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.
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Should have been scrapped ages ago and maybe should be scrapped for good. Few (if anything, none at all) people benefit from these celebrations. The local man on the street in some rural part of Malawi gains nothing. The money might be better spent on the essentials – mankhwala in the few run down hospitals and clinics, chakudya for all (not the few fat-cats and atidye nawo).
It does not need a person like Magufuli in TZ to show us the way – it’s just pure common sense, which all our leaders seem to lack!
Mudzawona ndikadzakhala president ineyo!
@least huge sums of dimes will be spent on the event regardless of holding prayers, talk of ministers,goverment officials,party zealots allowances,let the day pass quietly.
For sure, travel, lunch, accommodation it can easily mount up, especially when there is no disclosure of what will be spent / saved.
Scrapping independence day celebrations and planning to buy a new convoy and build a banquet hall! Who is fooling who here?
If what is being said is coming from deep down your hearts, fine and good. Once the budget is passed, therefore we should not see you organsing parties, mapwevupwevu. We know you better. Priorities are never given to things of national importance but to personal gratification. Shame