growth rate figures, which mean nothing to a Malawian who cannot access health care or whose children learn from life-threatening buildings.
In fact, with the high growth rate that government quotes, where is the social transformation? Imagine the poor of 1994, are worse off now.
Now that Malawians are heading for the 2019 elections, they must make sure that they choose leaders who will promote equality regardless of their tribe. Every Malawian should feel that he belongs to this country and this is unlike in the current leadership.
