Aller Satan

For many, it was a normal Sunday morning worship. For me, it was different. A service in French, with occasional English interpretation. My French is very basic to enable me to order food, take a taxi, buy some groceries, and buy credit for my phone and everyday living. It is like "one word at a time" and someone has to speak slowly for me to be able to follow the gist of the communication, C'est la vie et je ne me plains pas.

Assemblees De Dieu is located in II Plateaux 7eme Tranche, less than 5 minutes walk from where I am staying. The church is still under construction but being used. It has open sides thus you are able to enjoy the fresh breeze coming from the hot and humid Abidjan.

My experience at the church signifies the fact that God is awesome and that in our diversity, we are able to worship and praise him in the way we feel comfortable. I have never been an advocate or appreciated what I call "disorganised worshipping". My thinking has always been that God is orderly - at least looking at the structure of creation. "On the seventh day he rested". This thinking has always led me not to appreciate the Pentecostal type of worshipping. Years ago, I attended a service of worship at Assemblies of God in Malawi and I remember how uncomfortable I felt. That is years ago and thus was not prepared at what I was to see at my new place of worship.

The message was simple and powerful. Which Jesus do we worship? The one that performed miracles in the bible, conceived, born, crucified, died and rose again on the third day? Or we have created our little Jesus - who performs different magic in 21st century?

Then came those 30 minutes of mind boggling worship! There was this sudden change in the atmosphere. You would have thought you were watching a Liverpool match. I believe this was time for individual prayer - or let's call it "aller satan" moment. People were pacing from left to right, up and down the aisle, speaking, praying, shouting softly, shadow-boxing, gesturing, emphasising points. I did not know what to do other than observe and say my own prayers quietly. Then, the noise vanished into this beautiful chorus led by this youthful band in front, "majeste, adorer sa majeste", nous chantions (we sang).  As I enjoyed the music, back came the "aller satan" moment again. Now most of the congregants had a hand on their head. I observed that it did not matter which hand. All deep in conversation.

As I left the church, I said to God. Mon Dieu, which types of worship do you really appreciate and bless? Is it the one where we wear suits, sit quietly and sing with subdued senility? Or is it where we sing and dance for you? Or is it where we speak strange language and take the opportunity of a gym session? Then I heard a voice inside. "Those who do the above, are they people or animals"? I said, of course God, they are people, just like me. And the voice said, "all people were created in my image".

I then realised that worship is about expressing yourself to the creator. We all express ourselves differently in life. Some cry when they are happy. Others tremble when they are angry. Others scream for different reasons. Others bite their lip when in pain. All the different worships aim to praise and thank God. May God bless you for reading this testimony and may we thank him for the diversity that enriches this world - which could otherwise have been boring. It is good.

“He who would be his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” (Abraham Lincoln)

The legal profession in Malawi has become an embarrassment. They are deeply involved in Cashgate affairs and there are many instances where actions displayed are no where near expected ethics in the profession. It all boils down to the inability of the profession to manage the self regulation régime provided. This is a sure opportunity for a Government to interfere and institute regulatory regimes to manage a profession that is failing to self-regulate.

What is the main Problem? At the helm of the problem is the weak Law Society of Malawi. Just like in Malawi's political system where mediocrity leadership rules, mature and credible lawyers have left the leadership of this important Association to kindergarten lawyers with no experience and no muscle to discipline colleagues who fall outside prescribed or expected ethics. The Association's governing rules also seem also to be very weak, probably deliberately so to ensure that status quo prevails. Malawian legal fraternity need to re-think of re-engineer the Law Society of Malawi if they are proud of their profession.

Looking at the weak governance regime, new graduating lawyers without or with insignificant experience and no supervision, seem to open legal practices as soon as they are called to the bar. In my considered view, it is like allowing a newly qualified pilot to be a captain of a flight (without supervision) or newly qualified medical doctor opening a hospital and performing all kinds of major surgeries. In UK for example, If you are setting up a firm, one of the managers must be 'qualified to supervise'. If you are setting up as a sole practitioner then you must be 'qualified to supervise'. To be qualified to supervise you must have: been entitled to practise as a lawyer for at least 36 months within the last 10 years; completed a 12 hour management skills training course ; You will also need a practising address in England or Wales. I am not sure what the requirements are in Malawi, but certainly it seems it's free for all.

In last couple of years, the standards of this age-old profession of our "learned" colleagues have deteriorated (to be polite). I am aware of the old problem of embezzlement of clients' money. Of late however, we have heard of allegations where lawyers have register bogus trustees with laundered money; bought property using laundered money, defended clients in court today and next day on trial themselves; over-charged clients; one day defended clients against Government and next day became Government legal advisers on the same cases; joining Government but still writing submissions for clients in cases against Government. Some of these allegations are true others are yet to be confirmed. We also saw the legal profession's bizarre conduct during the May 2014 elections which included those in the judiciary. There was a merry-go-round of injunctions and Judges failing to understand the role of the Electoral body or simply ignoring the electoral law.

Is it not scary that citizen number 1 is in the same profession?

Presidential Slip of the Tongue- Madam Midday One

As I finally depart from the beautiful African soils to Europe, after my brief Johannesburg stop over, political drama continues to unfold in Malawi. 2 hours is a longtime in life.  When I departed Lilongwe yesterday,  Rev Dr. Chakwera had a narrow lead and, by the time I landed in Johannesburg, Prof Peter Muthalika had regained the lead. It all points to a APM win, based on the unofficial results from constituencies. There is indication of anomalies, for example, one result in Ntchisi shows a possible doctored result with MCP results not registered. Looks weird and raises suspicions. The question is the extent of such anomalies and whether they do affect the overall results. That is a matter for MEC to resolve.

Today 24 May, I woke up to a shocker as President Joyce Banda nullified the elections using Section 88 (2) of the Constitution which says:

"The President shall provide executive leadership in the interest of national unity in accordance with this Constitution and the laws of the Republic".

There is an overwhelming condemnation of President Banda's pronouncement as unconstitutional as this section of the Constitution is not about elections according to legal experts.  I listened to the phone call which the President made to Zodiak radio to make the pronouncement. It was a tired and confused voice of President Joyce Banda who was on that line. She had withdrawn an earlier statement that quoted Section 82(2), which she called "Slip of the Tongue".  It is true that the election was a sham by any standards in terms of logistics and opportunity that this created for rigging. It is equally true that the election was going to be between the three main parties namely PP, DPP and MCP. This means that each of the parties had an equal chance to win. The fact that PP is a distant third with projected 12 Members of Parliament and that they only won the northern region vote, says a lot about lack of genuine popularity in general for the party.

The President should have been the last person to try to flout the constitution especially after Malawians defended the constitution to get her into power. The Midnight 6 still stand accused and she has now become the Midday One.

I understand rioting has taken place in some areas and the President is being accused of fuelling the riots so that she can justify the use of section 88(2). It remains to be seen whether the plan will work. The role of the Armed forces will come into play and right now there is simply speculation as to the role the Army will play. I hope though that common sense will prevail and the President will rise above pettiness and withdraw her pronouncement.

When this is dusted and done, Malawi urgently needs a THIRD FORCE which is the citizenry, to ensure that the first agenda for the next Parliament should be adoption of the recommendations of the 2007 Constitutional Review which included provision for the 50+1 requirement, bringing back the recall provision, reduction of presidential powers and separation of Executive from Legislature. If we don't get the Parliament to consider and adopt some of the recommendation that achieve this balance and reduction of power, we will have bigger problems in 2019 and before. Unfortunately Lawyers who play this game are interested parties in getting a share of the "cash gate"pie and they easily compromise their professionalism once they get into power. We also have activists who are opportunists and a are always attracted to jobs with fat cheques and compromise their stand. To avoid this, there is need for a Pact by a group of concerned Malawians and all interested stakeholders who will be committed to work on pushing Parliament until this is achieved. The group can even lobby for suspension of aid until we achieve what is agreed. The group should come up with a Written Declaration that the political parties should sign and commit to undertake within a year after being sworn in. It is our only chance.

When the Sun is under Clouds

In August 2013, I registered to participate in the Malawi 2014 tripartite elections. At that time, I was already concerned with the PP Governments failure to articulate and implement a vision for Malawi. Cash gate had not been revealed but all stories talked about how the country was bleeding from fraud and corruption. Names were mentioned and most aligned to PP and the President's family. But these were allegations.

If my Father had not died, I probably would not have had the opportunity to cast my vote. It was his death that brought me home. At his funeral on 25 July one of the mourners was Rev Dr Lazarus Chakwera. At that time, he had announced that he was going to stand as a candidate during the MCP convention. In introducing him at the graveside, Rev Nyondo wished him well and hoped that if he became President of Malawi, he hoped the Golodi road would finally be considered. Despite having listened to his church ceremonies before, I was impressed with his humility and humanity.

