Bright Malopa

DISSAPOINTED WITH THE CONDUCT OF CHANCO STAFF UNION

2011-03-24T21:16:00.004Z

In her rebarbative cynicism and her mordant clarity, Chancellor College Academic Staff Union (CCASU) acting president has been to any media house electronic and print, local and international making her case on behalf of her union so as to make people believe that academic freedom is under threat in this country. At its lowest point, people who are often associated with civility, liberalism and intellect were seen shouting, hooting, carrying out coffins and burning out forms designed by their council asking them to return to work .I wonder what sort of impression was being created of malawian intellectuals?

As one observer pointed out,"The wikepidia discuss Academic Freedom as a belief that has limitations in practice. The Encyclopedia Brittanica says Academic Freedom is allowed without unreasonable restrictions. Unreasonable restriction means there are reasonable restrictions. " There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition and design of chancellor college staff union’s position. It first excludes the general public from the means of information in the direction of letting us know exactly what happened, yet empowers themselves to act on a matter where the highest judgment is required. It must be established here that both mine and my opponent’s contributions on this debate are not definitive doctrine or theory let alone a true reflection of what happened. None of us were there when Dr Chinsinga delivered his lecture .Again; none of us were there when the inspector general and Dr Chinsinga met .We understand they met. But we don’t know what was discussed when the two gentlemen met. We know for a fact that Dr Chinsinga was not arrested, cautioned or warned and has not been charged. Basically, he is a freeman before, during and after the lecture. He is a free man before, during and after meeting the inspector general. Surprisingly, calls are being made for the inspector general to apologize. To who and why? The hyper-reality that destroys human meaning of moral consciousness, and hence solidarity, by simulating it with political greed and self importance to regain a political discourse grounded in autonomous, intersubjective mutuality and closely associated with the natural ego at the expense of innocent students, should not be given room to rise if we as a nation are to realize our dream. It must be condemned by all progressive Malawians. Why are Chancellor College lecturers boycotting classes? Certainly not over the informal chat between the inspector general and Dr Chinsinga for that will be majoring in minors. Certainly not over infringed academic freedom because the university council has already ruled that out.And finally not over alleged policing activities in the class rooms and fear thereof because they [lecturers] are bold enough to face the police in the street. It’s even better for them to meet police in their classrooms since they can easily claim home ground advantage. Matter of fact, this whole talk of “fear” is a fallacy. These lecturers have shown boldness of untold magnitude. These are people, who’ve defied a presidential directive, challenged their college principal, and have since taken the chairman of university council to court for contempt. They marched on campus burning UNIMA council’s forms they were supposed to fill to indicate their wish to return to class after five-weeks of boycott. They don’t fear anyone, respect no order and have a record of removing a serving principal. They have a tradition of addressing their problems through protests .Whether they have a point or not is not an issue. They simply are fearless people and dangerously so. In the absence of a common web of meaning, even small differences can turn into a major conflict. In such circumstances as has been the case in the past, there is every incentive to inflate suspicion and magnify difference. Their informality, seeming approachability, and apparent normality has been part of their successful attempts to make only their point heard. National interests cannot be served in this way. It can only come from the transformation of the individual union politics and the emergence of joint efforts from their combined skills under the auspices of patriotism, all summoned together in pursuit of the prosperity of their students. It is for this reason that the nation unsurprisingly is not in favor of the boycott. People take an exceedingly dim view of these priorities by our academic. They have seen right through all the false sincerity, the bogus and dodgy reason why there is a boycott. The public’s disillusionment is now so extreme that there is nothing the staff union can say in defense of their current position that will be believed by parents who desperately want their children to be educated and get their degrees. It is now evident that the legal and moral justification regarding the boycott did not depend on the Inspector General’s refusal to apologize, but on the fact that the academics are simply not interested in serving their country and the interest of the nation. They are boycotting the classes not because the inspector general refused to apologize but because they have a long held tradition of boycotting. A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives them a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. For the real damage done by this tumult is the way it brings to the front of those innocent students caught up in the cross fire of unionism and political depression .The union is now horribly exposed. Comments from Professor Chisi of college of medicine, Noel Mbowela of Mzuzu University and the change of heart from Bunda academics is quite revealing. If anything, it gives us a picture of a staff union’s inner circle which has all but disintegrated. Above all, its leadership cannot function without threats. It shows of a a performer with the thinnest of skins, who cannot survive without the cheers of marauding-students. The ceaseless conundrum of whether one is predestined or somehow the author of a particular fortune or fate in as far as this standoff is concerned seems impossible to solve through human logic. They teach logic but when differences occur, they take a position which cannot stand the pettiness of intellectual consistency. They express feelings first which comes in all forms of shapes and sizes like, anger, confronting authorities, boycott, defiance, venting anger through demonstrations Is this the message being given to the students who should soon be eminent decision makers of our society? Their indifference with the IG is just being used as a scapegoat. If truth be told, there was already anger at Chanco because the union was mobilising to remove yet another principal (Professor Chris Kamulongera) after Professor Francis Moto. His crime? Because the Disciplinary Committee of the college (not the principal) disciplined two of its members for defying submission of students’ grades; is the union above reproach???. Knowing that they had no dispute against their employer, they picked an issue with the IG who approached Dr. Chinsinga privately and accorded him with dignity. The union instead demanded a public apology. Was it to humiliate him? Or, did they think that the apology and assurance alone would solve their problem? Shouldn’t they have sought to meet and engage him privately, to reason with him as it befits intellectuals?

Knowing that they had no dispute against their employer, they proceeded to suspend the core business of the university – teaching! How were we solving the problem? Knowing that academic freedom does not include politicisation of students, they have always insisted on using students as their tool, by neglecting them so that they must become angry and help their cause. Are students happy to be used in this way? Do the students know that they are being used? Are parents aware that their children are used in this way? Is the IG issue the real reason why Chancellor College is behaving the way it does, or is being used as a weapon for other motives? The union is on record for “confronting” the Vice Chancellor, but why confront the authorities instead of discussing with them? Is this the work ethics our students should copy? Why does the Union always make public demands, expecting their demands to met, and when their authorities ask or “direct” them to work; they defy. Are they the only ones to be listened to but they do not want to listen to others? Since the university is there to teach reasoning and solution-finding, does the public have enough reason to be worried? Do the academics need to be reasoned with? Who will do that since they are defiant to their Principal, Vice Chancellor and their Chancellor? Do they want to exist without any authority above them? Do all academics agree with this approach of doing things really? I’ve met quite a number or them. They are descent men and women who’ve baked some of the finest minds of international repute this country ever produced such as professor Tiyambe Zeleza,prof Hangson Mpalive Msiska and Dr Peter Kumpalume to mention a few. If anyone was in great doubt about Malawi’s democratic credentials then surely he or she must visit Chancellor College .A regime armed with dictatorial pangs good enough to ply on academic freedom cannot let go all the happenings at chanco without an incident. It seems straight here that the current regime is tolerant therefore pausing no threat to academic freedom and democracy at large. The essence of the current regime it seems has always been a belief in human nature as distinct from abstract ideology. And the essence of human nature is adaptability, flexibility, ingenuity. I have no reason to doubt that the current adminstration’s policies throughout the last seven years have been designed to give these virtues room to grow. Now People have all the freedom they wanted on planet earth. The only trouble though is that they don’t know what to do with it. Instead, they want an apology from a law enforcer. As a hallmark of our endeavor, I believe that it Is important to mirror the values of the present Democracy in the context of our past with an aim – to look for healing not confrontation, for pastoral reconciliation and not punishment, to look to our shared witness not only in our political lens but in the processes by which our vested interest in our democracy works out the current tensions without compromising our security, rule of law and natural justice. Selfish acts committed in the context of an institutionalized position of systematic influence and domination by one authority or group of people over their subordinates ought not to be the credentials of Chancellor College Academic Staff Union. As individuals working for an institution of higher learning, they have made tremendous contribution to the country. They ought to be proud of that. Perhaps an experience I encountered few months ago, in New York can help explain my view point better. After a busy schedule one summer evening last year, I took a boat ride on Hudson River. Whilst sailing, west of wall street towards downtown Manhattan, I realized then that every time a ship was approaching us, the captain was getting hold of his wireless machinery and begun talking to his counterpart supposedly manning the ship coming from the opposite direction in the process, giving each other’s signs in passing, showing signals and soon a distance voice in the darkness would follow. In so doing, accident by way of head-on collision was being averted. I figured then that on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another. Only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence. The beauty of life lies in the look and courage we give to each other. In trying to humiliate the Inspector General who in all fairness went beyond his call of duty to pacify an otherwise sensitive matter we make but mockery of our education system. In trying to boast about defying orders from authorities and take joy in getting rid of college authorities, we create but wrong impressions that academics are no different from villagers. As David Belasco once said, “For each day, we must say with our own self, how long shall I hear from my friend again? How long shall see the standards of friendly smiles and the sound of laughter from my country folks “And so fellow countrymen, I echo my own Hudson boat ride experience, talking to authorities and not demanding an apology with a view to humiliate our inspector general will not benefit anyone. If anything it only puts our country to shame. Which ever side of the story, let’s not forget that students have a right to education too. Democracy can become a bitter test, when the fullness of democracy is denied.

Sources:

The Gentle Art of Persuasion( George Thompson - Dr.) How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable : Getting Your Point Across- (Suzette Haden Elgin ) Getting to Resolution : Turning Conflict into Collaboration-Stewart Levine - Getting to Yes : Negotiating Agreement Without Giving in- Ury & Fisher - Fisher, & Ury Alternative Dispute Resolution for Organizations : How to Design a System.. Allan Stitt - Hinkle Time to Declare War on Israel Times-Dispatch2010-09-10 Ali How to Win the Clash of Civilizations Wall Street Journal2010-08-18 Glick European Courts in the service of Israel's Destruction Jerusalem Post2010-07-05 Sharpe The Two-State Solution of Britain is 87 Years Old American Thinker2009-03-29 Eidelberg Foreign Policy of Israel vis-a-vis the US Israel National News2009-03-16 Anonymous Background check on Barack Hussein Obama Anonymous2008-10-27 Wilders Islamization of Europe 2008-08-25 Ware U.S. officials rethink hopes for Iraq democracy CNN2007-08-22 Frantzman Ethnic cleansing of Jews by Arabs in pre-state Israel Jerusalem Post2007-08-16 Vineyard Letter to President Bush about Jews 2007-08-08

THE AFRICAN DREAM

2011-01-31T19:47:00.002Z

On 29th January, His Excellency the state president of the republic of Malawi launched his sixth book titled The African Dream at Sheraton Addis Ethiopia. Launched live on MBC and Ethiopia Television and relayed via satellite, 0ver 100 million people were for 1 hour engaged into an intellectual discourse on issues affecting them and were more finely honed into vivid and intelligently articulated construct and or manifesto which has originated from the mind of a rare political thinker.

In those brief moments, those present at the time of the launch and millions of Television viewers across Africa got inspired. They could realize a future in which many an African can finally begin to dream in audaciously bright colors of previously unimaginable possibilities without any mental constrain to perceive unlimited abundance.

The eloquent summary of the book by Hon Dr Ken Lipenga minister of tourism, wildlife and culture, a prolific writer and linguist himself summed up the African Dream as an impressive work of art.

He observed that “The African dream represents a watershed moment of dynamic and practical political leadership”
Going by his scholarly account ,Professor Bingu wa Mutharika is a unique mind and a rare African leader whose economic and political insights - captured in The African Dream - is set to catapult him into the records of Africa’s future history as an innovative custodian of a visionary, new beginning

The size of Martin Meridith’s book “The State of Africa ”, the 600 + paged book, is a recollection of the author’s life experiences that, seeks to challenge its reader to tap deep into an inner well of passion and aspiration. But unlike "The State of Africa", in which Meredith's writing has been described as authoritative and well-documented, despite the pessimism inherent in his subject matter; The African Dream represents a sequence of contemplative suggestions that seek to point the discerning African mind onto a lofty plain of emancipation and renewal.
The power of thought that is embedded in The African Dream will effectively drive Africa’s disciplined generational thinkers towards a unique and inspiring quantum of enlightenment based on which steadied steps towards true economic emancipation can be achieved.

Directing the launching ceremony of the book, the internationally renowned broadcaster Phil Molefe famous for directing proceedings at Nelson Mandela’s birthday party in Cape Town where the Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman was a guest of honour, declared in a valedictory narrative thus:“The African Dream is a powerful basket of thought that will stimulate the minds of Africa’s Visionary leadership into the origination of novel solutions for a needlessly hungry with a deep yearning for change and a dispirited continent that desperately wants to change for the better”

Phil was not alone for George Twumasi; CEO for Africa Broadcast network who flew all the way from London to witness the launch of the book alongside other international media gushapats like Jean Marc Belchi of radio france, William Wallis of financial Times, and Patrick Smith of Africa international who could not hide his excitement.”I have been looking for this moment” He said. “
”The African Dream represents a seminal point of introspective reflection, which mirrors Africa’s new reality of hope. It is the catalyst that will reframe Africa’s socio-economic and political dialogue. I like this man and his vision “George concluded.

In the eyes of the European, Virginia Woolf’s apt observation in her book A Room of One’s Own that
“one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” The African Dream has for far too long come to represent a disparaging reality of hopelessness which Africa must now overcome. To the American mind, the words of O. Henry, one of that country’s most prolific writers, “love and business and family and religion and art and patriotism are nothing but shadows of words when a man’s starving”

However in the African Dream, the author’s rhetorical question to Africa’s current and future leadership when simply rephrased is summed up as follows:
“Our people expect us to resolve issues of hunger and poverty once and for all within our lifetime.
Posterity will judge us harshly if we do not take action now. If not us then who?
If not now, when?”

Of the unease of being in the global world by adopting foreign habits and the precarious antidotes to its tedium, toil, and troubles; of living a life examined yet still not lived; of the entangled desire and reluctance to articulate obstacles standing in the way of a developing African continent, the author comes to agreeing on and believing in a common vision for the future when he observes:

“Of even greater importance is the search for new directions in Africa. A partial answer is to create a united front by defining a common identity. An identity provides the means by which a person, tribe, society, nation, country or continent is recognized and described. It is how an object is recognised as having characteristics distinct and separate from other objects.
True, Africa is not a homogeneous entity, but Africans do share common origins. Therefore, the African identity is how African people show and recognise who they are, how their cultural and traditional beliefs distinguish them from other people. It is also how they show or prove to other nations across the globe that Africa does exist, requires recognition, and has an important role to play in the shaping of human and world relations.”

When it comes to developmental frameworks,the author notes with impish wisdom,the issue of children as central theme to development.

“A child denotes a human being under the age of sixteen years. Children in any society, whether developed or underdeveloped, rich or poor, white or black, represent future human capital”

As a scholar, leader and observer of international politics, the author makes a brilliant observation , sharing a strong feeling of inequality and injustice by powerful nations of the global North against smaller nations from the global South:

“The struggle of small nation-states for their mere survival has become more complex. Political reforms, multi-party democracy and good governance, essentially motivated from the outside, have now been firmly imposed by donors as the main prerequisites for assistance.”

"The African Dream” is an incredible work that demonstrates relentless effort and abilities in four main intellectual disciplines, History, Economics, Politics and Philosophy. The application of the elements in these four disciplines to the continent of Africa by the author, culminates in a recital of the rich history of democracy and governance, the application of science and technology to life by early Africans as well as an in-depth analysis of the recent past and finally a prescription of how to align the factors of economics and politics in order to grow the tools that will achieve the African Dream of self reliance and an equal competitive player in the global market.

The author says something about every aspect of economic and political life, agriculture and production, mining and wealth creation, regional and sub regional economic integration, the future role of the African Armed forces, the role of women and youth, civil society and private sector, donor community and politics of ruling and opposition parties.

Towards the end of the book, the author asserts his authority by challenging the skeptics and critics when he says:“This is not a small dream, and it is not apologetic"
All of the conclusions drawn and the prescriptions offered spring from two points of strength: :
1-As an observer of the process.
2-As a participant in the process at the highest level as President of Malawi and Chair of the African Union. Launched simultaneously in French and English,The African Dream is available both paper back and hard cover. Certainly, a must read

JOHN CHILEMBWE THE MARTYR

2010-12-11T12:20:00.006Z

Until some where around mid 90,3rd March was closely associated with John Chilembwe, the 1953 insurgency and Nyasaland’s state of emergency. For sure, John Chilembwe must be given credit historically for his effort to show the British rulers the independent spirit of the people of Nyasaland. But to the disappoint of most of my pan-African friends, in particular my American based good friend Dr Sharra who at 16 began his social consciousness, sharing a strong feeling of inequality and injustice by powerful nations of the global North against smaller nations from the global South, I have not been able to share the praise and the mellow dramatic nature of heroism often attributed to the legendary acts of John Chilembwe.

The more I reflect on what happened in mid January of 1915 and the tragic events that followed, the more I begin to appreciate the importance of planning .As Dr Banda would say “to be successful in politics, besides determination and leadership, one must have good planning, complete cooperation and dedication to the plan by others, and good timing.

Planning must be perfect down to the last detail and must consider carefully, alternatives or contingencies. Cooperation and dedication is essential between all; no jealousy, no tribalism, no secret cliques and finally there must be a ground-swell of support, complete support of all factions.

When John Chilembwe returned home as a minister, he was arguably angered by the racial divide and its associated injustices on his natives. He wasted no time and quickly organized himself into an army. Since he had no money and armory, his plan was to steal opponent’s weapons and this is where the whole plan cracks me up. We are told; about 12 guns were stolen from Mandala.

However a forensic study of pictures of executed Europeans during the uprising revealed that almost all colonial casualties had no bullet wounds, creating an impression that probably the stolen guns had no bullets and I have strong doubts as to whether any of them had any knowledge on how to use a gun. With 12 guns, probably without bullets, and no formal training on the part of the church goers now turned soldiers, war was declared against the white settlers. Believe me, I am a patriot to boot but this does not stop me from detecting a crazy plan.

And if you think this was the only crazy military plan on planet earth on how to fight oppression and injustices of the time, then wait until you hear the story of South Africa’s president Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma’s fight against white supremacy whilst hiding in Swaziland. Weapons were scarce in those days and the liberation movement needed every gun it could lay its hands on.

Rumor had it that a certain white foreigner who used to go out with young Swazi woman had a pistol. When the boyfriend went abroad, news reached the ANC underground operatives in the area that he had left his pistol with her. And so the leaders of the ANC underground in Swaziland, Thabo Mbeki and Albert Dhlomo, instructed their most trusted cadre, Jacob Zuma, to get the gun. The plan, they told Zuma, was for him to woo her, get close to her and then find ways of acquiring the weapon through his seductive prowess with theft as a fall back position.

Even though “the woman was not beautiful as Zuma would recall, he followed the orders and proposed to her”. Within days, Zuma had charmed his way into her heart. Now as her lover he could freely ask her about her ex-boyfriend and his prized pistol.
The boyfriend had indeed left the gun with her, she told her new lover. But, to Zuma’s horror, she had also sold it just two days before he asked her about it.

Inculcated with modern warfare’s, military strategists of all times like author of the Chinese classic-The art of war –sun-tzu, great army commanders like Yamamoto,
T.E Lawrence,Shaka,Zulu,Genghis Khan,Napoleon Collin Powel and many others would have failed Chilembwe’s war strategy. Firstly, he allowed emotion to run his independence effort. Secondly his was a much localized activity; there was multi-factional or tribal jealousy, leadership rivalry and so many negative factors. But I do give John Chilembwe credit for clearly expressing discontent with the increasingly restrictive rule imposed on his country by the colonial power.

If people are living in terrible conditions for whatever reason, they become desperate and desperate people will risk everything in a fight. Already defeated by circumstances, they have nothing to loose.

In the search for success in life, people tend to rely on things that seem simple and easy or that have worked before. Everything can take away from you and generally will be spent at some point. Your wealth vanishes, the latest gadgetry suddenly becomes passé, your allies desert you and so fourth but when your mind is armed with a sense of pride and personal Identity, there is no power that can take that away. In the middle of a crisis, your mind will find its way to the right solution and there in lies the strength of John Chilembwe.

By 1900,he was already educated and with a little more time in class perfecting his intellect and knowledge, he could have easily joined the wave of earliest African scholars and educationist, the likes of Booker Washington, William Dubois, Martin Hughes, Tolson and James Farmer sr to mention a few.

But earning himself scholarly achievements while his natives were being oppressed by a tyranny of a majority elite was too much of a pill to swallow.
He wanted to refuse them the freedom of time and space they need for their mayhem against his natives.
In crowning John Chilembwe as a symbol of martyrdom, we do so in recognition of the latter spirit, the spirit of resistance. As prof. Thandeka Mkandawire once said, “We have a laudable history of resistance”

As anyone can imagine, chilembwe’s struggle for equality met insurmountable challenges. Waging an uprising at a time when the British colonial office was entertaining John Cecil Rhodes’s commercial empire was not easy but his love for humanity taught us something.

In a country where facts were blurred by superstition and denial, where mothers were separated from their children and prevention was hamstrung by divisive racial politics, pulpit ceremonies of loving people, touching them, hold their hands and finally becoming symbol of resistance was by far the greatest of all achievements.

It took the courage of young Chilembwe a middle income earner to hatch a plan that would change the plight of his peasant natives. They had no capital hill or parliament to discuss it.Future martyrs, the likes of Dunduzu Chisiza,Ching’oli Chirwa,Attati Mpakati,Mkwapatira Mhango,Chief Gomani,John Grey Kufa and many others long gone, were the salt of our new found freedom,Future pillars of struggle for equality.

Their willingness to challenge the injustices of the time and the inhuman nature of the manner in which their natives were being treated were not ordinary acts.Malawi may not be experiencing the wrath of racism and the degree of imperial injustices of 1915, 1953.1959 and the ninety’s.

There is no doubt that what Malawi has accomplished within this short period is both impressive and inspiring. Among African nations, we remain a model for representative democracy - a place where many different ethnic factions have found a way to live and work together in peace and stability.

But for all the progress that has been made, we must surely acknowledge that we have not yet fulfilled our potential - that the hopefulness of the post-colonial era was replaced by repression is a regrettable fact.

In each case, what has been required to meet the challenges we face has been good judgment and clear vision from our leader, and a fundamental seriousness and engagement on the part of the Malawian people – a willingness on the part of each of us to look past what is petty and small and sensational, and look ahead to what is necessary and purposeful.

SPEECH AT THE FIRST TVM AWARDS

2010-01-01T10:35:00.004Z

Your Excellency Sire

All protocols observed,
We are here to witness history. We are here to experience what it means to dream in color. What it means to tap into the heavenly resources of wisdom through creativity and well focused visionary minds. We are making history.

Your Excellency,

it has become an irrefutable truth of immense proportions which will remain as a heritage for all to retrieve .Indeed History will be able to speak about it at great length and where possible assign responsibilities more clearly to the future generation ,that there once lived a man who seriously thought that there was only one way in which we could address our economic challenges and that that one way would not be found in throwing mud at each other through petty arguments bent on cheap popularity but that the only way we can move forward as a nation is to bang our heads together and come out with HOME GROWN SOLUTIONS to address the challenges of our time and that man was Ngwazi Dr Bingu Wamutharika.

Your Excellency
Today is one such a day where our country will in a few minutes from now be recognizing men and women who have done just that.
Allow me to share with all who are in here and beyond that it was your vision to honor ordinary men and women who have done allot without knowing it and have improved the lives of others.

Perhaps I did not mention it to you Sir that after conceptualizing your idea of recognizing men and women who’ve done a lot without knowing it, I made an attempt to sell the idea to a few people where I was told point blank that whatever plan I had regarding this event was wishful thinking and that it couldn’t work particularly so in Malawi and while you encouraged me to soldier on, I was told by a media mogul that I was brazenly crazy and Your Excellency this, to some extent did put me off temporarily .

However, on reflection, I dismissed his hell bent sentiments towards frustrating me, though to some extent he probably would have been partially correct for craziness is a necessary ingredient for creativity and invention to forge ahead,for as you may be aware sir, through history, a man of humble achievements and yet in this very point the former leader of Burkina Faso namely Tomas Sankara once said that “You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness.

in this case, it comes from nonconformity, the courage to turn your back on the old formulas, the courage to invent the future, thus he went to say that“ It took the madmen of yesterday for us to be able to act with extreme clarity today. I want to be one of those madmen. We must dare to invent the future."

In tonight’s show, we have a sample of men and women drawn from all regional corners of this country through a research process which saw us coming into contact with a mother and daughter forming a new understanding of each other, bonding as never before.

There are in tonight’s program stunning stories about the sacrifices made to keep a family together. They showed a community where buildings can be damaged and even destroyed while living our spirit indestructible. They too make us proud of the extraordinary resilience of ordinary Malawian people.

Government officers in a district yet to be recognized in a few minutes from now showed remarkable concern over those we consider to be the outcasts due to their mental illness when they together went to work to clean up the streets, shaved and bathed the mental patients , Long after the society considered them to be a nuance.

But tested again and again the resilience of the awardees has been a powerful proof of the character of our country. And lastly your excellence, my father Ben Everson Malopa is a Minister of the Seventh - Day Adventist Church.

Although he is a Pastor, I don’t recall all the sermons my father preached Sabbath after Sabbath, but I will never forget a phrase in one of his sermons that “we must be givers as well as getters” and learn the art of Putting something back, And by doing so make a difference. All awardees fit into this criteria, thus they gave their onself to better others while making a difference in the process

To the power of Television and the spirit of tomorrow,
I now present to you, Your Excellency, the people of Malawi and Africa
the 2009 tv Awards- OUR PEOPLE OUR PRIDE

ON BEING APPOINTED DEPUTY CEO FOR MBC

2009-06-30T11:45:00.002+01:00

A response to government appointment of Bright Malopa as deputy director general of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. Entitled BYE-BYE BRITANIA,it was posted on malawitalk in january 2007.

http://www.mailtalk.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A2=ind0701&L=MALAWITALK&T=0&F=&S=&P=294391

Friends and critics,

I have no words to express the warmth and support my family and two little children have received from friends,relatives and the people of the republic of Malawi. Expressions of support have come from as far as government officials to my village headman.In this season of goodwill and fellowship I am well aware of the expectations my appointment alongside that of my colleague Mr Patrick Khoza has generated .

Iam also aware of the many calls there have already been on those who are not wishing us well. But I want to draw your attention to the plight of a victim scarcely less deserving than the causes for which you recently rang and wrote –“The Malawian mindset”One that seems to suggest that only those that have a background in journalism should have a monopoly to enjoy managerial positions at the nation’s broadcasting house, a position laughably being pursued by NAMISA ..Sadly this is a mentality that has led our nation’s broadcasting house into this sorry state.

A sorry state that seek to believe in running a media house in an ever growing demand driven environment using journalistic theories and article scribbling experiences as opposed to best business practices.A sorry state that has seen the current DG and the DDG inheriting their offices without handovers.A sorry state where the nation broadcasting house’s has news reporters and their senior managers isolated from the cyber world,A sorry state where support officers went as far as going outside office complex to engage in car washing “ganyus” during working hours And finally a sorry state where all vehicles are grounded except 3 with none in the central and northern regions.

As some of you may know, in contrast to the DG, and to several other senior managers at MBC, I'm a relative newcomer to the topic of public broadcasting and its role in contributing to the development of civil society. But like so many of you who have invested your trust and confidence in me, I have been brought to it by both the demands of my work as a professional marketer, and my personal experience as the former moderator of Malawitalk.

Ever since I obtained my first Malawian passport some 15 years ago, I've devoted my life to the notion of “malawianness”, and I've had my eyes and heart opened as I traveled through emerging democracies , a thing which has been a motivating factor whenever an opportunity arise to contribute to the development of my country be it in my private or official capacity.

Now that the government of Malawi through the ministry of statutory corporations and the board members of Malawi broadcasting corporation gave me a rare opportunity to steer this organization to safety lands , I feel a real sense of urgency about changing not only MBC’s mindset but also that of its listeners so we can breed and cultivate , a culture of enterprise that encourages people to get on as far as they can, with decent public services and a net beneath which no one can fall.

Like many of you, we at MBC want to make a difference. We are currently re-evaluating our strategy and role. We want to identify where in the world it is important for us to be, and to join forces with other organizations that can help make our presence useful and effective, with the resources available.

We have received enormous amount of support from government and have been told no any other advice other than to uplift the organization from its current mess and direct it towards self financing.As public service broadcaster, MBC has helped build civil society and democratic institutions in our country. Many of its listeners have also contributed to social development outside their own borders. I have tremendous admiration for the work that many of the serving broadcasters at MBC have done and are doing in this regard.

Personally, I accepted the offer fully aware of its challenges. I accepted the offer for the very simple reason that it is a hard job. As others have suggested, It could have been a good idea to secure employment with foreign office so I could work at one of Malawi’s leading embassies as its trade attaché. But doing that would have been doing what I together with other friends –the likes of Watipaso Mkandawire,Dr Lweya,Levie Nkunika,Mr and Mrs Kandulu and many others were already doing in trying to shape the future of Malawi’s foreign investment with the direction and guidance of Malawi’s mission representative to the UK Dr Francis Moto.

Going for an appointment whose tasks were evolving around something I was already doing in my spare time was a demotivating factor. And so I did it intentionally because easy jobs are for light minds and those who are not willing to take risks, not that I have a tough mind although I may agree with anyone who may say so.I accepted the offer well knowingly that despite few comforts it may bring, by and large the nature of the DDG office has envy, jealousies, gossiping and backbiting as its occupational hazards.

There is plenty of evidence on nyasanet and open display of envy by a minority, but a minority that possesses a characteristic human psychological deformity and can't stand the pettiness of intellectual consistency. They want it all ways, and are capable of holding two mutually contradictory positions at once. Thus they can wish you well in the first posting only to be irritated by a sea of those that are joining them in wishing you well and are capable of not only destroying the spirit, trust and confidence of others but can go all the way to the point of wishing others dead.

I do not fear being killed for the simple reason that I was born a Malawian, raised a Malawian and will probably die a Malawian. If Malawians were to decide or plot to kill me for holding a differing view than that of their own, such an act though not acceptable to my close friends and family members will serve as an honorable act to the decency of my high held views At which point my epitaph will read thus:"THERE LIES A MAN WHOSE NATIVES FAILED TO DESTROY HIS CONVICTIONS"

For those that are concerned with the path negativists and agents of mendacity are pursuing, I wish to assure you that I have done my homework, and I have come up with a far more effective solution.

As ever, I have consulted the ancient texts, and have been reminded that the Greeks and Romans were also convinced of the importance of making a sacrifice before any tricky voyage. You will recall that the Greek task force for Troy actually killed Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, in the hope of guaranteeing good sailing weather -- with bad consequences for Agamemnon's conjugal relations. I too have made a sacrifice and have since killed my fears death in the hope that I should serve my country and my government because they hold view - one which I happen to share - that for Malawi to develop, there is a great need for a certain degree of patriotism and that a mindset where ambitions and dreams can flourish should be given room to grow .My role at MBC is simply to provide business direction and where possible propel confidence and a spirit of malawianness.

I also believe that changing technologies and markets are opening opportunities for us to fill that need around the world. As a quasi university, I together with my boss- a veteran broadcaster one Patrick Khoza will make all efforts and see to it that our 36 months reign at MBC are served in the interest of the nation in line with government’s millennium goals .

I am convinced that the government of Malawi and its people will look back at MBC and stare at us in ways that makes one to say: "There once live a DG and his DDG whose contribution to the broadcasting house will be a source of inspiration to future generations as well as a model of business to struggling state run corporations."

I have no reason to doubt that I have managed to leave this mark on Malawitalk.Now that Malawitalk has managed to position itself in the society and is considered a serious source of information and ideas,, I have all the hope and trust that the M-Team currently being managed by David Mkwambisi,Timothy Sukali and Isaac Ziba will work on my weakness to provide direction which may appeal to reason and not emotions. Sadly, though, internet is painfully slow in Malawi such that I may not be able to respond to best wishes sent to me both on the forum and in private now reaching 800. May God continue to bless you in your various endeavors

Bright Mac Everson Malopa

Deputy Director Genaral-MBC

ON BEING APPOINTED TVM's CEO

2009-02-04T11:14:00.001Z

Firstly I am thanking His Excellency the state president through the ministry of statutory corporations for considering and entrusting me with a responsibility to manage the images and aspirations of Malawians through visual footages at Television Malawi. What His Excellency the state president has done in this regard has changed the sad verses and chapters of our history where young people’s contribution to their country was to beat their elders and break their knees into numbness. It is the rarest of administrative phenomena- a collective change of hearts towards the youth of this country and I will for ever cherish the pleasure to take more responsibilities government may wish to assign me.

I also wish to add that I am just one of the many citizens of youthful years both in Malawi and outside looking forward to cut their teeth and try their trade in public service in a fashion that proves to the world that the love of our country beckons us, that the things that matters aught to be worked for and that with a bit of mindset change, a bright and prosperous future cannot be found across distant hills but rather within the corridors of our self courage ,confidence and determination.

As I leave MBC, to head TVM my approach will be to pursue and work on a high quality, distinctively Malawian program which reinforces both the degree of audience engagement with Malawian content and the TVM’s role in producing it. These I believe are the broadcasting measures designed to build a better sense of public ownership of the TVM.

I believe that our country has gone through an impressive economic turnaround and that the media in particular Television can transform people’s lives and participate effectively in the development of the country. I see Television as an important tool to reach out to the masses and to promote a positive sense of Malawian ness.

I also see the media as effective partners in reducing poverty and that media houses such as TVM should actively be taking part in developmental issues. My job at TVM will not be to be the boss of these virtues but nurture talent that can deliver them. I believe there is talent out there in particular the print media where brave sons and daughters of this nation have risen above their qualifications to claim awards of international repute as has been the case with our State President.

I am also aware of the world focus now zeroing in on this country economic successes and predictions not least expectations the world at large has on Malawi. With the presence of satellite, our program content has to match that and create a sense of Malawi we can all be proud of, where talent can be groomed and given room to rise. At each and every stage, we will be seeking the views and advice about the sort of TVM we all want to build. And when that happens, I will be the happiest Malawian on planet earth.

Your messages of good will are in order.

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN

2008-11-12T13:31:00.002Z

Barack Obama has opened another page in the books of world politics where against all odds; he has become the first black man to be elected America’s president.
He put up a spirited fight from the word go taking each and every advantage to put himself in the lime light whilst developing his campaign around people’s participation. With the help of chief strategist David Axelrod known for his political magic, The Illinois senator built his decisive win on three leadership principles: a clear vision, clean execution, and friends in high places.

While his opponent John McCain is a great American war veteran whose economic platform made better sense for business, especially in terms of free trade, tax policy, and job creation, Obama's message was inspirational in its simplicity. He talked about the failings of George W. Bush. He talked about change and hope and health care for all. Over and over, he painted a picture of the future that excited people with a clear and consistent vision of a change they can believe in. The result was a tremendous success.

It gave American people hope. Rekindled late Martin Luther King’s dream of an America where people will not be judged by the colour of their skin, gave Africa someone to relate to but above all it made people believe that they will have someone who can listen to their concerns. This gospel of change seems not to escape anyone such that even people who have never changed like honourable Tembo are now talking of change.Whilst questions have been asked as regards to what exactly will change, it seems unlike Barack Obama, hon Tembo’s change is something no one can believe in.

The question, however, is not about whether hon Tembo’s change should be believed in or not but rather the relevance of the Malawi congress party as a political fabric in the history of Malawi. Where is the change when Hon. Tembo still presides over the MCP, squashing and trampling upon the spirit of the people who built it through its tenets? Where is the change when those who died for MCP would rise only to be confronted with the sad reality that has seen it degrading itself into a regional and personal estate?
The only change worth mentioning is the change from a truly national Party to a party where all top positions are exclusively predestined for one region, apparently operating from a personal residence and in the process permanently installing Hon. Tembo as chief landlord of MCP. Is this a change Malawians can believe in?

The MCP is neither transparent in its dealings nor fully accountable to its wider membership. Furthermore, the current leadership’s trend of clogging the whole hierarchy with people from one region has failed in its political function to inspire the nation and attract support from other regions. Frustrated with this and many other issues, people from other regions no longer find it worthwhile to belong to MCP. The MCP has out of its own accord, created a vicious cycle in which MCP itself often finds it hard to truly inform the national electorate about policy decisions. Certainly, and i repeat, certainly, this is not change we can believe in.

As history will attest, The MYP and the police under the instruction of the MCP political leadership were empowered to detain anyone without trial. Others were tried in traditional courts without legal representation and some were even murdered in fabricated “car accidents” In 1976 the religious denomination of Jehovah’s witnesses was declared an unlawful society. Its members were targets of massive repression and thousands were imprisoned.

