Thoko Banda, eyes Malawi presidency, rips JB on separation of powers
Thoko Banda, son to former cabinet minister, the late Aleke Banda, who announcement on Monday that he will contest for the presidency in next year’s tripartite elections as an independent candidate, has criticized the Joyce Banda administration for not separating party from the state.
Speaking at Malawi College of Medicine in Blantyre, Thoko attacked the current government, saying “the leadership is too preoccupied with their party colours; they do not understand the doctrine of separation of power.”
He also criticized the government on wrongful self-enrichment by its officials.
“Malawi needs leadership that is passionate about the welfare of its people other than living to enrich themselves,” he said.
“What belongs to the people of Malawi must benefit the people of Malawi, not the leaders,” he said, urging Malawians “to learn to get angry in a constructive way.”
He also criticised the government on economic governance, saying “donors want to see Malawi develop but money they pump in is wasted.”
On education, former diplomat in Germany noted that Malawi has no early education which he said the country needs it.
“Corporate Malawi need to be involved in education, let the corporate support primary education,” he said.
On agriculture, Thoko said Malawians are still using wrong farming tools.
“We concentrate too much on maize; why not try other crops depending on the soil suitability.
“We got all wrong because the leadership of the country does not understand.”
Thoko had been supporting United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi on his agenda for change but said he will run as s an independent candidate, saying “party politics is part of the problem in Malawi because good leaders are made to toe party lines even though most of them are retrogressive.”
Asked to comment on the development, UDF spokesman Ken Ndanga said Thoko Banda was exercising his democratic right to seek any public position.
“We read in the press his statements of support for agenda for change but formally he has not been with the rank and file of the party. As much as we would have loved to work with him, he has a right to associate or disassociate. We wish him well,” said Ndanga.
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