THE SPIRIT OF DR ROBERT LAWS

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

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

The Babel that is DPP-WRONG ARGUMENT

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?

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&D=1&O=D&F=&S=&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

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

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,

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

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