Civil and political rights did not exist. Basic rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of information and the rule of law were barbarically and unashamedly violated. The censorship act and the information monopoly of the regime compromised the right of free access to information more over the reporting of false or damaging information about Malawi was considered a criminal offence punishable with life time imprisonment.
Rightly or wrongly, one name that has been associated to all these mis-hapennings has been that of hon Tembo because of his life-long desire to be the leader of this country.
If Hon is a changed man, then he has given up this life-long desire to always be in leadership. That is a change we will believe in.

The former head of state himself repeatedly detested any idea that would see hon Tembo becoming a leader, changed man or not! MCP’s idea of only reserving the presidential candidacy to hon Tembo is a serious threat the theory of change and to MCP’s own chances of reclaiming government. Over a short period in which he has been leader of MCP, he has inspired and provoked nothing but contempt. His performance over the last 5 years has made it even worse.
He presided over a brutal and egoistic section 65 position where he, himself won nothing and changed nothing, but only succeeded in denting the political image of his ably young and upcoming parliamentarians who are going to lose en masse.

When the president was fighting for a change in the tobacco prices for farmers most of them proud residents of the central region where remainings of his party are confined, this changed man blocked and ridiculed the president’s proposal as unworkable. Today farmers from Ntchisi, Kasungu ,Dowa and Lilongwe have regained their glorious past. Their lives can boast a change they can believe in. What is even more disappointing is not that he has been leader of MCP by decree for so long, but that he has been at the centre of breaking the very same ideals and values upon which MCP was founded- NATIONALISM.

When MCP was founded, it attracted young nationalists the likes of Masopera Gondwe, Stenings Msiska, Mikeka Mkandawire, Gomire Kuntumanji, Lali Lubani, Abdulla Thabi, Thengo Maloya, Hatwel Solomoni and many others now turning in their graves. These young men were inspired by the love of their country such that without any money, they often walked long distances preaching the gospel of nationalism and the coming of independence and a change they could believe in.

They did so often on empty stomachs. Their health steadily declined, they were dragged through the mud, tried and persecuted, castigated and ostracised, and dismissed as rouble-rousers and agitators, but they refused to abandon the cause because their belief in nationalism and a change they could believe in was greater than the enormity of challenges they experienced. Sadly the independence that MCP helped in bringing has had its celebrations boycotted by the allegedly changed MCP Ayatollah now assured of once again being its candidate.

Times have changed. Hon John Tembo has not.
People may be less desperate than in history, but they have more focused interests, they are more professional as advocates and they have stronger tools at their disposal. There must be amidst all the confusions and happenings in the MCP party at present undisturbed remnant MCP honest people who still have within them, a vision of a change Malawians can believe in. These change agents are not purveyors of coercion and violence. They are change advocates who are willing to stand alone if it is necessary for the way of peace and are able to identify themselves as advocates of progress and meaningful development.

These are such young and intelligent people as Ishmael Chafukira- minus his love for allowances; upcoming politicians such as Nancy Tembo who has been making objective contributions in the chamber; maverick and radical politicians like Willard Gwengwe; Fatherly and honest politicians like hon Kamoto-a kindhearted politician who stood for Maltida Katopola in the face of strong opposition from his colleagues and many others. These are the future leaders of a changed MCP.

There was a time when Malawi Congress party was a mighty party. They were holding their meetings and caucuses at their party offices and in conference rooms. Now they meet in somebody’s house. There was a time when MCP had membership across the country. It was rich in resources and manpower. Now it has been reduced to a party that is hunting for running mates. We don’t know whether that is desirable change.

The Malawian community may have strongly held opinions on both the presenting issues and their underlying causes. In this new Malawi we have not been afraid to discuss those views openly and honestly in our efforts to understand the machinations of government and politics. But equal to all of this is our central belief that forty-two years ago, democracy was perceived as dissenting but now its part of an integral system and because of our past , We must not loose site of the challenges currently facing our country and that any attempt to preach the gospel of change should be based on our values and belief in a better Malawi free of plotting and conjectures and responsibility, a Malawi where leaders can address our problems with scientific approaches as opposed to empty political hectoring

At a time when there are fresh and intelligent entrants into the political scene, when Malawi can see itself as a country where dreams and ambitions can be realised, a future Malawi of sky scrapers, Olympic stadiums and green revolution, it is a sad reality that the MCP convention was bullied into endorsing a leadership that has outlived its usefulness and that cannot contribute anything of value to our country.
This is not a change we can believe in.

THE SPIRIT OF DR ROBERT LAWS

2008-10-10T18:27:00.004+01:00

This article was presented before 600 delegates, Reverends and leaders of Livingstonia Synod at their Synod General Session on 6th august 2008. It was a wonderful ocasion the pleasure for which I will for ever cherish.Reverend Nkhoma,Mezua Banda,Nyondo and Maurice Munthali were gracious to me.Here with please enjoy a reproduced verbatim of my speech titled:

"THE SPIRIT OF DR ROBERT LAWS"

I appreciate the opportunity to speak here at the call to witness the opening of the Livingstonia synod general session. As I am expressing my appreciation, I want the outgoing general secretary and the general synod at large to know that I was moved and continue to be deeply moved by the sincere gesture shown to me through an invitation forwarded to me by the general secretary Rev. Matiya Nkhoma.I must confess here ,that much as I was going to honor the invitation one way or the other, the fact that it was going to be here at Livingstonia paralyzed any excuse that would have gone in the direction of turning down the offer.

I say so because I have heard quite a lot about this place. Some of the Braviest sons and daughters of this nation had their character modeled to an extent where they became an influence to be recon with.Such names include late Rodwel Munyenyembe whose last word on earth was order! Order, Desmond Dudwa Phiri Malawi’s accomplished writer, eminent orators such as Clement Kadali the trade unionist whose work is much more respected by the ruling ANC in south Africa than his Nkhatabay natives, eminent scholars like Mpalive Msiska,Gwebe Nyirenda,Goodal Gondwe,Lewis Mughogho and finally my mentor the award winning novelist Legson Kayira a young man who was inspired by the Livingstonia’s mission motto” I WILL TRY”He trekked to Sudan on foot in pursuit of knowledge. Year’s letter, he wrote an autobiography in memory of this place’s motto I WILL TRY.

Famous for his extensively quoted quotation thus: “I learned that I was not as what other Africans think, a victim of circumstances but rather a master of them” his achievements symbolizes the greatness of Livingstonia mission. It is a place that makes one to discover the warmth and sense of community that the people of Malawi possess - their sense of hopefulness even in the face of great difficulty. As I was coming here, I was enjoying the scenery, the meandering 19 or is it 21 corners and up here, I discovered the beauty of the land, a beauty that haunts you long after you've left.But when warned that I might be asked to say a word or too, I was gob smacked and a little bit numb.

I was not too sure of what to say before this large body of Gods workers. Certainly I couldn’t dare to enter into the un chartered terrain of scriptures in the mistaken belief that I will talk sense to the men of God, themselves masters of that revered art.At first, I entertained the idea of centering the theme of my presentation on the connection between religion and politics and perhaps offer some thoughts about how we can sort through some of the often bitter arguments that we've been seeing over the last several years.

I thought this would be easy on my part, as you all know, we can affirm the importance of poverty in the Bible; As a media man, I thought the religious Malawi could get some advice from little gained experience in the media and link it to the press as part of the church’s strategic growth stratagem and from there we could discuss the religious call to address poverty and environmental stewardship and where time permits us, tackle head-on the mutual suspicion that sometimes exist between religious Malawi and secular Malawi.Political divide in this country has fallen sharply along religious lines.

Indeed, the single biggest "gap" in party affiliation among Malawians today is not between men and women, or those who reside in so-called regional blocks and the phenomena of the tribal belt, but between those who attend church regularly and those who don’t. A religious body that is backing candidate A vs a religious body denouncing Candidate B.But when my mind reflected on the history of this nation, in particular how history recalled a kind hearted person upon whom this synod is named after, a full citation of his famous quote made in 1857 at the Senate House in Cambridge, England knocked my heart, I could hear his echoing melodramatic voice from a distant horizon, it was a voice of hope full of inspiration, a voice that saved us from becoming Portuguese speaking natives, but above all a voice that resembles true commitment to humanity.

His words and I quote. ”I go back to Africa to make an open path for commerce and Christianity. Do you carry on the work I have begun? I leave it to you.” End of quote.Immediately after recalling this historic event, my focus changed from the mighty subject of religion to the life sketches of a missionary worker and by extension a gospel minister in plentiful site here.I've had the opportunity to take a look at their work experience in Malawi and by extension the challenges faced by the present church regardless of denomination. It is filled with outstanding achievements in the domain of doing greater good to the nation moral wise and prescriptions for much of what ails this country.But over the long haul, I think we make a mistake when we fail to acknowledge the power of faith in people's lives -- in the lives of the Malawian people -- and I think it's time that we join a serious debate about how to reconcile faith with our modern, pluralistic democracy.

From a purely personal point of view, frankly speaking I don’t share the idea of mixing religion and politics. Religion and politics are a deadly, explosive mixture. Religion becomes more important than individual rights and political power provides belief enforcement.History is replete with examples of over zealous religious beliefs becoming the law of the land because that person had the power to enforce those beliefs. Do not get me wrong, I am not against religion in favor of government or government in favor of religion. In fact I am a practicing Christian. Government and religion are both highly desired by the majority of people.The type of government or religion varies but both are usually deemed necessary in some form. Government is necessary to prevent chaos, to provide services, to provide some form of justice, and to provide direction for the individual but more so for the group through its laws and rules.

Religion is necessary to provide hope, to provide direction, and to control the individual as well as the group through its tenets. Government and religion are often a mirror image of each other and one can to some degree substitute for the other in bringing a just society. However, my understanding of the two is that they should be kept separate and should not share platforms at any cost for the simple reason that religion and politics often promote a narrow view of life while promoting absolute concepts.In order for one to be right in religion or politics, opposing views must be wrong or at the very least not as correct. Combining religion and politics in one person only serves to narrow the view even more; if you add power to enforce that view, the end result is a dictatorship of thought, deeds, and actions."Thankfully, Livingstonia synod has been a model church in as far as handling issues of this nature is concerned.

This model in my view has not been simply the result of successful marketing by skilled preachers and the strategic wits of its secretariat, or the draw of popular mega-churches. In fact, it speaks to a hunger that's deeper than that - a hunger that goes beyond any particular issue or cause.And if it weren't for the particular attributes of Dr David Livingston, John Dickson, Scudamore and Dr Robert Laws, I may have accepted this fate.For one thing, I believed and still believe in the power of the biblical tradition to spur social change, a power made real by some of the church leaders here today from the eighties and nineties political shenanigans . Because of its missionary past, the Livingstonia synod understands in an intimate way the Biblical call to feed the hungry and cloth the naked and challenge powers and principalities.

And in its historical struggles for freedom and the rights of man with the likes of Dr. Mazunda, late Rev.Aaron Longwe, Rev. Matiya Nkhoma, Rev. Mphande and many others to mention a few, I was able to see faith as only being more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death, but rather as an active, palpable agent in the world. As a source of hope. And perhaps it was out of this intimate knowledge of hardship -- the grounding of faith in struggle -- that the church offered me a second insight, one that I think is important to emphasize today.My first encounter goes back to the time when Dr Livingstone entered Nyasaland.

Of particular interest was the reception offered to him by a local chief Chibisa in Chikwawa.At the time when foreign nations were blamed for wars and slavery, at the time when locals were highly suspicious of foreigners, Dr David Livingston was an exception.According to Dr. King [The story of medicine and diseases in Malawi]Dr. David Livingston was warmly welcomed by Chief Chibisa, whom Livingstone described as “a jolly person who could laugh easily”.When you are a man of God, it does not matter whether one is foreign or native. It does not even matter whether one speaks one’s language or not.A man of God is a peace maker and perhaps this was why chief chibisa could laugh easily in the presence of Dr. David Livingston.

He did not feel threatened.Dr. David Livingstone was the last member of the Zambesi Expedition to leave in 1863, after several had died of Malaria. On his last journey down the Shire River, he passed the graves of Richard Thornton at Kapichira Falls, of Dickinson and Scudamore at Chibisa’s Village, of Ferger in the Elephant Marsh, of Bishop Mackenzie at Chiromo, and of his beloved wife Mary, at Shupunga. He was not defeated by these disasters. The problems of the local people, who were beset by a brutal slave trade, by tribal conflicts, by starvation, and by disease, strengthened his determination to help them.

When God calls you, the challenges that one may face strengthens one’s spirit.On March 17th 1863 “dear devoted Dickinson, after a severe illness of eight days, had died. Livingstone and Kirk had been called from the Pioneer to his assistance, but arrived half an hour too late. He was buried beside Scudamore at Chibisa’s Village. The graves are to the south of the modern Blantyre to Chikwawa road, on the west bank of the Shire River close to the bridge.13 years later, the graves were visited by Young who in 1876 wrote “we paid a visit to the graves of Henry Scudamore and John Dickinson at Chibisa’s Village, only to find the same deep respect evidenced for their preservation.

He went on to say “future generations will come to hear of these men who wrenched the slave sticks from their fathers and mothers, and who endured the hard days of famine and destruction with them”.Where is the faith of our missionary, one may argue.Where is the commitment and dedication earlier shown to us by the early missionaries?When God does not answer out prayers there is a reason-always. Often we are that reason.

Even if our prayers is for something that is clearly God’s will, it may be hindered because there is something in our lives that makes it impossible for God to do what He wishes to do. Part of prevailing prayer consists of examining ourselves and clearing away that which hinders God from working.

Indeed one cannot conclude the history of this church without mentioning the legendary missionary and man of God Dr. Robert Laws.He made a personal commitment to work for God in 1870 after surviving a fatal smallpox attack.His quickly craved a personal motto thus:“When God wills something to be done, He will give us the means to do it”.It was a simple faith with fundamental optimism.

In 1874, the Church of Scotland released the Rev. Dr. Robert Laws to go to Lake Nyasa for two years only. He stayed for 53 years to achieve some of the most impressive medical mission work in Africa.Immediately they set to, to build a bungalow 50 feet by 25 feet. On the first day 200 trees were cut down. Laws worked with the rest, digging holes.Back at Cape Maclear in December 1875, malaria was rife, and Dr. Laws suffered 15 attacks in a few months. Often he had to crawl from his mattress to tend others. The beauty of doing Gods work depend less on preaching powerful ceremonies or condemning sinners but it rather depends on one’s ability to serve those in need. “All those who profess to be followers of Christ as Ellen G white once said must first love all for whom Christ died for”

In September 1877, Dr. Black arrived to take charge of the Mission, in a party with John Gunn (farmer), Robert Ross (engineer), A.C Miller (weaver), and Dr. James Stewart. Black survived only 7 months at Cape Maclear before dying of malaria. Then Shadrach Nguna and John Mackay (boatman) died of tuberculosis But Dr. Laws tended them devotedly.In December 1879, they sailed together to explore the north end of Lake Nyasa, His wife Mary was sleeping on the deck and in heavy rain and strong winds, spread her skirt over the engine. One dark stormy night, the Doctor went forward to where she stood clinging to the rigging: “Well, are you afraid?” asked Dr. Laws” No… replied Mrs. Laws and when Dr. Laws asked why???Mrs. Laws smiled and replied: “because you are at the helm.”

You see when a man of God is within the community, society feels safe because he or she is at the helm. When misguided politics reaps us apart, when men of cloth are sometimes palpably seen to be bought, true men of God usually stands out to instill confidence to the heartbroken society. There are times when the land of our dreams recedes from us - when we are lost, wandering spirits, content with our suspicions and our angers, our long-held grudges and petty disputes, our frantic diversions and tribal allegiances.

But when God is allowed to be at the helm of the church, all becomes well.Equally ,when a God fearing man or woman is incharge,society should feel self,because God himself is at the helm.When Dr. and Mrs. Laws Returned to Cape Maclear in 1880, they were both very ill with malaria, and then, the Master of the Ilala, Captain Benzie, and John Gunn from Caithness both suddenly died of fever. The Doctor tended Gunn for three days: “the temperature rapidly increased, he vomited blood (coffee grounds), petechial spots appeared rapidly over his body. About 1 pm he began talking in Gaelic, and spoke no more English, nor was he conscious afterwards. At 5.5 pm he passed away. The Laws were devastated by these deaths. There were now five Mission graves at Cape Maclear. Yet Dr. Laws could see a distinct way forward. He regained his faith and positioned his spirit to do Gods work.

It was the sort of spirit that gives courage to the faint of heart, by dint of vision, and determination, and most of all, faith in the redeeming power of God. The spirit that endures the humiliation of mosquito attacks, the loneliness of a grieving couple, the constant threats by Arabic slave traders, until it finally inspired expedition to transform itself, and begin to live up to the meaning of its creed through a personal motto inscribed in his heart.“When God wills something to be done, He will give us the means to do it”.On March 29th 1881 Dr. and Mrs. Laws sailed north from Cape Maclear to go to the Tonga, Tumbuka, and Ngoni people who wanted their help.Captain E.D Young had first encountered the Ngoni by the Shire River in 1877. They were a branch of the Zulu tribe which had migrated to escape from Chaka’s butchery, and still spoke the Zulu language.

Young described them as “a merciless horde, and yet as merciless as they were, they had learned of a Good Man by the name of Dr. Laws such that In 1879, Chief M’mbelwa summoned Dr. Laws to his cattle kraal at Njuyu, four days walking from Nkhata Bay.The next day Chief M’mbelwa at last appeared to a huge assembly of warriors shouting” Bayete”(hail). He looked slowly at Dr. Laws, and at once a bond of mutual respect was established between these two strong men. Then he said.“We are disappointed that you have not come and settled with us Ngoni. Why do you like the Lake? Can you milk fish?” Laws promised to send Mission teachers to them in due course.

Before he left Njuyu Village, a lion was killed and the warriors danced the fearsome Lion Dance in celebration.In April 1882 Dr. Laws, with Dr. Hannington and William Koyi (the Zulu missionary), went again to visit Chief M’mbelwa at Njuyu. Laws asked to meet all the sub-chiefs and waited nine days for all these Indunas to arrive.

When a man of God is charged with a mediation process, where his services are required, he must be prepared to be patient. There’s nothing like a deadline because God himself is not in a hurry. And so did Dr Laws. He waited for nine solid days for the Ngoni indunas and finally to the joy of Dr Laws, they all arrived.They were addressed first by the handsome Chief Mtwalo who asked Dr. Laws to leave the Lake and settle in the hills with the Ngoni. Laws, was very ill with fever, but went on and said he wished to preach Christianity so that all the people might be happy and strong. “The mission wanted to teach children how to read the Bible and to give medicines to the sick. This would be better than war”. Chief Mtwalo was impressed and Chief M’mbelwa made a formal pledge of protection for the Tonga of Bandawe ratified by an exchange of cattle and blankets.

Tonga and Tumbuka memories of Robert Laws at Bandawe were:“Dotolozi was a charmer; he charmed the whole district so that the Ngoni would not come near us.”When he came, he stopped all fighting between the chiefs.” When a believer enters a place, his or her main job is to bring peace. If people were fighting, their fighting should come to a standstill and the Tongas remembered him for that.In 1894, the Laws, with Yuriah Chirwa, at last moved their work to a hill station at Kondowe where we are, 4,500 feet above sea level, looking down on Lake Nyasa. The Ngoni people came to help the Mission, leveling roads, building houses, and bringing their children to school. The vicious tribe to which I am a member laid down their armory and helped in building a mission station.Mawerela Tembo son of the feared witchcraft doctor became the first Ngoni to be converted to Christianity.

The Laws’ first house was blown down by a tornado the night after its completion. But he was not discouraged.Then the “jiggers” epidemic arrived, causing bad ulcers. One day Laws removed 12 matekenya from his own toes but it only strengthened his determination.In 1904 the Ngoni gathered in their thousands, Chiefs, Indunas, and Impis of warriors, with shields and spears, to see the British Governor Sharpe with Dr. Laws. They had come to surrender their old wild way of life, to submit to authority and taxation. With the Doctor’s help, the Ngoni agreed to be a part of the Nyasaland Protectorate, with their own police.A Nyasa plea reached Scotland in 1908; if Dr. Laws is to stay in Scotland, the whole of our land will weep, and catch him, and stop his loads going to us by God.

They are not Europeans now, they are Africans.” For once a tribe only described as a merciless horde by many were now crying for a missionary man. This had to do with his character.This was later reflected in one of his writings and I quote.“It is often said that the highest qualifications are not required for the missionary to Africa. The opposite is the case. It needs also the finest character. It is not one’s preaching and work that tells on people, but the example of one’s life.”As Robert Laws left Nyasaland in 1928 there were many tributes: “He has appeared to Africans as a man of daring spirit. He had a message to deliver and that he accomplished. He is a wonderful man in his humility, meekness, patience, and compassion.” Sadly, Dr Robert Laws died on August 6th 1934 in London.

Often has my heart been ready to sink. Many times, when wondering in the forests of praise and criticism, in the pelting rain of fear for doing what is just, or on the deck of a struggling broadcasting ship, on a dark, stormy nights alone, far from home, I have almost accused myself of madness and folly to sacrifice the peace of my family and all the hopes of life, for what might prove, after all, but a dream. I have seen my companions one after another fall by my side, and feared I, too, might not live to see the end after being a recipient of unwarranted and un provoked threats. And yet, one hope has led me on; and I have prayed that I might not taste death till my contribution towards my country how small it may be gets accomplished. Thankfully this prayer is often answered.” But chief amongst the inspiration has been the story of Dr Robert Laws.The story of Dr Robert Laws and other missionaries gone long before him and after, is a lesson to the present day Livingstonia Synod.

It is a rallying call upon which the church can renew its commitment to society and the nation at large.It is the sort of calls that keeps each one of us, asking the questions, what if, why, and why not? The one that keeps you always searching for answers to those questions. The one that makes you say,"I don't have to be content with the present, because I have a role in changing the lives of others”. Next year, this nation will go through an important excise the elections. If the reports by the media are anything to go by, it appears like certain personalities are being targeted and at worse religious organization too.As a practicing Christian, I sometimes get disappointed when I hear rev A or B abandoning this sacred profession in pursuit of monetary gains offered by political entities.

There is no logic in denying that Society is becoming more and more corrupt these days, and one of the clearest evidences of this degeneration is the tendency for people, even so-called Christians, to sell themselves – if the price is right.Every time I see such a headline or come across such a rumor, I often ask myself a question as to whether Exodus 23:8 -was completely deleted from his or her bible for it says:” Thou shall take no bribe: for a bribe blindeth them that have sight, and perverteth the words of the righteous”.The saying “Every man has his price,” ascribed to Sir Robert Walpole, Former prime minister of England, is not strictly true, and it should never be true of a Christian.

What is it that enables a Christian to turn down a bribe, even if he should be offered the whole world? The answer is simple: His affections are set on things above. Why? Because his treasure is laid up in heaven.I am reminded of a story I once read from one of my devotional booksWhen the managers of Standard Oil of New Jersey were looking for a representative to promote their products in china, they turned to Dr. R. A. Jaffrey, a missionary, who not only spoke Chinese fluently but also had the confidence of the people. A company agent offered him a salary of $5,000 a year if he would work for Standard Oil. At the time he was earning a mere $300 a year. He turned them down. They came back with an offer of $10,000, then $20,000, but he still refused. But the company was persistent.

They instructed their agent to “get him at any price.” Kindly, but firmly, Dr. Jaffrey told the agent, “I cannot accept any offer. You are offering me a big salary with a little job. I have a big job with a small salary, but I am content.” Such absolute dedication to God’s cause is rare these days.Livingstonia synod has a big job with or without money. The church is not and should not be offered for sale. As a church, is it teaching its followers to lay their treasures in heaven? Is the church setting its affections on things above so that it can teach its followers to refuse the most attractive bribe?As stated earlier, the church plays a complimentary role to government and we must protect the integrity of the church from those whose only means to anything is through dangling monetary carrots. We must protect our democracy too. And gladly in this very point, Livingstonia synod has been modest.

By sustaining the democratic spirit no matter how fragile it has been, we have proved the warring, divided and toned nations, that the love of our country beckons us, and that we will find it not across distant hills or within some hidden valley to go the other African way, but rather we will find it somewhere in our hearts.That there’s progress in all fronts, that though with teething problems, our democracy is growing and that whenever there are differences, we resort to settle our differences in courts as opposed to machetes and pangas.But for all the progress that has been made, we must surely acknowledge that we have not yet fulfilled our potential - that the hopefulness of the post-colonial era replaced by repression is a regrettable fact.

That a post repressive administration was replaced by a decade of corruption and mob justice is another sad reality and that political despair, and that true economic freedom has not yet been won for those struggling to live on less than a few dollars a day, for those who have fallen prey to HIV/AIDS or malaria, to those ordinary citizens who continue to find themselves trapped in the crossfire of political depression needs a church’s united front that brings the nation together by turning down any offers that may come prior to elections.There is no doubt that what Malawi has accomplished within this short period is both impressive and inspiring. Among African nations, we remain a model for representative democracy - a place where many different ethnic factions have found a way to live and work together in peace and stability. We enjoy a robust civil society; a press that's free, and a strong independent judiciary.

When people are judged by contribution, not background, when the best and brightest can lead the country, people will work hard, and the entire economy will grow - everyone will benefit and more resources will be available for all, not just selected groups.In today's Malawi - a Malawi already more open and less repressive than in the past is the envy and pride of many –It is a Malawi that has been courageous enough to confront its past. A Malawi we can ably stand for and defend it in the international scenes .This sort of Malawi needs the church’s protection from political agents of mendacity who does not wish this country well. Its time to respond to the national duty of raising the flag and tell the world that Malawi is indeed the warm heart of Africa, without doubt in mind. Such an act would have attracted a standing ovation from Dr. Robert Laws.

I thank you all for listening.

References:

Pachai: The Early History of Malawi, Elizabeth Colson and Masc. Gluckman: Seven Tribes of British Central Africa, , W.P Livingston: Laws of Livingstonia, Fredrick Moir: after Livingstone, Margret Read: The ngoni of Nyasaland, D.D Phiri: History of Malawi, T. Collen Young: The history of the Tumbuka – Kamanga people. Shephersien: Independent African, R. Mackenzie,W.A. Elmslie: Among The wild Angoni, Bible: Exodus 23:8,Gelfard Michae l–Lakeside Pioneers,Robert Laws: Reminisce of Livingstonia, Legson Kayira: I Will Try, Ransford Oliver: Livingstone’s Lake, E.D Young: The Search after Livingstone/A journal of Adventures, Michael & Elspeth King – The Story of Medicine and Disease in Malawi, Masiye Tembo: Touched by His Grace, Malopa Bright: Where Islam Acts in Silence, Elley G. White: Messages to Young People,Peter G Forster:T.Culen Young –missionary anthropologist.

BON VOYAGE ALEKE -TRUE STATESMANSHIP

2008-10-10T14:15:00.001+01:00

Recent reports that Honorable Aleke Banda MP a veteran, acutely perceptive and stewart player on the Malawian political scene has decided to retire from active politics to devote his time to the promotion of cancer awareness and related causes has to be received with commendation.

There are moments in life when the courage of a person epitomizes the will of the future. In that breadth, also comes a time in every politician’s life when he must recognize that the old wineskins are no longer good enough for the new political wine. It is important when such moments arrive to accept the inevitable and go out with dignity. This is the mark of a true statesmanship.

It is curious and sometimes even tragic that many a politician refuse to accept their call to statesmanship and prefer, instead, to paint ugly blemishes on their otherwise distinguished career walls by clinging to a political career that is clearly past its sell date. It is sad to see clearly clueless politicians still believing they can contribute their old and outdated ideas to the contemporary and rapidly changing political agenda particularly when those politicians have been tried on the Malawian political scene, and found desperately wanting.

Honourable Aleke Banda has done well to follow the dignified example set by such luminaries as Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and even our very own Justin Malewezi who retired from active politics to become an advocate on HIV/AIDS related issues.

There are many altruistic causes in our beloved country that would similarly benefit if more of our veteran politicians followed suit. Opening the political doors to the younger generation. The reason most of the young and intelligent people in this country are not interested in politics is that it has long held a demented view though it patently is that Malawian politics wears the image of being the career of people that were already in politics when Malawi gained independence in 1964.
For instance, isn’t it time for politicians who evidently no longer have anything of value to contribute such as Bakili Muluzi and JohnTembo to turn their eyes away from politics and focus on various charitable and noble causes to champion rather than focusing on how to grasp political power?

The only justification a veteran politician can have for remaining in politics is if they can point to a track record of performance and achievement in the rapidly changing economic environment.
But just as even the respectable and feared but ageing war general must sooner or later come to terms with reality .admit his time for close combat is over and surrender his rifle, the true political patriot must accept when it is time to put down the microphone, step off the podium and take an advisory rather than leading role in politics.

Echoing this same very point is senator John McCain who in his most recent book, "Hard Call," explains why knowledge of history particularly when to quit matters is important: He goes on to say that "Great statesmen who have been praised for their ability to see around the corner of history knew their history before they looked beyond it, and they understood the forces that drove it in one direction or another." If there is evidence that Dr Bakili Muluzi, Hon John Tembo and Mr. Gwanda Chakuamba have that understanding, it is yet to emerge.

Very embarrassing indeed in the case of Mr. Muluzi whom desperation has pushed to a begging edge where he is scheduled to seek alms from retired former Tanzanian leader. Basically a pensioner asking alms from another pensioner.

As Masauko Chipembere once observed in his book “hero of the nation”, their parties are now faced with a situation in which their leaders are inspiring and provoking nothing but contempt; and their habit of yelling against their opponent instead of creating hopes to the nation through their program of governance with them as leaders of the 21st century in their respective parties is a terrifying prospect. Malawi is facing a lot of challenges such as capacity building, sustainable development, population pressures and other social economic related issues. None of the above challenges can be overcome by their heroics and frantic yelling.

The example set by many before like Dr Kahumbe, Robson Watayachanga Chirwa, Mfunjo Mwanjasi Mwakikunga, Dr Justine Chimera Malewezi and followed by Hon Aleke Banda is a timely reminder to these veteran politicians who must realize that even in politics ,there is always an expiry date to one’s political usefulness. It is a reminder that there are better causes to dedicate their time to instead of clinging to politics.

Wouldn’t various campaigns and social causes such as the fight against domestic violence and child molestation consider themselves truly blessed if they had someone as eloquent as Bakili Muluzi yelling out their cause on their behalf?
Wouldn’t John Tembo receive recognition by championing the reform of witchcraft laws seeing witchcraft is such a menace in Malawian society today?

And certainly Mr. Chakuamba a retired retiree who cant tell the difference but resigned from government on an ideology based on anti-number plate changing principle and values. Understandably, he got annoyed when government changed his number plate from MG3 to MG5 therefore could in fact become a road traffic advocate making sure that politicians are not allowed to change number plates Willy Nilly for it confuses petrol attendants and road block Brigadiers.

This example might be hard to follow, but it is the only realistic one for all spent politicians. If they decide to stay on the peripherals of politics advising and assisting the younger generation of pursuing altruistic causes, they would ensure respectability and would eventually go down in Malawian history as true patriots .They would spend happy days wallowing in the glory of recognition as respectable statesmen.

But statesmanship is not easy to attain. It requires sacrifices and tough decisions. However it has its rewards. It ensures a retirement filled with glorified memoirs and respectability among nations and save your reputation from being linked to a party that sends snakes to chiefs and critics.
BON VOYAGE ALEKE, WE LOVE YOU ,MALAWI LOVE YOU

2006-12-04T20:18:00.000Z

The Babel that is DPP-WRONG ARGUMENT

2006-12-04T20:12:00.001Z

In his column MUCKRAKING ON SUNDAY of 3rd December 2006[sunday times-malawi],http://www.mailtalk.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A2=ind0612&L=malawitalk&D=1&O=D&F=&S=&X=4244D93C0AEA19DE64&Y=malawitalk%40hotmail.com&P=15525
columnist Raphael tenthani open his article with a misplaced title thus "The Babel that is DPP" Quite strange indeed that he quotes several verses of chapter 11 in the biblical book of Genesis where a narrative of a tower built by a united humanity to reach the heavens.

Mr.Tenthani without putting the sacred writings in context then draws misplaced conclusions to the effect that the said biblical narrative refers to the DPP. The writer does not take into account the context in which the DPP was formed and events leading to the construction of the Tower of Babel. For me, there are profound ethical and philosophical reasons to take issue with the writer's general approach on the matter.
But, crucially, there is a more important reason why we should all reject the instincts of out of context arguments like this article-"The Babel that is DPP"

DPP unlike the architects of the Tower of Babel was formed by UDF break away protest group not out of personal wish and greed,but because of the need to challenge the settled orthodoxies of Malawian politics in particular the UDF where the then state of political machinations were made in such a way that an elected president and defender of the constitution could not govern without receiving instructions from a non elected party oligarch.

In so doing,architects of the DPP party were trying to break away from this clueless doctrine which could only work in heaven where they dont need it or hell where they have it already, by coming with an organization where they could not only draw on enduring social democratic principles but also ready to apply them in a rapidly changing world. To the contrary architects of the Tower of babel main objective was to make a name for themselves instead of worshipping the God who created them. Because of this open defiance, God stopped their efforts by confusing languages so that the builders could not understand one another.

As a result, they could no longer communicate and the work was halted. The builders were then scattered to different parts of Earth. By its very nature the author's attempts to draw comparisons between DPP a political organisation in Malawi and the Tower of Babel an accient narrative needing theological contextualisation is not only misguided but moraly inappropriate. The tower of Babel story is used to explain the existence of many different languages and races and not to explain individual differences between dedicated members of the same organization who are committed to serve their country.

The author while not being clear, makes some considerable attempts to highlight some isolated individualistic cases in a party of opportunity, aspiration and ambition.He conveniently ignores that the very fact that opportunities aspirations and ambitions are made available to followers,competition cannot be ruled out. The writer, by contrast, is presenting isolated incidents where believing them would imply constricting human freedom, to direct human energies down specific approved paths, a common occurrence in parties like MCP and UDF where followers surrender their God given intellect to their party leadership based on diminution in individual freedom, a squeezing-out of innovation, difference, diversity and creativity and end in the dogmatic pursuit of targets which recent economic events have long rendered redundant.

The writer suggest that the recent cavorting is because the DPP cadres do not have one root, one voice - but only a common mission - the result is the daily fights we are witnessing nowadays.He further alleges that the DPP was an accident waiting to happen. This according to him is due to the fact that certain members of the DPP party like the likes of Heatherwick Ntaba, Samson Msosa, Uladi Mussa, Green Lulilo Mwamondwe, Patricia Kaliati, Goodall Gondwe, Alefa Wenzulo and the like all in one basket. In a grand contradiction one could ever imagine,the author concludes thus "Like paraffin and water such characters cannot mix."

What the writer will not say is that these people did interact and were at one point working together through alliances and party affiliations way before the DPP was formed. Where does he put his notion of "Like paraffin and water such characters cannot mix" Dr Wamutharika, is of course different from his opponents.So far he has managed to provide inspirational leadership which has allowed our country to renew itself after years of drift and decline by equipping us with the freedoms and national self-confidence to shape the future.

The essence of DPP it seems has always been a belief in human nature as distinct from abstract ideology. And the essence of human nature is adaptability, flexibility, ingenuity. I have no reason to doubt that the DPP policies throughout the last two years have been designed to give these virtues room to grow.As individuals who are experiencing new found freedoms in their quest to fulfill their dreams,ambitions and potential,some of the things rightly mentioned by columnist Raphael Tenthani but wrongly contrasted to an accident biblical narrative of the Tower of Babel are symptoms of a growing democracy.

Wasting our energies and resources amidst getting worried over them only holds us back from making the changes we need to make to respond to the real challenges of Malawi's 21st century.

CAN MALAWIANS OF YOUTHFUL YEARS DO SOMETHING?

2006-11-30T21:14:00.000Z

A couple of days ago, Dr Steve Sharra posted an article on Malawitalk,following Prime Minister Tony Blair's comments on slave trade.
He did not say anything but knowing Dr Sharra who at 16 began his social consciousness, sharing a strong feeling of inequality and injustice by powerful nations of the global North against smaller nations from the global South,http://mlauzi.blogspot.com/2006/05/bob-marley-and-continuing-struggle-for_11.html ,I reckoned his posting meant something and true to my gut feelings the title was self explanatory
"Blair: Britain's 'sorrow' for shame of slave trade"
The article had a historic statement by Prime minister Blair who was condemning slave trade and or slavery as’ crime against humanity'http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,,1957278,00.html

As I went through the link provided by Steve, I soon developed an interest in the story.
A man of my race should know about slave trade. We were taught about it at school and were forced to memorize all the stories in order to pass history exams.
Never at one point did it occur to me that what happened then, was a heinous crime until I started reading each and every link provided by the guardian and other papers.

