Malawi President Peter Mutharika is often accused of partisan speeches, like the time he failed to salute opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera. However on day we celebrated 51 years of Independence from the brits, leader Mutharika gave one of his most uplifting and inclusive message. Yes, he did remember to salute Lazarus Chakwera at the onset of the speech even though the MCP led a group of MPs that refused to attend a banquet hosted by the Malawi State House in celebration of the passing of the Budget.
Upbeat President Mutharika begun by saying, Malawi is undergoing exciting times. After 51 years of independence, we are re-making history. The whole world can see that Malawi is on the road to transformation. Only last week, hundreds of foreign investors from all over the world came to Malawi because they can see hope and opportunities. All the international and local speakers at that meeting agreed that we have a better economic outlook ahead of us.
The President emphasized that the economic transformation towards which we are going must benefit all Malawians, whether you live in town or in the village. Economic transformation must mean inclusive development. We fought for independence together. We must develop this country together. We must all be part of the economic growth.
The Malawi President paid homage to the struggle for independence, a popular movement of the people. He continued by saying, It took the cooperation, sacrifice and involvement of the masses for us to attain this liberty that allows us to create a greater future.
“At the highest peak of nationalism, especially between 1953 and 1963, it was villagers who fought for emancipation. These were smallholder farmers laboring across the country. They were barefoot workers toiling on the railways. They were laborers plucking tea on the estates. These are the Malawians we honour in our national memory today”, said Peter Mutharika.
“But there is one immediate challenge facing us all. The human factor! Umunthu wathu this is where the problem is. We cannot do with people who are irresponsible; dishonest; lazy – wanting results for which you have not worked; wanting things to be done for us than us doing for others; we cannot develop Malawi if we don’t love our country! We need to be a nation of responsible and patient people. Rome was not built in a day”, continued Peter Mutharika.
The Malawi President saluted religious leaders that have challenged his predecessors and himself when he said the following, Ladies and Gentlemen, I fully agree with our religious leaders, our moral custodians, that we cannot change this country if we are not a responsible nation. We cannot change anything unless we change ourselves. We are the foundations of change, and the pillars of progress on which the future rests. We are now launching a mind-set change programme which must make us a responsible nation.
“My Fellow Malawians, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to inform you that Government wants to promote three pillars of progress that support our reforms and national development. The pillars are Patriotism, Integrity and Hard work”, continue Peter Mutharika.
He then paid homage to those who held the office of President before him, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and selflessness of former Presidents of the Republic of Malawi in serving this country. They served Malawi to the best of their abilities and we thank them for their sacrifices.
Peter Mutharika thanked our neighboring countries with whom we live in harmony. He said Malawi is here today because of their support. He thanked President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Vice President of the Republic of Kenya Mr. William Ruto for sparing time to celebrate with Malawians.
“Lastly, Tiyeni tiyende pamodzi ndi mtima umodzi. United, we will cross any river of challenges; cross any mountain of hardships; and match every mile until we have conquered”, concluded Peter Mutharika.
