Joyce Banda a concluded chapter – Malawi newspaper ‘Raw Stuff’ columnist

Esteemed Raw Stuffers, our elders say that mphini yobwerezabwereza ndiimene imawala; basically meaning that ‘wise’ sayings repeated often stand out and stick in the people’s minds, and, we add, give better direction to one’s life.

This is what we want to attempt today; of course, by not posing as wise soothsayers or sages of our times, but just as ordinary folks who believe in the mphini wisdom of our elders.

A case in point is that of Acheemwa JB. It seems dust is refusing to settle down in Capital Hill and at other political podiums, where the embattled former head of State keeps being the centre of focus and unwarranted vilification by some esteemed folks.

Yet, as we said last time, Acheemwa JB, whom we all showed the exit door from State House a few months ago, should not be our major preoccupation at all. We all have something more serious to do or think about so that our economy and families start to tick again than being twisted towards a fellow citizen who is just going about her life.

Esteemed Raw Stuffers, last time we argued that this country has a myriad of issues to attend to; for example, to fast conclude the Cashgate issues that are heavily weighing on our necks; to curb the rising crime in our midst; to put some steam into our weak and shackled public service delivery system—one that seems being in the ICU of the international and local arena; to engage in gainful talk and activities so that we arrest the growing unemployment engulfing our school and college leavers; to do something serious about the HIV and Aids spread; and, not the least, to help the authorities to block the threat of Ebola  scourge, which is real and most likely on our doorsteps.

We also talked about the uphill task of the just-passed zero-aid national budge—that we must all reckon with this financial year amid many other challenges. The new-look budget (though doable on paper) somehow rekindles the depressing memories and turmoil as well as challenges that the zero-deficit budget that the late Professor Moya bequeathed us not long ago.

Esteemed Raw Stuffers, we also said Capital Hill and all its functionaries ought to be seriously rendering an ear to the multiple voices that are coming from across the Republic regarding issues of under- or skewed national development; federalism; secession or all material in that paradigm; the pestilence of alarming poverty levels among us, over 50 years down the independence lane.

Former Malawi leader Joyce Banda
Former Malawi leader Joyce Banda

But to have our attention and efforts diverted or glued to the JB personal travels and constitutional freedoms, it all seems surprising and a big let-down to most of us who would like to contribute in rebuilding this country through the new lean team in town.

That is why, we repeat, let us leave JB alone: if she chooses to ‘cartoon’ herself or shadow the President’s engagements here or abroad, so be it; as long as she does not do so using our hard-earned taxes.

She is, after all, a free citizen under the Constitution that we all fought hard for and cherish so dearly.

Again, as our elders often say, when you indulge in a bout of foul-mouthing with a foul-mouthed person, onlookers cannot distinguish who between you two is the cleaner-mouthed fellow—or something like that.

And in West African literature, somebody put this in the following terms and imagery: ‘A good, upright fly followed a dead body to the grave!’

We, therefore, repeat, JB is a finished chapter in our current national reconstruction endeavours.  She has her life to lead and ours, as a nation, to rebuild.

Of course, if she still is a force to reckon with, we will make that decision in the next election.

But for the time being, we need to build Mother Malawi with the wise, visionary words found in our national anthem, so that we are free from fear, hunger, disease and envy—as we chart the best course for this country.

In fact, one Atcheya the other day said something like: Kodi JB amayenda m’makomo mwa achamanu? A line that was repeated by one VP the other time, drawing mixed reaction: unnecessary wrath from some quarters and applause from others…as our lives went on.

  • The article appeared in Weekend Nation newspaper under ‘Raw Stuff’ column.

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ZinaUkaona
ZinaUkaona
9 years ago

Kodi International Figure eti?? Nde nkhani njiti pamenepo _ Kukwera Ndege, kukumana nda Zungu kapena chani???

Nunkhadala mwanamulomwe wa ku Bongwe chiringa phalombe

hahaha malawi fuko langa lets move forward leave jb alone her time is over, now is ur time

newton banda
9 years ago

i repeat kodi JB amanyenda mumakomo achamanu?

MUNTHU NDINU
9 years ago

ANANGOKHALA MKAZI MUNTHUYI KOMA !!

Colo
Colo
9 years ago

Interational figure on cashgate ayione wat kind of awoman ws she kumangodya wekha moti ugaire anthu ena iphani chilombo

Franklin
Franklin
9 years ago

I’m not a Malawian citizen. The people of Malawi have sold themselves into perpetual slavery by killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. Joyce Banda’s glory will ironically rise more amidst the political game against her.

Weniweni
Weniweni
9 years ago

JB ndi dilu basi, we love you mama. You are an International figure

Paul J.C.Mwafulirwa.
Paul J.C.Mwafulirwa.
9 years ago

Many Malawians have been left in suspense insofar as the corruption and fraud issues are concerned. Politicians used these issues more as a bait to win votes rather than as a serious national tragedy which has a far reaching economic consequencies. Finger pointing and negative reporting will cease only when the genesis and those involved in these corruption and fraud incidences( be it Mk20 billion, Mk92 billion etc) are exposed by a body that is considered neutral by the majority of Malawians. Putting a lid on the boiling pot is not the best long term solution.

kamowa
9 years ago

Kaliyati akumva phain heavy…

godfrey zhuwaki
9 years ago

that’s type of politics we practice in malawi, i don’t if we are to wake up. Always hate remarks. If the sitting government castigate the previous regime and its officials just know that lilibe or latha ma plan.

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