In no time, the exact picture of what slavery was, started to emerge. I remember coming a cross a certain passage on one link which had my face buried in shame. The passage was talking about the conditions on a slave ship in the 1700s-They were barbaric.
All what was important was profit as they packed people like sardines.
In the pages that follow, I could not control my emotions, as I found myself twitching the muscles of my face as if I had been exposed to an awful site yet in this very passage, these merciless slave traders and shippers had made slaves who happen to be people of my color to lie on their own excrement. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1narr4.html

As I went further reading this awful past of our former cousins, I came across another passage quoting a surgeon on a British slave ship who noted that the floor slave hold was covered in blood and mucus which had proceeded from them in consequence of dysentery resembled a slaughter house." The air was so foul that a candle would not light in it" he concluded.

On another link, the writer claimed thus:" on the worst voyages, skippered by men too drunk or too callous to take care of their charges, slaves attempted to jump overboard as others tried to kill themselves by refusing food, in which case the slave was forced to his knees and a burning coal was applied to his mouth to make him scream, then a metal implement called a speculum oris was forced between his jaws so that food could be emptied down his throat.

For good or bad reasons, this xerographic analysis was never discussed in any of the history books that I read during my primary and secondary school history tuition. As my head was full of questions, "How could people be so cruel? And what would force them to behave in this way, were there any laws against this heinous crime" Yes, there were laws, the second paragraph would reveal, just that it was lawful. http://www.afbis.com/analysis/slave.htm
It was legal. It brought millions of pounds into the British economy. Most of the big kahuna's were involved directly and or indirectly.

Cities like Bristol ,http://www.discoveringbristol.org.uk/subIndex.php?sit_id=1 had an almost 60% of its economy dependent on slave trade but towards late spring of 1787, something happened under an “oak tree” on pit estate in holwood Kent.[please keep the word oak tree as I shall come back to it]

It started by 3 young men aged 28 namely Pitt, his cousin William Greniville and their friend William Wilberforce. What was discussed under that “Oak tree” by those twenty eight year olds would change the cause of history. It was the rarest of political phenomena- a collective change of hearts towards humanity by twenty eight year olds. Over two hundred years have gone since then. The trio, Pitt and the two Williams are long gone, but the “oak tree” stump is still there, marked with a plaque.

From then on, a series of campaign started which included parliamentary motions, congregational speeches and William Wilberfoce's best selling book-A PRACTICAL VIEW OF CHRISTIANITY in which he illustrated how religious faith could guide the habits, attitudes and politics of a nation. I must admit, reading through this marvelous book, I felt reading one of my own essays-THE POLITICS OF NKWEZULE.

As anyone can imagine, these brave young men, met insurmountable challenges. Old and experienced politicians first demanded evidence, when evidence was provided, they claimed "SLAVES WERE BETTER,HAPPIER,HEATHIER AND CLOSER TO GOD ON SUGAR PLANTATION THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN PAGAN AFRICA.

Lord Nelson, a respected figure in British politics raged against an inexperienced young William dubbings his friends-hypocritical allies”. The then Royal family was not pleased with these youngsters cause and they utterly opposed it through the future King William 1V in the House of Lords. http://www.american.edu/TED/slave.htm

But as time fly past, things started changing. The young men were growing in strength and wisdom. They were getting organized two. By 1807, the government of the day, had had enough as most of the speeches were in favor of slave trade abolition bill followed by the solicitor general of the time who defined William Wilberforce as
"THE MODEL ENGLISHMAN WHO WOULD GO TO BED THAT NIGHT CONCIOUS OF HAVING PRESERVED SO MANY MILLIONS OF HIS FELLOW CREATURES"

And when the bill passed, the whole house rose in a scene almost unprecedented to cheer Wilberforce. They threw their hearts and sticks as a form of respect but much to their surprise, the man who was supposed to be hero of the hour sat with his head bowed as tears were streaming down his face, crying for a race that was not his, amidst sharing their anger, pain and despair. Not surprising indeed that at west minister abbey to day, his epitaph reads:
IN AN AGE AND COUNTRY FERTILE IN GREAT AND GOOD MEN,HE WAS AMONG THE FOREMOST OF THOSE WHO FIXED THE CHARACTER OF OUR TIME"

Immediately after reading this, I talked to myself and said,” thank you Dr Steve Sharra. Through your link on slave trade, I have managed to revisit my past and found it failing. I tried to recall, what I did when I was 28 and was sorry of my failure and own inadequacy to stand for injustices of my era .I had done nothing for my country apart from planning a long journey to the west to enrich myself.

As I look back at my trails to England, I saw my self crossing the same oceans where those born two hundred years before me had pass in a hold with some sleeping on their poop and own urine. I was drinking tomatoes juice and my favorite guava in the prestigious Austrian Airlines yet two hundred years ago, people of my race were on strike, wanting to die as they could not handle the degree of inhumanity.

It took the courage of young men who were rich and financially stable to hatch a plan that would change the world.
They did not meet on a cruise line or business class. They did not meet in a posh hotel or palace. These young men were rich and could afford life at Dorchester, but instead,
THEY MET UNDER THE OAK TREE .At 28; they sparked a debate that would soon change the whole world.

These people were the salt of the new found freedom and were the pillars of struggle for equality. Their willingness to challenge the injustices of the time and the inhuman nature of the manner in which people of my race were being treated were not ordinary acts.
Malawi may not be experiencing the wrath of slavery and the degree of injustices of the seventeenth centuries.

There is no doubt that what Malawi has accomplished within this short period is both impressive and inspiring. Among African nations, we remain a model for representative democracy - a place where many different ethnic factions have found a way to live and work together in peace and stability.

But for all the progress that has been made, we must surely acknowledge that we have not yet fulfilled our potential - that the hopefulness of the post-colonial era replaced by repression is a regrettable fact. That a post repressive administration was replaced by a decade of corruption and mob justice is another sad reality and that political despair, and that true economic freedom has not yet been won for those struggling to live on less than a few dollars a day, for those who have fallen prey to HIV/AIDS or malaria, to those ordinary citizens who continue to find themselves trapped in the crossfire of political depression needs a united front that brings the nation together.

Large parts of Malawi strike similar resemblance to those of the 17th century.

As did William and his friends under the OAK Tree that would change the tide of history, Malawians of youthful years also need to establish their own “OAK TREES” where issues of development and progress can be discussed.
As David Mkwambisi once said:" people should avoid shouting from the stands without themselves contributing to the development of the countryhttp://www.mailtalk.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A2=ind0611&L=malawitalk&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;D=1&O=D&F=&S=&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;X=5F7D796D3A07600326&Y=malawitalk%40hotmail.com&P=107223

There are parts in Malawi that are as poor as those in the days of Wilberforce and friends. Instead of looking to government for help, let’s seek personal means of lifting the spirits of our brothers and sisters.
Lets discuss humanity in the context of Dr Ken Lweya when he said:“ It is about treating others as we would to be treated. It is about a sense of sharing, belong and togetherness including the fact that no human being is an island. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/5388182.stm

Those of us that have been lucky to escape grinding poverty from our homes in urban cities and villages, Its high time we start paying attention to what Yona Matemba said on Malawitalk when he said," Lets use our BA's and Bsc's to create jobs and not use them in hunt jobs"
The calls of Yona Matemba and those before him are the foundations of Malawi's much needed "oak trees" wherever Malawians of youthful years meet.
Yona Matemba's calls goes deeper than tests and grades, varsity letters and service awards. It is the sort of calls that keeps each of one of us, asking the questions, what if, why, and why not? The one that keeps you always searching for answers to those questions. The one that makes you say,
"I don't have to be content with the present, because I have a role in changing the lives of others”
Yona Matemba's calls join other youthful thinkers like Dr Steve Sharra who argues that "defining development as buildings and infrastructure does capture the hopes and aspirations of many Malawians, but its narrowness and insufficiency comes from its inability to encourage the reconciliation of our endogenous institutions, traditions and cultures with our desire for change. http://www.mlauzi.blogspot.com/

I am in my mid 30s now and may not reverse history back to my 28 youthful days like the likes of Rhodrick Kalumpha,Greenwell Matchaya and Dr Mtumbuka to mention afew, but Malawi's OAK TREES calls for those with new ideas and just youngs ones, those who can propel the winds of industry, those who can take advantage of the current government's sound economic policies by tapping into readily available resources in our financial institutions and invest in areas that can create mass employement and pioneer the spirit of mass export.
There is a great need for men and women, young and old, who cannot use their scholarly and material achievements as weapons of intimidation.

After wining the biggest moral argument the world has ever seen, as his friends were cheering him in honor, Wilberforce sat down with his head bowed as tears were streaming down his face, crying for a race that was not his.
Why can’t we do the same, why not take a seat and reflect on the degree of poverty going on in our villages and do something about it?

Why can’t we use our resources and take time to constantly look around our impoverished nation and seek new ways to improve our situation, to embrace change as the inevitable engine of progress.

CAN MALAWIANS OF YOUTHFUL YEARS DO SOMETHING?
WHERE IS YOUR OAK TREE

SECTION 65 SHENANIGANS

2006-11-28T15:05:00.000Z

Recent developments on section 65 are intriguing if taken in the context of first complainants-the UDF as it now turned out that the whole UDF has crossed the floor.

On their part, UDF is claiming that this was not their making since their sponsored candidate Dr Wamutharika is the one who made them left with no option but to relocate their benches from the ruling side to the opposing side,basically opposing their own government[according to hansard]

What they are forgetting is that,Dr Wamutharika is not a member of parliament.UDF abandoned their voters by relinquishing their governing duties to oppose the very same promises they made to their electorates and if their performance is taken in context,you will notice that not only have they crossed the floor.They have abandoned their constituents too.

UDF mps represents the interest of the party as opposed to the interest of their constituents. They agreed to cross the floor without seeking mandate from their constituents. As a party, they outlined a programme for government which will build on their successes, but their performance over the last two years contradict their promises. They promised to create opportunities, while blocking opportunities for people like Mrs.. Nangwale. They promised to enhance our security while their regional governor was busy recruiting 4000 youths to dethrone the elected government.

They promised the nation to take tough decisions in the interests of our country's long-term future while plotting to impeach the elected president in the short term future without any basis Where they promised progress and development to their constituents, they have been at the centre of frustrating it. They promised huge investments in public infrastructure but when they went to parliament,they were plotting to shoot down the budget.Now they will be forced to seek one.

One of the weaknesses of s.65 ruling is that there right to petition the speaker is not a monopoly of MCP and UDF.It belongs to everyone. This is what happens when politicians are hell-bent on frustrating the serving leader without strategizing their own vulnerable position.

As I once said, in the sport of judo, you are taught that it is not possible to succeed without an intimate understanding of the strength of your opponent. Every reader knows that as well as anyone. It is obvious from the outset, and from UDF's position, that their informality, seeming approachability, and apparent normality have been part of their successful attempts to frustrate progress.

They made it a point that Dr Wamutharika should not enjoy party support where he needed it most. Every person willing to offer any sort of help met stiff resistance and name calling and disciplinary threats from the party .lt is therefore not surprising that UDF has been caught off guard,because all along,they've tuned their political mindset to destroy and discredit everything by Dr Wamutharika be it in the interest of the nation or not.

The UDF party conveniently ignores to mention that the countries of Tanzania,Botswana, and South Africa have seen a smooth transfer of power to their successors and still enjoy the respect they deserve. Such secrecy and deception undermines the accountability of politicians and democratic debate. The choreography and lies which is typical of the UDF has led to increased public cynicism as the various ruses and manipulations have been revealed to the public.
"You can fool some of the people some of the time" some one once said.

UDF’s lack of democracy, accountability and openness has resulted in a political atmosphere of distrust and resentment in which it is argued that only manipulation can produce an historic accommodation. A more open, democratic debate about the ills of UDF’s internal politics in relation to governance issues concerning our country and ways of overcoming them might lead to a conducive environment which is popularly reinforced rather than balanced precariously on still seething reservoirs of communal hatred.

Since 2004, the, UDF party has betrayed every cause they believed in, contradicted every statement they made, broken every promise they made and breached every agreement that they entered into. There is a lifetime of U-turns, errors and sell-outs in UDF good enough to destroy the party. All reasonable citizens are in fact wondering whether the party now stands for anything any longer, or whether they are defending any point of principle, and confront the system that has led them to that sorry state.

UDF party may have been a member of the international consortium of liberal democrats where their mainstream political ideology evolves around economic reforms vs social reform but their record and performance since 2004 summed up their political philosophy: good ideas, lousy judgments and very very funny strategies.

They were in government when the much criticized free education was badly implemented. It led to an increase in class sizes while reducing the quality of education. Teachers were poorly trained and some went for months without wages. The declining of our education system even reached a boiling point to the extent of being labeled as an international concern by the World Bank When they were in government, the opposition were completely shut off from the public media despite constitutional provisions and their belief in the freedom of expression .

Memories are still fresh on how critics of s.65 face the wrath of UDF’s young democrats. Memories are fresh when EX hon. Kandodo Banda was bundled right within parliament compound. At its worse time, cars were touched and set ablaze sending fumes of vengeful smoke which bellowed the skies of parliament. Have we forgotten the unceremonial impeachment of the judges which brought down the whole judicial system to its knees. UDF party cannot have both ways. The UDF cannot tell the speaker to ignore other petitions and respect theirs on the same grounds.

As I once said, they remind me of the DIY fanatic who has suddenly taken over a great rambling house and immediately starts bashing it about, removing pipe work and knocking down walls without first working out which ones are structural. They reject as useless anything whose purpose they cannot immediately comprehend. Their indifference, if not contempt, for what they know as facts brings enormous dangers. Because many of the things which are so precious to us are protected by understandings and conventions. If these understandings are not understood, then our nation is left vulnerable indeed. People will wake up and find themselves living in what feels to be a different country. Without knowing quite how, some of the things which really matter to us and help shape our sense of what it is to be Malawian will have been lost.

As learned Trevor Chimimba once said" many of the constitutional amendments made after 1994 were unnecessary and section 65 was one of them. Instead of wasting time on whether who has the right to petition the speaker or not, we must spend this precious time in correcting UDF’s mess. Our hospitals, our schools, our police service, our welfare system were in an almost permanent state of crisis. The extraordinary and dedicated people who work in them were demoralized. The people who used them, dissatisfied. The people who run them, perplexed and confused as they desperately pull more and more levers and get no response.

Gone are the days when Children came home after another school day spent being taught by unqualified teachers without teaching aids and brought to their parents a letter from the head Teacher which said " if teachers don’t receive their payment from the government, the school may be forced to close as they cannot teach without food” Since 1994, our schools received numerous publications and regulations from the Ministry of Education. In the first six years, they sent out more than 140 circulars of guidance to teachers.

School terms changed time and time, undergraduate courses which normally last 4 years took an average of 5-7 years to complete due perpetual closures. The Government’s own curriculum Task Force came out with the controversial religious studies which divided our country into Muslims and Christian camps". These are some of the central issues that need exploring and pertinent questions must be asked to find out why? - Why did UDF failed to deliver? And is that failure doomed to repeat itself by Dr Wamutharika?

If anything, we ordinary voters should serve our petitions to the UDF party and their political surrogates . They have all crossed the floor by abandoning their constituents and voters who wants a better life and an environment in which dreams and ambitions can prosper Infact, voters should have a say in this through a min general election so we can give these recycled politicians a thorough beating with an oozing bloody nose.

Vast majority of people in Malawi desperately want to change the current crop of our MPS. They want to rid themselves of corrupt centric UDF because they now know that it is painfully obvious that their style of politics stifles development - it siphons off scarce resources that could improve infrastructure, bolster education systems, and strengthen public health. It stacks the deck so high against entrepreneurs that they cannot get their job-creating ideas off the ground. But elections are not enough. In a true democracy, it is what happens between elections that is the true measure of how political parties treats its people.

Today, we're starting to see that the Malawian people want more than a simple changing of the guard in parliament.They want more than piecemeal reforms to Tembo-made crisis that's crippling their country. The Malawian people are crying out for real change, and whether one voted for holding hands or Black cock in the 2004 elections, the message that many Malawians seemed to be sending is one of dissatisfaction with the pace of reform in these main stream opposition parties and real frustration with their attempts to suffocate development and progress on all fronts.

The good news however is that,they now settling at the present leadership and come elections, they will pass their verdict with a resounding voice - "TO HELL WITH YOUR POLITICS OF NKHWENZULE"

LETTER TO THE STATE PRESIDENT-Dr Wamutharika

2006-11-16T18:50:00.000Z

The State President [Republic of Malawi]

Your Excellency the State president ,

RE: URGENT NEED TO ESTABLISH A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY

Reading some of the postings forwarded and posted to Malawi's discussion forums notably Malawitalk and Nyasanet, I was particularly struck by a debate which reproduced an autopsy report of Late Dr Stambuli, first by an unknown author on Malawitalk but latter by Mr. Tom Likambale [an alleged friend of the deceased] who posted it on Nyasanet. In the autopsy report ref; CPD/COM/036/03, circumstances that led to Dr Stambuli's death were summarised as follows:

a) He died of asphyxia, due to manual strangulation (pressure on the neck). b) Toxicological tests have also shown that he was poisoned with an organophosphate compound. c) The poisoning in b. above was unlikely to have been suicidal since there was also demonstrable evidence during the autopsy, of an act of manual strangulation.
d) Based on the size of his body and physical appearance, the findings suggest the following sequence of events: the late Dr Kalonga Stambuli was poisoned with an organophosphate compound, and then strangulated.
e) He was at the time of his death not suffering from any overt disease process, such as hypertension, that could explain his sudden demise.
The postmortem examination was done by Dr Charles Dzamalala. The histological examination and the compilation of this report were done by both Dr Dzamalala and Professor Liomba.

As a moderator of Malawitalk, not least an advocate of freedom of expression, a parent and a bread winner, I could not bear to think of such a scene as described above. One would think it had been determined to heap upon the perpetrators, all the varieties of bodily pain, for the purpose of blunting the feelings of the mind; and yet, in this very point to show the power of human prejudice and greed.

Death, at least in this case, is a sure ground of evidence, and the proportion of effort to conceal this enigma and to accept it as normal ,will not only confirm but if possible will even aggravate the public's suspicion of their misery in the transit and desire to free themselves through open debates.
Through the dedicated efforts of discussants, we now have a more comprehensive understanding of the scope of events leading to the death of Dr Kalonga Stambuli. We now know that this grotesque and hideous development bares all the hallmarks of an assassination and not suicidal as was officially reported.

Concerned individuals of my forum have now narrowed down events up to his last known point .Reference has been made by other concerned citizens both in private and public to the extent that names were identified. Through these revelations, the cyber public has been informed of the last people known to have last been seen with late Dr Stambuli on the eve of 28 December 2003.

The danger here is no longer that of concealing the death of Dr Stambuli or the manner in which he died, but the potential to have these merciless killers claiming another life in the event of nothing being done with a sense of urgency. It could be that of an opponent a witness or indeed that of an individual who may hold information relating to the death of Dr Stambuli and many others who might have faced similar fates.
The most frightening thing above all was not that Dr Kalonga Stambuli died, but that his death did not occur as a result of being shot at. It is neither that of being bludgeoned to death with sharp objects nor a car accident. It was death through poisoning and later through strangulation.
The perpetrators did not need to arm themselves. They might have been walking in their business suits and chauffer driven cars. These are people who cannot raise suspicions. Their weapon is an evil mind. All they need to do is to pick their victim and seal his/her fate. Your Excellency, these dangerous people are on the street. They don't move around with spears and arrows, neither do they move with their pangas and machetes. They move around with their hideous plans concealed in their heads.

They are preying on their next victim and it wont be long before another victim is claimed. As was the case in Mwanza murders, the key to unlocking the truth met insurmountable challenges in that two key figures in the name of late John Ngwiri and Mac Williams Kamwana were either systematically alienated or died through natural causes. Through that unfortunate scenarial,the nation has paid a price in that vicious people belonging to the gallows and cells are now freed.To add insult to injury,they could be in public offices holding positions of high repute.
In the case, of Dr Stambuli, many of those who may provide useful information including the last people to have been seen in Dr Stambuli's company are still alive. For that reason, I am of the opinion that the journey to unearth the truth will not take long.

I am therefore asking your office to use its powers vested and conferred on it by the might and fullness of our constitution to establish a commission of enquiry to be headed by an independent high court judge to participate in the common cause that brings us together in understanding this persistent and pervasive assault on human rights, against the commodification in human beings being regarded as valueless objects to be bartered and bonded-willy nilly as part of their larger struggle to suffocate human rights and human dignity .
The appended autopsy’s report further reveals diverging differences from the official account. It is a sad reality that the victim was barely four months into the country bubbled with a sense of patriotism, idealism and talent.

I spoke to hon Atupele Muluzi a colleague of Dr Stambuli who while in London at the time of his death told me how productive Dr Stambuli was, in that he was able to conduct business in excess of K150 million within his short stint at the investment bank where he was chief Executive.
It was here that I also learned that he had already entered into market expansion strategies which would have seen the Malawian Investment bank opening its branch in Zambia and Mauritius respectively.

Perhaps I also need to bring this to your Excellency's attention that Malawitalk forum where these grotesque revelations were made, was initiated by late Dr Kalonga Stambuli in 2001 with an aim of underwriting his own individual contributions to the process of mobilizing Malawian energies towards the direction of more stimulating and constructive thought with the hope that he might just be able to ignite the spark for new ideological dimensions to address domestic inadequacies in communication and freedom of expression. By providing bandwidth that support the country's desires for expression, Dr Stambuli thought he could achieve his dream without filing any claim on the country's fiscal resources.

Without doubt, by now Dr Stambuli would have achieved allot for his employers and his country at large ,above all, he would have been the moderator of Malawitalk.Sadly though, this is now a forgone dream
The people, who are troubled with his death and by copy of his tragic death are now demanding a full enquiry, are neither his former employers nor his former political associates. They are not his friends and relatives neither are his political friends and foes. They are intellectuals, young professionals, Malawian Diasporas, ordinary men and women who value life and hold it in high esteem.

These are dedicated men and women who are desperate to secure the necessities of life and are willing to leave their western comforts to go back home and participate in the development of their country. Instead, their lives are ruined by psychological exploitation rooted in fears and suspicions of what may happen to them should they wish to speak their mind or act according to the dictates of democracy only to be interupted by those who are addicted to malice and hatred campaigns as opposed to progressive ideas.

An approach that will allow us to prevent the problems to begin with, as I described, to protect the next victims who are holding similar key information and are mentioned by name in Dr Kalonga Stambuli's infamous corruption dossier, who are forgotten and may disappear without a trace, to bring the perpetrators to justice, to address the issue from both an international and a domestic perspective, and to build partnerships between governments, parliamentarians, NGOs, and all stakeholders likely to get involved in this effort of bringing confidence and trust into the public's hearts is needed now more than before.

Your Excellency,

We have heard from the media how your own life has been targeted, divided and polarized our partisan political process has become. Consequently, many caring, creative and energetic people who would have contributed to this democratic process have disengaged from the political process as they flee for their own lives inpursuit of safety,opportunities and knowledge. This result in "political depression" - a belief that there are no options for transforming our political system continues to haunt the uncleared public.

As the country that has seen itself rising from economic ashes and gubernatorial oblivion to the levels where trust and confidence have been installed, as a nation that has seen your leadership playing the transparency and zero tolerance on corruption card which resulted into various government successes such as the current debt cancellation, the public now long for the emergence of new and inspiring collaborative response which may provide answers to the questions currently being asked.
What happened? Why did it happen? How did it happen? But why? But why, and why? As citizens but most importantly potential victims, we are asking:

"How do we heal our political depression and engage in politics without losing our soul?"
How do we engage ourselves in celebrations following economic successes, when large parts of our society in the name of eastern region is mourning the death of a health, exposed, well traveled and educated son whose fate was decide by few individuals who could not grasp the notion of free speech in a democratic society?
While asking these questions, we are aware that your government is built on security, justice and development -the true pillars of good governance.

In this your Excellency,

we have common cause, and by working together, we can create a critical mass of advocacy on behalf of that common cause. A common cause where renewing our dream of democracy through establishing of commission of enquiries of the scale being requested by these concerned and terrified discussants can foster a healing process of our individual and collective post-partisan fears and finding new ways to reengage in the political process that belives in the power of reason.

As a moderator of Malawitalk,I should have considered myself wanting in that necessary portion of duty which I owe to my discussants and subscribers of Malawitalk, not least the forum’s walk-in interface visitors and to my country. There is no accusation made against the gentlemen being linked to the death of Dr Stambuli; but by bringing forward the consideration of such a mighty object and not concealing the tragedy, we unite with the person of sensibility, that an action in the direction of an enquiry into the mysterious death of Dr Stambuli is necessary to prevent the next death against a conduit or witness, as founded in rectitude and universal benevolence.

The great cause, it has been stated, of the reason why Dr Stambuli was killed alongside evidence found on his death bed, of a note not written in his own handwritings but capturing words suggesting thus-"very sinful" and its subsequent timing of his alleged compendium of alleged corrupt activities leakage to the press in particular –the dispatch news paper, offers us reason to suspect that his “sins” might have been sparked by his interest to keep a record of things he thought were out of order.
The assumption and impression being formed here, was that Dr Kalonga Stambuli deserved to die as his killers might have considered him to be very profligate and dissolute in his effusive manners. For sure, we do not know the breadth, width and depth of these unpardonable sins which could not even be redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

There is no doubt about Dr Kalonga being the author of the infamous corruption compendium which puts several allegants in positions of redicule. More than three individuals of standing character in society received personal copies from Dr Stambuli and were instructed to keep it for posterity. While at that, I am also mindful of a possibility of exaggerating issues on the part of the victim to clear himself from the corrupt activities he might have been part of.
Indeed some of the issues raised might have been worked upon to inflict injury to those who might have costed suffering and pain to himself when he lost his lucrative post in government. Revenge as a motive cannot be ruled out on the part of Dr Stambuli.He was badily mistreated.He had the conventional right to be angry.

The principal result of this attempt is twofold. First of all, I claim that the logic of induction is not essentially different from, for example, deductive logic, as long as we are prepared to broaden the usual conception of logic somewhat. This frees the way for the application of any investigative and related forensic method put forward, to aid the analysis of reasoning with general rules and exceptions to inductive reasoning.

The second point is a distinction between and logical characterisation of two different forms of induction: explanatory induction, which aims at explaining observed cases as is the case when Dr Stambuli compares notes of the alleged corrupt middlemen while conducting government business, and confirmatory induction, where the inductive conjectures are confirmed by hearsays as noted in his opening statement where he alleges that the principal accused had bullying habits while schooling at Kapili parish primary school .

However without explaining the latter,Dr Stambuli himself had a habit of exaggerating issues to make a point. On one account, he once told me that moderation of Malawitalk was done by an expensive moderation machine which costed him quite a chunk of money.But when an opportunity arose for me to assume the role of moderator, I discovered that the process was so basic that it could be manned remotely.

To this effect, Malawitalk has been moderated from six different positions around the world where regular discussants have been offered an opportunity to moderate the mailing list within the comfort of their homes and offices. This does not mean, everything he wrote was grossly exegerated therefore his own making. The need to follow some of the non personal issues raised in his compendium still stand.
The basis of requesting an establishment of a commission of enquiry is therefore not based on the strength of Dr Stambuli's corruption dossier. The view of most people is that this can be easily pursued by the anti corruption bureau.

However the principal cause and the moral of this petition is Dr Stambuli's ill treatment as we can imagine the agents of darkness squeezing not only his right to express himself fully but as much as possible from their exertions to have him silenced through means of unnatural death –
for on 13 May 2002 ,Dr Stambuli himself wrote
" I share the common view that serious doubts arise when those who have had a clear architectural involvement in shaping the country's past wish to be given the mandate for offices with higher leverage without admitting to their misdemeanors in a less powerful office. Democracy is about transparency and accountability and it is my view that those who wish to promote its virtues must themselves be transparent and accountable to the society they wish to serve"

But Your Excellency, People want to be governed well, and to have a say in what happens in their lives. They want to be safe. They want the chance to earn a decent living for themselves and their families. And they want to be treated fairly by their government and public officials. These aspirations are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Millennium Declaration of 2000. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Millennium Declaration of 2000 have enshrined the need for freedom of speech and access to information.

These are the foundations for decent living condition, sustainable lives and good governance. They are the backbone of our democracy the vision of the nations and hope for the disadvantaged groups. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have also allowed nation to incorporate the people in decision making and development participation.
It is for this reason, that despite my own inadequacies and weaknesses to such a task,I am left with no option but to submit this humble request on behalf of Malawitalk, the request to request the honor of your office to establish a commission of enquiry to answer questions that are being raised in respect of Dr Kalonga Stambuli's death.

Your Excellency,

The ability of citizens to make their voices heard and hold their governments to account is fundamental to good government. Its absence fosters an environment in which corruption and conjectures can flourish, and citizens are unable to assess the decisions of their leaders, or make informed choices about who they elect to serve as their representatives.
Within this context, I am urging your government which has taken an interest in promoting accountable governance and transparency to respond to the wishes of the people by freeing them from their museum of fears with reference from our Ironic past

Yours most obedient citizen,
Bright Mac Everson Malopa

DR MULUZI-PLEASE ACCEPT THE STATE PRESIDENT’S OLIVE BRANCH,

2006-11-13T20:35:00.000Z

Coming from a Zambian independence celebrations, the president spoke well of the event. He told the nation how he found it exciting to see the former head of state in that country taking part in the national celebrations. He also hinted on how he wished he could have a chance to delegate some of his international duties to the former head of state.

As I was reading the article on nation online, I was interrupted by a TV casting footage which was featuring a documentary on Iraq. It showed one account how in the deadliest attack, gunmen in five vehicles attacked a convoy of buses carrying police recruits near the northern city of Baqouba, killing more than 15 and injuring 25 others.

A series of bombs also exploded at a Baghdad market and bakery packed with holiday shoppers, killing more than nine people and wounding several others. As the program went on, it turned out that the violence was not between the armed resistant and the occupation forces, it was rather between Iraqis and Iraqis.
It was shias on sunis and more than chilling, the shocking scenes appeared to have had the blessing of politicians both in government and the opposition.

When those disgusting images of dismembered bodies and faces reflected in my mind, as I remember seeing Several bodies found dumped in Baghdad streets or in the Tigris River, I looked around to see who was seating next to me,only to find my lovely one year old daughter Zinzi in her pram and Ngaileka ,my four year old son. I immediately hugged them and told myself, how lucky they were to be called Malawians.
I imagine us walking by the shore at our favorite spot in Salima, and then imagine another driving from Nsanje to Karonga to the tidal basin of friendly people.

I picture us walking beneath the shadows of abject poverty, cast by the Mountain of Despair,yet despite criss crossing through the valleys and hills inhabited by the bantus of different parantage,languages and culture,I imagined oneness.I picture us meeting Mr Ken Ng’oma, who at his peak time was considered the most power full man, I consider us meeting Mr Ishmael wadi, who at one time could cause panic, from Mr wadi to Mr Kaliwo and then my good friend Ralph Kasambara, these people had one thing in common, their offices made them the most hated people in certain political sectors yet nothing had happened to them when they were relieved from their offices.
But gazing up at the flames of Hope, and reading the quotes of our national anthem thus:

“join together all our hearts as one”

And at some point, I imagined my talkative son asking me "Daddy, why is nothing happening to them like what is happening to differing groups in iraq?These people no longer hold public offices therefore public security has been withdrawn yet they walk free. By their own accounts, they were people frequently racked with political doubt, and not without flaws, and yet they enjoy their private lives without their former foes compromising their security ?
The answer lies in the Malawian democracy whose spirit champions the task of healing the festering wounds of a nation's original sin.

The spirit that gives courage to the faint of heart, by dint of vision, and determination, and most of all faith in the redeeming power of love, under the auspices of warm heart of Africa. The spirit that endures the humiliation of arrest, the loneliness of a prison cell, the constant threats to voters lives, until it finally inspires a nation to transform itself, and begin to live up to the meaning of its creed through a well thoughtful economic turnaround.

I discovered the warmth and sense of community that the people of Malawi possess - their sense of hopefulness even in the face of great difficulty. I discovered the beauty of the land, a beauty that haunts you long after you've left.
For all the progress we have made, there are times when the land of our dreams recedes from us - when we are lost, wandering spirits, content with our suspicions and our angers, our long-held grudges and petty disputes, our frantic diversions and tribal allegiances.

And yet, by sustaining the democratic spirit no matter how fragile it has been, we have proved the warring, divided and toned nations, that the love of our country beckons us, and that we will find it not across distant hills or within some hidden valley to go the Iraq way, but rather we will find it somewhere in our hearts that there’s progress in all fronts, that though with teething problems, our democracy is growing and that whenever there are differences, we resort to settle our differences in courts as opposed to machetes and pangas.

But for all the progress that has been made, we must surely acknowledge that we have not yet fulfilled our potential - that the hopefulness of the post-colonial era replaced by repression is a regrettable fact. That a post repressive administration was replaced by a decade of corruption and mob justice is another sad reality and that political despair, and that true economic freedom has not yet been won for those struggling to live on less than a few dollars a day, for those who have fallen prey to HIV/AIDS or malaria, to those ordinary citizens who continue to find themselves trapped in the crossfire of political depression needs a united front that brings the nation together.

There is no doubt that what Malawi has accomplished within this short period is both impressive and inspiring. Among African nations, we remain a model for representative democracy - a place where many different ethnic factions have found a way to live and work together in peace and stability. You enjoy a robust civil society; a press that's free, and a strong independent judiciary. When people are judged by merit, not connections, when the best and brightest can lead the country, people will work hard, and the entire economy will grow - everyone will benefit and more resources will be available for all, not just select groups.

As the former president reflects on the incumbent president’s reconciliation, when he responds to the call of national duty, he should take the state president’s approach seriously. I know that honoring his legacy whilst leaving active politics for good may seem like an impossible task - an effort bigger than he can imagine - but sometimes all it takes to move us there is doing what little you can to right the wrongs you see.

In today's Malawi - a Malawi already more open and less repressive than in the past is the envy and pride of many –It is a Malawi that has been courageous enough to confront its past this is the sort of Malawi the former head of state need to be proud of. A Malawi he can ably stand for and defend it in the international scenes as the current president seriously considers giving him the mantle to represent Malawi.Dr Muluzi, time for amangwetu is over ,
Its time to respond to the national duty of raising the flag and tell the world that Malawi is indeed the warm heart of africa

DISCUSSING TOURISM IN MALAWI

2006-08-29T20:21:00.000+01:00

Personal note:
The following topic is what I can claim to write with authority due to my marketing background. It is a result of a detailed research work as well as detailed discussion held on Malawitalk.Special thanks goes to the likes of hon Kaliyati-minister of tourism, David mogg,Trevor chimimba,Cuthbert Kachale,Vuto lwanda,Dr Maggie Kalirani-Themuka,Mr[s] Isaac Ziba,Watipaso Mkandawire,Andrew Kumwenda,Junaid and many other people who took part in the tourism debate. The large part of this article is drawn from that debate.

Thank you all
Bright Mac E Malopa
by the way freedom of expression implies freedom to make errors.As such this article has been published unedited.Get the idea and not the grammar

Introduction
Tourism is Malawi s third largest foreign exchange earner after Tea and Tobacco, and a major employer, accounting between 5-9% of the total wage employment by 2002. It contributes about 11% of the gross domestic product (GDP).Unfortunately, tourism is no appreciated the way it should be. For that reason, I have decided to evaluate it analytically in the process, providing a step by step process of turning this largely ignored industry into a profitable therefore an economic turning point in the country's wider economic picture.

1.1 The Industry

All African Countries are beautiful of course, but Malawi is the most enticing. Despite being included in the 10 bottom world poorest countries, it perhaps is the only country that has not experienced civil conflict since her independence.This perhaps crowns everything entailing the culture and the pride of the people whose spirit in welcoming foreigners and visitors is next to nothing.

The principal tourist attraction is Lake Malawi which is set among rolling hills covered in tropical vegetation. There are two resort areas: Mangochi at the southern end of the Lake and the Salima area on the south western shore. Birdlife at Lake Malawi is plentiful. The Lake has one of the highest diversities of freshwater fish in the world. Around Cape Maclear, there are excellent snorkeling and diving spots.
There are five national parks in Malawi notable for their spectacular scenery, un spoilt beauty and rich diversity of wildlife. Of special mention are Nyika National Park, Kasungu National Park and Liwonde National Park.