 On 20 May, with no regret at all, I cast my vote for Rev Dr Lazarus Chakwera, who I believe did not become the President of MCP by accident. Today 23 May 2014, having cast my vote for Rev Dr Chakwera and, as I prepare to return to Watford, UK, I  reflect on my 6 days in Malawi.  I am of course leaving without knowing the declared winner of the 2014 Presidential elections. The only known fact is that President Joyce Banda is no longer going to be the President of Malawi. It seems the political similarities between Malawi and Zambia continue to surface. This starts from comparisons between Kamuzu and Kaunda to how cardiac arrest, arrested Mwanawasa and Bingu. The other known fact is that the next President of Malawi is going to be either Arthur Peter Muthalika (APM) or Lazarus Chakwera (LC)

Indications as I leave are that that LC is narrowly leading by a few votes. The lead established is however from unofficial results from constituency tallying centres. Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is yet to announce the official results. So like everyone else I hold my breath. However both APM and LC should know that people voted for them not just because they like them, but because they have hope and faith in their leadership for the future and Malawi's future.

Irrespective, there are lessons to be learnt from this election. First, the Power of Incumbency can be a myth in a maturing democracy especially if majority of the people cry for change. This was clearly shown in the results in Zomba the homestead of the incumbent Joyce Banda. Second, sadly Malawi still sees election as an event and not part of our democratic system which requires a functional Electoral Commission. MEC currently operates like a "Wedding Committee". This has to change going forward. Just like everyday we teach mothers regarding family planning, MEC should have an ongoing programme of voter education and establishment of electoral systems. Third, politicians need to consolidate their Party structures on the ground. This was very a visible weakness of the MCP in the North and Southern region where party structures were non-existent which made it difficult for MCP to reach out to the people.  On the other hand DPP seems to have retained local party structures that canvassed voters every other day in their weaker regions.

Going forward, the next elected President should immediately move and seriously restructure our civil service, insulating it from politics. Let's try to build a professional civil service in terms of staffing as well as delivered public services. Second, Ministers should now not double as MPs. This will ensure that MPs concentrate on their role. Third, decentralisation and devolution of power should be started with the intention of having stronger local authorities. Although elections of councillors did not attract much coverage, the future of Malawi's development lies in strong and functional District Assemblies that will have and implement local development plans. Finally, we need to go back to the 2007 Constitutional Review document to implement recommendations made including reclaiming section 64, having 50+1 provision etc. Our democracy has been compromised by greedy politicians who managed to massage constitution to fit their agenda.

To Outgoing President Banda (JB) I applaud her and the people that made it possible for JB to step in the vacuum after Bingu's death. I have no doubt that when she stepped in, she wanted to make a difference in Malawians lives. She however has herself to blame for not performing and for losing this election. She only had 2 years to utilise the goodwill shown by Malawians soon after that fatal Thursday in April 2012 when we lost our unpopular President.  She unfortunately never listened to the free and good advice offered by many genuine Malawians. I vividly remember Edge Kanyongolo's wise words when both if us we were panellist in Scotland on Malawi's democracy. It seems she preferred to listen to the sharks that have moved from party to party since 1994. I can foresee PP ending up like AFORD, a historical party. I wish her God's guidance as she waves goodbye to the power, pomp and the Orange movement. There is life after State House. A good start would be a rethink on "One Cow, one Family" and Mudzi transformation Trust outside State House.

As I leave Malawi, irrespective of who wins, I do not regret voting for Lazarus Chakwera. I believe as I have said before, he has the integrity and the heart to lead Malawi into the future. If he loses, he will be a credible Leader of Opposition. Like he said in his Press briefing yesterday, that even if he were to lose and despite challenges MEC faced, he will accept the outcome of the elections.

One phrase that I will always live to remember uttered by Rev Dr Lazarus Chakwera is, "just because the sun is under the clouds does not mean it has stopped shining". And I say to my fellow Malawians, "just because your preferred candidate has lost the election, does not mean Malawians don't need development".

God Bless us and Malawi

investing in Young Graduates in Malawi

My visit to Malawi was to participate in training unemployed young graduates from the various Universities in Malawi. The training was organised by T4EE, a new Malawian owned NGO, which is dedicated to imparting skills to graduates to make them employable and become entrepreneurs. I spent 3 days with a group of 60 young graduates helping them to see why entrepreneurship, not "tenderpreneurship" is the greatest career they can consider. As a person in diaspora and having gained some experience around the world, I was excited to offer my time to support these young graduates.

Over the years, there has been a debate regarding the deterioration in the depth and quality of our graduates. I cannot say with 100% confidence regarding the depth and quality of those graduating from our Universities. What, however I can say with certainty is that the 60 that I worked with were very impressive, engaging and hungry for success. Obviously by far, sharper than the politicians we have around us. What was however very obvious was that they are starved of information in general, most of which could easily be found on the Internet. Well, Internet is still a luxury in Malawi in my view, if one is to assess accessibility and cost. By the way, Rwanda has just rolled out free Wi Fi for all as they view Internet as key development infrastructure for the country:

http://www.fin24.com/Economy/Rwanda-rolls-out-free-Wi-Fi-to-boost-business-20131020

What Rwanda has rolled out is the first step of a plan to provide Wi-Fi coverage to all schools and public buildings, markets, bus stations and hotels in the city and, in the long-term, to the entire country. In June this year, Rwanda government engaged a South Korea's KT Corp to build a 4G network that the Government wants delivered to 95% of the country, up from the estimated 10% who currently have 3G access.

I am not aware of any Malawi plans regarding Internet access for all.

Our young graduates are not only starved of information, but they also need tremendous mentorship and coaching. It was fascinating to note that some of the young graduates had already been doing "some business" whilst in campus. There were many creative minds within the group. For example, one girl started a fast food near her home because every day she saw multitude of people walking past their home. All she saw in her mind was money "walking away". She then started a computer school as her home was surrounded by schools that offered no classes in computing. One young journalists is keen to write and publish books and documentaries of Malawian rural life. One graduate engineer is in the process of establishing a small business that will be maintaining medical equipment. Another graduate by the end of programme had already established a consultancy firm to support many project ideas discussed during the training.

Their dreams die because Malawi does not have a system where we nurture these young entrepreneurs. I was happy to note that successful entrepreneurs like Tom Mpinganjira, Thomas Banda Nkosi (Steers) and many others offered their time to speak to the young graduates. I hope they will play a role of coaching and mentoring those young graduates who are determined to live their dreams.

There is also no level playing field to enable these graduates compete. With no easy access to capital as well as expensive capital, how do they compete with "TenderPreneurs" in Capital Hill who have easy access to "Government cash-cows"? Of course it is very unwise for a new young graduate to build his business on borrowed money from Banks because their businesses will fail. This is where we need "angel investors" who can invest in the ideas of these young graduates. There are a lot of Malawian successful business persons who can part with K500, 000 to K5 million as "risk capital" in young dynamic graduates with brilliant innovative ideas.

I have a conviction that we need to believe in our youth and they may not be as street-wise as our generation, but they are the future of the growing Malawi.

T4EE which stands for "Training for Entrepreneurship and Employability" is a good initiative which should be supported by Universities and Corporate Malawi. It is my hope that T4EE will in the near future target students whilst still in the University or even secondary schools to build this awareness and confidence in the young people

On President Joyce Banda's Pending Cabinet

JB finds herself in a very awkward situation. 7 months before an election she is found in a situation whereby she has to make tough decisions, some of which might cost her the election. If she has seen the light, she must be cursing herself for not taking this decision when she had a better opportunity.

The Cabinet has been dissolved. Good riddance. The Cabinet commanded very little respect internally or abroad. The performance of the Minister of Finance without doubt has been the main talking point. On rating of 1-5 he definitely scores a 0! Not only has he messed up the Treasury, he has been clueless as to what is going on in the economy. A typical case was when the IMF chief was in Malawi. The Minister of Finance was grinning at the top table and was not in charge of his own show. His statement that day and thereafter clearly showed he reads and understands nothing.

As a person, he is a PhD and with reasonable experience and thus his brain is still useful to Malawi Government and PP. Definitely not in the Treasury.

The Cabinet has the likes of Uladi Mussa, some Zulu and many "our time to eat" personalities. No apologies, they simply have to go.

The question we should pose is; Do we really need a Cabinet between now and elections? What really is the value they will add to our democracy and development? Perhaps all efforts should be the re-aligning and strengthening of the civil service and other organs of Government. If it's a constitutional requirement, them let's have 5 -10 Ministers for example. I don't believe that Government business will in any way be affected.

Of course I am aware that the appointment of Cabinet is important during an election because it ensures that those loyal are rewarded and they have easy access to tax payers money for campaign. But my gut feeling is that the Cabinet is a drain on our resources and having no cabinet or a skeleton Cabinet would be the greatest thing JB would have ever done even if she was not elected come May 2014

Dr Lazarus Chakwela and "Tambala Wakuda"

The announcement that Rev Dr Lazarus Chakwela will contest for the hot seat of Presidency of the once mighty Malawi Congress Party has generated debate and interest. Perhaps its because a seemingly credible candidate has expressed interest to enter a field that is not for those with weaker hearts.  If MCP elects Dr Chakwela as its torch bearer, they will have secured a "credible" candidate with less known skeletons and perhaps who has some proven integrity in his social and professional life.

The unanswered question is whether Dr Chakwela is running as a preferred Hon. John Tembo's candidate. This means JT bowing out of active political life in view of the restrictions imposed by the MCP constitution.

