April 6 2023

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has brought us so many deep realities about Malawian life. We have seen how selfless Malawians can be.

What more can one say about the so many Malawians showing love to those affected and afflicted? Some brought in Land Rovers to help the unreachable places. Others brought up fundraising ventures that proved us with transparency, funds could go down to those who need it most.

We have seen how people put down their political differences to come together and share the sorrows. It wasn’t plastic to see Minister of Local Government (MCP) Richard Chimwendo Banda rescuing Blantyre City South Parliamentarian Noel Lipipa from the wrath of his constituents who were not pleased with his mention about a road that has been in disrepair for ages.

Talking about roads, it will take time for many to be maintained. The hope is that funds from the fuel levy, and tollgate collections will be seen to be used. Otherwise, most of the roads in the country will remain impassable. Already, some citizens are embarking on endeavours to make roads in their areas passable again.

The tragedy has shown us that some thrive to enrich themselves at other people’s misfortunes. Imagine, a chief stealing what was meant to be a donation to survivors! What cruelty is it for a volunteer to pilfer some donations? Shame.

And then, we have seen how some Malawians are just good at criticizing others even when they do good. The other day, former information minister Gospel Kazako donated two cows at the Mthawira Camp in Machinjiri, Blantyre. The people on social media went shouting: These are thin cows. Why give a thin cow?

Funny enough, they didn’t even offer a rat! And, by the way, who ever went into a butchery and could not buy beef because when the cow was as thin as the cows in Joseph’s dreams?

Time flies. On April 5, Malawi remembered the day former president Bingu wa Mutharika died in 2012. His brother Peter and family went to Ndata to remember that leader. The memory of Bingu reminds us that Malawians want only the best of leaders.

It was during the Easter period that Bingu left us. A time like this.

When he got to power, many thought he would be in the ‘armpits’ of former president Bakili Muluzi who hand-picked him, but he went his way and proved that things can change in this country.

Which is why Malawi gave him full support when he was vying for a second term. Scooping 65 percent of the votes without an alliance or coalition is no mean feat.

Yet, when the trappings of power gripped him, he didn’t care about the Malawian voice saying things were not alright. If you say fuel is scarce, go on the street and lie there. I will smoke you out. If you go on the street, we will meet there. Very catchy sentiments.

Then came July 21. Scores died.

But then, what do the likes of Goodall Gondwe think they are doing to Bingu’s spirit when they are forcing Peter Mutharika to stand again come 2025? Honestly? Let APM rest there at the Page House.

While DPP has Bingu’s spirit hovering over it, one wonders while a group of other party cadres like Ken Nsonda are adding more confusion to the disunited party? What are they doing to their supporters? Or they don’t care?

Yet, this is a season of Goodwill. It is a time Christians and Jews celebrate Passover and Easter. The moslems also remember how the Koran came down from the heavens in this holy month of Ramadhan. Praise be to God that he has seen us through the three C’s so far: Covid-19, cholera and Cyclone Freddy. May the souls of those that have gone in these hard times rest in peace.

The post Easter musings of survival first appeared on The Nation Online.