Birdlife such as African fish eagles, Palm nut vultures and Pel's fishing owls are prolific among the flood plains and reed swamps. Malawi is also home to herds of elephant, hippos, waterbuck, reedbuck and sable antelope. The country has one of the largest numbers of orchid species in Africa. Zomba Mountain is one of the best places to see orchids and other native flora.

After impressive growth between 1960 and 1965, the sector experienced an unprecedented decline in 1990s, particularly 1991 due to worsening human rights issues and other travel restrictions on western travellers by the MCP government respectively.

Promotion of mass tourism from 1994 -1995 by the UDF government led to substantial increases in tourist numbers but drastic falls in per capita tourist expenditure, length of stay, hotel occupancy, hotel room rates, and Service quality. This tourism segment cannot be relied upon as a sustainable source of revenue as carrying-capacity limits of many tourism resources appear to have been exceeded. The capacity of the country to offer luxury tourism, the current target, has been largely compromised by the effects of years of promoting mass tourism.

Specifically, the capacity has been affected by over promoting tourist sites in the southern region at the expense of similar sites in the central and northern parts of Malawi.

Under development of tourist facilities like cape Maclear where there are no proper lodging facilities within the Lake Malawi national park, General insecurity in the country as often advised by many western countries in particular the US and UK governments through their ministries of foreign affairs.

Poor infrastructure, and environmental degradation deforestation issues in Dedza and Zomba mountains not least Chikangawa forest reserves. This poor situation in tourism is attributable to:

The fact that there was inadequate reflection, consultation and planning when the policy to focus on the mass market was formulated.
The absence of a shared tourism vision and a long-term development strategy.
Although the UDF government came up with a strategic document titled Tourism Development Plan for 2003-2008, the document itself is largely ambiguous and cannot be implemented given the scarcity of resources in Malawi.

Not surprising indeed that even after its adoption in 2003, Malawi still does not have a shared vision for tourism generated through wide consultation and open dialogue among stakeholders in the industry and the framework for tourism is incomplete in the sense that industry actors and activities are not adequately coordinated.

Consequently, the policies developed for the sector have been ad-hoc, un-implementable, under funded thereby making consistency, continuity, or a long-term focus almost impossible.
Malawi may have been in recent years not greatly been visited by visitors from other than neighboring African Countries and a few Europeans mainly those connected to the missionaries, but it is surely one of the most enticing destinations in Africa hence “THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA”

1.2 Change in Focus

Government is supporting the tourism sector by providing adequately maintained infrastructure, strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Tourism, Parks and Wildlife to coordinate public and private sector activities in the tourism industry, and has formulated the Strategic Tourism Development Plan for 2003-2008. The plan charts the way forward for tourism development, putting the focus on ecotourism. Other initiatives to boost the sector include amendment of the Hotels and Tourism Act, the opening of two new casinos in Blantyre and Lilongwe, and the introduction of training programs for tour guides and curio makers.

The number of international visitors to Malawi rose slightly by 7-11 % from 298,830 in 2002 to 382,647 in 2003. The majority of arrivals were from other African countries, especially from Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Malawi has selected five sites for ecotourism development: Likhubula Falls on Mount Mulanje in the south, Manchewe Falls at Livingstonia in Rumphi in the north, Kande Beach in Nkhata Bay in the north, Maleri Islands in Lake Malawi and the nature sanctuary in Lilongwe.
Investment opportunities in the tourism sector include developing game and lakeside hotels, city centre and resort area restaurants, time share developments and game parks.

1.3 Strategic Intent and Current Position

Based on the ‘vision’ and the ‘mission’ of Malawi’s tourism, the following strategic goals should be considered:

Developing working relations across government departments and related private sectors especially those in the hospitality, agricultural, telecommunication to co-opt them as business partners.
Satisfying the high quality tourism infrastructural needs of tourists across national geographical boundaries.
Maintaining high growth levels and aggressively challenging competitors to be amongst the preferred destination in Africa.
Promoting innovation in the area of tourism packages to set new industry standards.

1.4 Situation Analysis
In the wake of the current performance which pose new threats and challenges for the future a situational analysis is carried out to identify the main issues influencing Malawi’s tourism. This is done through a SWOT analysis as given below.

1.4.1.1 Strengths

Relatively stable. The country has never gone through any civil strife
Uniqueness of the panoramic: Malawi’s dynamic country rich in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and an extraordinary chance to commune with nature in all her magnificence.
The country has one of the largest numbers of orchid species in Africa. Zomba Mountain is one of the best places to see orchids and other native flora.
The country’s lake is probably the only fresh lake in the world hosting a marine national park and home to about 695 different species of fish 95% of which cannot be found anywhere in the world.
Has everything competitors have like game mountains and valleys not least a the friendliness of its people to foreigners which is largely absent in competing countries like Kenya and South Africa.

Five sites earmarked for ecotourism development namely Likhubula Falls on Mount Mulanje in the south, Manchewe Falls at Livingstonia in Rumphi in the north, Kande Beach in Nkhata Bay in the north, Maleri Islands in Lake Malawi and the nature sanctuary in Lilongwe are by far one of the most beautiful in the region.
Malawi is very well placed to learn the hard-won lessons from the many triumphs - and disasters- that have marked the long gestation periods through to the present maturity of tourism Markets such as in Kenya and RSA.
The strength of its slogan: THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA’

1.4.1.2 Weaknesses
Lack of controls, structured planning and systems in many operational areas.
Poor performance of agency operations that in-turn affects other profitable products with more potential.

Bureaucratic culture with minimum flexibility on the part of the department of tourism.
Inability to meet corporate objectives of the department.

Lack of understanding the impact of global competition in areas of tourism as evidenced through underfunding of the department of tourism especially in foreign missions making tourism attaches operations almost impotent.
Poor infrastructure especially in the areas of road and telecommunication networks to most prime tourist destinations.

Lack of tourism appreciation as a shared responsibility across government and private sectors operations.
Exorbitant flight and hospitality prices due to low volumes of visitors.
Lack of website facility. It is somewhat comical for a department sharing the same ministry with the department of information to operate without internet.
The world has become technological oriented making it almost impossible to participate in global market without the use of internet.

Presence of Bilharzia Lake Malawi in especially in the Southern part of Malawi (Cape Maclear)as a threat to the Tourism industry. This problem is used by competing countries to decampaign Malawi as a Tourism area.

1.4.1.3 Threats
The presence of already established local agents in many countries with better knowledge of regional competitors like Kenya and south Africa.
Direct advertising and promotion done by competing countries in most of the overseas markets through their well funded embassies will pose huge threat.
Rapid increase in competition for certain products, like safari tours in countries with improved telephone and road networks which drives down margins.
The increasing numbers of new entrants like Zambia,Tanzania Mozambique and Zimbabwe who have increased their tourism budgets and agency operations at an alarming rate.
Many other countries around the globe are gradually gaining a considerable share of destination tourism market especially in the Middle East and eastern Europe.

1.4.1.4 Opportunities

The reputation of a stable and peaceful nation has not been utilised to gain a competitive advantage
Tragedies in Kenya’s terrorism attacks and increasing cases of crime in south Africa not least Zimbabwe’s political impasse against the western democratic countries offers an opportunity.
Increasing demand for specialized advertising modes, which gives access to target customer segments, E.g.-targeting the Scottish people to experience the Scottish highlands in a tropical climate. The Scottish Malawi partnership could help in this area, by establishing links with all the Scottish universities and travel agents and their public to exploit opportunities of the special relationship between the two countries.

Growing demand for eco tourism destinations due to increase income levels in most European economies with many customers identifying its benefits & potential.
The availability of information to customers via the internet
The expansion of the AU community through NEPAD initiatives provides an opportunity for migration and integration between member state.

1.5 CHANGING FOR FUTURE GROWTH

1.5.1 Introduction - Future Changes
In light of the risks and challenges in performance currently experienced by the department it is evident that some drastic changes are required if the tourism in Malawi is to grow. Therefore a new strategy is needed to ensure that Malawi meets its future growth and objectives.

A ‘growth strategy focused on key products with better potential and contribution’ will therefore be required for the Government. This effectively means that there will be certain radical changes taking place internally and the Government should be able to implement these changes successfully.

1.5.2 Why a Growth Strategy is Important?

As outlined in the situation analysis the competition in the market is increasing by day. Especially this is seen in the neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Mozambique. As a result the Government should come up with strategies to counter attack the competitors and reduce the business risk.

The recent performances of statistical visits to Malawi are not impressive. As a result this change is much needed in the Department.
The Government should aim at attracting more funds through floating in the alternative investment market from the private sector to support diversification and growth. Therefore it will be necessary to have a healthy and continuous growth which will give more confidence for any potential investors.

On the other hand the organic growth at the current rate is too low for the department of tourism to remain competitive in future. From a strategic point of view the Government through its strategic document 2003-2008 has a very ambitious diversification strategies and to achieve this, there should be sufficient reserves for investment. The low organic growth will definitely not support Government on achieving its long term goals. So far the Government has introduced many new projects without creating a sustainable infrastructure to support the proposed eco tourism and this will have a huge impact on its success.

For a poor country like Malawi the competitive advantage will be through identifying niche market opportunities especially the interest groups segment and becoming more innovative and capitalizing on these opportunities.
In order to do this the Government should overcome its internal barriers and weaknesses. Therefore it is important that the existing product portfolio is performing well and gives the required return in order to minimize the risk and go for new opportunities.

The above issues have made change inevitable for the department of tourism.
It is important that the changing process for growth is planned properly and more importantly implemented effectively to achieve the objectives.

1.5.3 What Changes are Needed?
To maintain tourism growth and achieve its goals it is important to identify the growth drivers for the department. These are critical areas for achieving growth in the highly competitive tourism industry and thereby eventually meet the overall corporate goals.

The whole focus ontourism should change across the ministry and its related departments to adopt a more enterprise approach by creating an environment where each and every project should be able to support itself in future. Tourism may be a growth industry, but it is a competitive business also. My point is a simple one. To get the maximum benefit from tourism in any country facilities must be of an improving standard.

So the costs of developing tourism, not least for Malawi, will inevitably be high, and especially for central and local administrations. The current budget of MK37 million is way low and cannot retain satisfactory results. I understand the current economic impasse and do agree to extent when it comes to difficulties in sourcing out funds to finance a competitive campaign.

On the other hand, I believe a realistic figure can be raised through a government-and private partnership through creation of a multi sectoral organisation- say “MALAWI TOURISM BOARD where substantial investment is involved by both government and the private sector to promote Malawi’s tourism.

To achieve this, there is an urgent need to introduce an entrepreneurial oriented tourism body called “MALAWI TOURISIM BOARD”. By creating and delivering community-driven planning processes through Malawi’s tourism board it will be easy to come up with Sustainable Tourism Destinations.

1.6 Malawi Tourism Board (MTB)
To attract the luxury cadre of tourists, Malawi needs to develop an appropriate vision and long-term strategy and start rebuilding its capacity to deliver high-quality products.

The tourism vision for the country could be built around pro-poor and sustainable development, based on the tourism products in which the country has comparative advantages.

1.6.1 MTB’s Main Functions and Tasks
To host communities for the investment of their resources in tourism development.
To integrate tourism into the social and cultural fabric of community life.
To create community understanding and enthusiasm for tourism.
To attract the right visitors and create high quality experiences for them that reflects well on the community and its residents.
To give direction for development of tourism businesses.
To generate fiscal and economic benefit through increased tax revenue, job creation, employment and income.
To encourage sustainable resource use.
To enhances preservation of the natural and cultural heritage.
To retains scenic values and sense of place.
To develop Destination MALAWI Campaign

1.7 Branding Malawi
Uniquely Malawi - Unique is the word that best captures Malawi, a dynamic country rich in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and an extraordinary chance to commune with nature in all her magnificence.
A bridge between Southern Africa and Eastern Africa for centuries, Malawi described by many as “the WARM HEART OF AFRICA” continues to embrace tradition and modernity today.

Set in the heart of pristine wild landscape, and the friendly people brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting cultural events, the country commands spectacular views over lake Malawi where the full moon gazes at her own reflection and countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. A single day's trails will take you from the past to the future, from a colourful ethnic enclave to an efficient business centre in three cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, from serene gardens in Zomba the old capital to sleek mountainous skyscrapers in Mulanje.

Malawi is truly a country like no other, a world of possibilities. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening everyday, your stay will be a memorable mix-and-match of all the things you have always wanted to do. Come and enjoy countless fascinating experiences, and take away memories that are uniquely MALAWI.

1.7.1 Communicating the Brand
To make this effective, there will be a need to come up with a Brand development unit within the Malawi tourism board where the Brand Management division’s task will be to develop the destination brand and maps out the strategy to effectively communicate the brand essence and brand promise of Malawi to all key stake-holders, local and overseas, and potential travelers to Malawi. Internationally, it works with the Board's Regional offices as impactful advertising campaigns and invite high-profile international media like SKY, CNN, ITV, and SABC to mention a few to increase the visibility of the destination. It will also be important to communicate this through the use of various media and distribution channels such as advertising, brochures, collaterals, videos, photography and online initiatives.

The division will need to work with third party destination information providers and expatriate organizations and where possible be the official custodians of the “visitmalawi.co.mw or malawitourism.com. This will ensure that the destination brand remains consistently applied to the visitor and awareness of the destination brand continues to be reinforced. While the primary audience is the traveler, the brand awareness among Malawians and residents is also important. This includes a comprehensive domestic tourism program, strategic outdoor advertising and communications platforms such as signages and display panels in immigration checkpoints, airports and districts with high tourist traffic. The overall objective is to achieve strong brand recognition among travelers and position Malawi as a premier travel destination In Africa.

1.7.2 Film in Malawi Scheme
The Film in Malawi Scheme (FIM) is another strategy which can be used to increase the prospect of attracting tourists in Malawi. Recent statistics concerning visitors statistics are somewhat disappointing considering that many of those came from our neighboring countries. In essence, this implies that since we share most of these tourist attraction centers, there will be no need for them to visit those places.

If tourism is to be worth rewarding, we will need to have people who can spend not less than $1000.00 in Malawi. The FILM IN MALAWI SCHEME in this way will help to facilitate international film-makers and broadcasters in the shooting, production and post-production of quality movies and television programs in Malawi. The program will aim to promote Malawi as an attractive destination for international visitors through the effective medium of movies and television.

Through FIM each film-maker or broadcaster may be granted negotiated duty waiver support, on a case-by-case basis and/or project facilitation and information provision. Each project could be evaluated with specific focus on how the film or program will uniquely showcase Malawi's locations like Nyika Plateu, Cape Maclear, Mulanje Mountain and or Dzalanyama range.

It may also a be a good idea to convince the state house to make available some of its state residencies like Sanjika palace and Chikoko Bay to the targeted filming organizations. If this is fine by them, the department of tourism could then use this as a unique selling preposition to woe the target audience ie Celebrities and firm makers .

In addition to that on-going international press promotion with paid up page supplements in major magazines like people, spectator hellow etc could be launched,this time concentrating on experiences available in the country which may include paying for one or two, full colour advertisements on opposite sides of major newspapers and suggested magazines featuring the celebs having fun in Malawi while creating an interesting and highly visual 'story' and a link through to country's tourism web sites.The aims here are simple.To increase awareness and recognition of the Malawi tourism brand.

1.7.3 Short Term Planning
In the short and medium term it is advisable for the country to continue relying on a blend of high- and low-volume markets as it raises the quality of tourist assets and service. A simultaneous but gradual increase in prices would restrict tourist numbers and enable the resources to recover. Once resources have recovered sufficiently and facilities and services have been improved, prices could be raised to a level sufficient to turn the country or designated parts of it into a high-value tourist market.

High-value tours to game parks or wildlife safaris complemented by quality resort beach along the shores of Lake Malawi holidays remain Malawi’s primary tourist products. But Malawi’s natural environment, cultural diversity and the people themselves have the potential to give the country distinctiveness.

In the immediate interim, Malawi should adopt an aggressive marketing oriented approach and take competition seriously by taking the fight right into competitors or market leaders own backyard notably South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Dynamic marketing campaign designed to intensify its efforts to attract more travellers from the Eastern African Republics and South African visitors to Malawi.

For south Africa, this can be done by targeting reputable travel agents like Renies, Travellex while posters of “WARM HEART OF AFRICA” sponsored by visitmalawi.co.mw/visitmalawi.com could then be placed on major bus liners like Greyhound, City to City and Messina –Johannesburg minibuses often called kombis and other leading safari tour companies.

As for Kenya, six Kenyan travel agents, Bunson's Travel and Style, Raj Air, Muthaiga, Holiday Bazaar and Going Places will need to be partnered with Malawi Tourism Board for the roll-out of the ground-breaking campaign.

Captivating billboards visible at strategic points including the airport and shopping malls - posters, brochures and multi-media presentations will all be used to nurture a more informed awareness of Malawi and its diverse attractions. In addition, a deal-driven campaign will offer value-for-money packages designed around the warmth of the people and the beauty of its nature hence-‘WARM HEART OF AFRICA’

Adding an element of excitement to the campaign will be a competition that involves one of Kenya's largest retailers, Uchumi. Weekly draws of discounted tickets with air Malawi and interested hotels will need to take place every weekend with prizes consisting of hampers from all the Sponsors. The final draw could then see the winner walking away with a dream holiday for two to Malawi, including business class on Air Malawi tickets and accommodation for seven days.
The main objective here will be:

To increase the volume of tourist arrivals, spend, and length of stay;
To improving seasonality and geographic spread; and promoting transformation within the local industry.

It comes without saying that South Africa and Kenya are key Emerging markets and most likely first choice for Western travellers, hence why it is important to target them whilst holidaying in their preferred destinations.

One of the challenges however will be to convince business travellers to also experience Malawi as a preferred holiday destination. We already have an enviable reputation throughout the continent as a peaceful nation full of untapped resources. The disadvantage to that is that we have a very poor infrastructure good enough to provide a widespread offering of world-class tourism products, The question in this regard will be “are we most definitely well equipped to achieve our goals. ?

1.7.4 Long Term
The long-term tourism development strategy could be based on the following elements:
Integration of tourism planning into overall national planning
Pursuance of sustainability
Improvement of competitiveness
Regional cooperation and collaboration
Development of an institutional framework for stakeholder dialogue and Partnerships
Conservation of natural resources
Appropriate and effective marketing and promotion
Effective public sector support
Capacity development and research
Development of a dynamic technology strategy
Deliberate strategies to maximize net social gains from tourism

1.7.5 Summary on Tourism

Malawi tourism remains a chicken and egg situation. Mass tourism, as such, is unlikely to feature in the early evolution of Malawi's International tourism industry.

It is the high cost of air travel to Malawi which creates this continuing 'chicken and egg' situation. Relatively low volumes of visitors equals high air fares; inadequate or inappropriate infrastructure equates to insufficient visitor arrivals to generate the revenues required to invest in upgrading and modifying the existing infrastructure to attract them in the first place.

Chicken and egg. Venture capital will not be attracted to cater for mass markets that are unlikely to appear - even assuming such a model is desirable or sustainable - within a reasonable investment cycle.

On the positive side, Malawi is very well placed to learn the hard-won lessons from the many triumphs - and disasters- that have marked the long gestation periods through to the present maturity of tourism Markets such as in Kenya and RSA.

Tourists will not come in sustainable numbers if there is no the Infrastructure in place to support them. Without tourists to sustain such an infrastructure, investment in its development will remain at best patchy. Malawi's tourism success lies in maximising the Scottish -Malawi partnership relationship.
For ages, the scottish people have shown un paralled love for Malawi.In their smallness, they have done what they can for the counry.They are therefore better placed to be charged with the responsibility of promoting Malawi tourism in scotland. They have the money and purchasing power.
The relatioship between the scottish and the Malawi people need to move from donor -partners to business partners.They have the experience and resources not least access to the world markets.
There is a need to enterprise the relationship

As I have observed a number of times over the years on Nyasanet and Malawitalk debates on this very subject;

The chief obstacle to attracting overseas tourists to Malawi remains the relatively high cost of getting there. That cost factored in to any package makes the product uncompetitive in the mass market in comparison with Kenya, RSA etc. etc. Without comparable infrastructure and the related product cost economies the airlines and tour operators will look elsewhere.

Other factors such as increasing population density placing unsustainable pressures on the flora and fauna will also eventually make Malawi less desirable as a destination. Fewer trees in an eroded landscape sustaining fewer animals. The answer In the short/medium term anyway is Niche Marketing. Selling bespoke, high value products to special interest groups. For example, targeting the Scottish people to experience the Scottish highlands in a tropical climate. The Scottish Malawi partnership could help in this area, by establishing links with all the Scottish universities and travel agents to increase Malawi's tourism awareness in Scotland.

Packages such as Chilembwe Trail or Livingston’s Trail will be quite attractive to students.
For example, I know some one who did a detailed research on John Chilembwe Trail and has produced detailed, related proposals. He has even researched the very narrow area within which he was buried:

Identified by an octogenarian ex-Mulanji boma colonial sergeant in the 1950s who was a member of the secret burial detail. There are many other niche markets I have identified to be tapped which would profitably link-in many elements of the existing infrastructure.

At present there are probably too many hotel and resort beds chasing too few visitors. This inevitably leads to a diminution of quality and Standards. Perhaps Malawi might be better served discussing the possibilities with people Who have made substantial profits in tourism for the companies they managed in Malawi, rather than paying high consultancy fees to outsiders with little or no Practical or pragmatic experience of the realities of running hotels and tour operations in the Warm Heart of Africa, let alone have an affinity to its peoples, history and culture

UNDERSTANDING GULE WANKULU-NYAU

2006-08-25T16:38:00.000+01:00

Last Year, I visited the British museum, especially the Sainsbury sponsored lower part of the Museum where I was surprised by the shear number of people staring at unusual display of a certain African collectable item.

I too was attracted with this object especially the fact that it was sparking interest from many visitors. When I moved closer, I soon discovered that it was a mammal like four legged mask imported from Njombwa
Village, Kasungu in Malawi and they call it KASIYAMALIRO.

I felt connected back home.Perhaps a bit of folk telling here may help those that are not familiar with the NYAU thing.One of the long held traditional symbols of the Chewa people is a dance called Nyau. It is more commonly referred to as Gule wankulu (The big dance) although in Mozambique, they call it VIGURE.

In reality, the Nyau is more than a dance. It is a way of life. It has rules that go beyond dancing to cover how people belonging to the Chewa tribe relate to each other and to life around them. In performance, dancers wear masks or make-up. These dancers are referred to as Zinyau.
Strictly speaking, it is offensive to call the dancers Zinyau. Rather, they are referred to as Zirombo (Animals).In fact this reminds me of a story I heard about the cult.

Around Kamphata area/ Nkhoma turn off on the Blantyre Lilongwe road, these mask dancers more often in summer or Easter, tend to roam along the road Seeking arms by performing dances or kidnapping non members and demand ransom fines. Some times it also occur to them to ask arms from passing motorists on Malawi's busiest road.

It is said that one day, a truck full of German back parkers was passing by on their way to Blantyre from a German sponsored Museum in Karonga and when they made a stop at Kamphata to relieve themselves, they saw some people running away as if their lives were in danger.

No sooner than latter, their Truck was surrounded by Nyau escorters. Minutes latter a towering four legged Nyau emerged and started performing some dancing rituals.
The tourists were amazed with this bizarre creature which was seemingly violent to women than men. They couldn't figure out the connections between the vigilantes and the beast.

A debate ensued amongst themselves. Was it a real beast or a ghost? If it was a beast, why then were women the only target. Since they were coming from Karonga Museum where it is alleged that fossils of a dinosaur were found, some clever chaps were quick to declare it a ground breaking discovery of a
" LIVE LIVING DINOSAUR"
In no time others started taking some notes whilst observing the beast’s
unique features .Other notes were reading thus: "ground breaking discovery of Africa’s
remaining living dinosaur, it has a small head with sisal like skin and human feet. Can respond to human drum beatings”

It seems they seriously took this to be a life time discovery. The excitement further increased when upon enquiry, the on lookers told them that it was Chirombo[animal]
To the Chewa people, animals belong to the world of the irrational and spirits. As I said earlier, the dance is done through, and very often in animal masks. When a dance wears such a mask, he becomes the irrational animal his mask depicts.

In this state, much as the songs the dancer sings might have significant messages for those who come to witness the dance-drama, the songs and antics of the dancer are understood by all as coming from an animal within its irrational world. In other words, all present on the occasion "suspend disbelief" only during the performance of the dance.
When these German tourists crossed checked the term (CHIROMBO) with their Chiche-English dictionary, the discovery morale grew even bigger for the dictionary confirmed that chirombo was indeed" ANIMAL."

At which point serious plans were being drawn trying to map out the way forward. They imagined themselves making headline news in major European papers.
"We are sitting on ground breaking history they thought”

On the other side, vigilantes and the Chirombo were banking on a big pay day. For sure, there is going to be some big monies after this performance possibly in excess of K40.00.
Unknown to them was that these German tourists were in fact drawing big-big time plans as to how they could smuggle the beast out of the country without seeking permission from the authorities.

A number of options were suggested but they needed a quick one before the scene becomes a venue of curious glances.
They settled at killing the beast, and skin it off so that its parts are then dried and packed into their hiking bags in attempt to sale them in major European universities and Museum.

Suddenly this idea gathered pace. The driver had a hunting gun and he volunteered to kill the beast. The vigilantes stood in awe when they suddenly saw a Big Time paying opportunity turning into a murderous event. They fled, by this time other women were already sobbing. The Gun man charged his gun and took position as he started aiming at the beast.

The beast was left alone. It peeped through the drilled face like holes only to see a white gun man aiming at it. The inside guy realized the aiming object as a gun and knew this was now a matter of life and death, judgment day was night.
The man in the animal mask had only himself to save. As the gun man drew closer, the man in the animal mask started panicking and just as he was about to pull a trigger,
the animal shouted for help in a usual soft first tenor voice thus:

“SORRY I AM A PEOPLE"

MOURNING HARDY NYIRENDA-THE LEGEND PART THREE

2006-08-25T10:52:00.000+01:00

A few minutes past 15hrs, his casket was opened and there he was, dressed in a black suit,white shirt and a marching Savoy Tailors Guild black tie.It cant be real,I thought.

But when I saw the bishop coming to conduct a service,and when he started mentioning the future, when he started saying all those prayers of hope and peace, my senses came to reality that this was indeed the last time we were seeing the a humble man with a giant spirit-the spirit of love care,fairness and patriotism.Our high commissioner Dr Moto was there.

He spoke passionately.He had come to represent the government of Malawi,the people of Malawi and himself.

"On behalf of the Malawi government,on behalf of the Malawi people and on behalf of the Malawi mission office in UK,I would like first of all to express sincere condolences to Mrs. Nyirenda,for the loss of her husband Mr. Hardy Nyirenda" he said."We have come together to pause to remember and reflect, upon the terrible devastation to the Malawian UK society and Nation at large.

So much has been said and written about Mr. Nyirenda. It has brought unbelievable, unbearable grief to so many people here and at home.We think of this Day of Mourning and Reflection We also think though, of the wonderful response of mankind to this terrible loss.

I learned about Hardy,in the late 80s whilst here when some one smuggled a copy of Chilunga news letter to me[in the UK] where his poem come-come and mend was featured.I have also spent some considerable time to read expressions of sympathies from people around the world on the internet and one safe conclusion I could make and continue to make is that

" it is not the number of days with which we live that matters but what we do during our life time that matters most"
Hardy it seems was already a graduate before coming to the UK.But he felt a calling from within to pursue a particular course in media law so he could go back home to contribute to the development of his country.
He did great things for his country,and he was going to do great things to others.

THE PEOPLE OF MALAWI HAVE LOST A GREAT SON"
he concluded.

Mr. Nsembe Gondwe a close friend of hardy and his family gave us a brief back ground of Mr. Hardy."Hardy was born on 10th october 1965, went to Rumphi secondary school where he was selected to to go to chancellor college.He'd worked briefly for Sky links travel at the time of his suspension and joined the democrat news papers and GTZ before coming to the UK.At the time of his death, he had just finished his batchelor's degree in media law.
He was planning to go home in 2/3 months time"
he finished.

I have never said anything to a mourning public ever since I was born except singing and when I was asked to say a few words, I felt both terrified and concerned at my own inadequacy to such a task.

But when I reflect, however, on the encouragement in particular the way in which Hardy's acts dissolved barriers, that people have been helped irrespective of their religion, of their tribe, of their region of origin, of their political beliefs, as evident from the sympathies that we have seen over the past few days, a spontaneous coming forward of that great common humanity that we all share, I paused for a moment and told myself :

" it is an occasion like this that serves to remind all of the peoples of the world of what they have in common, and of the things that they have in common, and that the things that unite them are always stronger and more important than the things that divide us"

We have seen how a man born in 1965 changed the history of an institution that was established in 1965.

Like I said in one of my other writings, " When I was a kid, I fell in love with one primary school poem which had the following words.

IF ALL THE TREES WERE ONE TREES, WHAT A GREAT TREE THAT WOULD BE.
IF ALL THE LAKES WERE ONE LAKE, WHAT A GREAT LAKE THAT WOULD BE.

SIMILARLY

IF ALL MALAWIANS WERE AS KIND-HEARTED,COMPASSIONATE,COURAGEOUS AND CARING AS HARDY NYIRENDA, WHAT A GREAT NATION MALAWI WOULD BE"

Over the past few days our memories were taken back to some scenes of unbelievable sadness and tragedy, but we have also been inspired by the response and courageous acts of one great son from Rumphi -Hardy Nyirenda.
As Malawians we can all be immensely proud of the response of our own nation.It has been a response not only of the government through the high commissioner Dr Moto, but also a response of all of the friends and family members of the UK malawi community,the responses of the press in Malawi who for the first time in the history of post independence and post democratic struggle have decided to honor a man who spent all what he had to defend his colleagues and the contributions and the sharing, as best as we can in our own ways, of the grief that Mrs. Nyirenda and her two kids have suffered, is a demonstration to the world of the good heart and the decency and the humanity, that resides within the Malawian people.

But more need to be done.We need to share the responsibility Mrs. Nyirenda[new in this country] has.
There still remain some bills that needs to be settled.The courageous and bravery acts of their late beloved one Hardy Nyirenda affected their finances.She will be going back home to face untold challenges.Where they had home and savings,their loved one's quest to attain skills that would help him fight for the voiceless drained it all.

Lets reach out our pockets and offer whatever we can.Those who can please contact Mr. Mabaso on 07762006227 or mabasohwz@blueyonder.co.uk

Hardy's body will leave heathrow airport on sunday via south africa and is expected to land at Kamuzu international airport on tuesday at 13:00 pm

IF ALL MALAWIANS WERE LIKE HARDY NYIRENDA, WHAT A GREAT NATION MALAWI WOULD BE

Bright Mac E Malopa

MOURNING HARDY NYIRENDA THE LEGEND PART TWO

2006-08-23T18:15:00.000+01:00

Dr Tembo writes:
"What a pity that a man who loved sports - Hardy Nyirenda - who has been lovingly remebered by Bright Malopa, is no more. I felt so touched reading this piece by Mr Malopa. Yes, the good and bright ones don't live long."

Dr[s] Tembo and Shara,Franklin and Hese and many others who have written in private
The story of late Hardy Nyirenda is just too unreal if taken in the context of what others say about Malawians in general.
Time and again we hear of so and so doesn't wish me well.We have heard of people trying to pull others down.There are some people to date who have taken courage to report fabricated stories against fellow country men for reasons not far from vice and malice.
Hardy was different.
Dr Tembo correctly addressed hardy as some one who loved sports.What is even striking was that not only did he like sports but also created a platform where talent could be exposed.He was not interested in known and established players.

He could pick a player,analyze him and highlight his strength.He crafted his articles in a clever way such that they would influence decisions.
He did this with many players notably a soccer ace by the name Acton Munthali whom he had watched playing for Bata.In this tournament, Bata was playing against Silver Strikers and it must have been one of his earliest games.His performance impressed Hardy and from that day, Hardy told a colleague thus:
" I want this guy to play for Malawi national team"

For the next three weeks and probably months, all the concentration was on this lad.He highlighted his strength and how his pace could provide a useful link to another established player in the national team. It was not long before Acton Mnthali was called to take part in the national team a move saw him playing for his country without knowing who did what.It remained like that and they never met.

Come to think of it, there was no relationship between him and the lad neither did he know him personally.All he wanted was to create an environment where this lad could realize his dream.He did not do it for fame or money but for the love of humanity.
Hardy's love for people did not require him to know them.He could invite strangers and offer them shelter.Thus in 1995, he came across a young Man by the name Chinyeke Tembo.Chinyeke was born and raised by Malawian parents resident in Zambia.He had heard about the stories of Dr Banda through family friends who were exiled in Zambia like the Chibambos,Bwanausis and many other freedom fighters.

When his parents died,he did not see himself as a zambian.He wanted to go and visit the birth place of his parents but he did not know anyone from Nsanje to Karonga except an old pal late Dingswayo Chirwa. Burbled with patriotism ,Chinyeke left Zambia for Malawi, destination unknown. When he arrived at Kamuzu international airport,he was welcomed by late Dingiswayo Chirwa who was not established yet.The arrangement was that Dingiswayo would welcome Chinyeke and probably escort him to a bus deport where he could catch a bus to Mzimba where his parents were born.From there ,Chinyeke would probably trace his parent's relatives.

At the airport,he was welcomed by his friend Dingiswayo who was accompanied by a work colleague Hardy Nyirenda.As they were heading for Lilongwe city,Hardy became interested in Chinyeke the visitor.He wanted to know where he was going,where he was living and all sorts of questions anyone would ask a stranger.

It was through these interactions that Hardy realized the degree of patriotism.From no where, Chinyeke became Hardy's visitor.He took him to his house in area 18 and made him feel home.The following weeks,he started giving him some lectures about current affairs and on several occasions took him to the democrat offices where Hardy was an associate editor.
This led to Chinyeke assisting Hardy with a few things[while at work] and later found a way where Chinyeke could earn some income.He negotiated a space for Chinyeke at the democrat and in no time,Chinyeke became a regular contributor.Hardy loved Chinyeke's work and realized that the only way he could grow himself into an established journalist was to move on to a bigger place.

Thus he contacted his friend Jika Mkolokosa at the nation publication for a possible job opportunity.It worked.Now Chinyeke Tembo the young man who had come to visit his parent's country of origin found himself in full employment with the nation through Hardy's personal effort.At the nation, Chinyeke came with a bang.His articles became a hit and attracted the attention of hon John Tembo chairman of Blantyre print at that time.

Hon Tembo invited Chinyeke for dinner at his Nyambadwe house and at the end of that dinner,Chinyeke was offered employment with better conditions and terms of reference.While at Blantyre print,Chinyeke continued to perform and no sooner than later he was approached by the Mirror news paper where he ended up becoming managing editor and became one of the highest paid news men at that time[K15,000.00 although it stayed there for the next3/4 years until he left the paper after months of no pay]
To day Chinyeke Tembo writes for reuters and has traveled extensively to pick other international assignments .

The issue here is not about Chinyeke Tembo and his successful career.
Rather It is about the uniqueness of a man who against all stories the world is told about Malawi and Africa in general,inscribed a self principle to wish others well.To be a solution to the needy,to create an environment where people even unknown to him can prosper and flourish.To use his talents not as a weapon to intimidate,humiliate,belittle and ridicule others but to add smiles on faces which would have otherwise been left bewildered and destroyed.
When he fought for a fair and equitable university selection system at Chancello college,he did not do it because those who were being disadvantaged were people from his region of origin.He did it because it was unfair to humankind.

I should have added that when Aford joined the UDF,he was offered a lucrative post in government to which he turned down on principle because he felt that the move had the potential to compromise his hard held social democratic convictions.Instead he picked a good job with the GTZ a german sponsored NGO because the organization had an interest in democracy and human rights issues.However, continued to contribute to major papers.

It was for this reason that he got into trouble with the UDF.It would appear like the young democrats had been tracking him for some time because they had the nerve and courage to call him whilst attending to some business at Ryalls hotel.Despite being tipped about the planned attack,he ignored well-wishers warnings and took a bold decision to face his accusers face to face.They violently attacked him in broad day light, humiliated him and did all what they were known for.
His reaction was what surprised most of us.

To begin with, he had money to sue the culprits and could personally afford a lawyer.Beside, his organization was in a position to finance any court battles in pursuit for justice.
But other than thinking for himself, he thought about the many journalists who were working for unestablished papers.He looked around and find that many of them were not as privileged as himself and that they could not afford lawyers.

He looked at their swollen faces,some of them in clutches,some of them had their offices literary dismantled for the simple reason that they spoke against the leadership of the time.
The pain of having to see the cries of brothers in arms yet treated as rogue elements and enemies of the state by others was too much for him ,indeed too much to bare.He look straight into their eyes and saw a sign of helplessness.
The only way he could reduce their pain was to be their voice.