Assuming the above is true and Chakwela is elected, what will make people either "kukwela" or not "kukwela"  Chakwela"?  The first will be people's perception regarding the "behind the scene" role of Hon John Tembo and whether MCP is really a changed party. I think they are a changed party but in life perception matters. The second will be the support he will get from within the party especially from the losing  losing candidates.  The third will be his organisation abilities, soberness, tactics and calibre of the new look MCP team that he will be available for his campaign.

In his fight for Malawi Presidency, Dr. Chakwela will certainly need coalition partners and this is where it will start getting tricky. UDF's Atupele Muluzi strongly believes he is strong candidate based on crowds he has pulled so far during his change agenda tours. I however doubt that he can be elected as President of Malawi in 2014 if UDF goes to the polls as a single entity. The most likely coalition partner of UDF would be a depleted DPP. Depending on how the case against Peter and his Midnight Six Disciples shape up,  DPP are likely to disintegrate if the case goes against them. UDF would thus jump on the chance perhaps giving the likely DPP President a breathing space to rebuild.

The love-hate relationship of UDF and DPP may however create a situation where a coalition is impossible. This may just give room to MCP to invite DPP to be their bed-partner.

The remaining smaller parties will be scrambling for remnants and their leaders will push the followers to join whichever coalition that offers a likely better future.

Here is the last question to ponder. As most politicians lie and play dirty games with electorate, will Rev Dr. Lazarus Chakwela throw away his collar and join the bandwagon?

One thing Pastors turned politician fail to learn quickly is that unlike in Church where you are not questioned on what you preach as you derive authority from the Almighty through the Bible, in politics you are questioned and challenged every second of your life.

I can only hope that Dr Chakwela understands this. Let us wish him well as his Journey continues

Wati@50: Chihoro Tiny Loud Village

Not many villages in Malawi can write my story. I truly thank God that he decided that I should be born of Chihoro village. God has favoured and blessed us in so many ways including making me reach 50 YEARS today.

Let me tell you my story. Thanks to my Dad, who has managed to compile and recorded our family tree. I can only get as far as back as GURAMPHANGWE. He was my Great Great Great Grandfather a couple of generations ago. Guramphangwe came from Kasenga village near Thochi in Rumphi district. He had two wives: Nyamweso and Nyabonda Nyambale Nyausisya from Ngwelu. The simplified family tree is above:

My great grandfather, Peter Katimu Mgonera had 10 Children and 49 grandchildren. When Dr Robert Laws moved Livingstonia mission from Bandawe to Khondowe, his faithful servant was a Tonga man from Dwambazi called Ulaya Chirwa (my maternal great-grandfather, who was considered royal). My grandfather, William Chiswakhata was brave enough and married the daughter of Ulaya Chirwa, Kamana Esther Kanthunkhako. The children were Mjura; Ian Orison (Boma), Austin Chuma, Peter, Rumbani, Zero and Sekanayo.

I follow the Guramphangwe-Mjura-Nkhanyankhanya–Mgonera- Chiswakhata-Mjura path. I am the son of Mjura and my mother Donas Msichili. The Msichili clan originally from Chamaima village in Nkhata Bay, Malawi settled in Twapia, Ndola Zambia where my mum was born and raised. I have a large family in Zambia which I consider home (not second home).

To cut the long story short, this Chihoro family tree has roots and branches in all the districts in Malawi and beyond. The Chihoro clan has married and been married by all the known and unknown tribes in Malawi. One of the descendants of Chihoro was even known as MuChewa Mchawe!

The descendants of this tiny but loud Chihoro village are scattered all over the world as Pastors, Entrepreneurs, farmers, Doctors, Lawyers, Economists, Accountants, Mechanics, Drunkards, Unemployed, Uneducated, Politicians, Bankers, Journalists, Engineers, Agriculturalists, subsistence farmers etc. We basically have been privileged and blessed to be involved in all facets of the society.

We were also privileged that God in his wisdom led Dr Robert Laws to open the Livingstonia mission at Khondowe. I was thus born with a “silver spoon” – so to speak as we have always had electricity and piped water in our village since I was born. I learnt “English” table manners at the dining table of my grand-parents. My grand- mother, (Nyaluwanga) who called me “Bimbizali” baked the most wonderful and delicious scones.

As I celebrate Wati@50, I want to thank God for his mercies and countless blessings. I thank him for giving me life; success in life, prayerful parents, supportive family, wonderful wife, bubbly bundles of joy (children), caring friends and a loud and loving Chihoro clan and its Associate of over 200 known Uncles, Aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces, grandchildren.

Contract with Malawians: A reflection

Honouring Contracts and enforcement is lacking across the breadth of the Malawi society. We have not respect for contracts. It starts from Plot No. 1 where President after President fails to honour their side of the contract. They sign a contract for 5 years to defend the constitution and to be a servant of Malawians. Within days of signing the contract all hell breaks loose. A similar pattern is adopted by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Judiciary, public servants and the whole society including "themu-themus" (house workers) follow the leaders in dishonouring their side of the contracts. Shall we call it "organised chaos" to quote one Goli Mwanza? Maybe as citizens we have to take the lead and show how we can honour our side of the contract. Now that there is some wage adjustment in the civil service, let the civil servants honour their side of the contract. Deliver and increase your productivity. Malawi public sector productivity is one of the lowest in the world. Yes I don't have scientific evidence but from education results, health delivery and public services, we surely must be competing at the bottom. Here is the deal, come Election Day, those that don't honour their side of the contract, should be booted out. The challenge is that not all consumers are civil servants. What about the millions that are not part of the famous 60 percent and thus continue to struggle with everyday life? We can only assume that since there is a little bit more money in hands of civil servants, they will be able to spend more and thus give the economy a stimulant. We can assume that the so called Economic Recovery Plan will take care of the rest and get us back on track. Of course the reality is that this is plain psychological. Malawi's economy is in bad shape and there is "organised chaos" among those that are trying to implement the Economic Recovery Plan. They have a contract with Malawians, but they don't intend to honour that contract because simply it is not in their nature and they don't care

Neglecting Mapila Village

I knew Mai a Ganizani around 1987. Every time I travelled from Lilongwe to Blantyre and back, the favourite stopping place to buy vegetables, potatoes and tomatoes was Mapira village. This is the market situated after Lizulu as you drive from Lilongwe to Blantyre. After I bought my first car in 1990, I started visiting Mapila village quite often and introduced my family to Mai a Ganizani. She was my “customer” and I was her “customer”. Ganizani was probably less than a year old. Mai a Ganizani even arranged for us a nanny called Dorothy who cared for our daughter Vinjeru before she returned to Mapila village. Shopping at Mapila village was basic. Products were laid on papers, plastics, leaves, mats, baskets or in basins. Cars would pull by and the sellers (majority are women) would recognize their “customer” and unless you were new, they would either let you go to your “customer” (vendor) or they would in unison call out like, “ Amai a Ganizani, a customer anu abwela”. (Mother of Ganizani, your client is here) Between 1990 and 2001, I was a regular visitor of the market in Mapila village. It’s amazing that I never ever saw a water-tap, toilet, shade, storage place, shelves or market structures. This was a market of “Dog eat Dog”. Despite Principal Secretaries, Ministers, Chief Executives, (me included as I was CEO for MIPA), donors, Members of Parliament and senior officials planning Malawi’s development always shopped at the market; there was no one who cared or noticed as to whether women in Mapila village were moving up the development ladder. No one noticed the lack of infrastructure or the potential that existed to upgrade these women (and sellers) and the community of Mapila village

22 years later, (January 2013) I visited the market at Mapila village. What has changed is that Mai a Ganizani has lost all her teeth, Ganizani is married and has kids, Dorothy has 2 kids, Ganizani and his 5 siblings are all in the same vending business selling vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes at the same market, Dorothy sells Chinese cabbage and “mpilu” at the same market. I remember in 2005, Dorothy had the same yellow basin selling Mpilu at the market. I wished I had bought the mpilu and the basin. When I arrived at the market on January 2, Mai a Ganizani pleaded with me, “A Mkandawire, chonde mukandigulira mano, tawonani mano onse anapita”. (Mr. Mkandawire, please go buy me new teeth. See I lost all my teeth). What has not changed is that the women sell the same, type, quality, quantities of vegetables, from same size of baskets. They sell their products on the dusty or muddy ground. There are no shelves, no shades, no toilets, no storage space, and no cooler rooms. Twenty years ago, Mai a Ganizani was selling one basket of tomatoes in 2-3 weeks. She sells same amount if not less. In other words, twenty years later, these are still subsistence vendors. I asked the women whether their Member of Parliament has ever visited. “Yes, during campaign”, they said. I would be surprised if the market at Mapila village has ever been on the MP’s agenda. My view is that the market (and the women) at Mapila village needs support. The women in Mapila village work hard and they have potential to supply their organic vegetables and beautiful tomatoes to the middle class and supermarkets in Lilongwe. They need to be supported by being organized into a co-operative and assisted with infrastructure and access to markets. Given an opportunity, within 6 months I can turn Mapila village market into an admirable market worthy stopping and shopping and more importantly turn these women entrepreneurs into a force to reckon with in supply of vegetables. Women in Mapila village, like women at Jenda, Njuli, Bwengu, Zalewa/Mwanza junction don’t need hand-outs. They need support to make them viable. This is why we elect politicians – But as we have discovered, not in Malawi. Who will take on this challenge?

