And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you? ‘ Then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians. — Exodus 12:25-27

US-based Malawian Diaspora held a three-day grand-style commemoration of the 60^th (Diamond Jubilee) festival, noting with deep aplomb the prayers, a music extravaganza, and a family picnic. The three-dayster pulled in Malawians from all corners of the United States; Malawians from California, DC-Maryland-Virginia, Texas, Illinois, Washington State, and Wisconsin, to name a few of those corners. Under the known circumstances the country has faced this past month, the organizers aptly placed the Interdenominational Memorial Service at the formal start of the festivities. This was the grand ole South Bend, Indiana.

1.      Get together for Greet and Get to Know You reception – On Friday evening a get together for Malawians to greet and know each other was held. Although relatively low key, the reception gave Malawians to know each other as others caught up with friends, family and compatriots shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

2.      Interdenominational Memorial Service – The first official event for the three-day commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee, was the Interdenominational Memorial Service. Held at the First Presbyterian Church, the service attracted the participation of the Malawi Embassy, represented by the Deputy Head of the DC Malawi Embassy, Bishop Charles Phanga, Reverence Gladys Nkhonjera, Reverend Paul Mpaso, and Pastor Johnson Nyirenda.Malawi’s faith music maestros Alan Ngumuya, Faith Mussa, Living Waters Choir, and Ethel Phangala gave rendition of known faith songs in Chichewa.

Non-clergy panelists were Doreen Chisiza (daughter to the late Wakhumbata Ensemble Theater, Du Chisiza Jr.), and Malawi’s media professional Janet Karim. On their part, the clergy called on Malawians to be united, love each other instead of using the PHD policy (pull him/her down), and lastly a strong word to the diaspora is with regard to the scripture “Can anything good come out of Galilee?” in John 7:46. During his presentation, the Bishop asked Malawians to ask themselves, the biblical statement “can anything good come out of Malawi?” He called on diaspora Malawians to think positively of their country and to do all they can to help Malawi.

Chisiza’s presentation was a biography of the fallen late Vice President, the Rt. Honourable Saulos Klaus Chilima. On her part, Karim introduced the first part of a discussion of the insider position she was in during Malawi’s 60 years of freedom. The catch-phrase “I was in the room” became the catch phrase from those that attended the church service. On sale after the service were two signed books by Janet Karim (Zinyama Village Road, and Grandma’s Garden).

a.       Lunch for contributing clergy and panelists at a Malawian-owned restaurant – As a token of appreciation, the clergy and panelists that took part in the Memorial Service, were entertained to a mini luncheon. This was held by Malawian Chef Vanessa.

b.      Soccer Match –

c.       As is the custom, a soccer game was held following the church service, drawing participation mainly from men and young children.

3.      Evening Dinner and Dance Concert with Malawi’s music maestros Faith Mussa and Tay Grin – food by Malawian operated restaurants – On the evening of July 6, 2024, all roads led to the music and dinner dance at the Holiday Inn. Dinner was prepared by the Malawi Chefs Vanessa, and Kate Joyo. Dinner guests were treated to succulent Malawian dishes such as oxtail, fried chicken, fried fish, and a fruit platter. The guests were treated to music throughout by the country’s musical giants. But the highlight of the evening was watching Tay Grin steered himself into the hall on a knee scooter.

With no explanation, Tay delved into his musical repertoire; the hit for me and others “Kumanda kwa bambo anga” as an apt tribute to the late Vice President Chilima and the other heroes of June 10^th and also the late Lucius Banda. The frenzy was captivating and contagious; the guests had to be moved out by a repeated calls from director of ceremonies. Something about hotel rules.

4.      Picnic and music extravaganza – The finale of the three-day commemoration, was a family picnic at the Henry Frank Park. There were barbecues, drinks and plenty of music by Faith Mussa and others. The joy of the event was watching the glee on children’s faces. Sale of Malawi artifacts such as caftans, black, red, and green bracelets, and plenty of T-shirts. These commemorated Malawi’s 60 years, others celebrated SKC’s “I will die for the Malawi flag” signature comment with Osaopa, and Osafowoka, inscribed on T-shirt fronts.

The picnic, as with the dinner dance the night before, came to an end due to event premises’ officials’ rules. However sad Malawians were to see the finale of the 60^th Anniversary celebrations in South Bend, there were unanimous agreement that the festivities were well thought-out, well-organized commemorative event; so, to the-Organizing Committee: CONGRATULATIONS for the job well-done! At every function, there were visible collaborating between the organizers. Another visible aspect of the festivities, were Malawians displaying obeying/going along with the rules issued by the organizers. Lastly, a big “Thank you” also for permitting me to share Malawi History from this insider’s perspective.

Happy 60^th Anniversary to all Malawians.