That's when he made a final decision to quit his job and journalism altogether and left Malawi for UK to read law.He felt challenged when he saw cases of brutality rising by the day and told himself, "unless some one take a personal responsibility to defend the voiceless,the voiceless will continue to be brutalized."
He sold all his belongings and withdrew his savings and investments to read law in the UK
He graduated with a batchelor of laws late last year and was planning to go back home in 2/3 months time,to start his work at legal aid and later establish his law firm where he was going to champion his cause.

When I called him few weeks ago, he was in Manchester buying a car so he could send it to malawi in advance.
Imagine draining all your life savings to invest into an area whose whole purpose is to defend the voiceless with or without money.

As Ellen G White once said,"The greatest want of the world to day,is the want of Men who do not fear to call sin by its right name.Men whose conscious is as true to duty as the point needle to the pole and finally men who will always stand for the right though the heavens fall" Malawi nation is inneed of these people.It is inneed of people who are willing to sacrfice their time to serve and not to be served.

Last night together with Harry Mabaso and his wife,we went to see Hardy's wife and children. I'd gone there not only to be with them in these difficult hours but also to give them a huge chunk of money from other mourning talkers in particular Mr. Trevor Chimimba [May God bless you Trevor]

Whilst there, I also took an opportunity to read her, Mr.. Kachale's poem.She was very attentive and on several occasion, I saw her smiling.As I continue reading Mr. Kachale's poem,her son Hardy jr.[knowingly or unknowingly] switched the family's min-hifi on.It seems he knew what he was doing because he skipped several songs before settling at one song "MWIKHE THEMBA" by Wambari Mkandawire.

"Mumie,that's dad's song" he concluded while pointing at the radio.In response,the mum rolled her eyes to the left then to the right and finally, I saw some tears dropping down her cheeks.

AT THAT TIME I FELT THE PAIN OF DEATH .
THAT DEATH IS REAL,
AND FINALLY AGREED WITH DR MARK TEMBO THAT "THE GOOD AND BRIGHT ONES DON'T LIVE LONG"

As I was leaving the place,I saw a cd cover of the famous country and western singer : Kenny Rodgers.I took note of the title album and realized it was not my kind of music. Not that I hate Kenny Rodgers but because the songs listed were ballads and unfortunately not my favorite-Real country blue grass.
However, for interest sake, I went past Virgin and bought the CD @£9.99 and played it at home. I went from song to song.From islands in the stream,to Reuben James,past good by marie and many more.But one song stood out and it was

"something inside so strong"

Earlier, I had seen a star like scratch against one of the songs but cannot claim and confirm that the star was scratched against this song. However, the phraseology and the composition of the song and the way it was worded gave me an impetus to suggest that this might have been Hardy's other favorite song for it went like

THE HIGHER YOU BUILD YOUR BARRIER
THE POWERER I BECOME
THE MORE YOU TAKE MY RIGHTS AWAY, THE FASTER I WILL RUN
YOU CAN DENY ME YOU CAN DECIDE TO TAKE MY RIGHTS AWAY
BUT NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY AND DO
KNOW THAT THERE IS SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG.

The song moved me and brought me back to his early days.It was then that I realized that this guy may have indeed strong convictions on issues which required his intellect,time and wealth.At which point, I remembered Mr. FRANKLIN SIMTOWE's posting which ended with:
"HARDY WAS A WARRIOR"
There are many patriotic Malawians here but few if any are as courageous as Hardy.We hear about people who are praised publicly for courageous acts, yet some of them commit acts of courage in private. They go through hell in life being afraid, yet they still face each and every single day, doing the very best they can at every given moment to better others. They have courage throughout their lives and it comes to the forefront without much planning or thought.

One last amazing thing about Hardy was that despite all the name he had created as student activist and a journalist, he hated publicity.This explains why he did not release any official photograph to any media house.Such is the case that the only picture available to the media[now] is the one he posted to Malawitalk after Justice Mwaungulu's impressive presantation at the COMMONWEALTH head office[By the way, Dunstain Mwaungulu and Jack Mapanje were his only mentors] Thus all the stories being published about Hardy's tributes have a picture where Hardy was with Justice Mwaungulu.

The story of Hardy Nyirenda the legend is a statement to Malawians that they need not remain silent out of fear, that that they have the power to turn the tide of history. It is a message that states unequivocally that the real heroes of this world are not people who rush to grab each and every headline in cyber spaces, neither are those who seek to sophomorically compete on how many girls they once dated at a given period of their fame.Rather it is about those dedicated men and women who are prepared to invest their wealth,time and intellect to serve mankind even when no one knows.Those who are prepared to repay malice with love and finally those who are prepared to love their enemies and forgive their tresspassers.

This has not been an easy task to Hardy and his family it seems.The tore this task has taken on their finances is evident .
From what I have seen,it seems we need to step in as a society.If there is anyone who feels strongly and share the views and ideals of Hardy Nyirenda,please share the little you may have to help Rhoda and kids. You can do this by calling Mr. Mabaso on 07762006227 or write him at mabasohwz@blueyonder.co.uk .
Mrs Nyirenda just joined her husband recently and has no any other known friends apart from her cousin.It may also be a good idea to pay her a vist .
IN MOMENTS LIKE THESE,WE RISE, WE CHEER AND WE MOURN TOGETHER.

Iam told,all Malawian based journalists are planning to receive Hardy's body with a heroes welcome. They have effectively asked the family as to whether they can take charge of all arrangements once hardy's remainings are in Malawi.Iam told minibuses are being hired to transport people from where ever they are to the port of entry.Several leading papers have donated several pages of space where the reprints of condolences from the internet and some of late Hardy Nyirenda's articles will be published.
If these reports are true,they signify the greatness of the man whose acts had impact on the lives of many people.

When I was a kid,I felt in love with one primary school poem.It went like:
IF ALL THE TREES WERE ONE TREE, WHAT A GREAT TREE THAT WOULD BE
the poem went on to went to say :
IF ALL THE LAKES WHERE ONE LAKE, WHAT A GREAT LAKE THAT WOULD BE
Similarly,
IF ALL MALAWIANS WERE LIKE HARDY NYIRENDA,WHAT A GREAT NATION MALAWI WOULD BE

Bright Malopa

MOURNING HARDY NYIRENDA-THE LEGEND

2006-08-20T20:05:00.000+01:00

Until now, I am still in a mood of existential doubt about the news that Hardy Nyirenda is no longer with us.This existential doubt started when I lifted my finger and dialed his number at around 11:AM on friday[18/08/06]We had agreed to meet at my house[on saturday-evening 19-08-06] partly to discuss a few things but most importantly to pick a hard copy of late Albert Muwalo's judgment where the notion of no smoke without fire was applied.
He had made this request on malawitalk.Unfortunately,I had no soft copy and I could not find time to re-type the 32 paged document.I therefore asked him to come and pick his copy.

Within minutes of dialing his number,I suddenly found myself bewildered,shocked and surprised at the news that my friend hardy had added "LATE" to his name.As my desire to speak spluttered and momentarily died,I felt a bit like a solo pilot whose engine has just cut out in the mid atlantic.I did not know what to say to Rhoda[hardy's wife]Here I was, trying to speak to person who was dead 30 minutes before my call.Rhoda, late hardy's wife realized my voice and she had to collect herself before breaking the news.

"YOUR FRIEND DIED AT 11:AM FOLLOWING UNSUCCESSFUL OPERATION AT KINGS COLLEGE HOSPITAL" she informed while sobbing.

I last spoke to hardy barely 13 days ago.The UK high commissioner had prepared lunch for Malawian londoners and had offered me an opportunity to invite friends.Hardy could not make it because the day coincided with his program in Manchester.

There is an old saying - don't judge a man in ragged cloths as someone who is poor and not worthy of recognition. The name Hardy is rarely heard off on the list of post independence freedom fighters but Hardy Nyirenda will be remembered for his bravery acts at chancellor college when he poetically attacked the Malawi congress party's CCAM[chitukuko cha a mayi Mmalawi] in 1988 through his famous story of Come-Come And Mend.

The CCAM organized functions at the university which students, especially women, were obliged to attend. What had incited him to have a go at the CCAM was that they had erected some exhibition stands on the college's hockey ground,in the process destroying the beauty of the ground.Hardy was passionate sports man.

Here it would appear Hardy's supine love for sports was tasted to its fullness and using his mastery of poetry and figurative expression,he decoded a story which was published in a campus magazine"chilunga news letter " He further took an opportunity to use the campus magazine to express his deep political views against MCP policies.This led to the publication of highly sensitive topics where a number of grievances were raised including the introduction whereby students were admitted by region of origin rather than purely on merit.

The Chirunga Newsletter also criticized a decision not to readmit students who had interrupted their studies for maternity leave. This decision was taken without warning and without retrospective effect. Finally the magazine was critical of high rates of interest on student loan scheme, funded out of foreign aid grants.

"The editor of the Chirunga Newsletter, George Chazama, and two of his reporters, were called before the Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. John Dubbey, and told they were suspended for the remainder of the academic year. This was confirmed by a letter of January 23, 1989 which stated that the contents of the magazine were "considered prejudicial to the good order of the university. On February 6 four students--George Chazama, Peterkins Chinoko, Tasosa Gondwe and Hardy Nyirenda--were expelled from the University. The expelled students were prevented from getting jobs and believed that they were under threat of arrest.The suspensions provoked the first ever student demonstration at the University [Africa watch pp90].

These people were the salt of the new found freedom and were the pillars of democratic struggle.Their willingness to chalenge the autocratic rule in ways that veteran politicians could not by way of publishing the cries of most Malawians and their most honest concerns were not ordinary acts but sadly their courage remain unsaid.

One thing that has not been mentioned here and in most transitional literatures is the fact that most of Hardy Nyirenda's views against CCAM were also picked by a veteran exiled journalist late Mkwapatira Mhango whose house was blown apart in the process wiping out the whole family following his attack on CCAM .

Who ever interacted with Hardy will bare testimony on one thing:He had an impact on people.He had this amazing pollen that would make you like him.He knew how to communicate his radical views and managed to skip through.This became apparent when a young lawyer by the name Ralph Kasambara who decided to defend the suspended students ended up becoming one of his best friend towards the end of the first quarter of 1992.This relation continued until his death such that the former AG called me to confirm about his friend's demise.

When he was re-admitted,he continued writing but this time , contributing to various news papers notably the monitor,and other tabloids.It was during this time, that he made himself available to the media world following an article in the enquirer where late Dr Kalonga Stambuli had written an article outlining the economic prospects of Malawi if Malawians were to elect the UDF government.In the article,late Stambuli argued that UDF will use "network analysis" as one of their benchmark for the country's economic success.

This argument troubled Hardy.In no time he dispatched a scholarly written article to the "Democrat" where he attacked Dr Stambuli saying that such complicated process could not be manned and understood properly by the UDF leadership which according to him was composed of failed pedestrian entrepreneurs therefore a dangerous delusion on the part of Dr Stambuli.The article was a hit.It had commentaries more than any article in the democrat [judged from the comments to the editor]

The Democrat management of the time Dr Mapopa Chipeta and Mayinga Mkandawire were left with no option but to offer him employment.Here he met other talented young firebrands in the name of Charles Simango,late Dingswayo Chirwa,Mntheto Lungu and together, they formed a team any malawian paper has ever seen.They forgedgood working relationships too.I was not surprised to receive another call from his old friend Charles Simango who called me from chancellor college where he is reading his Masters certificate in international .....[I cant remember]

It was at the Democrat that he made his name through a personalized column titled "Hardy's Image".He latter established himself as a sports analyst this time writing under a pseudo name of Nick FAO.
He captivated his audience and made them feel as if they were watching a live game.In fact reading his sports comments,you will be left with an impression that "Malawi will win the world cup"

He too had a satirical way of looking at issues.His favorite player was "Nyalugwe" and when he was roughed up by late Dickson mbetewa in one of the highly emotional soccer competition, Hardy wrote
"for reasons best known to his ancestors, Dickson mbetewa tackled the terrific left magic footer with a condemned rugby tackle"

Like so many before him in particular those who had tried to walk the path of compassion by way of freedom of expression during the UDF era,Hardy was violently attacked by the young democrats. But with courage gained from his social democratic convictions, he was able to walk where the brave could dare not go to render encouragement to good-hearted people and those in despair.Thus he comforted the likes of Chinyeke Tembo who suffered similar fates. He did so joyously and with no complaint or regrets because he believed in the power of reason.

Hardy had a very unique way of expressing his comments.I remember inviting him home last year for an arsenal match.I had just received a bottle of sobo[orange squash] and we thought it will be better if there was some african snacks.Since we had little time, we settled at "Dzitumbuwa"

In no time, we bought some banana,crushed it and mixed it with maize flour and later fried them. "Madam musavutike ndife .Kasi kuno nkhu ingilandi" he told my wife while going past her to our low linteled kitchen unit. I was upstairs when he tested the first one.
He could not resist starting with a confit belly of a self impressed chef

"Oh Bright" he sighed.I rushed downstairs hoping to hear something like "it is nice or sweet or at worse something has gone terribly wrong" but to my surprise and whilst munching the first chitumbuwa with his eyes closed, he commented thus "Kapoto aka ni kawemi" a rather crude tumbuka translation for "This pot is great"

I laughed.
"Hardy, I thought,you would talk about the greatness of chitumbuwa and the memories it brings about home?" I asked
"No, you need to appreciate the dynamics of this pot before enjoying the chitumbuwa"
I joined him in the testing staccato and we could not stop eating from the boiling pot since it sounded too much for an appetite that had already been given a thorough work-out by an array of traditional canapés and amuse-bouches which was hopping with astonishing speed into our mouths.

We had just finished eating them all when my wife asked thus:KODI AZIMBAMBO INU, SIMUTIGAYIRA??? While I was struggling with the most suitable words to explain the situation, Hardy had a readily available answer
"ACTUALLY, THERE WAS A CRISIS" he started and we all laughed.

During his short stint in journalism, Hardy wrote numerous articles with an impressive arsenal of words.His greatness and radical views will be remembered by a few.Sadly in Malawi,there is no memorial to writers and journalists who risked their lives in bringing about change the way Hardy Nyirenda and friends did prior to and soon after referendum.Even the dead,long gone before Hardy ,the likes of late Obrien Mapopa Chipeta,Matembo Mzunda,Meki Ntewa,Chakufwa Chihana and many others would not reject the idea of having to crown the likes of Hardy as fallen heroes and give them the respect and dignity they deserve.

As for journalism, hardy Nyirenda will be remembered for his unique way of describing senior politicians.
Describing hon Tembo he once wrote:
"What is known about him comes from a chain of someone claiming to know someone whose uncle is a friend to an uncle of someone who has worked with a friend who has a brother who has a friend who knows a friend that knows John Tembo's friend"

Mourning is hateful and irksome to poor human nature. From suffering and sadness our spirits instinctively shrink. By nature we seek the society of the cheerful and joyous.The measure of a man is not judged by his lifetime achievements but rather the impact of his talents,achievements and skills on others.Hardy Nyirenda was one such a great character.

His work may have been forgotten or deliberately ignored by the political elite.But surely he was not an ordinary person.I was happy to have known him.I was happy to have spoken to him a week before he died.But I am saddened to have called him 30 minutes after being pronounced dead. I did not know that he was admitted at the kings college hospital.May be If I had known,I would have visited him and whisper into his ears"Bamdala,KAPOTO AKA NIKAWEMI"

To his 7 year old son
To his 5 year old daughter
To his lovely wife Rhoda,close family and friends
Your loss is our loss

Mwafwa tafwa

RIP HARDY I was 30 minutes late,I wish I could talk to you.I may do it in heaven
Bright MacE Malopa

ARRESTS NOT POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

2006-08-10T18:02:00.000+01:00

the article was published in the sunday times on 13/11/05

Once again an unproven and highly exaggerated threat is
being utilised to force through a reactionary political
agenda. Personally I am of the opinion that everybody is
equal before the law and that those, committing any
crime, are liable to face punishment.

All those thinking that they escaped justice or managed to evade the system
must be made to understand that politics has taken a new shape. Little by little, there seem to me growing and emerging powers from the electorate which is the major
step in consolidating our infant democracy.

When arrests are made against politicians, misconceptions tend to rise either by will, political manipulation or shear ignorance. Make no mistake, there indeed exist the notion of political arrests and our country's history is full of examples where people have been or were arrested on political grounds.

Thus in the late fifties, we had the likes of Aleke Banda, Orton Chirwa, Dr Banda and many others who were arrested mainly because they were advancing their political ideology.
The trend resurfaced soon after independence when allot of freedom fighters were persecuted for their beliefs. Throughout the MCP’s brutal regime, innocent Malawians suffered for harboring dissent views with some being victimized for simply being Malawians from a blacklisted region which was being perceived as a threat to the then regime or triumvirate.

Dr Chiona, Dr Mwanza, Prof Felix Munthali, and many others are good examples of politically driven arrests ,many of them arrested as a result of a scheme masterminded by the political
authorities which saw secrete agents engaging themselves into clandestine projects where they could forge letters and board a flight to Zambia or Tanzania and post their forged letter to their selected victim and latter on intercept their letter and build a case to confront an innocent citizen. Just like that a man is gone regardless of his innocense and his only crime was that he came from the northern part of Malawi.

In 1983, four innocent politicians in the name of Dick Matenje, Twaibu Sangala, Chikwenga and Gadama were clobbered simply because they criticized government expenditure as well as objected the idea of changing the constitution to allow the creation of the position of prime minister or acting president at a time when Dr Banda was deciding to take a sabbatical leave

A spell of political arrests continued with the arrests of intellectuals and other prominent figures notably Prof Jack Mapanje for his intellectual poetry prowess and Dr Ntafu who was merely arrested for refusing to offer an apology to Dr Banda after questioning the implications of MCP’s Anti northern policy which saw the repatriation of civil servants [mainly teachers] to their region of origin. The last known victim of MCP's political
arrest was hon Chakufwa Chihana who was arrested for promoting his human rights campaign.

In the post single party era, Malawi witnessed several arrests by the UDF government. I’m reminded of Dr Ntaba’s arrest who was simply arrested for nothing other than being critical of the Muluzi government and the arrest of Gwanda Chakumba on almost a non existence case
of forgery which Dr Muluzi advanced to limit the damage being made after the leaking of his memo to the press and the diplomatic community and latter, the arrest of a
noble citizen Matafale who sadly died in prison after being manhandled by the police for criticising Dr Muluzi's government.

There are sharp contrasts between the list of the above mentioned examples and the arrest of political figures we are witnessing today and the role of the ordinary citizens. Interestingly common in the arrests of political figures during the MCP and UDF regimes were
heavy presence of political figures and or secrete agents with links to the political elites of the time.

I am told during the stand off between hon Mpingajira and Dr Muluzi, there was large presense of politicians who were actively involved when effecting an arrest and were seen almost updating Dr Muluzi on an hourly basis via the mobile phones. On one account where Mr Makande BJ's-right hand man was arrested, Ministers like hon Mwawa and Late Lemani were physically present during the interrogation.

Sadly we have in Malawi today a situation where Influential people including lawmakers who were supposed to be exemplary ,are often arrested for immoral related
offenses.

The difference however between the past regimes and the present one is the nature of offence. Here we have real crimes being committed with sections of the law being seriously contravened. What distinguishes these developments is the public’s role or approval in the saga. The recent arrests of hon, Milanzi and Lucious Banda are cases in point. Here there is no evidence of heavy presence of political operatives let alone the humiliating nature of prolonged detentions and torture but rather a new dimension in that it was the public which fed the authorities with information about the gentlemen’s wrong doings. (Milanzi and Banda)while Mr Mpasu’s arrest was a result of recommendations made by the commission which was set up by Dr Muluzi.

If anything, All Mr. Mpasu should do is perhaps to quiz his master Dr Muluzi why the commission's report on his alleged corrupt activities was left un destroyed.
As for the public with regards to the role of the public,discontent experienced by the UDF soon after 2004 elections,tells me something more than the political skirmishes and harassment songs, UDF operatives would want us to be singing against the government.

It tells me of a society wanting to hold accountable any individual be it a politician whom they perceive as an obstacle to reforms and development by earthling out
his/her misconduct into the public domain as the only way to ensure a sustainable progress along development lines.It also shows the trust and confidence in the system without which, the same society would have resorted to mob justice .

Perhaps it is important to highlight here that the momentum of struggle for reforms can open people up to awareness of the need to fight for much more thoroughgoing change—and of the
power of their movements to do so. The coming together of the single-issue campaigns over the last 18 months to support the present government has created precisely such a momentum. The tendency to see things in terms of a confrontation with the system as whole, rather than
just one aspect, has grown ever more marked.

From being implicitly anti-political ideology to dub any politician insensitive to their needs such as HIV and Hunger as an enemy of progress and development, and indeed society
has become increasingly explicitly so.

We are witnessing a political paradigm shift where days are not far away when the people of Malawi would free the nation from the politics of killing, repression and deprivation of the masses,". Such radicalisation does not take place in some uniform manner. Reformism is not
merely a set of ideas about how to improve society. It also finds embodiment in institutions of a various sorts—especially parliamentary institutions—which are based on channelling such ideas, but this cannot be done by people who cheated their way into the chamber.

Individuals who are prominent because of the connections with such institutions can play a very important role in providing a focus for bringing movements about in the first place. By pulling people around them to press for change they create a focus for activity—and in doing so
set off the tendency for society to grow that look beyond mere reform. For this reason, the involvement of such individuals in initiating these developments is not just something to be tolerated—it is to be positively encouraged.

It is often the key to the growth of democracy to which level headed citizens must and
should be proud of.

The way in which this crisis of belief has been intensely amplified through the perpetual complaints from the UDF, has been one of the main drivers of the recent unrest. But don't blame the Government for doing what it is supposed to be doing and that is to make sure that law and order is maintained and if I were to go further,that public officers and lawmakers should be the first citizens portraying good examples for others to follow.

Understandably, UDF's cynical criticism of authority is quietly shared by those who wielded power and through their influence, fermented a belief that they should not be held accountable even in the face of clear violations against the laws of the land. By letting the cat out of
the bag, the UDF party simply transmits the message that politics lacks meaning.

Not surprising indeed that UDF sympathisers are offering no evidence to demonstrate that these arrests are political. One thing interesting about their argument is the evasive manner in which they seems to suggest that these people have not breached the law. By that, they
wants us to believe that these people were arrested because of their political beliefs and values.

I do not deny the fact that these arrests are being made in a climate mared with political tension, but I am also aware that malawians are not fools to be duped into
believing that all these developments are being politically motivated because they know that forgery is a crime, that exconvicts can only take a public office seven years
after their conviction.

To suggest that these people are being arrested for their beliefs is to imply that
offenses were not committed and I find it extremely hard to believe that we as a society can be so politicaly warped

To put it bluntly: there are no UDF values to share. I cannot see any sense in sharing the belief and value that all party donations should be banked in a leader's personal account, neither do I see any logic in continuing to defend the leadership whose misguided tactics are tearing the party away. There is however the danger that the once loved party with its well researched manifesto wants to position and brand itself as a party where lawlessness, chaos, phonication,
corruption and bullfighting is adopted as a tactical strategy to advance her political cause.

In the absence of a common web of meaning, even small differences can
turn into a major conflict. In such circumstances, there is every incentive to inflate suspicion and magnify difference. That is the politics of today, and probably of tomorrow if the UDF still want to entertain such kind of lawlessness.

Perhaps I need to remind the UDF party that contrary to this biased view, these gentlemen committed crimes and if the law is meant to be observed by all, they should expect to go through the same process and wait to be cleared by the courts.

UDF's arguments on the coincidental arrests of politicians who have genuine cases and queries to answer should not in either way be referred to as political arrests.
This kind of thinking and mentality is dangerously misleading because it creates a situation
where senior and influential politicians should be left free to commit any crime of choice while expecting the rest of us to obey the laws. Sadly, it is through this mentality that people who should not have been called honorables are now being elevated for their mastery to
evade the system.

One crucial point society is also forgetting is the bizarre manner in which our parliament conducts its business. Time and again, we’ve had numerous calls from various stake holders including the voters who’ve gone to great lengths to voice their concern and dismay
against our lawmakers. I am now beginning to understand why there is such amount of childishness and skirmishing petty fighting in the chamber because many of these lawmakers
are people who have cheated their way in.

They have no morals and manners because many of them are fugitives.
This why they refuse any suggestion in the direction of introducing a recall bill.

I have no reason to believe that the UDF is suggesting that our Parliament should be made of forgery activists, fraudsters, ex convicts and outright thieves and expect them to make laws on our behalf and expect the laws to be applied on us ordinery citizens. I therefore would
not accept the views of the UDF party leaders that law breakers should be declared innocent and should not be punished.This is simply political foolishness and too dangerous for a country like ours to adopt.

UDF needs to move beyond this negative image and reform itself into
an ideological based political entity.

It needs to embrace itself and create a mechanisim where lawbreakers are disciplined "Just because the culprits are politicians, it should not be construed that they are not answerable and that the government authorities should shy away from executing their noble task of
enforcing law and order fearing that politicians will twist their actions and dubb them political harassments.

It must be emphasized here that the object of all legal punishment is not altogether with a view of operating on the offenders themselves, it is also for the sake of
offering an example and warning".

Mo Rocca, comedian and author of "the entire President's Pets, once said "There are different ways to end the debate: There can be a two-thirds vote for cloture, or there could be a head butt," explaining political procedure in the Russian Duma, which is similar to the
United State's legislative branch and finally our own legislative assembly.

According to Rocca, Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky makes Sense. Reid and
Frist look downright polite.

"If he feels strongly about something, he'll spit at the opposition," Rocca said.
"If it is a real important priority, he will throw water. If something is extremely important, then the nuclear option is orange juice."

The politicians in Taiwan have also been known to get a little rowdy. Their government officials have thrown punches, kicks, even bananas and apples. I am reminded of the statement of Nazi leader Herman Goering on trial for war crimes telling the court in Nuremburg,

“The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.It works the same way in any country.”

What we are witnessing in Malawi is nothing to that scale. There is no clash of ideologies or political thinking. It is simply government institutions doing their mandated duties. The best thing our politicians should be doing is to make sure that they are
not on the opposite side of the law.

POLITICS OF NKHWENZULE PART TWO

2006-08-05T01:58:00.000+01:00

Before I pass on to the theme of my posting, the POLITICS OF NKHWEZULE chapter 2, I consider it my duty to express my thanks to the readers of this blog for not emailing me to tell me that I am insane.

In the same breath, I would also like to thank Dr Peter Kumpalume Mr Watipaso Mkandawire and Dr steve Shara for laughing a loud whenever I relate the current Malawi’s political developments to "POLITICS OF NKHWEZULE"

But most importantly, I would like to thank Mr David Nthengwe now working for United Nations as mass information officer who countered my theory by offering a totally different view.
I met David in London for the first time and when I introduced the doctrine of Nkhwezuleism, he rejected the idea on spot but as we went deep into the subject, he bought the idea only to devise his own theory by linking it to journalists without my permission.

In his rebarbative cynicism and his mordant clarity, he made attempts to represent an authentic counter argument suggesting that my description of NKHWENZULE, created a strong feeling that the mythical bird is no more than a messenger of death as such Journalist and not politicians are the ones who should be linked to the notion of NKHWEZULEISM.

I warned him to avoid becoming a NKHWEZULE himself if he dare change my thesis without considering the time and effort I have invested in this theory (This warning had the added bonus of probably being true.) but he counter warned me that he will not wait to tear my argument at its earliest publication.[come on David, I’m waiting]

Firstly, my theory is contested in the traditional left wing perspective. I’m on the lower-left of the political spectrum, but I’m often tempted by those on the lower-right. They’ve got this beautiful capitalist theory where the people who do work get paid and society automatically adjusts things for the greater good, and everyone lives happily ever after. (My problem is that it doesn’t work. Capitalism gives cash to those who exploit the system, pays people for different tasks than those I consider good, and assumes people are intrinsically bad and need to be corrected.

Before I proceed I need to make it clear here that this thesis is not a definitive doctrine or theory. It is merely a personal account formed over a series of events which took place and continue to take place in Malawian politics and seeks in general terms to explain what is meant by "the politics of NKHWENZULE."

It does not wish to limit or exclude, but provide a general introduction to the topic. Apologies for inaccuracies, misinterpretations, or (inevitable) overgeneralizations.
Hopefully, I shall perfect it when my request to review it in scholarly terms at a masters level is granted by any of the universities that I have contacted.

For those who missed the POLITICS OF NKHWENZULE’s introduction, Nkhwezule in most Malawian communities is seen as a mysterious and sinister bird believed to be only hunting at night .Such is the mystery that the few people that I interviewed failed to find its English name.

It seems every conceivable Malawian has had a go at that old night bird myth and have failed miserably to come up with a plausible idea of what it is. Its exact colour and looks also sounds confusing as others seem to mistake it for an OWL[kadzidzi].To some the mere idea of mentioning it was so scarring.

Based on this myth, I intend to coin a theory which seeks to pursue an argument based on "conventional wisdom" by relating certain behaviors with a view of ending the grossly selfish and greedy attitudes by people who use their influence and privileged positions to exploit the vulnerable without weighing both the short and long term effects of their actions on others and society in general.

Conventional wisdom is a term coined by professor John Kenneth Galbraith to describe certain ideas or explanations that are generally accepted as true by the public. According to his book
" the affluent society"conventional wisdom can be correct when backed by facts and years of experience. Sometimes conventional wisdom is based less on facts and more on opinion and speculation.

In most African culture, which craft and magic related myths, for example, are accepted on the basis of being "conventional wisdom". Conventional wisdom is also often seen as an obstacle to introducing new theories, explanations and as such, I am not surprised to see that David rejected my theory of "The politics of Nkhwenzule at first.

This is to say, that despite new information to the contrary, Conventional Wisdom has a property analogous to inertia, a momentum, that opposes the introduction of contrary belief; sometimes to the point of absurd deniability of the new information set by persons strongly holding a outdated views. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kenneth_Galbraith

Since I’m not fond of such self-deception, especially when used to defend things I find noxious, this series of articles will look at places where "NKHWENZULEISM" theory breaks down and eats itself

WHAT IS NKHWEZULEISM?

NKHWENZULEISM is a shorthand term for "NKHWENZULE politics[vice versa] that critiques the totality of political selfishness, greed and abuse of privileged position from an abused, oppressed and affected perspective which seeks to initiate a comprehensive coinage of largely accepted mythical terminology by a deprived society in order to initiate change of heart and transformation of an authoritative individual to behave in ways that are politically, culturally and religiously acceptable through which the interest of society are seen to eclipse those of an individual or group of people.

Individuals associated with this current do not wish to be adherents of NKHWENZULE ideology when practicing their selfish motives. They are merely people who seek to become free individuals in free communities in harmony with one another and with the biosphere but suddenly change whenever an opportunity to carry out certain societal or political responsibilities arise.

At best, then, NKHWENZULE ideology is a convenient label used to characterise diverse individuals with a partisan let alone selfish common project.The abolition of all power relations e.g. structures of control, coercion, domination, and exploitation - and the creation of a form of community that excludes all such relations.

Simultaneously, the theory examine the evolution of greed, inconsiderate and selfishness in our midst in order to suggest new terrains for contestations and critique in order to undermine the present tyranny of the modern totalitarian discourse in parliament.

The behavior of some members of parliament has been very disappointing this year. We have seen members of parliament acting in ways that are unrepresentative of their constituents. We have seen members of parliament rejecting the president’s speech out of malice. The Nation has had to go through an embarrassing and shameful period of having to see members of the donor community pleading with our MPs to pass the budget when common sense tells us that that’s what they are supposed to be doing.

Towards the end of the budget, http://www.nationmalawi.com/articles.asp?articleID=17915 and after all the squabbles and highly personal yet misguided arguments which earned our MPs a staggering K500,000.00 + richer through allowance claims alone ,when their constituents were going on an empty stomach, one individual held the nation hostage by demanding thus:

"NO PASSING OF BUDGET UNTIL I AM APOLOGISED".

That the passing of the budget was key and crucial to the funding of fertilizer subsides was immaterial That the passing of budget was key to the funding of the ministry of health which among other things is responsible for the purchase of drugs and that some people would die in the absence of such medical supplies was immaterial.

What was important to this honorable Member of Parliament was an apology. He did not care about what would happen to the nation should his intimidated followers agrees to shoot down the budget. He did not care that some hardworking men and women in the name of civil servants were waiting for the passing of budget to receive their payment .

All he cared was "I MUST BE APOLOGISED"

12 years ago, the whole nation paid a huge price due actions which benefited a few individuals.Thus when the then government decided to go against established procurement through engaging "field york" in the excise book scandal, Kwacha automaticaly nose dived from its K4.50 to against a pound to K16.00 to a pound.Since then, the kwacha never recovered.When one compares the negative impact such activities had on our weak economy,he or she is tempted to question the morality of the individuals concerned.

That hyper-reality that destroys human meaning of moral consciousness, and hence solidarity, by simulating it with political greed and self importance to regain a political discourse grounded in autonomous, intersubjective mutuality and closely associated with the natural ego at the expense of national interest, underlying all struggles for freedom and social injustices is central to the understanding of "NKHWENZULE POLITICS"

The aim of conceptualising this doctrine is to develop a synthesis of primal and contemporary banjaxed view, a synthesis of the politically-focused, inconsiderate and authoritarian aspects of individualistic and selfish acts by relating them to "Nkhwezule" a mysterious and sinister bird believed to be only hunting at night.

For years in particular the Ngoni ,the lomwe,tumbuka and Chewa people of Malawi, Nkhwezule has been associated with, witchcraft and death with some believing it to be an evil spirit, in animal form, used by witchcraft practitioners to perform evil deeds and cast malevolent spells a head of time.

Its effect are felt a day or so by villagers after flying past a village at night, leaving a helpless and panicking community behind as its terrifying and unusual sound dies into the darkness of a sombre night. http://brightmalopa.blogspot.com/2006/07/politics-of-nkhwezule.html

By linking NKHWENZULE to selfish behaviors ,the aim is not to replicate or theorise/philosophise their acts but rather to coin a doctrinal frame work which society particularly the voters can use to enforce change on those representing them in various political and gubernatorial forums.

Selfish acts committed in the context of an institutionalised position of systematic influence and domination by one authority or group of people over his [their] subordinates http://www.nationmalawi.com/articles.asp?articleID=17957 or constituents and committed with the intention of maintaining personal or partisan interests without regard to humanity or societal interest by way of exploiting one’s privileged position[s] are increasing in Malawi .

They are equally increasing elements of NKHWENZULEISM outside Malawi too. The difference however is that when NKHWENZULEISM is practiced outside Malawi, the name will change and I shall call it OWLISM.[again not yet discovered] These acts may include abuse of power, to crimes such as murder, enslavement, deprivation of physical liberty, and corruption the sort of things we are now seeing in Iraq and elsewhere.

It my considered view, one of the reason why some of these selfish acts are on the rise in Malawi particularly those related to politics and or politicians is because, they are given foreign names which have little impact on both practitioners and the vulnerable.

When a politician exploit his position to enrich himself regardless of societal needs, we either dub him as a tyrant, corrupt or inconsiderate but these terms have no meaning in most culture hence the main reason why politicians and those connected often gets their way out. As a result, we accept their practice as part of politics. Matter of fact, people vies for such positions so that they can enrich themselves whenever chances arise.

These selfish acts have had an adverse effect on the public particularly the poor. Remember what happened in 2002 when the then authorities decided to sell maize[malawi's staple food] to Kenya.Allot of people died because they could not find food.
Today Malawian faces are swollen with rivers and seas of painful tears of the past. They have gone thorough series of lies and false hopes.

There are people in Malawi who have been made widows as a result of politics.There are mothers who have lost their beloved sons and daughters to the next world because politician a or b wanted to protect his position.They have gone through severe trials, and have become more sombre as politics become more brutal.

The notion of power to the people has completely gone and the idea that constituents are being represented is now becoming a dangerous delusion. The country has entered into a period of great change. It is a great change that has seen the voters being abandoned as their representatives becomes more and more interested in their self.

Its extreme expressions are package rise and budget cuts. The barriers of right and might are overthrown and replaced by the strength of numeric representation in parliament .The only way we can end this unbecoming behavior is to brand such acts with our local names, hence the doctrine of NKHWENZULEISM . It is my considered view that by branding and relating their acts to behaviors of dark characters such as NKHWENZULE’s, voters will up their chances of enforcing change as practitioners fear to be associated with such characters.

WHY NKHWENZULE POLITICS?

