Broke Malawi govt scraps Independence Day celebration

Cash strapped Malawi government has cancelled Independence Day celebrations on 6 July, and has said it will only hold prayers.

The government has taken a little dose of Tanzania President John Magufuli austerity measure that the country should not hold celebrations to mark 52 years of independence from the UK.

Chief Secretary, George Mkondiwa confirmed that the only event for 6 July Day will be National Service of Worship at the Bingu International Conference Centre in the capital Lilongwe.

Mkondiwa said it would not be prudent to spend huge sums of money on the celebrations when the government is strapped of cash and ailing economy.

Independence day celebrations are usually marked with a presidential address, a military parade and performances by music groups at the stadium with a national football match.

Mkondiwa did not say how much would be saved by cancelling the fete.