Processing of Driving Licenses in Malawi: A lost SME Business Opportunity

In December 2012, I spent a total of 7 hours (in two days) in Malawi simply trying to renew my expired Driver’s License. Assuming my salary was K1 million a month, the 7 hours of idleness, sharing groundnuts and jokes with “dobadobas” translates into a K40,000 (£75) which would be counted as a loss to an employer. Multiply this loss with the number of people experiencing such inefficiencies every day! It will give you an idea of how much our economy is losing. Then add similar inefficiencies in banks, passport office, courts, other Government service offices, supermarkets, churches, funerals, etc! A basic review of the processes that take place at the Road Traffic Office, one wonders why the Government even talks about championing promotion of small and medium enterprises, when an opportunity to create small businesses is wasted by such high level Government centralization. The love for centralization in Malawi of simple processes has created a healthy breeding ground for corruption which at the Road Traffic has translated into the “dobadoba industry”. I am informed that the “dobadobas” that I called “local consultants” form part of a complex “processing chain” involving the Road Traffic employees. The employees who process the paper work connive with the “dobadobas” and the fees clients pay to dobadobas are shared with the Government employees. The only reason this rotten system is not changing is that all high level persons, (Ministers, MPs, Judges, Principal Secretaries, political party officials etc.) use a parallel system to have their licenses renewed. As the drama unfolded when I was processing my license, I relayed my experience on Facebook. What struck me off was the level of tolerance that we Malawians have towards mediocre. I was advised to abandon the plebeians and go to the “headquarters” of Road Traffic. Someone wrote, “Wati, You are a senior official at the Commonwealth Secretariat and you were once Chief Executive of MIPA. Go to the Head office and they will process your papers faster”. I refused, not because I did not want the luxury, but because there were a lot of people who were not in my privileged position who were going to queue up for more than 5 hours and they had equally important things to do. Having arrived at Road Traffic Office at about 07.50am, I got my “Temporary License” at 12.45pm with the help of a Dobadoba who I paid K3, 000. I am sure this was duly shared with his masters. Apart from the fact that it is silly for whole Government to have only one camera for processing licenses, there is no need for Government to hold a monopoly on the processing of driving licenses. Here is a free consultancy on how the system could be improved and in the process creating a number of formalized small businesses (not vendors). 1. The application/renewal forms should be put online and/or collected from any Government department, post office or bank at a fee; 2. Government should encourage on-line applications; (this will create jobs for internet cafes, studios etc.). Those renewing licenses can make a payment at a post office or bank and the receipt number for payment will be appended on the online application. 3. The Government should give specifications for photographs required and small businesses will open up studios to supply the photos – including electronic copies (based on the specs). 4. The printing of the licenses should be contracted out to several companies that will operate as licensed agents; 5. The processing of a renewal should not take more than 5 days and once you have submitted application online and paid, a confirmation number can be used as proof of renewal as you await your license; By undertaking these simple steps, there will be no need for anyone to go to offices of road traffic at all and we will have broken the corruption cartel that has been formed. Please let us not hear you have formed a Committee to review this. Just do it. Down with Dobadobas and their masters.

China's engagement in Africa and "Neo-colonialism"

I will start with two important premises. First, if you truly want to bring development to your people, then you cannot be dogmatic about your bed-partners. Secondly, the saying goes, "China's aid comes with no strings attached". Well, maybe the issue is what strings are attached and what those strings mean in the long run. I want to look at aid from the perspective of the provider on one hand and the recipient on the other. More often than not recipients of aid look at short-term benefits. Multiparty politics especially in Africa, has re-defined development to mean a 4-5 year life span in which you have to show results if your party has to stand a chance of re-election. This means that dealing with western donors becomes a pain if they have concerns in the country's governance. Western donors' interests are varied. They peg aid against specific policy direction the country is supposed to adhere to, usually based on principles of good governance, respect for human rights, running democratic institutions etc. This is also pegged to creating high level, white collar jobs for the donor countries (Consultants, Advisers, suppliers of specific equipment and other services etc). Their approval processes are deliberately long as funds pledged can be spread across many years. For example, under the IMF Extended facility loans can be disbursed over a 3-4 year period after fulfilling specific conditions. That is a whole lifetime of a political term of office. The World Bank and DFID (UK Aid) have specific aid approval procedures such as pre-appraisal, appraisal, negotiations, Board consideration, Parliament ratification and procurement procedures that can run for months if not years. There is no guarantee that the process would be completed within the political life cycle. What then is the interest of the Western donors when giving aid? First, they are employed to do that and their jobs depends on making it difficult for poorer countries to get soft loans (World Bank, IMF) and the organisations getting significant returns from the loans. Second, they are employed to serve their masters' political interest which includes creating jobs for their constituencies as well as protecting their long-term economic, social and military interests (e.g. DFID, AUSAID, USAID, NORAD, etc.). Western aid is still based on the “Bible” and Gun” model which was used to colonize and extract resources from poor developing nations especially in Africa. Enters China……

China is a country of more than 1.3 billion people and run by a Communist politburo of 25 persons. It has become the world's utmost manufacturing factory supplying all the world's needs at different prices. China’s factories can supply goods across the population spectrum, from the richest to the poorest man in the world. To achieve this, it needs massive resources both renewable and non-renewable. China has its own "Bible" which is the Gospel according to Beijing. Whereas western countries used the Bible and religion to soften hearts of Africans, China uses their Bible and religion to discipline its own people. Their religion teaches them that political, social, cultural, economic agendas are inter-twined and if used properly can service the 1.3 billion people in China. Their model of engagement with Africa is based on this religion. Their “Gun” is the cash and their “Bible” is the “Chinese system”. They have observed over the years the low productivity, low skills, indiscipline labour force of most African countries. They have observed the lack of interest and participation of the African diaspora intellectuals in their countries’ development. They have observed the vulnerability of most Africa governments/leadership when it comes to political stability. They have observed the short term political expediency of African states. They have observed the greedy nature of Africa's political leadership. Their aid model therefore aims at achieving the following 3 key elements and objectives. • Maximum Extraction of resources in the shortest possible time for their own consumption as well as for supplying their factories to process, produce and sell consumer products into the global market; • In return for resources, meet the short term and selfish needs of African political leadership by constructing quality infrastructure (mainly non-productive) within a short period of time. They can only achieve this by using their own cheap but highly productive and disciplined labor resources (there are many claims that China use prisoners) and high work ethics; and • Create a market for their own goods through use of Chinese traders who live a simple low-cost life in host countries, retain Chinese community traditions, fully exploit weaknesses in the systems of their host country and more importantly form strong Chinese collaborative networks/supply chains. This model has helped China to become the world's "Cash Kings" (in 2012 it is reported that China has stock-piled over US$3 trillion in foreign currency reserves)

Is this Neo-colonialism? Certainly it is. Neocolonialism is defined as "the use of political, economic and cultural or other pressures to control or influence other countries especially former dependencies". China has avoided adopting the "outdated Bible and Gun model" used by multilateral or western bilateral donors. This is still based on colonialism hangover and the fact that Western donors hold excessive power in all major global institutions. But their power is slowly diminishing and somehow limited because of the many interest groups that have emerged in the western countries. China however is not accountable to any “noisy tax payers” or interest groups such as those monitoring violation of human rights. Their political system and "religion" teaches them to trust their leadership and it’s designed to keep its population disinterested in external matters. China's dominance over the raw material base, supply chains and logistics now gives it a huge political power in many countries and basically re-colonised as they are the owners of Africa’s wealth. Should Africa be concerned at all? Africa should be concerned that its leadership has not learnt anything from colonialism. China cares less about Africa’s development. China does not care how Africa will look like 50 years from now. China fully understands that most of the infrastructure it is creating in Africa is non-productive. The infrastructure will soon collapse as maintenance is non-existent in vocabulary of most African governments. China knows Africa is not a competitor. In exploiting the resources, China understands that Africa is less frenzied about the environmental catastrophe it is creating. To China, Africa is still sleeping and its leaders myopic and its intellectuals forgiving and unconcerned. Unfortunately none of the African bodies seem to understand this. How can they understand when African Union Headquarters proudly sits in a Chinese gift in Addis? When a man builds a house for your wife, you should know that you are in trouble. You no longer own her. We can neither describe China or Western donors as Africa’s angels. They both have same objectives of owning resources and extracting as much as possible. There is need for African countries to come to their senses and design new models that will make Africa a credible partner. It does not matter whether the deal is with China or Western donors. What matters is the recognition that as a group our continent has countless resources and God has favoured us with a brain. But it seems we don't want to use it at all! What happened to NEPAD?