My layman understanding of this mythical bird and the tales I have since gathered about this bird seem to suggest that when this bird flies past a village, it does so without taking due care of villagers concerns which comes in the form of panic fear and discomfort upon hearing its hissing and weird sound.
It doesn’t even bother its implications of flying past a house where a critically ill person is being nursed. That caring relatives will loose hope of their loved one’s chances to survive when they hear or see it flying past is of little concern to NKHWENZULE.
What matters most to this bird is that it flies and makes its weird and strange sound.

Similarly, anyone who propose to act in a manner contrary to the opinion of society by acting in ways that puts his or her interests above those of society automatically practice the politics of NKHWENZULE.
It's like a religion.The contradictions are obvious to outsiders but don't disturb the faithful. You believe when you're in its warm embrace. In order to understand how one gets from the "moral principles" above to the sort of fanatical proselytizing seen everyday on discussion lists, it is important to grasp how the ideology actually works out, from theory to practice.

To start off, NKHWENZULEISM is highly axiomatic. Note how the above quote touts its logically consistent approach. http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/publications/studies/eagcp_july_21_05.pdf There's a set of rules to be applied to evaluate what is proper, and the outcome given is the answer which is correct in terms of the moral principle of the theory. But in practice, the rules are simple and tight enough to produce surprisingly uniform positions compared to common political philosophies. Urmson, J. O. (1953) "The interpretation of the moral philosophy of J. S. Mill" Philosophical Quarterly 3 pp. 33—39 Immanuel Kant Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals 1st ed. (1873) Hobbes Leviathan Part 1 (1841) Socrates Euthyphro 3rd ed. (I892)

Webelieve that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.

Now, how many ideologies have you ever heard state anything like
"We believe that disrespect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud are good things in human relationships, and that only through slavery can peace and prosperity be realized"

Why is it that when there's a problem, our first question is not, "How can government solve this problem," but "who must be eliminated to improve this situation?"

Every ideology has weaknesses and blind spots, but the specific manifestation of NKHWENZULEISM is to make its followers completely unable to deal with any sort of analysis of power other than the most basic sort of political action. Thus, not only do they develop a mental block against the actual functioning of huge portions of our society, but this block then often turns into raving denial when anyone else says something outside their blinders.This is why you will see an entire opposition following an intelectualy tired and obsolete politician to withdraw their support on national budget unless so and so apologise or shunns the voting.

Why do people from one social group oppress and discriminate against people from other groups? and why is this oppression so mind numbingly difficult to eliminate? The answers to these questions are framed using the conceptual framework of social dominance theory but practiced by individual beings. http://www.londonfetishscene.com/wipi/index.php/Dominance
Social dominance theorists often argues that the major forms of intergroup conflict, such as racism, classism and patriarchy, are all basically derived from the basic human predisposition to form and maintain hierarchical and group-based systems of social organization. In essence, social dominance theory presumes that, beneath major and sometimes profound difference between different human societies, there is also a basic grammar of social power shared by all societies in common.

I am using social dominance theory in an attempt to identify the elements of NKHWEZULEISTIC behavior and to understand how these elements interact and reinforce each other to produce and maintain an individual oriented thought of putting self interests before those of society. As a long and violent abuse of power, is generally the means of calling the right of it in question and in matters too which might never have been thought of, had not the sufferers[voters] been aggravated into the inquiry.

The only way to end this madness is to stop referring to these selfish acts in foreign term which if anything raises the profiles of such disgraced members of society.
The habit of not thinking a thing wrong because it is being mentioned in foreign terms, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom.

In a democracy, any one who believes and practice democracy is called a democrat. In the Christian kingdom, any person following and practices the teaching of Christ is called a Christian.
In my theory, any one who practices the politics of NKHWENZULE as described in this exposition is a NKHWENZULE .
To hear a recital of these facts would make people shudder; and the tear of sympathy would communicate from one man to another with congenial celerity leading to the change of behavior from those practicing the politics of NKHWENZULE.

A country that has preachers, prophets, poets, houses of worship and parliamentary democracy does not need politicians expressing its piety collectively threatening the livelihood of a nation in in such a sacred place like parliament.

Individual citizens can be trusted to find their own appropriate ways to express their own political convictions and train the young in virtue. What the people need from political leaders are the virtues of truthfulness, justice, practical wisdom, courage, vision and a kind of compassion whose effects can actually be discerned in the lives of the poor and the elderly.

IS YOU MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT PRACTICING THE POLITICS OF NKHWENZULE? RATHER CYNICAL, IS HE/SHE A NKHWENZULE??

Bright Malopa
Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as NKHWENZULEISM or NKHWENZULE POLITICS although the behavior does exist.

LETTER TO THE MDP PRESIDENT MR KAMLEPO KALUWA,

2006-07-16T21:01:00.000+01:00

President Kaluwa,

I am writing you to respond to your coments against the state president Dr Wamutharika on 18th May 2006 where you said:
" I said from the start that Bingu was worse dictator than Banda and want to turn malawi into his
personal estate "
I find your reaction in general to be abit emotional than balanced.I can fully understand your position in that you had to spend some considerable time in the cell only to discover that you had no case to answer.However, I am of the opinion that you are not an ordinary debater.No one can conclude malawian transitional history without mentioning Kamlepo Kaluwa.

You may not know this, but there are some of us who honestly think that you contributed to the change process in Malawi in ways that many of our celebrated politicians could not.

We still recall your breath taking revelations on channel africa when there were no independent broadcasting houses in the country.You cut your teeth in politics and promised that nation in a rather crude chewa translation" MUKAZAVOTERA MDP,TIZAKUUZANI ZINSINSI 54[If you vote MDP we will tell you 54 secretes] Unfortunately it dint work out.

One thing clear at that time was that you were fighting for a cause.This did not stop.You continued doing it during Bakili's time.

I am laying this background because I find your claims that "Dr Wamutharika is a worst dictator "to be baseless.The essence of dictatorship as a leadership style has to be described in specifics as distinct from abstract demonized political ideology.
Unless you give us specific examples of this worst dictatorial antics from the beloved leader,your claims will be taken as another hoax.

You went into exile during Dr Banda's alleged fair dictatorship rule.I find it hard to believe that you would remain in Malawi during the worst dictator's reign when you couldn't face the fair dictator.
That alone contradicts your position.
2- During your 10 year relentless campaign against Dr Muluzi, you bravely fought against Dr Muluzi's democratized corruption and sleaze."You warned the public that you may consider going into the bush to bring change"

The very same things you were fighting for is what Dr Wamutharika is fighting for.I would think that your position would be to support practical measures that can defeat the specter of corruption – not the erosion of our country’s values as was the case during the past regime.

As a presidential aspirant, you seem to be giving us a discomforting impression that if you were to be voted into office,your government will be soft on crime and corruption.I expect you to be advocate of good governance and be relentless in the pursuit of those who were perpetrating antagonistic and corrupt acts and unswerving in your commitment to uphold justice.

As a hallmark of our endeavor, I believe that it Is important to mirror the values of the present Democracy in the context of our past with an aim – to look for healing not division, for pastoral reconciliation and not punishment, to look to our shared witness not only in our political lens but in the processes by which our vested interest in our democracy works out the current tensions without compromising the rule of law and natural justice.

All I am saying here is that, we the voters expect alternative views from you presidential aspirants.
If Dr Wamutharika is doing something wrong, you should point it and tell us how else you would have done it.
We expect to hear policy related issues from you and not these sort of characterizations.

By the way, KODI MUDZAIMA 2009?
THIS MAY WELL BE YOUR CHANCE TO SELL YOUR AGENDA TO THE MALAWIAN PEOPLE
AFTER ALL WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR "ZINSINSI 54"

MPASU THE GRAVEYARD DEMOCRAT

2006-07-16T20:08:00.000+01:00

my non Malawian readers and some naive readers ,I strongly suspect they will take this article as a smear.For that reason, I need to point this out that the article here in being refered to as MPASU THE GRAVEYARD DEMOCRAT " is not my making.I am not making this up".Mr Mpasu,former speaker of parliament and now spokesperson of the United Democratic front was discovered in the graveyard in a kooky position by Villagers at around 20hours.
Any political philosophy has its nuts. Mpasu"GRAVEYARDISM" is no worse than any other in this regard"
Reading and hearing comments from most Malawians over the issue, I got the impression that Mr Mpasu will enter into our history books as the all time entertainer since independence. We have all enjoyed his twist on the graveyard dilemma and experiences as the villagers were closing in on him as well as when the nation was misspelling an important word or phrase about his graveyard machinations. This mind-boggling discovery of him squatting between tombs has made others develop theories but to his relief none of them came close to accusing him of “a political hereditary witch “

UDF party spokesperson was allegedly "impeached from the graveyard" by the villagers who found him and his which doctor having a " constructive ritual-medicinal bath" in the process abrogating his long held Christian values which forbids followers to seek help from foreign gods.

You may wish to be reminded that the man who I suppose was trying to bring "democracy to the dead" is in fact a leading presidential aspirant and publicity secretary not least spokes person of the former president.

It is not quite clear whether he went there in his official or personal capacity
I am aware that others are linking the debacle to his own going field york case.

However several theories have since developed

The first one was that he went there to consult on "CHITAKA" this allegedly follows revelations by the party that it is broke. Understandably, the party needs some funds to finance its long postponed convention which analysts continue to doubt the likelihood of its “happening”

The second theory is that considering the geographic position [MACHINGA] The former speaker of parliament and minister of information went there to set a video conference with the party's chairman who is in the UK recovering from a spine operation.

Could it be that he was briefing the press when the villagers stormed the graveyard studios? we can only speculate
What ever happened, he has a consolation from me because I don't believe in those teachings. My pastoral Dad thinks “NDIMAFANO”

Of course, you don't have to actually belong to a coven in order to be thought of as a Witch, you can bluff your way into being accepted as a fully fledged converted Christian with no links to Witchcraft society while acting in the most strange and dubious ways which may include getting lost into the graveyard at 8pm by ignoring a signpost which was never there in the first place and went on to take an imaginary detour which eventually leads you into the cemetery.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy this scenery on a detour.
As a politician, Mr Mpasu has played his cards very well by adhering to the political rules suggesting thus:
No matter how often you're scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout, run right back and make friends.
Very very surprising indeed that those who thought he was finished politically must have been surprised to see a court jam packed by well wishers

Some one once said “when trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.My apologies here.Mpasu is not crazy, just that we are yet to be schooled on his notion of GRAVEYARDISM

Whether this will have an impact on his political ambitions is anybody’s guess but one thing for sure, questions will always be raised when he makes a public comment on behalf of the UDF party.
“From which graveyard was he commenting ?”

And most likely, the UDF organizing committee will make it a point that a graveyard must be nearby whenever a rally is being conducted
Matter of fact, I am anxious to know his manifesto as the race for leadership tightens in the UDF
Will it look like:
- I will create more graveyards when elected leader of UDF
-I will liberalize all graveyards to make sure that they can be visited after 8pm
-I will make Mr. Hadji my graveyard advisor because Malawi needs a strong and vibrant graveyard economy

-If elected leader of the UDF, I will seek to apply for exclusive dealership of all graveyards in the eastern region in honor of father and founder of the UDF party.

However, I am only worried on the degree of mediocrity on the part of those who aspires to lead us one day or the other. How do we expect development with this dubious mentality?

I hear the NEC, hurriedly arranged a meeting to contain the scandal from spilling out into the party
The first proposals was to allege that" Mr. Mpasu was rigged into the graveyard"
However this was shot down by a wise NEC member that " Mr. Mpasu was not an election therefore cannot be rigged" This is when they came up with the idea suggesting that he was "tricked"
Tricked?
Hang on a second; it was 8pm at night. A car was parked within the graveyard prinstinct, he cant claim to have missed the signpost because we don't have graveyard signposts. Beside, graveyards in Malawi are uniquely forested and are often a mile or so from the village.

Mr. Mpasu knew he was going to the graveyard
There were three people namely Mr. Mpasu, the witchdoctor and his driver
The driver stayed in the car as the two consenting adults[Mr. Mpasu and his traditional gynecologist] entered the land of the dead

SO, WHO tricked WHO?

After this analysis by the wise NEC member, memories were taken back and in no time all faces were down for 5 minutes or so.
Then after a while some in the middle of quietness and silence said "HHm!!!!!"
The whole NEC burst into laughter" hahahahahahahahahaahahahahah
It went on and on until they all decided thus:
"NO COMMENT"
This explains why the party has decided to offer no "comment" but deep down their hearts, their comment is "hahahahahahaaha"

whatever it is, there is a strong belief that society is now moving towards civilized society. In the MCP era such encounters would have been met by public humiliation which among other things would have seen Mpasu being dragged into the mad dam with his face squeezed with cattle and pig dung where as during UDF era, he would have been set alight through mob justice.

To day, society took him to the police where he was judiciary charged. That considering the sensitivities of the case is a mile stone. It means even the rural public have confidence in the police system. It is also encouraging to note that as a society saddled by strong believes in all kinds of superstition voodooism, gophering, tricking and conjuring is now looking at the same thing in a rather comic way.

It seems to me here that although society has made progress in as far as belief in magic is concerned; Mr. Mpasu –publicity secretary of UDF and his friend, think that for one to find Job, he or she must first consult witchcraft doctors.
I have no idea what sort of government Mr. Mpasu will be leading when he assumes leadership of UDF where decisions will be made in the graveyard.

I cannot think of a worst scenario than that of a situation where the World Bank or IMF or indeed diplomatic community exchange credentials at Misessa grave yard
GOD FORBID

Bright Mac Everson Malopa

DR CHILUMPHA'S FATE-OWN MAKING

2006-07-13T20:24:00.000+01:00

Last week, an era of myths political silence,arrogance and luxurious stay aways came to an end when Dr Chilumpha was fired for what may be interpreted as incompetence and outright laziness. It was an era which not only affected Dr Chilumpha and his family, but indeed the entire country and world at large. What I have learned through out this week was that no matter where you stand politically, constitution or no constitution, no one provided a solution as to how best one can handle a situation where one decides to abrogate his duties while continue to receive full packages. Arguments did move from constitutional violations to the meaning of constructive resignation and resignation itself. None of the arguments presented for or against came up with a realistic solution.

To the contrary allot of debate has been evolving around the constitutionality while silently remaining mum on the vice president’s attitude. From the president’s excerpts to Dr Chilumpha,it would appear like Dr Cassim Chilumpha was an enigma. The government and his country was moving in one direction, while the vice president simply turned the ship 180 degrees with no apologies. It seems straight to me that he enjoys being served and not serving.This element became clear soon after obtaining an injunction. Instead of making himself available to the government, we demanded his entitlements He seem to forget that his issues are with the government and not the people of Malawi It is not surprising indeed to see that unlike 3-4 months ago when the opposition wanted to remove the president from office, no one went to the streets to demonstrate against the ouster of the vice president.

The impression I got here was that where as the president received Dr Chilumpha’s constructive resignation, the nation at large received the cabinet decision to fire the vice president. Of course legalists and constitutional positivists respectfully disagree. They believe that issues of constructive resignation do not apply to elected positions as such natural justice will be compromised. Others like Mr. Mpasu have gone further to include” precedents" as the denying factor in this expulsion debacle. What is clear from their arguments is the silence from events following a court reversal. Do "precedentists" want to set a precedent where people should be gallivanting in state sponsored luxury boasting 10 aids and 22 state security detail and get paid $ 3000.00 for doing nothing when poor people who were not even addressed by this luckiest beneficiary are earning K200.00 for clearing dusty roads? Proponents of Dr Chilumpha's continued stay in office under the guise of constitutional barriers and loopholes like hon. Chakufwa are not offering any solution to the case.

They’re just not interested in the constitution, are they?” Matter of fact Chakufwa was the funniest of all.While condemning government for acting in violation of the constitution he advised Dr Chilumpha to do likewise by firing Dr Wamutharika. I must admit, I laughed my lungs out especially knowing that here was a seemingly learned individual preaching insanity at a political function. It would appear to me that Dr Chilumpha's apologists would under the guise of constitution, would have required us to leave Dr Chilumpha alone "while the nation is left settling his lavish vacation", and this when our country is trying all it can to direct her meager resources to priority areas such as health and education will be morally unacceptable and if this is the sort of constitution they are proposing,then in this case the constitution is standing in the way of doing the right thing."

Dr Chilumpha's attitudinal intransigence and egoism coupled with his association with a party that has been baying for the state president's blood all along, means that there is "no practical mechanism consistent with the constitution where issues of national importance are concerned Politicians have a big stake in the future direction of broader issues of national interest. For almost a year, the president pursued a policy of silence in response to Dr Chilumpha's behavior and sadly at the expense of state resources. But pursuit of silence made neither Dr Wamutharika nor Dr Chilumpha to save our meager resources Instead, the policy of diplomatic silence led into Dr Chilumpha's belief that he was an equal opponent therefore justified to set a paralel administration.

National interests cannot be served in this way.It can only come from the transformation of the individual politics and the emergence of joint efforts from their combined skills under the auspices of unity, and pursue the prosperity of their peoples. It is for this reason that the nation unsurprisingly is receiving the sacking of the vice president without incidents OTIVE IGBUZOR a leading Nigerian constitutional expert once said "The importance of constitution in the governance of any nation cannot be overemphasized. The link between democracy and constitutional government is well established. It has been pointed out that although democracy is not dependent on the existence of a written set of rules in a constitution, without a constitution, there may not be practices conducive to efficiency, well being and social justice (1-IDEA, 2000:16) Constitution making and/or review is therefore of paramount importance in any country.[i pray this will be high on the agenda in the forth coming constitutional conference] As justice Dunstain Mwaungulu argued at the commonwealth secretariat in London last month, ”The facilitative functions of government are twofold but all intended towards the full enjoyment and expansion of liberty.

First, they impose a duty on governments to provide services such as education and health, which improve the quality of life of the governed. Secondly, they impose a duty on the government to provide the circumstances and context in which these rights can be enjoyed safely and without interference." From the president’s dismissal letter, It is quite clear to note that something was palpably wrong with the vice president especially balancing his personal pride and serving the nation. Of course apologists have argued that Dr Chilumpha was forced to act that way due to his office being under funded. I think the issue of being starved of resources is being blown out of proportion If indeed this was the case, where did he get the resources to go to South Africa? was it really expensive to bid farewell to his government? do you honestly need funding to inform your government of your travel arrangements? What is his explanation behind refusing to move to Lilongwe where the president and the government has relocated? Personally, I am of the opinion that Dr Chilumpha enjoys controversy.

He acted strangely while serving Dr Muluzi's government and managed to get away while his colegues received humiliating and painful treatment on the same perceived offenses.Unfortunately this time it is backfiring against him because leadership of the day is bold and strong. Soon after being re appointed minister of statutory corporations in 2003, he never took ministerial oath, sent back the government merc and continued to operate from Blantyre print. When he was nominated Dr Wamutharika's running mate, he decided to abscond the campaign trails and was largely absent from numerous political rallies. He never got involved in any public campaign except once in Mchinji and when he goes to court and start saying" I WAS ELECTED" I am wondering what he meant because he never bothered to visit them in the first place, how then does he claim to have been elected by the electorates who were never addressed?

Politics is a game of popularity. Politicians get popular by reaching out the neglected masses,whose survivor solely depends on government’s good will. You don’t get popular by being chauffer driven or enjoying the comforts of a Victorian house Who ever advised him to stay away from serving the nation created his political demise. The short-term costs of removing Dr Chilumpha as the country's vice president far exceed any potential long-term benefits if viewed from the interests of the nation. The strongest bulwark against the rise of all these questions is the establishment of a well-rooted democratic government, embraced by all people where people are rewarded for their work regardless of their status and influence. Such a government is best able both to defeat lazy theorists hiding behind constitutional loopholes and to serve as a beacon of hope and possibility for reformers throughout the country. Already, we have witnessed historic elections last December where the traditional politics of regional patronage was defeated, followed by successful economic recovery which saw Malawi posting a record K3.1billion in domestic credit from a K5.1 billion deficit. "It's strange for me to say it, but this process of change has started because of the dedicated team of Dr Wamutharika's government minus his vice.

I was cynical when I saw Hon Mwawa's expulsion followed by Mr Ng'oma and Mr Chakuamba respectively.But when I saw Dr Chilumpha's house arrest followed by Dr Muluzi's 1.4 billion saga, and the civil society's unity to oppose their president's impeachment, it was the start of Malawi’s third republic. It is very easy to read their faces as saying” something is changing". The Berlin Wall has fallen. We can see it." Although we do not expect these transformations to occur overnight, there is reason to be optimistic for the future of a market based democracy and Malawi’s economic turn around. More importantly, perhaps, the simple fact that over 9 million Malawians have chosen to participate in the wide spread national development programs, despite death threats and assassination attempts to their president, demonstrates their desire for freedom rather than a return to tyranny.

The antidote to this radical vision is democracy, justice, and the freedom agenda. This agenda offers empowerment as an alternative to tyrany. It offers participation in place of exclusion. It offers the marketplace of ideas to counter the dark world of conspiracy theories. It offers individual rights and human dignity instead of violence and murder. Fundamentally, it means people participating in governing themselves, rather than being governed by others whom they never choose, never change, and never influence. We witnessed a positive first step in the active coordination and ground-level cooperation between The president and his vice during the Malawi/Mozambique energy summit which was sadly affected by the electricity blackout. When Hon Katsonga panicked amidst national embarrassment, it was Dr Chilumpha who calmed him down" APA PHIRI ZATIVUTA"At that time he was an active participant in promoting government programs and economic prosperity.

It was him who played an important role together with Hon Gondwe,Chimunthu Banda and Henry Mussa in the first post UDF budget.This is what the nation wanted of him Dr Chilumpha lost an opportunity to earn the confidence of people by having a transparent, functioning spirit that delivers economic opportunity to the Malawian people and the rule of law rather than patronizing institutionalized corruption and the rule of destructive opposition. A prosperous, democratic Malawian society would provide the political basis and the needed resources for the government to fight the poverty and diseases which an acadamic of his caliber should champion People take an exceedingly dim view of these priorities. They have seen right through all the false sincerity, the bogus promises and the dodgy grounds of impeachment. The public’s disillusionment is now so extreme that there is nothing UDF can say that will be believed. The legal and moral justification regarding the firing of Dr Chilumpha did not depend on his refusal to join the DPP, but on the fact that he is not interested in serving the general public and the interest of the nation by absconding duties to which he was voted for For the real damage done by this tumult is the way it brings to the front of voters’ minds the fact that they don’t trust UDF and have no confidence that they will ever get anything right. Un fortunately for Dr Chilumpha,he is now horribly exposed.

His inner circle has all but disintegrated. Above all, he is a performer with the thinnest of skins, who cannot survive without the cheers of religious crowd. If Dr Chilumpha was politically strong , the turmoil over his 10 month paid vacation wouldn’t touch him. But the tide of Chilumphaisim has visibly gone out, leaving him beached, alone, badly wounded and with his enemies both within and outside UDF closing in. It is no longer unthinkable that he may step down. Thats the price politicians pay for being arrogant

Bright Mac Everson Malopa

Dr WAMUTHARIKA NOT A FAILED PRESIDENT BUT RATHER A BEACON OF HOPE"

2006-07-13T20:07:00.000+01:00

Bright Mac Everson Malopa

For some Malawians like my friend Mr.. Likambale, It would appear like living in the past is an attractive temptation. But I'm sure Most Malawians will understand as I do, why going back in time holds fewer attractions for the nation at large. A few short months ago Mr.Likambale and other politically twisted commentators wrote Dr Wamutharika and the DPP led government off. But these political obituary writers were rudely interrupted by the very people the political establishment often forgets – the voters.

DPP's spectacular triumph on December 6 2005 showed us the way. And why? Because Dr .Wamutharika is serious about politics and serious about government. Under difficult political terms of reference, Wamutharika and his government have been providing the inspirational leadership which has allowed our country to renew itself after years of,mismanagement,economic stagnation, drift and decline by equipping us with the freedoms and national self-confidence to shape the future. It seems to me that Dr Wamutharika's essence of democracy has always been a belief in human nature as distinct from abstract ideology and that the essence of human nature is adaptability, flexibility, ingenuity.

Contrary to Mr Likambale's painted vague picture on the present state of affairs, Dr Wamutharika’s policies throughout the past twenty four months have always been designed to give these virtues room to grow. The UDF, by contrast, always had been trying to constrict human freedom, to direct human energies down specific approved political paths. They continue to constrict human freedom today only that this time it is restricted to their party. Twelve years ago, a perceived quasi democratic revolution based on liberal ideologies began when UDF was voted in power. Battered by regulations, taxes,and inflation,the enterprise of Malawian people - which under MCP had once produced enough to eat and save and served as a model of prosperity to ailing African economies - was exhausted by UDF’s class policies of greed, corruption and intolerant to dissenting views.

They were no better than the MCP. In order to examine Dr wamutharika’s government in as far as democratic progress is concerned, we must examine the past regimes first two years in office and compare it to date The first two years of MCP were the worst in Malawi’s history. The decisive event in Malawi’s post-independence history began as the celebrations of nationhood were scarcely over. On July 26 1964,barely twenty days after independence, Dr.Banda attacked unnamed members of his government who disagreed with his policies. This followed by Dr Banda’s infamous cabinet crisis which saw the dismissal of Kanyama Chiume,Orton Chirwa,Augustine Bwanausi and Rose Chibambo leading to the resignations of Yatuta Chisiza,Henry Masauko Chipembele and Willie Chokani.

Followers of these brave sons and daughter of Malawi were beaten and tortured by the MCP with Banda’s authorization when he personally said: "These people are wild animals now. They must be destroyed. No beating about the bush. Arrest them.But if they resist arrest, anything you do is alright so far as I am concerned” In his book Philip short records Banda as saying, “there is no opposition in heaven. God himself does not want opposition, that is why he chased Satan away. Why should Kamuzu have opposition?" All who thought this was over when MCP were voted out were in for a rude shock. Immediately after elections of 1994, UDF declared the policy of non-cooperative governance where they vowed never to work with Malawi Congress Party (MCP) party, despite Dr Banda’s offer to support the UDF government. UDF went further to take over assets under MCP under the principle of “Doctrine of Necessity” Again during the last two years of UDF, we saw the manipulation of the national executive committee by the President.

Dr. Bakili Muluzi and the party did their best to starve its followers of their democratic right to choose and debate issues freely and objectively. Despite the defeat of the two bills, the debates they had generated, respectively, were so acrimonious that the tensions caused rumbled on for a long time, partly due to another move within the UDF that caused great controversy and, just as the debates on the two defeated bills had done, led to much bitterness and agitation. As CHRRC observed, the government found itself, once again, facing a concerted opposition comprising the faith communities and civil society organizations. This led to the erosion of every liberal democratic value which was the basis upon which the party was formed. Public officers, parliamentarians, clergies and journalists were clobbered with undemocratic fists of the young democrats .

Of course adversarial politics will not go away. Indeed, it will intensify, for the simple reason that politics like any other game is defined to highlight differences between opposing views.For one to be in politics,the opponent's view need to be wrong. The nature of the intensification is, however, novel: people may be less desperate than in history.What matters most here is not the level of political differences but rather the degree to which opposing views can agree on something in the interest of the nation. Thus where as the aim of previous governments were to destroy political opponents, this government has taken a consultative approach.Opposition politicians are now regular visitors at the state house discussing issues of national importance. But most importantly is UDF 's treatment to its own citizens as a one time victim-a journalist by the name Chinyeke Tembo said as an attempt to summarize UDF’s pseudo democracy on Malawitalk when he said:

" Look at those UDF leaders, and remember what they did to us journalists during their fight for the 3rd Term.I was almost killed by the Young Democrats at the Shire Bus lines Head Office, which was the financing centre for all the killers who saw nothing good in some of us.Who knew that today, we would have some of these leaders of The "Men In Black" in custody now. They almost killed Nation Photojournalist Daniel Nyirenda (Now with Daily Times), who was even hospitalised at Mwaiwathu Hospital, then they harrassed Brian Ligomeka (now Sunday Times), Publisher John Saini, Freelancer Frank Jomo, Nation Reporters Pilirani Semu-Banda and her hubby Mabvuto, assaulted Hardy Nyirenda at Ryalls Hotel (Now in London), beat up many and all that. Then today you expect me to feel sorry for people who almost had me six-feet under!I never at any moment thought UDF would be a party with its politicians on the run. How time changes" The change being referred here in by Chinyeke is the changing process which has seen a reversal of both MCP and UDF‘s unchallenged political orthodoxies where the rule of law did not apply to the connected and ruling elite.

For me, there are profound ethical and philosophical reasons to take an issue with the UDF’s general approach. But, crucially, there is a more important reason why we should all reject the instincts of the UDF to control and direct. "Their policies have proved to be disastrous". Who knows what both MCP and UDF governments would have done with Lucious Banda and Maxwell Milanzi if it had been in office when the president was indicted for impeachment? Once Malawi was the graveyard of democracy. Under this government it is becoming the cradle of democracy. DPP has shown that it is the driving force at Capital hill and now parliamentary politics too. It is no longer a party born out of frustration or a UDF break away protest group. It is now a political power. People have seen the difference when Dr Bingu was ushered in two years ago, and can testify what the nation has gone through. They have seen the opposition becoming regualr visitors at state house.

They have all witnessed a citizen-centric government at work reshaping our welfare system, rebuilding a broken society in attempt to secure it against poverty, while creating a system founded on opportunity and responsibility with incentives to work and to save and they know that it is now a party willing to think anew. A government not only interested in the wealth of our country's history but also a government willing to develop fresh ideas. A government drawing on enduring social democratic principles but ready to apply them in a rapidly changing world. This is evident by the government’s commitment as a party of opportunity, aspiration and ambition. We have seen the youth whose role in politics was to whip people through MYP and young democrats.

Under UDF, politics became managerial, not inspirational. The MCP have taken the same course, shunning conviction and desperate only to emulate a value-free patronage and antagonistic politics. These barriers have been brought down by Dr Wamutharika. The youth are now taking strategic tasks which were a monopoly of grey haired chauvinists. Dr Wamutharika’s economic revolution has proved that there are no short-cuts to prosperity. It comes without saying that one will have to think twice before engaging himself in activities likely going to be in violation of the law. It is no longer unthinkable that society is realistic about the state's ability to address social needs. People now know that corruption acts as a deterrent to economic development. They now know that just as wealth creation depends upon the energies of a free people; a good society depends upon the active compassion of free and independent families who not only fear the law but are also equally protected by the same law regardless of their political leanings.

On economy, the government has achieved what both the UDF and MCP governments failed to achieve when on 24th February this year, the Executive Board of the IMF completed and approved the first review of the Poverty Reduction Growth Facility (PRGF) and commended Government on its improved public financial management against a backdrop of a severe food crisis. For the quarter ending September, 2005, the Government met all the quantitative and structural performance targets. The Board further indicated that Malawi could reach the “completion point” under the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) and would simultaneously qualify Malawi for the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) by mid 2006. Government was further commended On 27th March 2006 by the Society of Accountants in Malawi (SOCAM), Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) and Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) with facilitation from the National Action Group Forum Secretariat (NAG Secretariat), came together to provide one joint submission that broadly represents the views of their respective memberships which among other things came said:

This engagement with private sector was more extensive and deeper than experienced at any point in the past. On environment Government is reversing the environmental degradation through sustainable policies. Of late we have all heard that Government has planted over 45 million trees since Dr Wamutharika took over. Without doubt, the pristine nature and the panoramic splendors of our past which slipped into oblivion are about to come back to redecorate the virgin beauty of mother Malawi. The only people not happy with these progressive developments are the same political sadists facing a paralysis at the heart of their party. They have been politically meandering and are now confused in their lacquered heads. The only card they can play now is to deceive the public that they are being politically persecuted but their point of view cannot hold any water because they are being arrested and tried in violation of the law.

Agreeing to their putative thinking would mean that every single and influential politician should be let loose to plot the killing of opponents as well as embark on corrupt activities without fear of the law. That is a complete absurdity if you pursue that argument to its logical conclusion. If it is true it means that nothing can ever be done by the Government because It means that no Government has any function or any purpose. To listen to their cries is to pursue a policy of complete surrender and a surrender to tyranny and lawlessness and policy of the "red flag." No sane government can raise a "white" flag to lawlessness and enter into a policy of surrender, of negation, by which any policy can be frustrated and blocked in Malawi by corrupt and assassin politicians.

This will be a battle of a myriad of small wounds, not the clash of two great swords. It will be waged in courts and the supervisory boards of regulatory agencies, in the communications media and think tanks, in the electronic universe and in the minds of the electorate. But regarding the overall achievement by Dr Wamutharika’s government, My grand-mother Gogo Namlengeni in her dental bankrupt mouth as evidenced through her difficulties to pronounce Bingu once summarized the two regimes by saying: KOMA A BINZUWA NDIYE AKUYIGWIRA NTCHITO.ENA AJA ANKANGOKHALIRA FWETSEKE a rather crude chewa translation for “Bingu pronounced as Binzu is working hard compared to his former who was busy swearing and had a violent language whenever holding a public rally. It is no longer surprising indeed to see that the main opposition parties are in their lowest form. They have more internal fights ever than before.

No one knows who will lead the local election campaign in the event that one is staged. Dr Muluzi and hon Tembo are all surviving by their thinnest political skin of patronage and intimidation. We have just seen Malawi’s most democratic successful two years. The government must build on that success - as nation become more successful. Now that the government has made some remarkable progress, there is a need to move further on the progressive indices and build a fairer Malawi, not the means-tested, target driven, over-centralized country previously run by the MCP and later destroyed by UDF Jamahiriya policies. Government policies need to be thoroughly tested.

They will be subject to new levels of aggressive scrutiny because UDF and the MCP realize DPP is their principal opponent in all parts of the country. They will turn their guns on the government purely on no basis other than frustration because they have nothing to offer. It must be every DPP member’s pledge now that where they see unfairness they must challenge it; where they see injustice they should attack it; and where the nation see prejudice ,they should be allowed confront it because to be serve under Dr Wamutharika led DPP government is to be a trustee of a great movement, with so much to be proud of - but with so many dazzling achievements still to come

References:

malawitalk/nyasanet discussion forums,Lwanda, John Lloyd Chipembere. 1996. Promises, Power Politics and Poverty: Democratic Transition in Malawi. Glasgow: Dudu Nsomba, UNDP. 2000. Human Development Report 2000. New York: Oxford University Press. United States. Department of State. 2004. "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2003: Malawi," 25 February <http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003/27737.htm> (accessed 18 April 2004).----. 1995. "Malawi: The Transition to Multi-party Politics." In Democracy and Political Change in Sub-Saharan Africa, edited by John A. Wiseman. London and New York: Routledge.Debate." African Affairs 103: 91-107.Somerville, Keith. 1992. "One Man Banda." New African (July).Tsoka, Maxton Grant. 2002. "Public Opinion and the Consolidation of Democracy in Malawi." Afrobarometer Paper No.16. Cape Town: Institute for Democracy in South Africa; Legon-Accra: Ghana Centre for Democratic Development; East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University.UNDP. 2000. Human Development Report 2000. New York: Oxford University Press.United States. epartment of State. 2004. "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2003: Malawi," 25 February <http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003/27737.htm> (accessed 18 April 2004).van Donge, Jan Kees. 1995. "Kamuzu's Legacy: The Democratization of Malawi, Or Searching for the Rules of the Game in African Politics." African Affairs 94: 227-57.Venter, Denis. 1993. "Malawi's Referendum on Multi-Party Politics: Banda's Battle of Hastings?" International Update (January). Johannesburg: South African Institute of International Affairs.

UDF ON THE DEATH BED

2006-07-13T18:49:00.000+01:00

a By-election persepectiveBy Bright Mac Everson Malopa

Every Malawian patriot has reason to be proud of his country-men, and every Malawian lover of freedom to be satisfied with the institutions of his/her country and. In that dream every one needs love, respect and acceptance under the auspices of equal opportunities. Events following the last general elections have rendered the notion of meaningful political analysis and predictions obsolete and impotentWhile at that, I am reminding myself about the dangers of making political predictions, especially about the future. Events have a nasty habit of completely ignoring the wisdom of those who predict them.

As this is written (about a week or so after the recent by-elections which went in favor of the considered under-dogs DPP), there are many chapters of Malawian politics yet to be written.In many significant areas, with reference from the recently concluded by-elections, Anti-Bingus’s predictions were wildly incorrect. In many areas, however, Dr Wamutharika’s general approach to politics and building democracy under the auspices of good governance, fight against corruption and fiscal discipline where public resources are concerned, seems to be working spectacularly well. Similarly, many of the predictions made by his critics and bad wishers turned out to be dead wrong, while many of their concerns still seem to resonate and may yet be proven correct by events.

