JB presents award medals on Malawi independence celebrations: Call for patriotism
President Joyce Banda on Saturday, July 6 awarded – Malawi’s 49th independence celebrations from British rule – presented medals to distinguished Malawians who have made tremendous achievements at function which was held Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Some of the individuals who were awarded with medals were, Chief Justice Anastasia Msosa – recognized in her career of law, former Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) personality who is also a comedian Smart Likhaya Mbewe popularly known as “kapalepale” and boxer Isaac Chilemba.
Others Dr. Beatrice Mtimuni who is associate professor at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and Malawi netball team’s technical director Griffin Sayenda also received the medals.
In her address on the day, President Banda called for patriotism among Malawians to and actively participate in programmes aimed at developing the nation.
Banda said there were positives things to note for Malawi as an independent nation, citing peace, security, availability of food and improved road network as some of the major developments that the southern African nation registered progress.
However, the President said a lot more things did not happened within the years as many people lacked the heart of patriotism.
“Today we are celebrating 49 years of independence, but if we can seriously reflect on what we have achieved so far we will realise that we haven’t done much.
“It was our hope that by today, we should have been talking of Malawi that is not dependent on support from donors,” explained President Banda, calling on Malawians to unite and work together towards achieving one goal.
President Banda also observed that intimidation by those in power has been another factor that contributed to failure by Malawians to take a leading role in participating towards national development.
“Intimidation cannot help us develop, let Malawians have the freedom to participate in actives that would assist in uplifting the status of our nation,” she said.
Banda then promised that as long as she leads the country she will ensure that Malawians leave in peace and harmony and also initiate more programmes that target the rural poor.
“I have initiated the Mudzi Transformation Trust among other programmes with the purpose of improving the life of the poor. It is my hope that by directly helping the poor we will be able to develop,” the Malawi leader explained.
This year’s independence celebrations began with a nation service of worship which took place on July 5 at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe and it reached its climax with the main celebration at Civo Stadium that was commemorated under the theme “2013, Peace, Prosperity and Breakthroughs.”
Activities marking the celebrations included tradition dances, a football match between Malawi and Mozambique and a netball match which was between Malawi and Zambia.
Speaking on his behalf, chairperson of the organizing committee Dr. Ken Lipenga who is also Minister of Finance said in the past 49 years, Malawi has managed to achieve a lot in terms of development.
He cited that among the breakthroughs that we are celebrating today include the stabilization of the kwacha currency by the current Banda administration.
The celebrations were spiced with different activities such as tradition dances and choirs from across the country, among them were the “Mapenenga” dance from Karonga district, “masewe” from Zomba and a choir that was sang by Ntchisi model choir.