Mountain too High (Part 3)

I had an opportunity to talk to someone from the donor community who gave a perspective that sobered me up. This was completely the opposite from the vibes we got in the first months of JB’s reign. He summarized it as follows when I asked him reasons for donor withdrawal or delays in disbursements; “For over 5 years, as donors we tried to make Bingu make changes to a number of areas where we had concerns. We hit a blank wall and with each day he grew even more stubborn. Within weeks of JB coming into power, she said yes to everything we suggested. We should have been smart enough to know that she did not mean it. Most of us are now waiting for 2014”. What is this uncaring conduct? Given the state of the economy, perhaps people would like to see a leader that spends more time sitting in her office, thinking, analyzing issues, receiving briefings and studying reports, strategizing on the direction of the economy. She needs time to understand what is happening in country and get a feel of the direction of her partners. People on the ground argue that JB has spent the last 5 months jumping from one meeting to the next and attending functions that are of no consequence. They give an example of a meeting that took place the day I arrived in Malawi when she had Sunday prayers with Lilongwe women and later a “drinking party” with women civil servants. They reasoned that as the next day she was welcoming the Nigerian President, surely she could have spent the Sunday with her team to strategise on the Nigerian President’s visit. Some people argue that JB has fallen in love with peripheral activities which are of no consequence to the challenges Malawi is facing. I am sure it was not my arrival but fuel shortages were back in Malawi. Queues were back at least in Lilongwe. Discussions in pubs indicate growing discontent and lack of confidence in JB. They say, "JB has no agenda. She works up in the morning and waits for calls of which Chief to elevate, which public function to attend. Then they gave me a typical JB diary of meeting Chiefs, mediating or negotiating over wage demands etc. Someone summarized JB as follows: “She seems clueless as to what is happening around and what it means to be a President. She is trying but failing to strike a right balance between being and not being Kamuzu; Bakili; and Bingu. She has a bit of all but failing to make the most of the best”. My take is that JB can reverse this situation very easily because she has no credible challenger among the opposition. But she quickly needs to put her house in order. She needs to get a completely new economic and governance team that concentrates on managing the economy and not enjoying the honeymoon of the perks. She blundered by appointing a Vice President who is non-technical. She should have borrowed a leaf from Italy when Mr. “Bunga Bunga Berlusconi was replaced by Mario Monti as Prime Minister. The challenge was the economy and not the politics. JB’s team is all about politics. Time is however running out for JB. Her many admirers and sympathisers are now in doubt of her abilities and have lost confidence in her and the PP Government. They say, “The Mountain is Too High for JB”. But is it?

Mountain too High (Part 2)

My short spell in Malawi was very revealing. Let me start with more of the same. Kenya Airways and South Africa airways landed almost at the same time at Kamuzu International Airport. Congestion followed in the arrival hall. I have to admire those immigration officers who have to manually fill in arrival details of passengers on plain sheets of paper with lines drawn using a ruler. I asked this fellow what they do with the papers. He smiled and said "we take them back and transfer this information on yet other papers and then we destroy the originals". Many countries have gone electronic but the poor Malawi Immigration have to manually collect data whilst computers are in many public "bosses" offices covered with " zidoyilo". Minister of Home Affairs, please, let's see change. It is very easy to computerise your systems. We are in modern times. I arrived a day before Jonathan Good-luck arrived in Lilongwe. PP zealots in their “orange colours” were up early on Monday morning to welcome the Nigerian leader. Old habits die hard. Orange flags were flying alongside the Malawian and Nigerians flags along the route. Motorists were in shock on Monday morning as roads were closed and many people were only able to arrive in their office after 09am. I wondered why roads were even closed. Leading a nation of 15 million people should fairly be an easy task especially if the majority of these people live in the rural area and their key needs are mainly basic necessities. After all, Malawians are known as "docile" people, less militant and our anger quickly wears out. This does not seem to be the case for President Joyce Banda (JB). Barely 5 months after occupying Plot No. 1, the economy, is struggling with voices of disgruntlement growing by the day. The noticeable challenges include; increase in prices of basic commodities, fuel price increase, re-emergence of fuel queues, runaway inflation; dissatisfied low and middle-class; poor tobacco season, 1.2 million people facing hunger; etc. Many observers argue that JB and her People’s Party have no vision for Malawi and that what we are seeing is a “Subsistence Government”. In all fairness, JB inherited an economy that was on its knees (if not on its back) and the country was almost bankrupt. The last half of 2011 and prior to Bingu’s demise we saw an increase in Central Government accessing funds from the banking system to finance domestic activities owing to reduced donor flows and heavy Bingu commitments. She inherited a country with foreign exchange crisis, electricity and water crisis, fuel crisis, human capacity problem with low labour productivity. There is no dispute that Malawi had to devalue the Kwacha and had to quickly transit from a fixed exchange regime which was a complete misfit to the realities of the economy. The argument is not about the devaluation but rather about technical matters, timing and sequencing. There was also no illusion that the devaluation of kwacha was going to have a major impact on incomes and livelihood of the majority of the people. Although those voicing concern are mainly blaming JB’s inability to protect consumers from effects of devaluation, the reality is that JB could not do much to cushion this pain, nor could she intervene to make fuel prices remain stable. Perhaps it is the uncaring conduct and statements being made by JB and her lieutenants that is fueling anger and sentiments from people like John Kapito

Mountain too High (Part 1)

I was in Swaziland and had just missed the reed dance. Muluzi beat me to it. As i landed at Manzini airport, the bare breasted maidens were leaving for their various homes after entertaining the men of Africa and guests. I could just imagine Bakili's smile on seeing a mixture of makanda and D7s. Although reed dance is a celebration of virginity, in Swaziland virginity is defined as "Women who have not given birth before". So the bare breasted maidens you see are mostly "virgins in a Swazi way" Air Malawi From Swaziland, I missed my SA flight to Malawi (probably preoccupied with annoyance after missing the reed dance) and I had to turn to Air Malawi. The Johannesburg staff were very helpful and managed to get me a seat. "We fly on Saturdays to Blantyre but this week we will fly on Sunday", they told me to my amusement. "Ndi mini bus"? I mused. Then the shocker came. I wanted a one way ticket and it was going to cost me US$840! I was told all cheap seats were taken!

Forget it. I turned back to SA. I finally managed to get a business class ticket on SA which I got cheaper than flying our mother QM. Well cheaper, because I also used my miles on SA. On my flight to Malawi, I sat with the cream of Malawi. That is when the stories started about what is happening at home. I heard that the management of the new Chinese hotel and conference centre, which had been given to Sunbird, will be given back to a South African company that initially won the bid. The PP Government had rescinded the decision of DPP Government to award management contract to the South African company. I was actually surprised that PP Government had given this mammoth task to Sunbird who cannot even manage the small hotels that they are currently managing. I still give PP credit for realising their mistake. Of course the SA Company will now have a stronger bargaining position. The infrastructure looks beautiful. Time will tell how we utilise "Bingu colour dream" which of course is part of the reason our economy is bleeding and our debt has grown considerably in the last 5 years. I was keen to understand more on our approach to tourism. Well Press Corporation had "colour dreams" of turning Cape Maclear into tourism Mecca. What surprised me is that Malawi’s tourism strategy seems to be based on 5 star infrastructures (hotels) and yet we don't have 5 star entertainment, services, customer service, human resources etc. Take for example Mangochi. As a tourist, what can keep me for than 1 day in Mangochi? Day 1, I swim and go to watch birds and watch nyau dancers. After that I might as well leave. Our strategy also does not include domestic family tourism. In my view the Cape Maclear Press Corporation project will fail unless the whole model is changed. Press Corporation could be the anchor investor but the concept and model should include many small Malawi investors and thus each takes a small risk and benefit from a fuller concept. This works like the "Shopping Mall" concept. I was however glad to hear about the initiative at Majete Game reserve. For the first time, we have the Big 5 at Majete. I hear over 100 elephants were moved from Mangochi to Majete and that facilities have been upgraded. I will be keen to hear from those that have visited.