It is therefore safe to say that none of us commentators have been vindicated. Luckily however, events have moved along to a point where many of the predictions analysts and commentators made can now be checked for how well they matched the actual flow of events but without doubt, my predictions prophesising the doom of UDF seem to have worked wonders.Finally, and most significantly, Dr Bingus’s political critics dismissed DPP’s victory especially in the UDF’s considered strong hold “The southern region” and unlikely to succeed operationally due to the ongoing UDF insurgency.

One time handy man Mr.Ken Ng’oma advised the president not to listen to henchmen whom he accused of feeding the president with wrong information that DPP will win all seats. Mr Chakwamba went further to declare the removal of Dr Wamutharika by December while political master cheff Dr Muluzi assured UDF supporters of the four cabinet ministers quiting the government to join UDF. God knows where these four ministers are. However he got unexpected consolation from hon.

Chiwaya whom it is alleged,resigned under the influence of alcohol.As most people now realize, the recent by- elections were a tremendous success. Overall turnout was higher than turnouts in previously held by-elections Photos of joyful blue-fingered voters exalting in the democratic process were everywhere. The UDF insurgents, who had publicly vowed to prevent DPP’s successful vote, were all but powerless, as civilians reportedly voted without intimidations and violence.I have no words to express the perfomance in Nsanje. These are people whose pictures have been making headliness in the western media regarding the on going hunger epidemic.

Certainly some of them were quing on empty stomachs yet had courage to give Dr Wamutharika a thumbs up. "FOOD OR NO FOOD WE ARE FOR DPP" they might have been saying I suppose.The impact of the elections has been so powerful and appears to be in full swing. One thing I have learned from this by-election is the change in the voting paten which is often characterised by regional and tribal patronage and not convictionsOne of the peculiarities of the political system in Malawi is that it comprises three separate, regional antagonistic blocs. Any election becomes, in effect, three regional contests in which cross-community voting is insignificant.

Going by political popularity, one would expect a combination of Aford and UDF to use their perceived regional dominance as a claimed advantage to scoop 4 if not all of the contested seats.The breaking down of this regional block can be compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall in that it has apparently awakened and invigorated a pervasive desire for democracy and freedom throughout the country in the process creating a front for future political aspirants to participate or contest in political leadership positions regardless of their region of originNow that events have progressed to the point where some predictions and assumptions can be evaluated, we can see who was right and wrong, and listen for the faint sounds of the admissions of error.

Dr Wamutharika’s DPP electoral success is a reflection of the skill with which he and his administration have managed the country's domestic affairs - the economy and public services. The planning of the campaign and the delegation of authority vested in DPP’s respective constituency campaign chairmen is a classic example of how campaigns should be staged and managed.It is important to be creative when designing incentive groups for your campaign. The crucial thing is to figure out what would motivate your helpers, and encourage them to enlist new members to your meetings.

The campaign should endeavor to create a real sense of community in these meetings.Dr Muluzi used development to force people to follow his party.” IF YOU DONT VOTE FOR UDF, FORGET ABOUT DEVELOPMENT"Contrary to Dr Wamutharika, he first evenly distributes developmental programs then later reminds people of the need to give him a fair chance to develop their communities. When you engage people in your political program,they in turn own your political programDPP did this by making senior party officials but coming from the same area or district to assume positions of constituency campaign managers. This explains why Chiradzulu was led by hon Henry Mussa Zomba Thondwe with hon Joyce Banda as a leader while hon.Mia headed the Nsanje campaign.

Since these people are already known to becoming from these areas, their interaction with the locals created a sense of community and momentum.Evidence from the UDF seem to suggest the opposite.You can’t win a political campaign without momentum. With momentum campaigns roll to victory; without it they linger into defeat. It is not surprising, then, that the UDF campaign had no comprehensive plan to gain momentum, aiming their tools and strategy toward frustrating Dr Wamutharika by building this indispensable lifeblood of politics. Regrettably, UDF leadership replaced civilian basic strategy ideological broad consensus with the message of spite vengeance and impeachment against Dr Wamutharika.

UDF’s abysmal performance is without doubt a direct result of misguided leadership whose leader is Dr Muluzi.You do not examine leadership in the light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the light of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly administered while at that, it is also important to remember that the price good people pay for their indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.During UDF era elections were marred by distrust, apathy, and usually violence which in certain cases like Chiradzulu resulted into a loss of life(Charles waya) and properties (mcp vehicles) while in the Ndirande by-election, the parliamentary candidate himself (Mike Mlongoti) was abducted and unfortunately this ultimately increased the odds against the establishment/consolidation of democracy and a democratic ethos.

UDF's electoral politics assumed a do-or-die posture since it was tied to the all important question of who gets access to the state as an avenue for wealth accumulation and conferment of status, and who is kept out of that privilege.This is where UDF usually get it wrong. Instead of conducting a postmortem, they allowed their party to engage herself into useless political ponderings. Nothing wrong with that if viewed from an opponent angle since it will only marginalize the party from the public. The trouble however is that such useless ponderings become a policy.

At which point, all the energies, resources and efforts are then spent in pursuit of the said policy. We should remember that parties and elections are not ends in themselves, but as a means of serving the people. It seems to me that UDF's view is that people can only be served when in government but when a gubernatorial opportunity rose in their favour, they opted to serve themselves and not the public. This is why the public is grudgingly voted against UDF in 2004 and repeated the same in the just ended by-elections.Had it been that an objective and self constructive SWOT analysis was conducted on the UDF part, this embarrassment would have been avoid.

Instead, UDF has wasted their time on fighting Dr Muluzi's individual fight than strategizing the party into an delectable entity.They thought by appealing to the masses as a party that is being victimized through what they term "political arrests”, they will win the sympathy of the voters. The second other issue was the impeachment. The party has spent its limited resources on defending Dr Muluzi instead of changing the dented image baring signs of a personal empire by institutionalizing the party. The electoral results shows precisely how the public disliked the UDF's master policy IMPEACHMENT They did so not because they do not share the merits of leadership to be accountable but rather because they know that Impeachment" frames the issue in terms of a showdown -- an upper down vote.

This freezes the evolution of popular attitudes, and calls the question instead -- pinning the whole debate on its own stark, binary endpoint. It polarizes the body politic (and lets scandal upstage policy differences .The party did not sit down to reflect on the magnitude of the voter discontent following an embarrassing performance in the 2004 general elections. That discontent is still there and this is why six districts have acted as a focus group to convey the message in "capital lettersthus: TO HELL WITH UDF". it’s an almost golden rule ofcampaigning that you can’t campaign ‘on the issue’ – you need to select out one ‘red thread’, a critical line that runs through the issue and along which you can make change happen.

Campaign needs to be careful in planning its new idea to ensure that it is packaged in a way that is acceptable to the voters. Incentive groups and canvassing will tell the campaign if it needs to rethink the way it is presenting the idea, if the image it creates fails or if the idea is simply not exciting enough to generate momentum. The chiefs ,civil society, NGO's international community name them all,have time and again warned the UDF of this misguided approach as a yard stick to garner momentum.If UDF want to win the forth coming by-elections to be conducted in Balaka and Mangoche Malombe following the obvious expulsion of lucius chiCCIO Banda and Maxwell Millanzi, they need to stop getting obssed with Dr Wamutharika and spending their time on the above hinted tips of how to win an election.

However that can only happen if Dr Muluzi is removed from the leadership position.It would be completely retrograde move for UDF to maintain Dr Muluzi as the party's chairman as this seem to be the only safest option if the party is to exist. Continuation to put Dr Muluzi in the political picture may just incite further divisions in the party and nation at large.UDF needs reforms now through replacement of a visionary leadership good enough to modernize the party. the change in UDF leadership and their new-found unity will give the new UDF a new impetus to resolve their differences, particularly between the moderates and fresh entrants.What I am reading from all this DPP's electoral victory is a political statement from the public.

They see the DPP through Dr Wamutharika as an opportunity for Development. and ably spotted these developments as crucial elements in making parliamentary choices. The view has, at last, taken hold that greater public service investment is necessary-The opposition is increasingly isolated as they attempt to equate inputs with outcomes. Week by week, public anger grows more acute. There has rarely been a better political moment for reform than now. Malawians now know what real democracy means.They now know that elections can be conducted without rigging, intimidation and violence.

its even much safer now for any of the DPP members perceived to be in breach of section 65 to claim their seats through DPPMatter of fact, it would appear like the society is on the verge of being abandoned by they public. When they look back to the so called 10 years of freedom they also remember how the UDF created an atmosphere where divisions and rifts deepened in our people and society. We have had our fill of anger and baseless hatred. Now is the time to find common ground, and to seek out as broad a consensus as possible.

There is a deep-felt desire among the people to stand firmly together to meet the challenges of the future.For this gross error of judgement, Dr Muluzi and his UDF has been punished, his credibility seriously impaired. This message was made loud and clear on the by- election day.If lessons are not learned and appropriate measures taken to correct their current mess, UDF will be another AFORD come 2009.WANANGWA BINGU! WANANGWA MALAWIby

Bright MacEverson Malopa
the article was published in the sunday times on , 19 DECEMBER, 2005

MOURNING THE DEATH OF CHAKUFWA CHIHANA

2006-07-13T18:33:00.000+01:00

It’s 14th June today, to non Malawians, this is another day. But to us Malawians be it the former oppressors and former oppressed, 14th June has a historic entry in the new Malawi and a man who is largely associated with it, it is the man whom the nation is mourning –Tom Chakufwa Chihana.

Going through the tales,testmonies,encounters and the degree of their diversity, It would appear like the nation is yet again going through one of the biggest mind battles this country has ever known - a battle between two ways of mourning, one which leads inevitably to the sudden loss of a confused politician and the other leading to the sudden loss of a naturally born trade unionist and freedom fighter ,but mourning conserves all that is great and best in our national heritage and Chakufwa Chihana rightly belongs there. In paying a tribute of respect and of regard to an eminent man who has been taken from us, no one is obliged to alter the opinions which he has formed or expressed upon issues which have become a part of our history.

I had not come face to face with late Chakufwa Chihana until late 2004[I shall come to this later] But from the start, I was inspired by his courage and leftisim as I heard it on the BBC Until then, the exiles had been ideologically and organisationally divided and ineffectual, enjoying little support from inside Malawi or from Western governments. On 20-23 March 1992, in Lusaka, Zambia, they held a meeting of more than seventy-five exiles, planned before the pastoral letter and without a second thought, Chakufwa Chihana volunteered to lead a domestic campaign that will lead to embracing o democracy in Malawi but upon being warned of the dangers of going to Malawi, he replied by saying “If I die, my blood will fuel the engines of democracy in Malawi” I was moved.

The measure of his courage is not his participation in the Zambian meeting or his trade union background but rather his willingness to face his ideological enemies head on And as we all know, on 6th April Chihana's detention served as a catalyst for donor protests and provided an additional reason for them to suspend aid, which they did a month later, signalling their decisive break with Banda's regime (Newell 1995, 254-55). Chihana and a few other long-term detainees put a human face on the protest; they became powerful symbols for international and covert domestic pressure. I first saw him from a distance at high court in Blantyre.

There were a lot of people from all corners of Malawi. Some actually had traveled from Mulanje on hired buses defying Dr Banda’s malicious triumvirates. They traveled that far not to see the man himself but because they wanted to share the courage and conviction of a man who was prepared to be contradicted by events, to be disappointed in his hopes, and to be deceived and betrayed in the hope of ending the wicked injustices of the MCP regime. They had all come to one conclusion that Chihana’s convictions were surely among the most noble and benevolent instincts of the human heart-the love of peace, the toil for peace, the strife for peace, the pursuit of peace, even at great peril, and certainly to the utter disdain of popularity or clamour. The second time I saw him in Lilongwe where he was addressing a referendum rally days after his release.

By this time, I had gathered much about him and had chronicled every item and was made aware of this rally through the DEMOCRAT paper. Although the meeting was scheduled for 12:00 pm, I was there by 10:00am and to my disappointment, he turned at 1:30 pm but this would soon change by some other characters in particular Machipisa Munthali. The guy was a naughty cracker; he did his “AFORD” salutations and without warning he launched a very unusual song singing “ CHANGA- CHNGA,WAMGWIRA KU MCHIRA WATAYA” by the time he was going to the second chorus, he was still singing alone perhaps a sign that very few people knew the song but we thought he might have taken an opportunity to show us his prison mantras after a 27 years of detention without charge.

All over a sudden, he started dancing, swaying his pelvic and hips provocatively –a crude dancing locally known as KUDUKULA”It was engrossing and enthralling and brought to the podium a tempo and tenor that illuminated the whole rally and when he changed the song to KODO-KODO AYE We all joined him, Hee, waikodola, and soon the high powered executive came and later Machipisa would go into the second stanza-IKUBWERA NDI CHIHANA YEMWE WAIKODOLA- There was fun.

I still remember the smiles of late Aron Longwe, and a smartly dressed Denis Nkhwazi seating not far from Augustine Nthambala and Peter Kaleso and many others then came Chakufwa Chihana. I was very close to the platform[in the audience] and took not of everything starting from his clothes and speech. This is when I realized that this man was too posh for Malawian politics.He had a brown leather ZEGNA jacket, a seemingly expensive Khakhi trouser and a jefry west brown shoes- o wonder most of his first meetings were held in hotels and conference rooms. I had gone there expecting to hear tough talk against hon Tembo and Dr Banda as this was common in many of UDF’s ,rallies where they had a slogan of which went like:

TAMBALA WAKUDA [Respondents] Dee! And this was followed by a sign of placing one’s finger against your neck [indicating killing the MCP] Chakufwa had a very different character. He too had a very well organized mind. He was methodical, forceful and, at least on the one question which mattered to him above all others – RECONCILIATION - I remember the audience shouting, baying for hon.Tembo’s head and we had an 1/4hour of emotions moved. Chihana’s response was different. The best way to handle Tembo is not doing what he did to the Malawian people. HAAAAAAAAH,the audience booed “If you want to kill Tembo, you must be prepared to dig your own grave because some one some where will be planning revenge against you.
There was silence
“You cannot build a great nation or a brotherhood of man by spreading envy or hatred. Aford’s policy is not built on envy or hatred, but on liberty for the individual man or woman. It is not our policy to suppress success: our policy is to encourage it and encourage energy and initiative. In 1959 it was not the cry of nationalization that made this country rise up and fight colonialism. It was the cry for freedom liberty and independence.” There was a huge approval which was seen by the clapping of hands. He was a man of unyielding determination.

Chakufwa Chihana Chakufwa Chihana was thought to have a better chance of winning the 1994 elections. Although his performance as a party leader and politician had incurred serious and in some ways justified criticism, there was no doubting Chihana's experience, brilliant intellect and contribution to the democratic process. His main weakness, which grew more evident in later years, was self deceit - something which is a frequent temptation to politicians especially those who think that they are naturally and effortlessly cleverer than those around them. I came into face to face contact with Chihana in late 2004. Apparently, I did not know that he was a regular on Malawitalk and that he had opened a file where most of my articles were physically archived.

It seems he was moved by an article I had done on 26 November 2004 which was featured in the Sunday times where I was arguing for Dr Bingu’s cooption into the UDF leadership. He wrote me in private and asked if I could be interested in offering a service to the Aford party on consultancy basis. In no time, we exchanged telephone contacts.He prefered to address me as Ba Gondwe than Malopa[God knows why] but it later turned out that one of a relation- Clement Malopa a Mzuzu based business man was his friend. As the talks, progressed, he raised the consultancy issue again I told him that I am not a qualified political scientist to which he replied, “Are you a lawyer? And when I said no, he went on to ask “an economist?” No again sir He sounded disappointed but made one attempt,

“What’s your background then?” I am a marketer “Right, just the sort of people I have been looking for” What do you mean, I asked, "I mwe baGondwe, You see marketers are the best political strategist" he went on to lecture me about the theory of monetarism, free market and how a marketer by the name Norman Strauss resigned his marketing post from lever brothers[uk] in the 70’s and drafted an ideological concept with his friend Keith Joseph, which led to the modern conservative party and later what is known as thatcherism. All this was news to me but he insisted that I should come up with, a strategic paper using marketing principles to reposition the party.

He promised to pay for my time without saying how much. It was a difficult task but later, I came up with a 28 paged document titled Aford’s integrated strategy -towards political process re-engineering. He invited me to his Chombe motel where I would do the presentation. It was highly critical of aford leadership and emphasised on the need for change in order to create momentum.He took it badly and he dint like it and I doubt if ever he had a chance to share it with his executive. I had heard of Chombe Motel and had high expectations about the place but when I went there; I got the shock of my life, I was dissapointed.

It had all the signs of a brothel. I was severely beaten by mosquitoes in this famous motel and had to move to a near by Nyakhumbata the following day.But one thing that striked me, was that Chakufwa was happy to operate from his home of origin than Mzuzu or Lilongwe. Although, he dint like my paper, he made efforts to honor his promises through a holiday offer in Zambia at one of his friend’s cottage. He was kind enough to let me use one of his 4x4 past Mzimba into Zambia.This is how I ended up at Shiwa Ng’andu, an opulent Victorian lodge deep in the forest of northern luwangwa near lake shiwa. It was an experience I will forever cherish. Tom Chakufwa Chihana died at the age of 67 after a conceding defeat to a battle with brain tumor.

He was rightly known and deserve to be known as a great houdini after surviving so many attempts on his life by the MCP dirty secrete frontiers. However, his political machinations leave a lot to be desired and lessons need to be drawn by political activists, politicians, and us ordinary individuals. Late Chihana was rarely out of news between 1992 and 2006 From a democratic activist he went straight into political promiscuity during a career in which he was embroidered in personal, political and financial scandals. From some one who championed the cause of freedom to some one who had a severe irrational tempers to the extent of boxing his own driver. To his loyal supporters, he was a hero who laid the foundations of the new Malawi.

To his opponents; he was a tribalist and corrupt politician who exploited his position to enjoy an extravagant way of life. Reflecting the Malawian culture of reluctance to criticize the dead, tributes that are being poured seem to be ambiguous. Of great interest to me is Dr Muluzi’s moving and well thought eulogy which read in part: “Late Dr. Chakufwa Chihana has been an ardent fighter for democracy, good governance, unity and reconciliation. He always placed first the interests of Malawi and not his own, as most people would prefer to do. The late Chihana has left behind a lot of unfinished business in the democratization process of Malawi.” These are nice words indeed which unfortunately contradicts the public available account. Chihana fanned a political class of cronyism in an atmosphere of corruption and bullying.

His assiduous cultivation of potentially useful as a mullah of the northern region occasionally backfired. He lost a constituency in Mzimba after one night stand with MCP and conceded more to UDF after the first botched lurid political cohabitation with UDF. The man who believed in the good of his nation would never have destroyed an ideological based party which started with the most talented and skilled followers Malawi has ever produced to a family party where he and his daughter-In law were the only members of parliament.To day,there is one member of aford in parliament. I do not agree with Dr Muluzi where he says" Chihana left unfinished business behind"

The dead cannot leave unfinished business. The work started by the dead is usually passed over to the living. but in principle I agree with Dr Muluzi’s notion of unfinished business only that it is up to us as the nation to finish it. Close friends like Dan Msowoya and Chipimpha Mughogho will always testify to his charm, generosity and affability as well as to his accurate judgment. Those outside the firmly drawn circle saw a diminutive figure with a hooded expression and a conspiratorial manner coupled with a quite remarkable degree of self control under pressure. He could be rude without being self-revelatory and seemed incapable of being surprised. But to dishonor him on the basis of his weaknesses will be unfair and unpatriotic to our country ,more importantly hypocrisy on the part of those who do not want to hear anything about Chihana.

In his madness and quietness, he maintained one thing-the spirit of fight. It is from Chihana that I realized that in any fight, what matters most is not the size of a bull but rather the size of a fight in a bull. With his brevity and courage, he rallied and galvanized a conviction built on the notion of non-violence which to the surprise of many contributed to the end of a dictatorial regime. His magic word was a V sign. As the nation mourns and remember the courageous acts of one Tom Chakufwa Chihana, it is my hope that we the mourners will go back to 1992 and mourn Chihana by refreshing our memories with his V [victory sign] for in that sign, the oppressed nation saw hope for the better Malawi It is very rare in one's citizenry life to be given the chance to revisit previous responsibilities.

Having shared Tom Chihana conviction about a freed Malawi where his life was offered as collateral to fuel the engines of democracy, the nation should take this time and use it as an opportunity to embrace an agenda that touches on virtually all domestic issues. Let us be clear about this mourning. We are not moaning Chihana to take part in a wake to remember the political past of Chihana. We are mourningChihana because we have an altogether, more optimistic purpose which gives us hope for a prosperous Malawi using Chihana’s courage as a model. In the Chihana’s courageous 92 model, there was no south-central or north.

He did not risk his life to free Rumphi central or Mulanje where he had a large support. His mission was loud and clear –to fuel the engines of democracy in Malawi. As the nation mourns, let our cry be - if Chihana did it, can we not do it?. Wining control of more authorities are skirmishing political battles of the few excited individuals. The real question in this mourning is that after nearly 12 years since the nation shared Chihanas V sign , what has the V sign actually done for the forgotten people-the poor? What does this most overblown phrase of Chihana the hero" chihana the true son etc actually mean to those kids leaving our stinking schools barely literate?

Do we really see any V sign in parliament where antagonistic politics seem to be eclipsing issues of national importance? Do we see any V sign when members of parliament are warned of expulsion should they dare join the government supporting citizen centric developments? When we hear threats of sabotaging national budget, do we see Chihana’s V sign and a glimmer of hope shining through the drab concrete of our country that is as far as the horizon stretches and, above all, an unswerving allegiance to Chihana’s 1992 vision of a net of civilized living above which all are free to rise, below which none may fall? In the forgotten Malawi ,there are challenges today of such historic scale.

Do not for one moment think that these problems are self contained, affect only that proportion of society that actually live in regional deprivation the north in particular-They are wide spread. There is high unemployment in Malawi. Can we unite together and show a V sign against unemployment and understand that this is the cauldron from which criminals come? In the tributes that I have seen so far, there is a consensus that a state funeral is the only way Ba dada Chihana can be honored.

Others have gone further to propose burial in a hero’s acre juxtaposing Dr Banda’s final resting place To the contrary, I represent the views of those who think Chihana need not to be honored by way of a descent burial in a hero’s acre. Burying the remainings of Chakufwa Chihana should be a private matter for the Chihana.To burry Chihana’s remainings at a hero’s acre will be putting an end to the legacy of a man whose brave and courageous actions symbolized hope to the victimized and those whom for so long had seen justice becoming a monopoly of the oppressors The right way to honor Chihana is to look back and put in perspective, the things he fought for.

I could be wrong here, but I think the best honour to this man will be to erect a statue in his image with a V sign and place it at the entrance of the high court. This in my mind, will bring hope to Malawians especially those that will be wrongly implicated by those who seek to pursue vicious agendas that there will be Victory at the end of their trials and tribulation so long they remain on the right side of law.

The V sign from this statue of a towering Chihana will refresh the memories of 1992.It will rest the spirits of those who were beaten to death by the nasty forces of the MCP regime in peace And finally that no matter how poor Malawi may be, soon or later we shall flash a victory sign to poverty, we shall flash a V sign to Envy,we shall flash a V sign to diseases and hunger And that there will be more Chihana’s to defend the tenets of our democracy. As a social democrat and tradition left winger,

I was a bit disappointed with what Chihana had become. He betrayed every cause he believed in broke every promise he made but as nation, we have learned to forgive and reconcile. May be forgiving chihana’s weaknesses could be the right honor. We all have our strengths and weaknesses I join the nation in mourning Chakufwa Tom Chihana with a V sign

Bright MacEverson Malopa

THE POLITICS OF BRAIN TUMOR

2006-07-13T18:24:00.000+01:00

7 days have gone since Chakufwa Chihana left us to the land of the dead.The official 5 day mourning is over and so is the biblical 7 days mourning period.Although Chakufwa Chihana is 6 feet under the earth,It seems he will continue to make news.The commotion leading to his burial and the news thereafter has been a source of discomfort to me.

You can't mourn a hero with thugery attitudes. Equally discomforting were the words that were said in what were believed to be tributes. I was disturbed with one line sentence which ended by saying "CRY FOR HIM IF YOU WANT TO" A full blown debate seems to be emerging about his tribal antics.The purpose of my article is not to condemn or commend what has been and continue to be said.

I personally also said things which may not please late chihana's close associates.I remember writing something like:

"His main weakness, which grew more evident in later years, was self deceit - something which is a frequent temptation to politicians especially those who think that they are naturally and effortlessly cleverer than those around them. To his loyal supporters, he was a hero who laid the foundations of the new Malawi. To his opponents; he was a corrupt politician who exploited his position to enjoy an extravagant way of life. Chihana fanned a political class of cronyism in an atmosphere of corruption and bullying.

His assiduous cultivation of potentially useful as a mullah of the northern region occasionally backfired. Close friends like Dan Msowoya and Chipimpha Mughogho will always testify to his charm, generosity and affability as well as to his accurate judgment. Those outside the firmly drawn circle saw a diminutive figure with a hooded expression and a conspiratorial manner coupled with a quite remarkable degree of self control under pressure. He could be rude without being self-revelatory and seemed incapable of being surprised"

It now turned out that those of us who have voiced negative sentiments may have wronged an innocent person who was acting out of ailment. Over the last 5 days,I took an interest to understand "BRAIN TUMOR" a disease which took the life of late Chakufwa Chihana. Through this study period, I had tele-discussions with those in the know [medical people]who did not want to be mentioned. The purpose of this study was to put Chihanas Brain tumor in perspective.

The first point of my enquiry was to answer the question "what is brain tumor" This question was import because, I noted some confusion and misunderstandings about this disease. During this study, I also discovered that the question of brain tumor is even inconclusive among medical professionals themselves. It seems, contrary to what many of us believe ie that it may be stress related. no studies have concluded the causes of this disease.

This again contradicts UDF suggestions that Dr Wamutharika created an environment where Chakufwa contracted Brain tumor.This misguided conception was apparent in the young democrats songs which suggested thus"BINGU HAS KILLED CHAKUFWA" These twisted views from the UDF'Aford camp makes one wonder what happens in their boardrooms.Are they so cloistered and cosseted in their own version of "brain tumor" that they lost touch with reality outside their sealed world?

Given the nature of the illness a research was carried out in 1996 by a group of experts who looked into factors that might have an impact upon the prognosis for brain tumor sufferers. Despite a certain amount of disagreement, the group concluded that: The signs and symptoms of a growing tumor within the skull are mainly caused by a progressive rise in the internal pressure, either from the growing mass itself or from its interference with the normal circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds and permeates the brain. The tumor itself causes pressure inside the skull, which causes the symptoms.

These include:
Changes in mental function that may be subtle. They may include irritability, lethargy, indifference, apathy, forgetfulness, lack of insight, or drowsiness Severe, persistent headache Vomiting, which is sometimes sudden and for no apparent reason.
Dizziness Fits – either major seizures or local twitching Loss of part of the field of vision or loss of hearing Hallucinations Drowsiness Personality changes Abnormal and uncharacteristic behavior

I took an interest in the development of a tumor itself and was shocked to see these professionals coming to a conclusion that a tumor could take up to 4 years before becoming fully grown during which, sufferers may experience severe and unremitting symptoms for greater than four years.
It was at this point,that I realized that many of the criticisms Chihana received in fact occurred during his last four years.

Out of interest, I took note of the following symptoms: -Changes in mental function that may be subtle. -They may include irritability, lethargy, indifference, apathy, forgetfulness, lack of insight, or drowsiness -Severe, persistent headache -Abnormal and uncharacteristic behavior Here is where my heart sank low because on reflection, I noted that in principle,we may have been criticizing late chihana on what was pure mental illness. for example one of the symptom reads:" indifference, apathy, forgetfulness, lack of insight, or drowsiness" Case in point.

a)Chakufwa Chihana left government in 1996 there about citing rampant corruption by the Muluzi administration.We held him high but come 2003,he was at the centre of corruption-bribing fellow mps to support the third term bid.Without doubt,chihana lacked the insight and had already forgotten the very reasons he left government in 1996

b)Abnormal and uncharacteristic behavior When Chihana was appointed minister of agriculture, he was operating from Chombe motel and was driving to and from Chombe during his short stint in the Bingu administration despite the fact that he had a house in Lilongwe[are 43] and another one in Mzuzu[Chimaliro] Chombe motel was not in his constituency.This means that he was leaving his lilongwe house,driving past Mzuzu,then again past Rumphi central to chombe an area bordering Karonga.That alone was uncharacteristic.

c) during the first post Muluzi by-election, there was stiff competition between Aford and PPM Chakufwa conducted himself in a rather bizarre and abnormal way to the extent where he abandoned his campaign and started chasing hon.Aleke Banda and when he found him addressing a rally, he went straight to Aleke banda's platform and started dancing in front of AKB in the process causing some fracas.
This behavior alone was abnormal and uncharacteristic behavior

d)-Changes in mental function that may be subtle. Without knowing that the aford leader was sick,Aford faithful decided to suspend him from the party but when they reconvened to elect the interim committee,Chakufwa stormed the meeting with hired thugs who ended up beating those in attendance and later installed himself aford leader All who knew chihana during his normal days would never ever think of a chihana who could behave in this fashion. When Dr Mutharika was indicted by hon Milanzi, Chihana was seen dancing to his own song outside by some journalists.
According to them, there was no coloration between the song and his jovial mood because the song had words which went like "NYEMBA-NYEMBA-NYEMBA.IFE SITIDYA NYEMBA.NYEMBA TIDYA MAWA [beans-beans-beans.we don't eat beans.we will eat beans tomorrow]

As if that was not enough, Chakufwa threw a party at his house in area 43 while the speaker of parliament late Munyenyembe was fighting for his life at Kamuzu central hospital.Munyenyembe and Chihana were good friends and one would expect to see late chihana at his bed side but yet again this seems to another symptom of -Changes in mental function that may be subtle. As you can imagine, all these symptoms went undetected until 26th May when late chihana had -Severe, persistent headache.Unfortunately,it was too late and by this time,the tumor was fully grown.

Society failed to pick it,instead we condemned him, we criticized him and we abandoned him yet the guy was mentally sick. Gentlemen, I think we are all guilty,we ought all to plead guilty, but guilty as we may be,we need not to exculpate ourselves by throwing the blame on each other. Instead, I think we need to take some time reflecting and putting our lawmakers in perspective. I am not a medical man,but going through the symptoms again especially the part suggesting "Abnormal and uncharacteristic behavior" I am left speechless.

Let me put it clear here that Brain tumor is a complex condition which is not fully understood…Because of this, it is not possible to define concrete sets of favorable or unfavorable prognoses…in each case there can often be conflicting favorable and adverse factors interacting to determine the overall outcome."

However,this has not stopped me from taking a particular interest in the behavior of one parliamentarian for the simple reason that his information is largely available in the public domain I have been studying the recent behavior of hon Nga Ntafu as something that needs immediate attention.
All along,hon Ntafu has been known to be principled.Thus when the "anti northern" was adopted and effected as a policy in 1988,Ntafu was one of the few people who openly challenged Dr Banda. He was summoned to sanjika to explain his position in front of Dr Banda.He did it without fear or favor and Kamuzu had nothing to say.Noting that his mentor was severely challenged,late Malani Lungu humbly asked Dr Ntafu to apologize to Dr Banda and Dr Ntafu refused point blank

This stand landed him in prison and he remain unapologetic through out. When the UDF,came to power, hon Ntafu, was appointed minister and called for a swearing in ceremony.While others took turns taking oath with their hand against the bible in front of the president, Ntafu refused to take an oath with hand on the bible saying" I can only do that to an ordained minister and not politician" Dr Muluzi was shocked but accepted his position When he was minister of education,Dr Ntafu surprised Dr Muluzi again by shooting down Dr Muluzi's order to increase teacher's salaries calling it un procedural

.All over a sudden,hon Ntafu seem to have taken a complete turn over his high held morals and principles. Hon.Ntafu was now at the centre of chaos trying to stage a fight with a woman in parliament when all sane people thought the banking of government donations into personal account was irregular and unheard of,Ntafu was on the fore front justifying its stolen status by implicating Dr Wamutharika as one of the beneficiaries. To day, he thinks every one who disagrees with him has a small brain a thing you could never ever associate it with Nga Ntafu Only this week, I was shocked by revelations made by hon bande that he has evidence to the effect that Ntafu puffs hemp[chamba] When I heard this I said-

No.not Ntafu. I know Nga- Ntafu as a traditional seventh-day adventist believer.Smoking alone is prohibited according to the bible.But to be linked with chamba is an adventist's worst scenario. However,upon reviewing some materials on brain tumors, I was shocked to see that there may be some truth in the deputy ministers claim.The only problem could be that he may not be aware that chamba is considered as a medication to those with certain types of tumors. MARIJUANA MAY BLOCK FATAL BRAIN CANCER on 2nd March this year, a an american based research company came up with some interesting medication for brain tumors In a study of mice and rats with a brain tumor called malignant glioma, treatment with THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) or a man-made chemical with similar properties eradicated the tumor in almost a third of the animals, according to a report in the March issue of the journal Nature Medicine.

This was also reported in the Times Newspaper. The question is,what can we as a society do to understand those in positions of authority when they are acting under the influence of ailments? Should we retire them or continue to nurture them until they take leave of planet earth? While at that,lets not rush into conclusions which will end up sending all those with signs of ailments to their villages. The cases of late Chihana and Nga- Ntafu seem to reflect the negatives of taking alleged brain tumor patients with our honest seriousness when in fact these people are simply showing us signs of ailments.

You may not know this, but it seems, malawi's present state of affairs could also in fact resulted from a brain tumor oriented decision. As seen from brain tumor symptoms,- Changes in mental function that may be subtle and abnormal and uncharacteristic behavior are some of the major symptoms of brain tumors. This implies that the behavior of a person changes from his long established paten.During this period,he or she makes decisions which are uncharacteristic. In the history of Malawi, Dr Banda was known to be ruthless through out the sixties,seventies and eighties.During this time,there were attempts by the international community to press Dr Banda to change his style of politics to know avail.

The bloodiest years were the 80's thus we saw the killing of Dr Mpakati,Mwanza murder,arresting of intellectuals, regional deportation of the northerners,the massacre of Mkwapatira Mhango family. All over a sudden Dr Banda changed and softened his approach. This started in 1990 when he addressed the nation to condemn his own youth leaguers and later on bowed down to pressure by calling for a referendum. In all this there was uncharacteristic behavioral change on the part of Dr Banda. As a nation, we welcomed the change and held him as a true states man yet he was truly the onset of condition of brain tumor which was later discovered in 1993 and was operated on at Garden City.

What we thought was normal was infact a sign of ailment. We may have known Chakufwa Chihana for for only 14 years but he had an unprecedented impact on people since 1962. Whether we like it or not he was a rare breed of person who had the ability to transform fear into hope and engage anyone, from any background, in interesting conversation. It was not until now that after reading the ontology of Brain tumor that it has hit me hard how we as a society inhumanly reacted with tempers tantrums and emotions to what was an ailment.Chakufwa was well respected, well travelled and well-known.No doubt,if he were to be in his normal health, he would have continued to push for radical reforms and a market based democracy. Chakufwa was an inspired leader during the campaign for multiparty democracy and is rightly known to be the father of democracy in Malawi.

He had led the struggle for his country’s multiparty politics from dictatorship, and had confronted with vigour and vision the political challenges faced by Malawians a fact known by living undemocratic and repentant hon John Tembo Its very sad that we reacted angrily to what was an illness,something I will live to regreat. There ends the politics of brain tumor May his soul rest in peace

Bright Mac Everson Malopa references:
ISBN:malawitalk Clark, Orlo et al. (2003) Endocrine Tumours. American Cancer Society Atlas of Oncology series. Decker. ISBN: 1550091344 Bleiberg, Harry et al (eds) (1998) Management of colorectal cancer. London, Martin Dunitz. ISBN: 1853173770 Canellos, George et al (eds) (1998) The lymphomas. WB Saunders. ISBN: 0721650309 Biersack, HJ & Grunwald, F (eds) (2001) Thyroid cancer. Berlin, Springer. ISBN: 3540413901 Blake, Peter et al. (eds) (1998) Gynaecological oncology: a guide to clinical management. Oxford, Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0192627988 British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. (2004) British national formulary (47th edition). London, Pharmaceutical Press. ISBN: 0853695849 Cavanagh, BM(2003) Nurse's manual of laboratory and diagnostic tests (4th edition). ISBN: 0803610556 Bleiberg, Harry et al. (2002) Colorectal Cancer. London, Martin Dunitz. ISBN: 185317808X Bonadonna, Gianni et al. (eds) (2001) Textbook of breast cancer: a clinical guide to therapy. (2nd edition) London, Martin Dunitz. ISBN: 1853178241 Chao, K .S. Clifford et al. (2002) Radiation oncology: management decisions (2nd edition) Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN: 0781732220 Cassidy, J et al. (2002) Oxford Handbook of Oncology. Oxford University Press ISBN: 0192630350

IMPEACHMENT NOT A SOLUTION

2006-07-13T18:18:00.000+01:00

The impeachment of President Bingu wa Mutharika is again gathering pace through manipulation of parliamentary numbers to make a legislative coup plotted by corrupt and discredited politicians in the face of a public judgment. This is a challenge for democracy and the rule of the people to which all those with the slightest form of political decency should join hands to warn the opposition impeachniks about the dangers of this misleading political time bomb.

