As President Lazarus Chakwera dedicated Monday, the 28th August 2023, to honour one of Malawi’s most distinguished sons, Prof. Napoleon Dzombe, a disheartening display of political desperation unfolded in Blantyre.

This stark contrast could not have been more poignant: while Chakwera was inaugurating the grand Kalipano Country Resort by Sunbird, an embodiment of local entrepreneurship and prosperity crafted by Prof. Dzombe in his native village, misguided political actors from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were undermining their credibility at Sunbird Mount Soche.

Amid the backdrop of celebration and growth, the DPP chose a different path by indulging in rhetoric that pointedly showcased their desperation for power.
The names of those who led the press conference bear witness to this distressing spectacle: party spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, along with presidential aspirants Dalitso Kabambe, Bright Msaka, and immature and excited political learner Councillor Leonard Chimbanga.
These individuals aimed to cast a shadow on the current administration’s efforts, but their words resonated hollow, given their own track records.

President Chakwera took the occasion of Prof. Dzombe’s achievements to underscore the detrimental actions of certain public officials during the DPP’s regime.
These individuals had exploited Prof. Dzombe, extracting over K500 million from him and subsequently forcing the philanthropist to abandon an ambitious international bus terminal project in Lilongwe.
It was a reminder of the damaging impact of corruption and abuse of power that has, unfortunately, plagued Malawi’s political landscape.
The irony of the situation cannot be ignored. The very figures who were once at the helm of governance and who had contributed to the erosion of public trust through corruption were now the voices decrying the very issues they were responsible for perpetuating.

Many of these panelists carry the weight of corruption and misuse of authority court cases hanging over their heads, a testament to their previous actions.
It’s evident that the DPP’s press conference at Sunbird Mount Soche was an exercise in futility.
The dissonance between their words and their actions is an affront to the Malawian people, who deserve a political discourse based on integrity, accountability, and genuine concern for the nation’s progress.
Pointing fingers while ignoring their own culpability only serves to highlight their desperation for a return to power.

Malawi deserves better than political theatrics that lack substance and sincerity. The current administration, led by President Chakwera, is making strides toward rectifying the mistakes of the past, promoting transparency, and uplifting the nation’s economy.
As the nation witnesses positive changes and development initiatives, it’s crucial for opposition parties to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to empty rhetoric that only serves to expose their own shortcomings.

In the grand scheme of things, the events at Sunbird Mount Soche serve as a reminder that the Malawian people deserve leaders who are genuinely committed to their well-being.
Actions will always speak louder than words, and in this case, the desperate cries for power have fallen on deaf ears.

The legacy of Prof. Dzombe’s entrepreneurial spirit and President Chakwera’s dedication to progress will undoubtedly overshadow the empty discourse of those who seek power for power’s sake.