                                                          

²⁵ When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. ²⁶ And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ ²⁷ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians. – Exodus 12:25-27

“O, God bless our land of Malawi, keep it a land of peace!” this has been our prayer; mine from life languishing on dusty roads of Ndirande, to the beautiful four lane boulevard of the Kamuzu Highway in Blantyre and another equally beautiful one in Lilongwe that bypasses the busy capital city center, and surprise of it all the Chiweta Road in the northern region, and other visible and invisible progress, I have a great cause to celebrate Malawi, my Malawi as she cruises to its 60^th anniversary of independence from British rule.

This week I call upon citizens of Malawi in cities, urban, and rural areas, to love, hug, embrace, and cherish our country, the calendar country that is 365 miles long and 52 miles wide.

Malawi is our promised land which our forefathers worked hard to build, guiding and guarding our heritage and frontiers, fought foreign invasions during the slavery era that was followed by more foreign invasions of colonialists, dictators and fear of civil wars in neighboring countries.

Now that we are a democracy, and into the Third Reich, it is deeply saddening to hear Malawians – especially from the intelligentsia – clutching to the belief that the government must do things for them, others holding that the government has not done anything (a chant that is 60 year old) in its region.

As the government is deemed not to be delivering as a failed government. This closely resembles the “Zonse zimene n’zaKamuzu Banda” (everything belongs to Kamuzu Banda) philosophy; a 60 year old philosophy that has transcended to whatever party has come to power.

Thirty years ago I was despondent, unhappy, disillusioned, and very disappointed in whom the country had elected to replace the first and former Life President Kamuzu Banda and the party known as the Government. I wanted to leave Malawi, my country.

When I expressed this sentiment to my Uncle Dr. Charles Kahumbe, he challenged me by asking me “So, who are you going to leave this country to? Malawi is as much yours as the millions of other people.

Stay here, together whether jointly or individually, let us do our bit. This is our country; we can make it right; but each and every one of us has a role to play.”

He was not only serious, but he was also right.

These past months, there has been the development of a trajectory, route, path that Malawians have steered and plunged into makes an analyst to wonder how it could be that Malawians are speaking either as if they are infants, maybe are still in the one party system of government, and definitely, the intolerance of differences of opinions is pooh-poohed, labeling of opposition political party members as if they are villains.

Most discombobulating to all country-loving Malawians is that the government is not government is a failure, often delving into personal attacks of the top leadership, has many people affirming that the leaders should either resign or possibly voted out of office.

However there are three very disturbing recent incidents that reveal my Malawi’s vulnerability, it is depressingly unwell, and in dire need of socio-econo-political medical attention. My Malawi is deathly sick; self-inflicted and missiles from foreign lands with the intent of making us fight each other.

The first is  a series of videos that not only denigrates Malawi but all African countries where white speakers either say that Africa will remain receivers of manufactured commodities from the west; another threw a gas lighter into a oil drum labeled corruption, and have given a daily diet of the corrupt intent African leaders with one video clip advising that America should colonize the African countries, because the continent cannot manage its affairs.

The foreigners overtones over the entire continent also use partnerships like the ACP-EU post-Cotonou agreement that introduced the “human rights” clause. In a trade partnership! Clearly the intent to control the country from the outside has reached a fever-pitch.

The second is regionalism with people calling each other out as tribalists. While some call for the demolition of tribal groupings; I have argued that the tribal groups should remain, however they should remain in their areas of origin.

But there has in the last 60 years been no time lost for various people crying wolf and charging that their areas are largely ignored by the government; they claim this has led to regional inequality in progress. This has led to people criticizing and accusing consequent administration of regionalism.

This martyrdom syndrome is voiced at every conversation. Much is based on unsubstantiated accusations and claims.

Discussions on the topic often end up in personal attacks of the person one is engaged in the conversation

Lastly, political party loyalty that gives political parties a bad name has sadly through the sixty years given not only the political parties but the man or woman at the top.

Also sad and deplorable intensity is the role of the police, who through the country’s sixty years have been used by even the low-level politicians to instruct the police to harass or intimidate Malawian citizens.

Two recent clips show a man welding a phanga (axe), donning an MCP uniform and another equally inappropriate one by a DPP supporter. Both issue threats and warnings to non-supporters of their political parties and have no part in our democracy.

As Malawi limps toward the 60^th anniversary of independence, the country is bleeding in various sectors; these have the kids (citizens of Malawi) fighting and lashing out at each other, with great inability to pull itself up out of the vortex, quagmire, or turbulence it finds itself thrust into.

As I strut about, proud of my black, red, and consider my Malawian roots, I am surprised and disappointed to hear my fellow Malawians of their disappointment about our beautiful country.

Yes, there are a few things here and there in all the six administrations but let us take pride we have made it to this point still citizens of Malawi, a land that has been kept a land of peace!