JB’s first Cabinet through Chihoro Eyes

22 ministers and 8 deputies, 9 women in cabinet of 31: Great! The new Malawi President promised a broad-based and inclusive Cabinet. Thumbs up! By the way, I still believe we can have a cabinet of only 10 Ministers and 5 Deputies (comprising 10 women and 5 men). Perhaps that is the goal PP Government should set. It makes Malawi sense. Double Thumbs up because none of the “Midnight Six” are in the team. That is a smart move. Personally, I would have been very disappointed if any of the midnight six had been retained. Forgiveness does not mean shoving history under the carpet. Midnight Six and their masters need to tell Malawians what led to the “Easter Madness”. How do we believe that it was “confusion and stupidity” when we do not know what led to the confusion and stupidity? Surely we have all lost our loved ones and I dare ask, what acts did we do which could be labeled as confusion and stupidity? I just see greed and lack of accountability. Let the “Midnight Six” show their love for, and faithfulness to Malawi by revealing what actually happened? The Cabinet will be as good as the system in which the players will operate. The men and women appointed are human beings and some of those appointed were part of mess and abuse years back. That is not to suggest they don’t deserve another chance. But if they will be allowed to operate in the same system-less Government or porous system, if they will still operate as “masters rather than servants”, if they will not allow civil service to be professional, if they will retain a system of patronage through tribal affiliation, language, sect, religion of other means, if they will be forgiven before telling the nation what they should be forgiven for, ….., I dare say, we would have taken 1 step forward and 3 steps backwards, and we will be back screaming and complaining of betrayal. What we now need is for the Ministers to sign a “contract” with Malawians. Ministers should be accountable to Malawians and they should sign a pact that makes them accountable to Malawians. They should tell us what their Ministries will achieve (outcomes and not outputs). My hope is that they will be put through a “training programme” not the “silly familiarization tours” but should be trained and given “Ministerial Standards”. Why did we create MIM after all? This is important because, unfortunately we have “old dogs” with “old tricks” and these will bring their misguided understanding of the meaning of “Honourable Minister” (driven in black Mercedes Benz and grab as much as you can from the system). We also have “young dogs” and these watched from the outside and believe being “Honourable Minister” is what they saw and heard. Once standards are set and they have signed “a contract” we will have a measure through which we can call them to account. If they are called to account and they fail the test, they should resign or be fired. Since in politics there are no permanent enemies and compromises can easily be made especially as we come towards elections, we need to have real “Chief Executives” of watchdog organisations such as Anti-Corruption Bureau and others that are independent and accountable to the people of Malawi. These CEOs will need guaranteed tenure and resources. My one proposal to new Cabinet is that they need to re-engage with people in diaspora. Malawi has many needs that those in diaspora can play a role in meeting those needs. Whereas the current dotted Malawi Associations are great for social interaction, Government needs to encourage people in diaspora to form meaningful professional “intelligentsia networks” that will feedback to Government on various opportunities. This could include in areas of science and technology, education, health, partnerships, markets for products, human resources, business, investors, bilateral relations etc. Such engagement will automatically make people in diaspora feel closer to Malawi and will stimulate the flow of remittances. The appointment of professional and visionary High Commissioners and diplomats is critical. I wish HE. JB and her newly appointed Cabinet every success. Your success is our success

Of Roadshow and Body viewing Malawi style.

There is a famous saying in Zambia that "you know that you are Zambian if upon seeing a Hearse carrying a coffin, you quickly pull aside, get out of your car and bow in respect of the dead and when you see an Ambulance with flashing lights, rushing to hospital you ignore it, block its way and keep driving and remark,  ninshi bakalamba?

I think this idea of "Body roadshow" is really not necessary. It all started with death of our former first lady and now it has become a Malawian tradition for fallen VVIP. I hope this will be the last one. 

To really pay respect to the dead, we need to take care of the living. We can do that by ensuring the living do not die unnecessarily due to our own selfish and greedy motives. 

To pay respect is to allow those grieving to be given the necessary privacy to allow them to rebuild their lives whilst celebrating lives of the departed. The torture endured by the widow in this case the former first lady by sitting besides her dead husband as people file to view the body for 2 weeks should not be allowed. It must be the longest two weeks she has ever had in her life.

To pay respect to the dead is not by releasing more carbon in the atmosphere by flying body all over for people to view, scream and faint. With all the technology, people could have viewed body on large screens in their areas. 

To pay respect to the dead is not spending more resources which the poor and living need, by doing what we have done as a country which includes concealing the body and flying a dead body to South Africa.

I think it's time we Malawians started to learn paying respect to the living because the dead are gone. It is a body without a soul and it's those that are living like the family members that need healing and Gods love. It is the poor that continue to suffer because we are too busy on a roadshow that need respect and support.

I am sure I will get a lot of stick, but then that is why we are in a democracy. 

In Chihoro we have our uncle known as Taratara. When a member of chihoro clan dies, he takes care of us and buries us. Thank God he has no time to parade our bodies in khuyu, vunguvungu, kaJoni, thunda, Gumi, and all those places. Immediately he buries us, he is off to his usual vunguvungu joint for mnkontho.

From President Mutharika to President Joyce Banda in Malawi By Chikosa Mozesi SILUNGWE*

By Chikosa Silungwe. PhD

It is one of my favourite works in the field of psychology. In 1999, Justin Kruger and David Dunning  published an article with the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Volume 77, Number 6) entitled: ‘How Difficulties in Recognizing One’s Own Incompetence Lead to Inflated Self–Assessments’. In their words, Kruger and Dunning argue,
‘People tend to hold overly favourable views of their abilities in many social and intellectual domains. This overestimation occurs, in part, because people who are unskilled in these domains suffer a dual burden: Not only do these people reach erroneous conclusions and make unfortunate conclusions, but their incompetence robs them of the metacognitive ability to realize it. Across four studies, participants scoring in the bottom quartile of tests in humour, grammar and logic grossly overestimated their test performance and ability […] Several analyses linked this miscalibration to deficits in metacognitive skill, or the capacity to distinguish accuracy from error. Paradoxically, improving the skills of participants, and thus increasing their metacognitive competence, helped them realize the limitations of their abilities.’
In English, the two professors are saying: People who are incompetent suffer a dual burden: not only are they incompetent, but they may also be too incompetent to assess their own incompetence. The skills that are needed to have an ability to make a correct judgment are the same as the skills required to recognize a correct judgment, or indeed to recognize the shortcomings of one’s ability. Put another way, ignorant and incompetent people are not only unable to recognize true skill in others; they also have an inflated idea of their own ability. It is a disease where the patient has no way of knowing that they actually do not know.
This is what has come to be known as the Dunning–Kruger effect.
                                   
5 April, 2012. It is morning and the tragicomedy begins. State President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika collapses at New State House, Lilongwe, Malawi. He is rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. Unconfirmed reports state that he is ‘DOA’. ‘DOA’ is doctors’ speak for ‘Dead On Arrival’. Rumours start making the rounds in Malawi and the virtual–sphere that President Mutharika is dead. During my lunch break, I meet this guy everybody calls ‘Abigi’. He tells me the news of President Mutharika’s demise. His face betrays him. He is clearly happy that President Mutharika is dead. I do not know why he is happy. I caution him that we must wait for a Government statement on the matter. All afternoon, there is no official communication from Government on the state of health of President Mutharika. It is well into night on the eve of Good Friday; still there is no word from Government on what has befallen President Mutharika. Malawi goes to sleep.
Good Friday, 6 April, 2012. One of the two local dailies, The Daily Times, screams: ‘Bingu’s illness creates anxiety’. The story states that President Mutharika was taken ill the previous morning at the New State House; that he suffered cardiac arrest; that he was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital; that he has since been airlifted to a hospital in the Republic of South Africa for specialist treatment. I am now confused. Is President Mutharika alive or dead? Energy Minister, the Honourable Goodall Gondwe confirms, however, that President Mutharika has been airlifted to South Africa. He goes on to state,
‘He was not in very good condition but I am told his health is improving now.’
The grapevine is now rife with the news that, yes, President Mutharika was airlifted to South Africa a dead man. International media, most notably the British Broadcasting Corporation, begin to report that President Mutharika is, in fact, dead.
4:00 p.m., Good Friday, 6 April, 2012. A local private radio station, Zodiak Broadcasting Service (‘Radio Zodiak’), announces that it will run a live broadcast of a press conference by the State Vice President Right Honourable Joyce Banda. Malawi waits with pregnant expectation. At 5:45 p.m. or thereabouts, the Vice President is on air. She informs the nation that President Mutharika is unwell; that she is in touch with the Government of the Republic of South Africa who are providing her with updates on the President’s condition; that she will hold another press conference the next day, Easter Saturday, 7 April, 2012. More tellingly, she informed the nation that President Mutharika is incapacitated and that the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi will have to take its course. Well, at least there is now something from Government. Indeed, the hidden transcript from the Vice President’s press conference was this: ‘Fellow Malawians, I am now in charge of all matters of State.’
Circa 10:30 p.m., Good Friday, 6 April, 2012. The national broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, announces that there will be a press conference by Government. We fear for the worst. The cameras roll as Minister of Information, Honourable Patricia Kaliati; Minister of Health, Honourable Jean Kalirani; Minister of Sports, Honourable Simon Vuwa Kaunda; Minister of Local Government, Honourable Henry Mussa; Deputy Minister in the President’s Office, Honourable Nicholas Dausi; and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Kondwani Nankhumwa, all troop in. I reproduce the statement Minister Kaliati read out on national television purportedly on behalf of Government:
‘STATEMENT MADE TO THE MEDIA ABOUT HONOURABLE JOYCE BANDA’S ELIGIBILITY TO SUCCEED THE PRESIDENT
The Malawi Government notes with regret statements made by Honourable Joyce Banda and former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi regarding succession to the presidency. Regarding the Vice Presidency and the question of succession to the Presidency, the Government would like to inform the public as follows: The conduct of Honourable Joyce Banda in forming her own opposition party precludes her from being eligible to succeed the Presidency. In this regard, statements relating to succession made by the former Head of State, Dr. Bakili Muluzi and also echoed by Honourable Joyce Banda herself are misleading of the true nature of the situation. As already stated, information regarding the condition of the President will be made available to the public in due course. There has been speculation in certain quarters that Parliament will convene on Tuesday, 10 April, 2012. This information is false. The Government would like to emphasize that Parliament has absolutely no role in this matter. The Government would like to appeal to all Malawians to remain calm and not to listen to any misleading information coming from anyone except official Government sources.’
 
