By Mabvuto Kalawa
Malawi gained independence from British rule in 1964, ending decades of governance by governors who reported to the Queen.
Sixty-two years later, many Malawians are asking whether the nation has truly developed.
A random survey was conducted across the country to get views on the country’s progress.
Mr. Jacob Chithope of Chisazima Village, Traditional Authority Suza, reflected on the early years after independence.
He said that under the country’s first President, the late Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, Malawi developed tremendously.
He noted that many tarmac roads were constructed across the country, including the Lakeshore Road.
He said universities were established, and parastatals such as ADMARC and canning factories were functioning effectively.
He added that lake services and railways were operating, and the country was food secure.
Mr. Chithope said there was little corruption during that era.
He recalled that Kamuzu’s manifesto focused on three main enemies of development: disease, hunger and ignorance.
He said institutions were also established to advise people on agriculture, such as the Kasungu Flue Cured Tobacco Authority and various irrigation schemes.
He added that Malawians at the time were hardworking and self-reliant.
Mr. Chithope said the situation changed in 1994 when Malawians adopted a multiparty system of government.
He said 62 years after independence, there is little to show for the country’s progress.
He accused politicians of being good at talking but not at developing the country.
He lamented that many Malawians still cannot read and write.
He said corruption is rampant and that the country no longer values its culture as it did during Kamuzu’s days.
“It is a shame,” Mr. Chithope concluded.
Miss Fiskani Manda of Luwinga in Mzuzu shared similar sentiments.
She said things were better during Kamuzu’s rule because the country was not dependent on donors.
She said today it feels as though donors are still ruling the country.
She said corruption is high, and even politicians who are supposed to be servant leaders are also corrupt.
She added that nepotism, tribalism and regionalism remain major challenges.
“It’s a pity, as Malawi we are not developing,” she said.
Mr. Charles Ndau of Mkuwazi Village, Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe District, offered a different view.
The retired civil service driver said the country is progressing and developing.
He argued that Malawi continues to be ruled in the same way as during colonial times.
He said Malawians need to change the way they do things and stop concentrating only on politics.
An education officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said development has stalled under multiparty democracy.
The officer said in the 21st century, many Malawians still cannot access potable water.
The officer said the education system is poor and many learners cannot read and write.
The officer said roads become impassable during the rainy season and are full of potholes.
The officer added that corruption is high and the rate of unemployment is also high.
Group Village Headman Kwitanda said Malawi is not developing because politicians are focused on feeding their stomachs.
He said even Malawians posted to represent the country in embassies do not know their roles.
He said if diplomats were focused on attracting investors, Malawi could have developed faster.
“How can we say Malawi is developing when each and every day we experience electricity blackouts and corruption?” he queried.
He said Malawi is rich in resources, including lakes, minerals and fertile soils.
He said the country needs to add value to agricultural produce and become an exporting nation instead of an importer.
As Malawi marks 62 years of independence, citizens are asking whether the problem lies with politicians or with ordinary Malawians.
Many respondents agreed that development is possible if people change their mindset and approach to work.
They called on politicians, religious leaders, civil society organizations and policymakers to work together during the independence commemorations.
“Let’s hold hands together to develop our country. Together we can,” they said.