One word of strategic advice to the impeachniks is: Stop! The situation at hand is too serious for impeachment. “Looming hunger,and poverty levels” are at best incidental to the major case against Mutharika, and “impeachment” talk drives us further from every plausible goal, in almost every plausible set of circumstances. It is almost comprehensively anti-strategic.Let’s agree that Mutharika is bad, but how bad is bad enough? It’s an important question. Somebody has to be worst, and worst isn’t necessarily bad enough to justify jumping democracy’s routine feedback cycle.

One of the respected analyst of Malawian politics Dr. John Lwanda, once said: “Hate him or love him, Dr. Mutharika will go down in Malawian history as the most transparent and tolerant President.” He was right indeed because in 1965 Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda had this to say while trying to warn those who were plotting to unseat him: “If a person even just thinks about it, the forcible overthrow of the government and speaks aloud and somebody hears about it, that is treason.”Testament to this was events that followed suit which resulted into considerable number of people who were exiled as well as killed for simply expressing themselves. In the post single-party era, we had Bakili Muluzi who took the third term loss as a personal blow to the extent that he denounced and ridiculed whoever showed signs of not buying into his agenda.

Some judges nearly got impeached, opponents were boxed right within Parliament compounds with some being imprisoned. Journalists were severely beaten for asking the right questions while other supporters had their business contracts cancelled. Hon. Justin Malewezi risked his life after government decided to remove his medical benefits all because he expressed his opinion. To date none of the above is happening.When discussing impeachment it is important to ask ourselves pertinent questions starting with our past and provide objective answers to the following questions: “How bad is Bingu?” “How bad is bad enough?” “And what do we do if Bingu is bad enough?”

Make these questions — and not your immediate answers — the core topic of our national conversation, and we may get somewhere.In political civility, difference and diversity are acknowledged, but they do not prevent the hegemony of the common interest as the ultimate goal of all party politics. Political civility means more than just a style of government or an altruistic way of life: ‘It assumes a relationship of obligation and recognition which governs the contest between the interests and parties in a political association.’Such positive pluralism has yet to be introduced to the political ideology of both MCP and UDF. Their defining character has often been the politics of threat — with, in many cases, the threat of political violence used to gain political ground.

The MCP used MYP, the youth League and the Special Branch while the UDF used the Young Democrats and NIB to advance and consolidate their power.The politics of threat efficiently prevents the birth of political civility — indeed; creating its opposite, incivility, destroying the unity of the political entity. The current political trend as is being championed by Mutharika has rendered obsolete these devilish means of power consolidation.“Friend” and “enemy” are quite strong words to people accustomed to a consensus-based ideal of politics. But the distinction is particularly useful in analysing politics in Malawi, especially between UDF and MCP, where these divisions are more visible and perhaps more important than in many other political parties.

It is quite surprising to note that John Tembo whom many were regarding in high esteem can be seduced by the UDF and demean himself by hatching a plot to unseat the President through their impeachment plans without a valid case being made. MCP was the most victimised party during Muluzi’s reign.In fact, Muluzi vowed never ever to work with MCP dubbing them as a party of death and darkness. Their meetings were constantly disturbed, property torched and bundled, vehicles set ablaze in broad daylight by UDF operatives.He further tore MCP apart by tapping into many of their otherwise loyal MPs not least imprisoned Tembo for flimsy and cooked up charges and at worse spent almost a year in jail simply because the UDF didn’t even want him to be an MP.

Today, the UDF wants to work with MCP not because they have changed their policy over MCP but because they are the only ones foolish enough to help them stop Mutharika from transforming the country through his war on graft and corruption and Tembo wants to be used as a pawn in the battle against corruption.For the first time in our country’s history, we are now experiencing a dramatic shift in our political field. Bodies which are often associated with anti-government sentiments are now forming the first line of defence defending the government. The Malawi Law Society along with the Law Commission have all voiced their dismay on the current impeachment talk.

Bright MacEverson Malopa,

The article was published in Malawi's local press on 26 October 2005

EROSION OF DEMOCRACY IN MALAWI-I SAY NO

2006-07-13T17:53:00.000+01:00

The author of this article seemingly seem to be contradicting himself when after being given a full opportunity to air his views, failed to acknowledge that this can only happen in a democratic society.

Of course there is plenty to digest from the exposition titled EROSION OF DEMOCRACY and there should be no rush to judgment. One of the best assets of democracy is that it allows or rather creates a platform and a market place of views. For democracy to thrive, it is therefore important that voices even those perceived misguided are give a chance to be heard.

For this reason, I want to rebut this false presentation of “Malawi’s perceived erosion of democracy” and wish to argue that contrary to this unshared view; Malawi’s democracy has advanced and is progressing in the right direction.
It is by now well-known that the UDF is promoting its political case with the claims whichare largely misleading at times outright lies.

Despite the fact that genuine cases in violation of the law have been successfully prosecuted, their propaganda machinery continues to label them as political with other cases, instances of human rights abuse. Indeed, an examination of other claims advanced by this machinery suggests a pattern of lies and deception on the part of top UDF officials.

The UDF party through their organized propaganda machinery continue to contend that Malawi is tilting towards a dictatorial regime because according to their beliefs, former ministers and party echelons are not supposed to be taken to court. The party’s spokes person Mr Mpasu made a chilling admission which saw him heaping praises in favor of Dr Wamutharika as a states man. His measure of statesmanship came only when the UDF corrupt politicians are exempted from facing justice.
In so doing, the party denies the chaotic part played by the Bakili led administration which Prof Thandika Mkandawire’s characterize as “ democratization of corruption” when he argues thus:

“Bad Governance” is a euphemism for corruption.On the political front, Malawi emerged from the dark days of Banda but was still saddled by elements of a political class that had basically been nourished by the Banda regime. Their instinct was fundamentally anathema to democracy and their perception of political office was unscrupulous and avaricious. We never had a “Truth Commission” to exorcise the bad spirits of the past.

In a short span of time, Malawi moved down the internationally constructed corruption indices. Self-aggrandisement had led to amassing of wealth by a political class that was now unrestrained by Banda’s centralized state theft. It is as if the advent of democracy had freed corruption.
Corruption will not end overnight in Malawi. However, it has become clear to all Malawians that the scourge of corruption must be brought to a halt. People now clamour for

“zero tolerance” of corruption, to borrow a phrase from President Mutharika. What is important is that there now seems to be serious intention to begin addressing the problem.”

In the paragraphs that follow, UDF propaganda machinery claims are subjected to scrutiny, with particular attention paid to the accuracy of the claims in relation to the establishment of democratic Malawi.
Closing the Scottish –Malawi partnership conference in Edinburgh, Sir David Steel commented on the progress made in as far as democracy is concerned in Malawi
“I should perhaps explain that with my Kenyan background, I first went to Malawi at the instigation of the Church of Scotland and our foreign office.

Their view was that since both president Banda and I were church elders and graduates of Edinburgh university, I could perhaps talk to him about human rights,multi-partyism and other easy topics.
it was not a success

I was refused to visit Orton Chirwa who was in prison without trial and who died there before my second visit.
Dr Banda was very old and very deaf. I was followed few months later by Lynda Chalker, then minister for overseas development and Africa. I told her my efforts were not successful and she said they could not have been worse than hers.

After twenty minutes in which she indicated her majesty's government views on changes required in his policies, Dr Banda leaned forward and asked
“And which part of America do you come from?
Indeed every Malawian knows that Dr Banda’s human rights record was appalling. The system of repression exacted a heavy price. Who ever was seen as a threat to the government or aired dissent was suppressed.
As Dr Heiko Meinhardt and Dr Nandin Patel explained in their exposition of

“Malawi’s process of Democratic transition”
The MYP and the police under the instruction of the political leadership were empowered to detain anyone without trial. Others were tried in traditional courts without legal representation and some were even murdered in fabricated “car accidents” In 1976 the religious denomination of Jehovah’s witnesses was declared an unlawful society. Its members were targets of massive repression and thousands were imprisoned”

As stated above, civil and political rights did not exist. Basic rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of information and the rule of law were barbarically and unashamedly violated. The censorship act and the information monopoly of the regime compromised the right of free access to information more over the reporting of false or damaging information about Malawi was considered a criminal offence punishable with life time imprisonment.

Contrary to that dark age is the emergence of freedom of expression to its fullness.
We have seen false information and potentially damaging information denting the image of Malawi being published on the internet and local media without reactions.
Last year, Mr Sam Mpasu [a UDF spokes person]went against all odds to attack his own government by supplying false information to a Scottish tabloid results for which ended with a hostile media reception for the Malawi leader who was visiting the Scottish people but nothing happened to him

During the Scottish Malawi conference one Malawian son in the name of Dr John Lwanda fiercely criticized the visiting president during one of his BBC interviews
He went further to express his unpopular views in the conference this time attacking the Scottish executive for gagging him. A few weeks ago, Dr Lwanda went to Malawi and while there he had a chance to meet some of influential politicians in the current administration who were part of the Malawian delegation to Scotland and chatted over a number of issues. Nothing happened to him and he returned to his Scottish base safely.Not surprising indeed that in one of his postings, he lamented thus:

“Like him or love him,Dr Wamutharika will go down in history as the most transparent leader in Malawi’s history

We have made a remarkable journey. The Malawian community may strongly held and differing opinions on both the presenting issues and their underlying causes and we have not been afraid to discuss those views openly and honestly in our efforts to understand the machinations of government and politics. But equal to all of this is our central belief that the forty-two years ago, democracy was perceived as dissenting.

As a hallmark of our endeavor, I believe that it Is important to mirror the values of the present Democracy in the context of our past with an aim – to look for healing not division, for pastoral reconciliation and not punishment, to look to our shared witness not only in our mission but in the processes by which our vested interest in our democracy works out the current tensions

Bright Mac E.Malopa

THE POLITICS OF NKHWEZULE

2006-07-13T17:15:00.001+01:00

I first heard about it in 1979 and the day was 23rd December. We’d just arrived from Zimbabwe for a Christmas holiday.Soon my cousins would join us for dinner in the moon. The air was fresh so was the food prepared by my granny.Amongst the delicacy, was Ngumbi and TANAPOSI.After that, we started playing and dancing to two popular songs of the time.The first one was “MWEZIWALE TISEWERE TIYIMBE” THEN FOLLOWED BY A MELODIOUS CHORAL –LAFIKA DZINJA-TISANGALALE TIANA TISANGALALE.

We could only anticipate how big it will be when my other cousins from Blantyre join us the next day for a family Christmas gathering .We were going to have more fun we thought.
Suddenly a strange sound came from out of nowhere. A sound so strange and scarily.I can’t tell whether it was “fwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii or psyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii but it was a strange noise.I jumped nearly out of my skin in frightened amusement. "What in God's name was that!?" I asked my grand ma.Just as she was about to answer, the night bird made the same whistling but this time.Iam not too sure whether it was fear or something real but it seemed something had landed on my grannies goats’ kraal.She hardly dared breathe.

She wanted to shut us up as we strained to hear and see the happenings.“Let’s go inside the house, she instructed us” Inside the house, she was not herself. She sounded erratic and became paranoid. As if fear is contagious, we became frightened too.But with adrenaline rushing through my veins, the only sound was my raised heartbeat .I breathed deeply. I had to stay calm, but it was hard to fight the rising fear. As the sound came again “fwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii” my heart raced off and my body tensed again. Although in my fragile condition, I still wanted to know what the heck was going on and why my granny was so frightened .Then she gathered herself and opened up.

“That was the plaintive sound of the rarest bird on the planet called NKHWENZULE.”I remember her telling me.
The discussion that followed would then act as an induction course to the myths and mysteries of Malawian culture. Throughout the night at least the hours that I was awake, I could see my granny shaking in fear. She did not know what the next day will bring her. I joined her fear frenzy without knowing the implications.Contrary to her fears, my fears were more on the goats.I thought may be a hyna had come to steal the goats and that I would miss the poridge my grand ma would make from pure milk-no water.I used to love this stuff.It was like eating warm ice cream in a tropical village.

The following day at about 14:hrs, we saw a police man cycling towards my granny’s house. He was carrying a message;

it was a message of the death of my uncle.

He was involved in a car accident and died on spot. We thought we were going to have fun on Christmas but now we were mourning on Christmas.Nkhwezule in most Malawian communities is seen as a mysterious and sinister bird believed to be only hunting at night .Such is the mystery that the few people that I interviewed failed to find its English name.

It seems every conceivable Malawian scientist had a go at that old night bird myth and have failed miserably to come up with a plausible idea of what it is.Its exact colour and looks also sounds confusing as others seem to mistake it for an OWL[kadzidzi]
To some the mere idea of mentioning it was so scarring.Watipaso and Peter were the only people who burst into laughter when I asked about this bird.Their description of this bird was something funny.But Mr. Sukali was somewhat different.

"Nkhwezule is a dangerous bird" he said with his eyes wide open."In lomwe we call it NAMAME"His body language and the description tempo was congruent to the story he was talking about.

He was authoritative and I must admit,his description scared me.However this fear would soon disappear after confessing that he has never seen it.
WHERE THE HECK DID HE OBTAIN SUCH AN ILUSTRATIVE DESCRIPTION WITH AUTHORITY? I asked myself.

For years in particular the Ngoni ,the lomwe,tumbuka and Chewa tribes[at least those that I asked] Nkhwezule has been associated with, witchcraft and death with some believing it to be an evil spirit, in animal form, used by witchcraft practitioners to perform evil deeds and cast malevolent spells.
Over the years, the sound of a night bird heard on 23rd December 1979 had always been in my head until it started fading little by little and I could remember it no more .

This week as I laid down baby seating my daughter Zinzi, I switched on my hifi with an IPOD dock through which I have stored hundreds of Malawian music.The first song was Dr Daniel Kachamba’s Anthu mabodza,then Anazelia by a kasungu based band-[thanks to Dr Lwanda’s pantondo recordings].Then I jumped to Namakhwa brothers band’s achimwene musaope Ngongole and my favorite Novirikhana.Then there was a song by the katawa singers a group that had a man singing with a deep voice as if he had a gun on his head.I smiled a bit and told myself, "this man must have chewed a few conjex tablets after this singing explosion."

This was followed by a chanco based band with their song "WAZELEZEKA""Who ever was writing this song was talking about me and many other people particularly those in diaspora" The song is about a husband who goes about doing house chores-a monopoly of women in Malawian culture.
He cooks,takes care of babies etc and according to the singer this is not normal.UKU NDI KUZEREZEKA.
I cant tell how many times I have been interupted by my daughter whenever Im making a telephone call.

I can also tel from the other end,my friend trying to umpire a fight for toys by my friend's kids who happens to be a man.In all cases,these are examples of men at home with kids while their women are away either at work or school yet these guys from chanco thinks this is KUZELEZEKA???They could be right because I was baby seating and had to do the cooking for my son Ngaileka ,and do all those napkin changing rituals,but this was due to the fact that my wife had gone to work.Then came a song which took me back to Malawi.

I listened to the song and played it again.then again and again until I decided to put it on a permanent repeat modeMy mind flashed back to an earlier memory.
Suddenly I was seven years old again. I'd heard the scream of a bird in pain. The door was partially open, just a crack but enough to see the flash of a blade in the moon. I had run quickly from that sight that night. On awakening the next morning I had been afraid of my nightmare but had thought of it as just that, until now.

A spilt second later and I was back in this new more terrifying nightmare. It was a moon lit night once more like that night before.

The song starts with a night bird whistling sound similar to what I'd encounter some 27 years agoThen the lead guitar follows assuagely

"tinti tili ntili tinti tili ntili"
then the drums joins
"kan!!kanka! kanka !!gu

and finally from a distant horizon,a voice emerged in despair.It is a helpless voice desperate at chasing the prophet of doom.The message is clear, I don't want this bird within my yard.The impression created in this song is that of fog and mist which is so thick that the eyes of the desperatee play tricks on the bird and each shape encountered seem to be frightingly sinister .

PSYAA MBALAME" KAYUNI NJUWI BWANJI MUMANAMA KUTI SIMUNAPHE, MWAKHETSA MWAZI WA MUNTHU OSALAKWA

Here the singer WAMBALI MKANDAWIRE gets deep into the issues that mattered most to the Malawian society during one of malawi's bloodiest decade the eighties.
It is not a type of a song you can dance or play during celebrations because it is a purely lyrical process.
It is a musical confession of the soul, which unburdens itself through sounds just as a lyric poet expresses himself through poetry.Here WAMBALI was immensely knowledgeable, talented, and he had an innate sense that the music at that time was not so much a series of themes for different tribal tales, or changing tempi for degrees of action.

No, WAMBALI believed that in ideal situations there was an exact equivalence between the content of a song and the melodramatic nature of political paranoia during the Banda era. In other words, music in the dark, music in the air, music apparently played by artist, or music generated by the same mysterious and sublime force that is making the imagery move as if it were alive.

Not surprising indeed that soon after its release,it got banned by Banda's censorship board and months letter a family was blown apart.I have no idea whether Wambali had an insight of what was going to happen but in precise detail, he mentions the killing of innocent people including babies.From what I have gathered, it would appear like quite a number of people who have heard the bird hissing sound like the one I heard on 23rd December 1979, also encountered similar incidents prior to the loss of their loved ones.

When I heard about this,I paused for a moment and started thinking about those who died mysteriously.Did their parents,friends and relatives witnessed the same?When the Mkwapatira Mhangos were blown apart by the evil possessed MCP operatives in Zambia,did their relatives withness NKHWEZULE and if they did, did they try to chase it as Wambali would sing

PSYA MBALAME!!!!!!!!!
What about the night before Dr Mpakati was murdered in Harare, who saw the NAMAME as the lomwe people would call it and if they did, who would say PYSAA!!! MBALAME!!!!!Then what about those who had information that would save lives of people. Would they be in a position to shift somebody's death by months and years in a fashion that would see Wambali's PSYAA MBALAME work?

How about when the decision to sell Maize to Kenya was made.
How many people died of hunger as a result of such a decision and how many people were terified by the hissing and whistling sound of NKHWEZULE a night before the death of their loved ones?Would their relatives death been avoidable through decisions that would say PSYA MBALAME and to their amazement,the bird that brings death fly past their village?

The ceaseless conundrum of whether one is predestined or somehow the author of a particular fortune or fate seems impossible to solve through human logic. Any explanation is limited to how I tell or hear the story.What religion did I grow up with, or what philosophies have I come to adopt?But the question of NKHWEZULE still remain unanswered.WHAT IS NKHWENZULE??

WHERE ISLAM ACTS IN SILENCE-MALAWI

2006-07-13T17:15:00.000+01:00

In Malawi like any other country in the word, there is no field of human study whose language is in such a chaotic state as religion. This causes dialogue and debate to be almost impossible among Christians, and even more difficult between Christians and followers of other religions especially Islam. BACK GROUND Other than animism Islam, perhaps the oldest religion in Malawi has been a dominant force, especially among the Yao people.

The Yao and Swahili speakers who were associated with the slave trade brought Islam to Malawi in or around 1870. The expansion of Islam is also attributed to the trading caravans, which usually had Muslim teachers. Being educated, these teachers joined the nomadic caravans as secretaries to the heads of the caravans, but also helped convey messages that local chiefs might wish to send to each other or to their contacts on the coast.

The Muslim Association of Malawi, headquartered in Blantyre, evolved out of a central board for Muslim education which was set up in the 1950s to coordinate the work and represent the interests of the Muslim community as a whole. The Association has received and continues to receive financial help from Kuwait and other Muslim sources to fund radio programs, women’s conferences, and youth camps not least other related charity oriented activities. For a long period of time, Muslims and other faiths have continued to live in peace. This peaceful co existence was first tested by the federal government in the early fifties and later against the mighty ruthless power of the Malawi Congress party government.

Although unofficial estimates indicated Muslims to consist of 12% during and through out the entire MCP era, no Muslim rose to the position of high of prominence in the public life which was dominated by products of Christian mission, mainly from the Protestants comprising of CCAP(Dr Banda,hon Tembo,Aron Gadama) and Seventh-Day Adventist(Late Khanga,Bwanali and Chakuamba) Churches and later the Roman Catholic(Late Lunguzi,Maxwell Pashane and Yohane) to mention a few The only Muslim to have risen to a position of prominence in the party or government was Mr Elson Bakili Muluzi who succeeded late Albert Muwalo as MCP’s secretary general in 1976 but it was not long before he was fired. Several theories have been circulating concerning his fate.

Many people believe his dismissal had something to do with abuse of party funds and other indiscipline issues like allegations that he was caught stealing tobacco bales from Dr Banda’s Mgodi farm in Machinga and that he was also reported to have been fond of making inapropriate advances towards party women members, the serious being rape allegations against Mrs Somanje, wife of Mr Somanje-MCP’s Treasure General at the time. However none of these allegations were brought to court and Dr Muluzi himself continue to deny their existence insisting that he resigned on personal grounds. To the contrary though, Dr Muluzi was forced to resign on none of the above mentioned allegations. My investigations on Dr Muluzi’s forced resignation which I believe he might not even know was purely based on religious grounds. In fact he was forced to resign days after an article in the Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe(Rhodesia) at the time ,described the Malawi Muslim community as “fundamentalistic” and owing allegiance to ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini of Iran chief architect of the Iranian revolution .Keeping Dr Muluzi as his second in command was therefore too risky to Dr Banda,he had to go and it happened.

ANTI-MUSLIM ATTITUDES:

Although there was no official policy like the Jehova witness against Muslims at that time, several hostility actions did occur .For example,Muslims were not allowed to open Islamic education schools to the public till late 80’s.In 1989 a newly opened primary school was quickly closed by the government in Zomba apparently as a result of lobbying from Christian quarters. Unlike government and Christian schools, the school was free and was increasingly becoming popular.A year earlier an Islamic missionary from the Ahmadiyya sect Mr(sheik) Hajiiri was imprisoned and spend considerable weeks in prison without any charge. Since the closure of the Zomba based Islamic primary school, there was no Incident what so ever between Christians and Muslims.

CHRISTIAN PROPAGANDA

On March 12 1990 an Italian based christian NGO Droits de l’homme sans frontières reported thus: " The number of mosques has grown enormously, following a precise expansionist strategy , the foodstuffs that are being sold (above all the meat products) are all in accordance with Islamic law. This last fact, although seemingly secondary, is a cause of great tensions because the Christians have no intention of being subjected to such customs” the truth of the matter is, there was no incident in 1990 concerning Muslims apart from closure of an Islamic primary school in Zomba 1989. Despite enormous differences in Christianity-sects called denominations, there seem to be unanimous unity when it comes to making a stand against Islam. Differences between Catholics and many anti-Catholic protestant churches are quickly mended to form a frontline against Islamic growth. It comes without saying that whenever a Christian comes across the word Islam, his/her mind is pre-occupied with generelarising terms such as fundamentalists, terrorists, or at worse a bunch of crazy people without formal education. Against this unfair prejudices from most Christians, Islam seem to be growing at un precedent levels. What i find breath taking and moving is that despite Christian demonisation against Muslims, Muslims still refer to Christians as "OUR CHRISTIAN BROTHERS"

In 1995 "Lot Mbale Mbuu," founder of the Ndirande based controversial pharisaic Seventh-day apostolic church, represented the Christian community in a hot debate with Muslims on the theme "Which of the two, Christianity or Islam, is a true religion?" The debate was held on the Nyambadwe School Grounds near Ndirande township. The Islamic faith was represented by "learned sheiks."The debate was very emotional and was disrupted by people who jeered at the Muslims in their confusion and declared Lot the winner. Korans and Muslim skull-caps were grabbed, torn and burnt. From then on, he was known as the "Christian Lawyer." His staunch opposition to Islam was also evidenced in his establishment of "Christian butcheries" to rival the Halaal butcheries. He urged Christians to eat meat slaughtered by their Christian friends rather than to give the Mwalim's a living, a very common practice in Malawi but thankfully,the incident was Isolated and confined to Ndirande boundaries and surprisingly, Islamic followers did not retaliate.

SIMMERING TENSIONS

Malawi started simmering with religious tension between Muslims and Christians from 1999 when Bakili Muluzi, a Muslim, was re-elected president of Malawi. Mosques were set ablaze and some houses belonging to people suspected of supporting Muluzi were torched. The tension heightened when the ruling United Democratic Front pushed for a constitutional amendment to allow Muluzi another five-year term in office. The proposal splited Malawi's religious circles with the Muslim Association of Malawi supporting the amendment while Christian faiths mobilized all their resources to fight the bill. Another case was an attempt by government to introduce religious studies where Islam would get attention just as Christianity. The proposal though sensible in a circular state like Malawi where freedom of worship is enjoyed by all residents, it drew stiff resistance from most Christian faith establishments. Un founded claims were made to the extent that the UDF were trying to Islamize the country. In no time, tension rose between Muslims and Christians. A case in point occurred in September 2002 when the Catholic Church through Monsignor Joseph Kim officially launched a complaint to the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on allegations that Radio Islam was airing what the Church described as provocative and insulting programs.

The tit for tat game would then change on 30th June 2003, when Islamic followers in Mangochi rioted against Christian establishments in reaction to the deportation of five foreign nationals suspected of belonging to the al Qaeda terror network. The riots went on for two days, targeting Christians. Seven churches in two cities were damaged, as were the national offices of the aid agency Save the Children. "They came chanting Islamic slogans," said Cedric Kamoto, pastor of the CCAP church in Mangochi at the time. "They said we should get out of Mangochi because it's not meant for Christians. They accused us of bringing Americans in Malawi to disturb their interests." He fled the church as rioters attacked it for an hour.On reflection, it turned out that rioters were largely villagers who had no clue about what alqaeda was in the first place and had no idea about the wider implications of entertaining the idea of hosting sympathisers of Alqaeda.Ignorance though not an excuse was the main problem.

ISLAMISATION CLAIMS

While Islam was only found in the southern region and a few selected urban districts, there seem to be an increase in many parts of Malawi where the establishment of Islamic missions were unheard of. Dr Muluzi a Muslim by religion is often blamed by many Christians as a person behind the growth of Islam in Malawi. Surprisingly during my research, amongst converts to Islam, most of those whom I talked to had good, solid arguments for converting into Islam. A number of the individuals felt that Islamic Social laws are comprehensive, that they are a complete guide to life, and consequently, that they brought about orderly living.

They pointed to the fact that people need boundaries by which to live by, especially in the democratic Malawi where people seem to be taking matters of law into their own hands, while leaving out the needs of the majority. Islam, they felt was the only religion which was giving them these boundaries to live by. In contrast, quite a few respondents pointed out that Christianity was just not powerful enough to change the evils of modern-day life. This was compounded by a number of newly released inmates especially from Chichiri,Maula and Zomba prisons A number of those with whom I talked to had come into contact with Islam in prison, where they had been reformed by "Muslim brothers" who came weekly for the Jumma prayers and Qur'anic classes. Now that they were "on the outside," they believed that the disciplined lifestyle, espoused by Islamic law, was the sole reason which kept them from going "back in." They were appreciative of the local masjids role supporting them with work and small businesses start up capital as they start their new lives out side prison cells. Here it appeared like most Christian converts feel abandoned just after joining their respective churches. All they are given is hope for a better tomorrow and nothing tangible. Another attraction was Islam's lack of priesthood.

Islam has no medial agents. One will not find a "pope" or even a set of cardinals, reverends and pastors within Islam. As a result, the believer, they felt, is not dependent on someone else for his relationship to God, and therefore, can go directly to Allah. A further attraction for new converts was that of Islamic education for young children, "while they were still impressionable." It was the Muslim schools, they felt, which would reform society and instill just and orderly sets of values upon the next generation. While doing my research I asked a friend of mine to visit four schools between Dedza and Ntcheu where within religious manned schools are operated within a 70 miles.A catholic girls school around Bembeke and an Islamic school in Dedza with Mlanda girls and Lakeview secondary schools manned by CCAP and Seventh-day adventist churches and several other Qur'anic schools in Blantyre.While Islamic schools seemed to be small and ill-equipped, the children appeared to be well-disciplined and happy compared to those from other faiths.And, not surprisingly the Islamic manned school produced 4 straight distinctions in maths last year

REASONS FOR CONVERTING TO ISLAM

I made a particular note, that among the respondents to my questionnaire, there were three women who felt that Islam gave them, as women, added fulfillment, for instance, permitting them to own property, while at the same time offering them the best protection from an outside hostile world. From memory I counted incidents where Christians widows have found themselves in property conflicts with their husband's relative and was shocked to come up with 6 names of women in a space of 10 minutes. While this may surprise some of us, the perception by most Muslims with whom I talked was that, "We take care of our women better than do the Christians." David Lamb, the Los Angeles reporter, who wrote the bestselling book The Africans, while living and traveling for four years in Africa echoes this point. He states that one of the best comparisons between a Christian and Muslim country in Africa was the safety of the streets within the larger cities. He felt that he would never let his wife walk alone at night, and sometimes even during the day in most of the larger African Christian cities.

Yet, he had no fear of permitting his wife to wander freely within any of the larger African Muslim cities. Here is another point where Truth stands Clear from error. In Islam, between 2 to 5 % of your income goes directly to the poor, which can include a relative. In Christianity, 10% of your entire Income, goes to the so-called 'non-profit' organization called the Church. This is named "Tithing" and the Church claims that the Bible backs up this 10% donation,. Interestingly large part of Christian churches ignore one of Jesus’ teachings in which he also urged his followers to give their money to the poor. "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven" (Matthew 19:21) What I find interesting in these teachings of donations or religious based support activities are the stark differences between the Church and Islamic charity.

It was quite interesting to note that in most Christian denominations ,large amounts of money are left with individuals in Christianity organizations often called church workers, therefore opening the opportunity for corruption, while in Islam, the principle beneficiary of religious contribution is the "poor" In simple terms, a poor person in the street looking for food from God is more likely going to see his/her prayers answered by God from a Muslim believer than he would from Christian who if anything will only provide hope. The benefit from giving the money directly to the poor as prescribed in Islam, is that you can connect with the people in need. You can enjoy and share in their happiness when you help them. I was baffled with this Islamic generosity when I came across a real story from Mrs. Malonda (a non muslim)a nurse at Chilomoni clinic whose daughter (also non muslim) is studying medicine in TURKEY -all funded by the a Muslim charity and yet she is not a members of the faith.

Honestly this cannot happen in any church that I know to be part of the Christian kingdom. You have to be a member to be exposed to scholastic opportunities. In fact in churches like seventh-day Adventist church and CCAP, membership alone cannot earn you a scholarship. You must be a church worker or child of church worker to receive a form of bursary.

HOW ISLAM IS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Another area of interest is the behavior of the beneficiaries of the said scholarships. Here comparisons were drawn between Christians and Muslims who were recipients of religious scholarships. Out of 15 medical student recipients of Islamic scholarships,14 of them returned to Malawi and are working in Malawi where as a combination of 30 medical students from Christian funded scholarships only six returned to Malawi with Seventh-day Adventist Church as the worst case where all medical students opting not to return back to their country upon finishing their courses. What was more surprising is that all the recipients of Islamic medical scholarships were in fact working in government departments.

In other words, offering scholarships to their members or general public are solely done to assist the government. We can go on to extend the enquiry to cover those that have chosen to remain in Diaspora after receiving government funding which I did not but I am pretty convinced that the rate of return to Malawi will be high on the Muslim side than us Christians. What is it that makes followers of Islam to stick to their promises than us Christians? Or what is it that Islam or the Muslim association of Malawi can teach the government and their Christian partners in order to redress the brain drain. May be each one of us will need to conduct an introspective soul searching.

NON GOVERNMENTAL BASED ACTIVITIES

Any major Christian organization you can think of in Malawi has a network of medical and to some extent hospital establishments with CCAP,CATHOLIC ,ANGLICAN AND SEVENTH-DAY Adventist churches leading the way. Again with the latter being the most expensive service provider. What I find shocking is that despite these establishments being instrumental in their quest to help Jesus in his mission to redeem humanity, their response to the current HIV epidemic is rather disappointing.

I say disappointing because they are charging the public to administer the ARV HIV drug disbursement while Muslim clinics are offering the same service for free. Again here from a point of view of a poor person, he will see God in a Muslim clinic and pure commerce in any Christian manned establishment. On this point alone, Islam has proved to far excel Christianity with its care and discipline towards the country and the love for poor people whom Christ died for. Last but not least import is that what is common among Christian Churches while absent among Islamic Mosques is that the Ministers in Christianity take a salary for themselves where as in Islam, the Ministers consider preaching the words of Allah, a reward in itself.

CONCLUSION

From this discussion it seems that Islam has been, is, and probably will be making a dynamic impact in Malawi whether we will have another Muslim president or not. Many people are coming into contact with Islam for the first time, and are finding that there is something appealing for them. Before you start thinking that I will soon change my name from Bright Malopa to YUSUFU MALOPA It will be imperative that we take this area of attraction, and discuss it from the perspective of a Christian. I realize that Islam is making an impact in Malawi even after Dr Muluzi's departure. In terms of statistics, there seem to a marginal 3-4% increase in Islam converts since UDF came to power and close to 45% increase in development programs during the same period.

The charge that Dr Muluzi wanted to islamise the country is therefore largely exaggerated.
I am sure the impact of Islamic influence will continue to grow in Malawi' social development. While at that, I think converts to Islam are appraising Islam incorrectly, or even, at times, dishonestly. There are, I feel, errors of perception, as well as errors in interpretation which makes most followers to pick areas where they feel marginalised in society instead of capitalizing on the good work they are doing to the public especially to the needy.

Of late, there have been calls from some Muslim quarters suggesting that the government is victimizing Muslims especially those that are in politics. This is the main area that needs immediate attention from most Islamic followers. It must be established here that many people who find themselves in politics often join politics on as individuals. If certain calls from the Muslim societies are to be entertained, they harm the good work Islam is doing in Malawi. If anything they should avoid being used by politicians who in many times do so for selfish gains. Frankly speaking I don’t share the idea of mixing religion and politics. "

Religion and politics are a deadly, explosive mixture. Religion becomes more important than individual rights and political power provides belief enforcement. History is replete with examples of over zealous religious beliefs becoming the law of the land because that person had the power to enforce those beliefs. Do not get me wrong, I am not against religion in favor of government or government in favor of religion. In fact I am a practicing Christian. Government and religion are both highly desired by the majority of people.

The type of government or religion varies but both are usually deemed necessary in some form. Government is necessary to prevent chaos, to provide services, to provide some form of justice, and to provide direction for the individual but more so for the group through its laws and rules. Religion is necessary to provide hope, to provide direction, and to control the individual as well as the group through its tenets. Government and religion are often a mirror image of each other and one can to some degree substitute for the other in bringing a just society However, my understanding of the two is that they should be kept separate and should not share platforms at any cost for the simple reason that religion and politics often promote a narrow view of life while promoting absolute concepts.

In order for one to be right in religion or politics, opposing views must be wrong or at the very least not as correct. Combining religion and politics in one person only serves to narrow the view even more; add power to enforce and you now have a dictatorship of thought, deeds, and actions." There are also misconceptions of Christianity's position which must be redressed especially where prejudices and generalisation are concerned. And finally, many of these categories are those which, I feel, Christianity has a stronger claim to, than does Islam. If Muslims were to be judged on what they are doing to society and not what society think of them, I believe the case of refusing people to take or pick certain roles on the basis of their religion will be impaired. What I propose is that other than seeking destruction of each other's faith, we should try to see GOD in each other.

Remember higher than the highest human thoughts can reach, is god's ideal for his children. Godliness is the goal to be reached

Bright Mac Everson Malopa References:

Welch, Alford T. "Islam " in Hinnells, John R. (ed). A Handbook of Living Religions,Muslim Education Trust organization ,the nation news paper,Lane, Martha S. B. Malawi (series: "Enchantment of the World, Jarvik, Elaine. "Challenges daunting in Malawi,Dr stambuli's essay on Dr Muluzi, David S. Bone,Malawi'smuslim,christianity today,malawitalk,ellen g.white,messages to young people