Your Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, Madam Gertrude Hendrina Mutharika
Excellencies Heads of State and Governments;
The Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Right Honourable Saulos Chilima and Madam Mary Chilima;
Speaker of the National Assembly, Right Honourable Richard Msowoya, MP;
Your Lordship, the Chief Justice Honourable Andrew Nyirenda, S.C;
Honourable Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers present here;
The Commander of the Malawi Defence Force, General Ignasio Maulana;
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Loti Dzonzi;
Justices of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal;
Your Excellences, former Presidents of the Republic of Malawi;
The Leader of Opposition, Honourable Dr. Lazarus Chakwera;
Honourable Members of Parliament;
Leaders of Political Parties Represented in Parliament;
Your Excellency, Madam Thandiwe Dumbutchena, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of Diplomatic Missions;
Chief Secretary to the Government;
The Chief Executive of Blantyre City Council
Distinguished Invited Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I would like to begin my address this morning by wishing you all a happy 51st Independence celebration.
My Fellow Malawians, as we look back at the road we came for 51 years, let us also lift up our eyes to the horizon where we are taking Malawi. Contrary to those who want to look at everything negatively, I look at our past and see the road of progress. We have achieved a lot in the last 51 years. But it has been slow progress. And we are not where we should have been by now.
But, 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.
But 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.
In fact, the struggle for independence was a popular movement of the people. 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.
Ladies and gentlemen, our road to economic transformation is very clear now. Our vision is clear. Let me outline the four things we are doing to turn around this country. First, we are creating a local business environment and attracting foreign investors to bring their money to invest in Malawi. With Direct Investment, we will undoubtedly create wealth, create more businesses for Malawians, create jobs and create a better life for all. As I said, the response of the entire world is extremely overwhelming. Secondly, we have launched a Skills Development Programme. This is a process of creating a skilled labour to support the industry. Wherever you go in the world, skilled labour is thrust of development. Within this programme, we are building community colleges. With this programme, we will create a skilled labour market to support the expanding Investment. We want this programme to help us create jobs for the youth and the rest of us. Thirdly, we have also undertaken serious Public Service Reforms because we must have a public service that supports our investors and serve the public efficiently. We need a public service that works, and a Malawi that works! But above all, we have undertaken a people-centred approach to inclusive development. The Green Revolution we undertake with the Green Belt Initiative, supporting farmers with inputs and the Malata Subsidy programmes will ensure that this country has sufficient food and Malawians must sleep in descent houses. All Malawians must rise together with the economic growth that is coming. We are all moving towards a better life for all.
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.
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.
We must be patriotic! We must love our country; be proud of her. Be proud to be Malawian. This is our only country.
We must be a people of high integrity. We must be a highly principled and honest in whatever we do. There wouldn’t have been cashgate if we were a people of integrity. Corruption would be history if were a people of integrity.
We must be hard working people. Work for the results. In whatever we do, let us do it to the best of our ability whatever the circumstances. Whatever you do, do it with all your mind, soul and strength. There is no other road to success!
My Fellow Malawians, ladies and gentlemen, Today, I am calling upon all political leaders, educationists, investors and captains of the corporate world, traditional leaders, religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations and the public at large to embrace these pillars of progress as the core values of our national character. If we ever differ, let us unite on this common cause.
At an appropriate time, we will organize a national conference at which we must draw up a national plan of implementation. We must agree how best we should inculcate these values in every Malawian. I want these values to be collectively owned by all Malawians.
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.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank our neighboring countries with whom we live in harmony. We are what we are today because of their support. In a special way let me thank President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Vice President of the Republic of Kenya Mr. William Ruto for sparing time to celebrate with us today. We cherish the cordial relationship that exists among our countries.
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.
May God bless us all and may He bless Mother Malawi! Thank you!