For good measure, Minister Kaliati declares that the statement has had the vetting of legal counsel; that in attendance at the conference is a whole PhD in Law, Zolomphi Nkowani.
 
What a bombshell: Vice President Banda will be blocked from assuming the office of the President of the Republic. The Constitution will not be followed.
 
Easter Saturday, 7 April, 2012. It is barely mid–morning but the script is getting more complicated and the pace is getting even faster. One of the weekend papers, The Malawi News, declares: ‘Bingu Dead’. Wait a minute; did he die in the wee hours of this Easter Saturday or what? The Office of the President and Cabinet announces the death of President Mutharika at ‘an undisclosed military hospital’ in South Africa. Cause of death: He suffered a cardiac arrest. Finally, the dreaded news from Government. His Excellency the State President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika is dead. He was 78. Local media announces that Vice President Banda will be holding another press conference that morning. Vice President Banda confirms to the nation that President Mutharika was pronounced dead on arrival at One Military Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa on Thursday, 5 April, 2012. She informs the nation there will be a Cabinet meeting in the afternoon of Easter Saturday.
 
Who does the girl, boy, woman or man in Malawi believe? The grapevine or the statements from Government? The grapevine was awash with the breaking news that President Mutharika died circa 10:30 a.m., Thursday, 5 April, 2012. He was DOA when he was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital. The government machinery, however, states that President Mutharika in fact died on the Thursday but was pronounced dead at the military hospital in South Africa. The implication being that President Mutharika was still alive when he was rushed to Kamuzu Central. I cannot help but conclude that it is the typical African ‘big man’ syndrome. As Elizabeth Ohene has noted in relation to the he–is–not–dead–he–is–alive drama that was Omar Bongo’s death in Spain in 2009: ‘Our leaders are never ill, never get tired and they certainly do not die.’ And I add that if they also happen to rule a weak economy such as Malawi, the President cannot be dying at a poorly funded, ill–equipped hospital like Kamuzu Central. The President must die at a glamorous, state of the art hospital in ‘Sosafirika’.
                                   
 
Catherine Hara Gotani. Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works under the Mutharika Administration and a contemporary of yours truly at Chancellor College, the University of Malawi. It is still the morning of Easter Saturday and she decides to go on air on Radio Zodiak. And boy, oh boy, is her interview revealing. She informs the nation that since Thursday, 5 April, 2012, there had been three purported meetings of Cabinet; that the meetings were to devise a strategy stopping Vice President Banda from assuming the office of President of the Republic; that Peter Mutharika was to be appointed Acting President of the Republic; that Minister Goodall Gondwe chaired all the meetings; that Peter Mutharika attended all meetings; that a few Ministers vehemently opposed any scheme to stop Vice President Banda from assuming the office of President; and that Peter Mutharika himself was of the view that Vice President Banda should not be allowed to take over the reins of power in Malawi.
 
Well, thank you, Catherine. The message was loud and clear from the statement Minister Kaliati read out to us the night before. But thanks to you, that drab statement now has been spiced up with some names. Who else is involved? Who are the ‘young turks’?
                                   
 
Circa 2:00 p.m., Easter Saturday. The word in the air is that Vice President Banda – who as things stand is in effect President–designate Banda – will be formally sworn in as the President of the Republic. The swearing in ceremony will take place at Parliament Buildings in Lilongwe. I link up with my brother, ‘man–man’, and we make our way to Parliament Buildings. The place is teeming with people. Security is tight; I gather the military police, and not the Malawi Police Service, is in charge here.  The Parliament chamber (both the members’ floor and the visitors’ gallery) is breaking at the seams; it is filled with folks sweating confidence. Each time, one of the six Ministers who attended the press conference the previous night walks into the chamber, they are greeted with boos. I do not know whether to feel sorry for them or be plain angry. I decide to enjoy the moment and ignore the Ministers.
 
Somewhere around 5:00 p.m., the formal swearing in ceremony starts led by the Chief Justice, the Honourable Lovemore Green Munlo, SC. When President–designate Joyce Hilda Mtila Banda finally repeats after the Chief Justice the last bit in the formal oath of the office of the President: ‘So help me God’; I choked. I quickly regain my composure and join in the furious hand–clapping that goes on and on in the chamber. The Constitution 1 versus Akapirikoni† 0. Game over.
                                   
 
Easter Monday, 9 April, 2012. The other local daily, The Nation, bellows: ‘OPC disowns DPP Cabinet Meeting’. The sub–heading states: ‘Kaliati explains her role in succession statement’. I muse to myself, there we go; the he–said–she–said has begun. The Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet and my teacher in law school at Chancellor College, Necton Mhura, is quoted as saying that their Office did not call for any ministers’ meeting; that they did not sanction a ‘succession statement’ that was read out late at night on Good Friday; that they do not convene Cabinet meetings; that they merely take notes and instructions that need to be implemented.
 
Fine.
 
In the same article, Minister Goodall Gondwe is adamant. He insists that the Office of the President and Cabinet convened the ministers’ meeting. He was made ‘presiding minister’. He states,
 
‘All that is now behind us because the President called a Cabinet meeting and we pledged our loyalty to her. As far as we are concerned, we hope that things can be walked over [sic]’
 
Oh, really?
 
Then, there is Minister Kaliati. She states in the article that the Good Friday statement by her and her fellow Ministers was not her own; that the statement was endorsed by the meetings of all Ministers that took place between Thursday and Good Friday; that she felt betrayed by those Ministers who distanced themselves from the statement; that the statement has since been withdrawn; and that the President has since forgiven them.
 
The Nation quotes her extensively as follows,
 
‘I could not do that alone. The unfortunate part is that as Minister of Information, I speak on behalf of Government and Cabinet. Though some Cabinet ministers were saying this and that, they were part and parcel of that [statement]. Even the chief secretary was there.
 
The nation should not look at it as Patricia’s statement but it was the Cabinet statement. We are happy that the President has forgiven us as Cabinet ministers and for the statement that we made. We have withdrawn that. I think other Cabinet ministers and the chief secretary will also be coming with [the same] to say that that statement is being withdrawn.
 
[…]
 
[People] must also understand that that thing was done during the crisis with the sudden death of the late Ngwazi. Let me take the blame, but people should know that I was not speaking on my own behalf. I was given that statement to read. That’s why I refused to be alone and asked to be accompanied by other ministers.’
 
                                   
 
A closer analyses of the various statements: Minister Kaliati, Minister Goodall Gondwe, the Good Friday statement, Necton Mhura – all of them, point to one conclusion. President Mutharika was already dead when ‘he’ was being airlifted to South Africa. It may well be that all along the grapevine was right; that President Mutharika was DOA when he was rushed to Kamuzu Central.
 
From the moment President Mutharika collapsed at New State House, Vice President Banda ought to have been swiftly informed of the development so that she takes charge of all matters of State. It is clear to me that this was not done. Instead, we are informed that there were at least three purported Cabinet meetings chaired by Minister Goodall Gondwe. Indeed, the façade continued throughout Easter. Until Easter Monday, folks are still being quoted in the press as having had some ‘Cabinet meeting’; statements being made and endorsed by ‘the whole Cabinet’; an Office of the President and Cabinet that ‘merely takes notes and instructions’ and proceeds ‘to implement’; yada yada.
 
The statements epitomize a classic Dunning–Kruger effect. Here is a group of public officers who clearly do not know (this late in this tragicomedy) that they do not know. For me, it gets more and more comical with each statement that is made. Let me make one thing very clear at this stage: Under the Constitution, the ‘Presidency’ is the only ‘public office’ with the power to convene and preside over a meeting of Cabinet. For this purpose, the ‘Presidency’ means the President, or in his temporary absence, the Vice President, or in his temporary absence, the Second Vice President; or, an Acting President or Acting Vice President, as the case may be. Therefore, between the time of President Mutharika’s collapse and subsequent death on the Thursday and the time of the Cabinet meeting convened by President–designate Banda on Easter Saturday, there could not have been a cabinet meeting convened by anybody else apart from President–designate Banda anywhere in this country. Before Easter Saturday, President–designate Banda had not called for a Cabinet meeting. The three purported meetings that took place between Thursday and Good Friday are unconstitutional in so far as the attendees seek to give the impression that these meetings were Cabinet meetings. They were not.
 
Now, where were the advisors in all this? Where were the two law officers; the Attorney General, Honourable Justice Maxon Mbendera, SC and the Solicitor General, Anthony D. Kamanga, SC? Were the law officers informed of President Mutharika’s incapacity and subsequent death? Or, indeed whether they were informed or not, did the law officers take the initiative to ensure that the constitutional process is adhered to? The law officers never made a public statement on the matter. In the case of the Office and President and Cabinet, Minister Kaliati confirms that the Chief Secretary to the Office and President and Cabinet, Bright Msaka, SC, attended the ill–advised meetings that purported to block Vice President Banda (as she then was) from assuming the office of the President. And my teacher, Necton Mhura, is quoted in the press as saying the role of their office is facilitative. I disagree. Msaka and Mhura, as lawyers, know very well that as public officers their office cannot be facilitating a process that is unconstitutional; a process that is illegal.
 
