Transformation Alliance convention calls for meaningful change

Delegates to Transformation Alliance (TA) convention today called for mindset change and patriotism if Malawi is to achieve meaningful economic growth.

The two-day convention which ends tomorrow (Saturday) brought together economists , a cross-section of political, religious and traditional leaders including leader of opposition in Parliament and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera, and People’s Land Organisation (PLO) leader Vincent wandale.

Making his keynote address TA chairperson Moses Kunkuyu expressed sadness over the rampant corruption, abuse of public funds, segregation and political witch-hunting in the country.

Kunkuyu cited Maizegate, Tractorgate, Cashgate and the recent sewage saga in Area 18 Lilongwe, the use of funds from public institutions to fund a political party and the use of chiefs and religious leaders to castigate those with opposing views as some of the indications that Malawi is democratically taking the wrong path.

Said Kunkuyu: “Malawi needs to have a changed mindset and attitude. Each one of us must strive to be agents of change so that together we develop the nation.”

Kunkuyu attributed increased cases of looting of public funds to lack of patriotism.

For his part, Chakwera urged for transformation leadership and the need to come up with a National Development Plan.

“What we continue to lack is transformational leadership that is not defined by region, tribe or age. Leadership is not measured by education. We have a lot of educated fools in the country’s political leadership. What we need is to know who we are, where we are  and where we want to be. Not mediocrity and politics of appeasement,” he stated.

Chakwera also questioned the continued use of public broadcaster for propaganda.

Making his presentation entitled ‘Economic Transformation-the Malawi we must aspire’, economist Henry Kachaje hinted that Malawi is experiencing the lowest economic growth in history.

He said due to misplaced choices, resistance to change, lack of patriotism and politics of appeasement, Malawi is finding it hard to achieve socio-economic change.

On that note Kachaje said even though one is competent enough, it is hard to sail through due to increased oppression from those in power.

He spoke of the need for leaders to keep their promises and avoid making decisions that will haunt the next generation.

The delegates also recommended the need to implement 50+1 in the 2019 tripartite elections.