Low turnout for Independence celebrations in Lilongwe

July 6, 2018 Alfred Chauwa –Nyasa Times 15 Comments

Celebrations on Thursday in the capital city Lilongwe marking Malawi’s 54 years of independence  were poorly attended.

Bingu National Stadium was almost empty during the celebration event
Rapper Tay Grin, real name Limbani Kalilani, performing at Bingu National Stadium during independence celebrations
Malawi army solderis match in the capital Lilongwe

Lilongwe City Council  organised special activities to mark the day at Bingu National  Stadium.

President Peter Mutharika directed that this year’s  independence should be commemorated at regional levels in order to give chance for more Malawians to attend the function.

Independence celebrations national organising committee chairperson Joseph Mwanamveka said  President  Mutharika will preside over the  main celebrations in Mzuzu on Friday  to be characterised by police military displays, traditional dances and a football match between Moyale Barracks Football Club and Be Forward Wanderers.

However,  in Lilongwe there was low turn up and most seats at the stadium were almost empty.

Reasons for the low turn up was not known however last year during a similar event eight people including children died and 62 others were injured in a stampede.

Despite the low turn up the program went on as normal.

In her speech, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Dr Jean Kalilani, called for unity and love amongst Malawians in order to develop the country.

She also urged Malawians to embrace Intergrity, hardwork and patriotism in order to drive poverty away.

Other speakers included; Lilongwe City Mayor, Dr Desmond Bikoko, Lilongwe City Council Chief Executive Officer Moza Zeleza.

Blantyre City Council (BCC) organised a military parade as well as fireworks displays.

In Zomba, the council  has organised a street parade by the Malawi Defence Force Changalume Barracks from 1pm on July 6.

The parade is scheduled to start from the memorial pillar near Zomba Central prison to Gymkhana Club.

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15 replies on “Low turnout for Independence celebrations in Lilongwe”

  1. Zi ma celebration za chani? To celebrate bullshit leadership and mediocrity? Za ziii!

  2. After 54 years of independence, what is there to celebrate, 54 years of progress? The only ones to have really benefitted from independence are the politicians who have been in government – big houses, expensive motorcars, fine clothes, servants, foreign travel, etc. etc. How have the lives of ordinary Malawians improved in proportion? Be honest.

  3. Celebration inali kale when use to say kuli 6TH JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY,everyone was geared for that(this)day,nowadays it is like a normal to most Malawians.What has contributed to the low turnout?

  4. Kulilongwe ndiye mwalawilira at 8.20am chikondwelero chatha kale? Bwanji????? olo birthday ya mwana singafulumire kutha choncho. 8.20am National invent??????????????????????????//

  5. There was a low turn up because they celebrated on a wrong date. It’s 6th july for heaven sake not 5th july

  6. This is a sign of how dispondent the general populace has become. What is there to celebrate. 54 years into independence with nothing to show forgot. Worse still, there’s no hope that things will get better. Why celebrate! It’s like kuimbira mfiti m’manja.

  7. Independent is for Malawians not the party followers and yet you will see there will be talking about DPP achievement not Malawi as whole. people are tired with that and I assure you if continues next time nobody will participate

  8. How come this story was published before 7:00 AM. We’re the celebrations done m’banda kutha?

    1. As I am writing this the Nyasa Times’s page shows that you posted you message an hour ago [around 9:13 AM), now where are you getting the 7 AM thing? What time are the gates opened? What are you defending? and Why? Awanso awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

  9. Independence day was well celebrate under Kamazu Banda, beautiful displays at kamuzu stadium, International football match, dinner dances . etc.

    1. These people can’t even beat cerebration ya m’maboma imachitika after main cerebration yapa 6thJuly.

  10. There is nothing to celebrate about. Last year people thronged the stadium coz they wanted to get inside as it was new and to watch the football match

  11. Vuto mumapanga ngati ndi dpp function. Muone apa organizing chair DPP guest Ministr Kalirani DPP. woyimba mwana wake was Minister Kalirani. U don’t think through when u r planning.

    1. Spot on Malawiana. Amaiwala that independence celebrations are not subject to party affiliation but aMalawi tonse

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