Then there is Zolomphi Nkowani. He holds a PhD in Law and is a senior lawyer in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Minister Kaliati places him at the venue of the late night conference on Good Friday. Was Dr Nkowani present at the press conference with the blessing of his superiors, namely, the Attorney General and the Solicitor General? Did Dr Nkowani defy his superiors?
 
Let us look at the statement Minister Kaliati read on national television. The statement reads, in its critical parts, that ‘[t]he Malawi Government notes with regret statements made by Honourable Joyce Banda and former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi regarding succession to the Presidency.’ The statement then zeroes in on Vice President Banda and notes that ‘[r]egarding the Vice Presidency and the question of succession to the Presidency, the Government would like to inform the public as follows: The conduct of Honourable Joyce Banda in forming her own opposition party precludes her from being eligible to succeed the Presidency.’ The statement went on to state that ‘[i]n this regard, statements relating to succession made by the former Head of State, Dr. Bakili Muluzi and also echoed by Honourable Joyce Banda herself are misleading of the true nature of the situation.’ The statement ends on a rather blunt note: ‘The Government would like to appeal to all Malawians to remain calm and not to listen to any misleading information coming from anyone except official Government sources.’
 
A number of things: Note the reference to ‘Malawi Government’, ‘Government’ and ‘official Government sources’. Second, the country has no Vice President. Third, Vice President Banda is not ‘Malawi Government’, ‘Government’ or ‘official Government source’ and cannot speak as such. Finally, the original text of the statement from ‘Government’ preferred the American spelling ‘Honorable’ from the Queen’s English ‘Honourable’. Is this indicative of the author of the statement or it is one of those things a spell–check does to one’s document? I digress.
 
Minister Kaliati and her team; do they know that they do not know? Is this not the classic case of an ant feeling more powerful than an elephant? How haughty were Minister Kaliati and her team going to get? Can the Office of the President and Cabinet – the Msakas and Mhuras of this world – hide behind the ‘veil of facilitation’ when clearly a purported Government statement is spewing matters that are unconstitutional; that are illegal? Chief Secretary Msaka is reported in the press to have actually called for the cabinet meetings. He was calling for the meetings in what capacity? The Constitution could not have been clearer on the point: The ‘Presidency’ convenes and presides over Cabinet meetings. The hour may have been late but at the time of the statement, Malawi had a Vice President in office. As such, a statement by Vice President Banda is Government speaking and it is as official as it gets; it could not have gotten any higher than that.
 
‘We have withdrawn the statement. We have since apologized to the President. The president has forgiven us.’ Somehow, life must go on. Well, not so fast. I am told President Banda is a very strong Christian. As a good Christian she has forgiven all ‘sinners’. Well that may be the case, that the Ministers (and I do not know who else) have been forgiven. But the law must take its course:
Let us look at the principal law on crimes in Malawi; the Penal Code. The relevant part of the Penal Code has this heading: ‘TREASON AND OTHER OFFENCES AGAINST GOVERNMENT’S AUTHORITY’. I assert that at the time that Minister Kaliati and her team read their statement on Good Friday, we had a Vice President. Any insinuation in their statement that the office of the Vice President was in fact vacant was not only unfortunate but unconstitutional; and I dare add, treasonous.
 
What is the law on treason? Section 38 of the Penal Code provides for the serious crime of treason. The section reads,
 
(1)    Any person who—
 
(a)         prepares, endeavours or conspires to overthrow the lawfully constituted Government by force or other unlawful means;
(b)        prepares, endeavours or conspires to procure by force any alteration of the law or the policies of the lawfully constituted Government;
(c)         prepares, endeavours or conspires to carry out by force any enterprise which would, if effected, usurp the executive power of the State;
(d)        incites or assists any person or conspires to invade the Republic with force or unlawfully to subject any part of the Republic to armed attack by land, sea or air, or assists in the preparation of any such invasion or attack;
(e)         in time of war and with intent to give assistance to the enemy, does any act which is likely to assist the enemy; or
(f)         recruits or trains persons for the implementation of any of the aforementioned purposes, or participates in any such recruitment or training,
 
shall be guilty of treason and shall on conviction be sentenced to death.
 
(2)    In this section, the expressions—
 
(a)         “the lawfully constituted Government” includes the President and any Minister of the Government;
            (b)        “force” means either—
(i)         force used in such a manner as, whether by reason of the number of persons involved or the means used or both, to imperil or be likely to imperil the safety of the State or to cause, or be likely to cause, death or grievous bodily harm or serious damage to property, or
(ii)        a show of aggression calculated to arouse reasonable apprehension that force, as defined in subparagraph (i) will be used;
(c)         “armed attack” shall include any unlawful use of force constituting an act of rebellion against or calculated to undermine the authority of the Government or any arm thereof.
 
(3)    A person may be tried and punished for an offence against this section whether committed within or outside the Republic.
 
There is the related crime of misprision of treason. Section 39 of the Penal Code states,
 
Any person who—
 
            (a)         becomes an accessory after the fact to treason; or
            (b)         knowing that any person intends to commit treason, does not give information
thereof with all reasonable despatch to the President, an administrative officer, magistrate, or officer of police or use other reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence,
 
shall be guilty of the felony termed misprision of treason and liable to imprisonment for life.
 
In English, section 38 is saying that any person who seeks to overthrow a Government that has been in put in place in accordance with the Laws of Malawi commits the crime of treason. The manner of the overthrow can be through force generally, forceful alteration of law, forceful alteration of policy, usurping executive power of State, or other military action generally. Section 39 is saying that if a person has knowledge of the matters in section 38 and he does not report to State authorities, he is concealing treason. He commits a crime and may be tried for it. Hence, treason is an unsuccessful enterprise to overthrow a government in office. Otherwise, a successful enterprise to overthrow a sitting government is a coup d’état. The law on treason operates after the fact and is set in motion by the ‘machinery’ of the government that would otherwise have been overthrown.
 
The statement that Minister Kaliati read on national television clearly states that the country has no Vice President. The statement naively stated that Vice President Banda is ineligible to assume the office of the President. In my book, this is an act of treason as envisaged under section 38 of the Penal Code. In the circumstances, all those who took part in the formulation of the ill–advised statement commit the crime of treason and they should be prosecuted accordingly. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Rose Kanyuka, should inform the nation what the position of her office will be on this act of extreme arrogance and magnified self–importance by all those behind the statement.
                                   
 
Since Easter Saturday, we have had a galore of declarations of loyalty and allegiance to President Banda. When President Banda and Vice President Khumbo Kachali were being banished from the Democratic Progressive Party in 2010, were it not the same folks pledging loyalty and allegiance ‘today’ who were ‘yesterday’ falling over each other in a bizarre competition of who will shower the most insults at Vice President Banda and Minister Kachali (as they then were)?
 
Circa 10:30 p.m. on Good Friday, Minister Kaliati and her team are telling the nation that the then Vice President Banda cannot be President. Twelve, twenty four or thirty six hours later, they are pledging their loyalty and allegiance to President Banda. My take is that this dramatic turnaround has nothing to do with the purported forgiveness by President Banda. It has everything to do with these folks making sure that ‘their bellies are full’ because they know ‘we are hungry.’ (My apologies to Nesta Bob Marley, here.) The nature of political patronage in Malawi is such that politicians shift with ease from the red shirts of Malawi Congress Party to the yellow t–shirts of the United Democratic Front to the blue Chinese suits of the Democratic Progressive Party and now to the orange kaftans of the People’s Party. 
 
The people of Malawi deserve better. President Banda needs to advance a ‘Malawi’ agenda and should strengthen democratic institutions in the country. For a start, and in relation to our politicians, section 65 of the Constitution (the ‘crossing the floor’ provision) needs to be invoked without fear, favour or ill–will when the situation arises for its invocation. I saw tell–tale signs at the swearing in ceremony on Easter Saturday that we risk prolonging a personalized agenda instead of a ‘Malawi’ one if songs like ‘Joyisi Banda ndi boma’ (‘Joyce Banda is the government’) are the norm rather than the exception. The Joyce Banda Administration must champion a people–based governance culture which is truly bottom–up in its approach. Under this culture, the citizenry are accorded the respect they deserve in recognition that they are the foundation of the ethos embodied under the Constitution. Going forward, let us move away from songs of praise. It should not be about Joyce Banda, it should be about what our constitutional order has put in place.
 
In the end, those who do not know do not know that they do not know. They do not have the skills to recognize their limitations, or to arrive at a correct judgement. Cue; the statement read by Minister Kaliati on behalf of all those ill–advised Ministers on Good Friday. Second, such folks (who do not know) have an inflated idea of their ability. Cue; the avalanche of ‘apologies’ that has ensued. This lot truly thinks that they are the only folks out of all Malawians who have something to offer the President, right? And just to add to what Dunning and Kruger have said, such folks (who do not know) do not know that they cannot get away with it.
 
                                   
 

†  The term ‘Kapirikoni’ (plural: ‘Akapirikoni’) is rooted in Malawi’s nationalist struggle of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. It refers to a ‘traitor’ to a (national) cause.