Malawi a nation in live movie with many actors
“Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders.” Sloan Wilson
There is never a dull moment in Malawi. If it is not our courts slapping criminals with slap on the wrist judgements, it is our leaders making one mistake after another beating the best comedians ever you have come across.
If the events of the past two or three months are to go by, I am not sure where the donors, partners in development and the world at large place the current leadership. I must hasten to say they are confused, at least I am.
Picture this, someone in a position of leadership telling not just the nation but the whole world, that they intend buying a jet for the president, next thing the same leadership disown that communication.
Then the leadership is heard accusing a former head of State of having killed a sitting president despite reports that he died of cardiac arrest and even a commission of enquiry which clearly confirmed the same.
What is amazing is, not only does the Leader of the leaders nod to the comments in public but few days later, he distances himself from the said comments.
Then we hear someone close to the leader of the leaders has resigned, after allegations of amassing wealth beyond recognition which obviously does not dwell well not only to every Malawian but also the world at large too, considering the corruption image Malawi has created and now is having to cleanse itself of the same filth.
In his own voice, literally being interviewed where he is asked follow up questions and he responds accordingly only to hear State House unconvincing telling yet the whole world that, that development isn’t true.
Now, this is a country which depends on donors for 40% of its budget. There are a lot of uncertainties as it stands with no hope in sight of donors resuming aid any time soon. The country is not producing enough to cushion the shocks that await it. For foreign direct investor to have interest in any given destination there is need for an enabling environment that gives confidence to invest.
Primary amongst building this confidence is the political condition that exists. With a seemingly unsure and clueless government in place, lacking confidence too, how does this leadership intend taking this country further? I must confess at the rate the events are unfolding, it does not only scare the donors and investors off but also demoralises the ordinary Malawian who is looking up to this leadership which seems to only exist on paper and not in practice.
My plea therefore to this leadership is to please get its act together and begin to deliver what it promised the poor Malawian who continues to suffer in silence 50 years plus on since independence. It is time to take stock, reflect and be responsible as in so doing it would not only save face but also begin to be seen, act and execute its duties with all seriousness the term leadership deserves.
Does the current leadership have the energy and drive to see this country through all the challenges that awaits it? Remember “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” Theodore M.Hesburgh
- Linda Kunje is a Business Development & Strategic Consultant, Part-time Lecturer, Political Analyst and a Gender Activist.