Where I see something needs to be done, let us do something to correct it rather than the finger-pointing or hurling insults.

I am concerned this latter approach will lead to young people growing up not understanding the true meaning of a good citizen, a patriot, a citizen that defends against foreign intrusion; most of all a patriot that will love his/her country instead of admiring or envying Tanzania, Rwanda, or Zambia.

Next week: celebrating the heroes of Malawi’s development before and after one party rule in Malawi. Please send me a one page or three paragraph mention of achievement by your relation or friend that has added to Malawi’s development. I would like to include it in my article.

Send entries to janet.karim2023@gmail.com

                                                 

⁷ Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. ⁸ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. ⁹ Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. – Hebrews 13:7-9

^{As Malawi commemorates 60 years of independent rule from the UK (formerly Great Britain) on July 6, 2024, there are numerous great prescriptions the nation needs to adopt (consume) and strategies to follow.}

One of these is if something is not broken, don’t fix it. Another is if something needs to be done, please do not wait for someone, the government, or ^{an organization to wave magic wands to get the thing done – you do it; even if this means you do something within your small area on a small scale – just do it. your small scale will add up with other small scales and turn into big movements around the country, and transformation takes place. This will take some learning of doing things; it also needs Malawians to drop the ways of doing some things and also adopt some new livelihoods.}

^{Over the Christmas break, I added to learning from my friend Anna that I had learned from former Gender Ministry PS Mrs. Matenje. From the former PS, I learned from a water-saving tip she was giving to a bride-to-be: this was to always use a basin full of water to wash dishes instead of letting water drip from the faucet.}

This holiday, I saw my friend Anna place a soapy water oblong shallow dish and a sponge. I learned that this way, she uses less soap since the sponge retains soap. Another lesson from Anna was her use of a coffee brewer to brew tea by placing 3-4 tea bags into the coffee pot; pouring hot into the filter and allowing ^{the brewer to heat the tea.; the tea bags in the pot are kept warm all day long.}

^{Malawians joined a throng of other colonies in the 1960’s. For the next 31 years, the country existed under a dictatorship that evolved from three political parties to one party, the Malawi Congress Party under the strong-arm rule of former Life President Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda. In the past 30 years, Malawi has been a democracy and has} gone through five presidents (Muluzi, Bingu wa Mutharika, Joyce Banda, Peter Mutharika, and Lazarus Chakwera). The List of resolutions for the country is long; however, three will be dealt with. These are 1) to keep praying, respecting, and loving one another; 2) To diversify our eating habits; and 3) to manage tertiary schools outside the government-run ^{institutions.}

^{1. Keep praying, respecting, and loving one another.  For 31 years the whole country prayed for the leaders in the national anthem, every time people gathered, and even a mountain that could be seen from the sky showed the words of a prayer “Long Live Kamuzu.” It might surprise some young Malawians, this prayer was answered and Kamuzu lived beyond 100 years.}

^{For some reason, Malawians adopted the love of the political party they belonged} to, and everybody else was thrown into the dustbin. Malawians must grow up in the arena of democracy, and love all leaders, even those we disagree with. Malawians must also learn to respect the leaders of other parties. This is not for the benefit of the leaders, but the benefit of young Malawians who are watching and learning the most gruesome behaviors of disrespect. If you do not like or agree with a leader, the ballot box is a strong enough message to remove leaders. Hauling insults or asking for leaders to resign, be removed, or be ^{thrown into prison, are an insult to the democracy that Malawi says it is of itself.}

^{The lack of love, and respect for leaders, also goes to other Malawians. This past year, two elderly women were accused of witchcraft and forced to dig the grave and bury the deceased. This was in front of a variety of leaders including police, clergy, village, and political officials. The powers that Malawian ordinary people have taken up, with impunity is this past week when a man who is alleged to have stolen money from the sympathy plate that was passed around at a funeral. The man was hanged on a tree and left there during the burial.}

^{This is a very mortifying, depressing, and a crime picture. Again this hanging was performed in front of officials – political, police, clergy, and village leaders. My question is how are these ordinary men raised to positions of police, prosecutor, judge, and executioner? They took this man, raised him to the tree, brought a rope, and executed him, for the offense of accusation of stealing.}

^{Another question is, where in the Laws of Malawi is the section that raises stealing to the death penalty?}

^{But last and most important of all} where are the leaders who attended this funeral? The term leaders is included therein the police, chiefs, clergy, and ^{civic and political officials. By being silent (through allowing the act of murder to take place in their presence), they too are involved in the killing of this Malawian. He was wrong in stealing sympathy money. But the Laws do not raise that wrong to a sentence of death.}

^{As Malawians, we must caution each other, even if the cautioning will make us unpopular. Let us stop killing each other in high, middle, and low levels of society.}

^{Next week we will “Let us diversify what we eat” and “A Closer Look at tertiary school management and Money Making Strategies.”}