The Maravi Post

MZUZU--Much as most writers-cum-politicians in the country have tried hard to be jacks at both trades, they've failed to be masters at any. But Malawi is no short of exceptions. There's Grain Malunga, DPP Chikhwawa North legislator, who's over the years been able to stick to his pen and paper as well as to his politics.

While many will remember him as the honest Minister of Energy and Mines who told Malawians to get used to fuel problems at the peak of its scarcity during the late Pres. Bingu wa Mutharika rule, the writing kindred in the country will exchange smiles at the mention of his name, for being a writer who spared time to write.

His name will never die. It will remain on Earth Science and Human Geography for Malawi, a book he recently launched at Crossroads Hotel in Malawi's capital Lilongwe a fortnight ago.

In an interview with MaraPost, Malunga says he is a geo-scientist by profession who tries to stick more to his profession than to politics.

"You may wish to know that I'm a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (United Kingdom). My main interest is in geology, mining and environmental management," he reveals adding that the book aims at encouraging earth and social scientists to utilise sustainability and restore natural resources.

"It's meant to assist resource persons and students in understanding the environment in which we live and to look at natural resources as a basis for economic development.

"Malawi can easily transform from poverty to prosperity if each and every Malawian understands that God gave us control of nature for our own good," argues Malunga.

He says students, academics, politicians and ordinary people should find his book useful.

"This is why it's written in simple language with most examples originating from Malawi."

He says he isn't worried about the appalling reading culture in the country. He's optimistic that those who'll have access to the book will encourage others to get it.

The writer-cum-politician who has been writing for "so many years," not only for publication but for presentation in international fora and conferences, isn't short of some advice for Malawians and his fellow politicians.

"Malawi's economic liberation is in the hands of Malawians and not donors. Politicians should realise that they can continue being in power through economic emancipation not taking pride at making our people lazy through free hand outs," he says.

Published by Pan African Publishers, the book will soon be available in all leading bookshops in the country at K4 000 (about US$11), according to the company's executive director Shadreck Chikoti.

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(c) The Maravi Post 2013

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