God is Good

Why...?

I keep wondering why the current administration in Malawi seems to be going overboard in alienating the very people who voted it into power as it faced a fierce combined force of MCP and UDF in the last polls. I ponder the recent display of intolerance with regard to dissent. Isn't disssent or alternatives views the very stuff of democracy?
I muse why the authorities are hell-bent on forcing on Malawians the proposed changes in the national flag.
It is clear the majority of people in the country do not want the version being touted by the government, but the authorities seem to have found a way of by-passing that through using of chiefs. The advocates of the new standard claim chiefs represent Malawians and their views. Wow! I haven't met chief Somba in whose domain I am ( in Blantyre) and neither have I seen him or his 'aides' holding consultations with villagers or subjects on the new flag. So, the traditional leaders are only representing their views. In any case which chief can stand up and say no to the new flag? If government wants the truth and nothing but the whole truth about the feelings of Malawians, let it send emissaries to the townships, villages, minibuses, markets and alleyways. In those places the authorities will hear what they HAVE to hear not what they WANT to hear!!

I wonder, why donors want to continue pushing their selfish agenda on Malawi and other African countries. For how long will Africa be a pawn, a puppet, an object of pity? Should we dance to the tune of imperialism for ever and ever just because of donor money? Africa must explore ways of untying itself to this unequal and undignified relationship. It can't happen tomorrow, but still one day the continent must give the neo-colonialists a kick in the backside!!

I was encouraged today as I passed by Mlambalala Primary School in Blantyre. I overheard a teacher propounding the tenets of sexual harrassment and human rights. There is hope for the younger generation in knowledge of rights, so I thought!

On a lighter note, I was thinking today if wives and girlfriends of musicians feel jealous if their man seems to give more attention to an instrument like the guitar than to the women! I'm interested to know!

posted by Joe Mlenga @ 1:17 pm