By Linda Kwanjana
A renowned human rights activist, public policy and governance advocate, known for promoting human rights, democracy, inclusive politics, and reforms in Malawi Undule Mwakasungula has commended President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for honouring former Presidents through renaming of public infrastructure into their names.
For the starters , on 18th August, 2025, President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera made the decision to rename some of Malawi’s public infrastructure in honour of former Presidents namely Dr Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Undule said this is complete resolute for unity.
“This move, in my opinion, is not only symbolic but also deeply important for our nation as it speaks to unity, reconciliation, respect for history, and true leadership. It shows that the President is a leader who values every contribution made by those who came before him, regardless of political differences,” he said.
He said, this gesture demonstrates that President Chakwera has no grudges against his predecessors.
“Instead, he recognises that each former President, despite their shortcomings or controversies, played a role in building Malawi into what it is today. He has shown statesmanship by holding no bitterness toward those who led before him. In a Malawi political environment where grudges and divisions are common, this decision stands out as a clear message that leadership should be about healing the past and uniting the present,” he said.
Undule said , some people have been quick to assume that this decision is political, especially since Malawi is now in campaign period ahead of 16 September elections.
He said in truth, there is nothing political about this move. If anything, it is a statement that goes beyond party politics and campaign strategies.
“It is about respect, maturity, and the recognition of service. The renaming of infrastructure honours leaders across the political divide, not just those from one side. This makes it clear that the President’s action is not meant to score political points, but to send a message of unity and reconciliation at a time when the country needs it most,” he said.
Mwakasungula said, in our political, history, we have often seen politics being used to settle scores or discredit the achievements of those who came before citing the Bakili and Bingu bitter fight that costed millions of tax payers until President Chakwera intervened, Peter Mutharika and Joyce Banda grudges.
“Too often, our leaders have been remembered only for their weaknesses and mistakes, while their positive contributions are overlooked. Therefore, in renaming the infrastructures after our former Presidents, Chakwera is making an important statement that leadership is a relay, not a competition. Every leader takes the baton from their predecessor, runs their race, and passes it on. This acknowledgment builds continuity and strengthens our democracy,” said.
Another Political Analyst Ceasar Kondowe has vehemently concurred with Undule while commending Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera decision to honor former Presidents.
This follows Chakwera decision to name Chileka Airport after the former President Bakili Muluzi as now it will called “Bakili Muluzi International Airport” and the bypass road in Lilongwe now to be called “Joyce Banda Highway” as well as Area 18 Interchange in Lilongwe to be called “Arthur Peter Mutharika Interchange”.
“The decision of the President of Republic of Malawi Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is highly commended, this is patriotic and unifying decision, to rename some of the roads and Airport for the former Presidents is quite much encouraging to all citizens of Malawi, people might have different opinions on the matter but I think the President has the heart of recognizing the achievements of other people this is what is needed,” he said.
He added that when a President is rulling the country has to take the leading role of appreciating other people’s work despite political differences.
