Malawi has been celebrating her Independence for 45 years, having emerged from British colonial rule in 1964. What has Malawi got to show for that independence? Is the question that has been circulating on social networking sites, mostly on tweeter and facebook. I do not have an answer for the question but I think it depends on what one considers independence to be.
Nonetheless, every struggle has its winners and losers, heroes and villains. The supposed heroes of Malawi independence were decorated at the independence celebration ceremony at Kamuzu Stadium on 6th June 2009, which is the independence day.
As is usually the case with these issues, I am sure the list of those honoured cannot be agreed across all the political spectrum. And, it has to be said that there has been some controversial choices.
For instance Cecilia Kadzamira, ex-official hostess of the former president Kamuzu Banda walked away with an award but not Justice Anastasia Msosa who has presided over Malawi's two of the most successful general elections (1994 and 2009). Former vice president Justin Malawezi got a gong but not the man he deputised, the first president of democratic era, Bikili Muluzi. Long at last, Chakufwa Chihana got a posthumous recognition he deserves for his bravery in his fight for democracy, but there was none for John Chilembwe. One of the first Africans to stand up against colonial oppression. The man whose face is a Malawi currency bearer. How unfitting could this be?
These anomalies could perhaps be understood in the context of a speech that the former leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro made at University of Venezuela, Caracas in February 1999. The speech was entitled: "Imperialist Globalisation" and it was given at the request of his pal, the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez. Castro is well known for his long speeches, and this one was not exception. It was a historical lesson for those who were privileged enough to be in attendance.
Castro discussed a number issues relating to the speech title but also the Cuban Revolution that he successfully led from 1952 to 1958. One of the main points he made in relation to the revolution is that achievements in our lives are, to a great extent, influenced by time and space. Historical occurrences play a big part in what one can do and cannot, which is the main byproduct of success and failure. Castro'S revolution succeeded not only because Castro was the best revolutionary ever lived, but also because he had the backing of the people of Cuba who had grown tired of Fulgencio Batista's regime. Yet Cuban people hardly get a mention for the role they played in the revolution.
Malawi has similar case here, Mutharika has so far done very well, as a president. The economy is healthy and stable and his good agricultural policies have improved food sufficiency in the country. Yet these things could as well be attributed to Muluzi's failure. Muluzi did very little for the country, therefore Mutharika could only improve things. Similarly, Chilembwe is undoubtedly the first hero of the Malawi nation but he has little to show for his patriotism and bravery. This is only because Chilembwe was way ahead of his time, not many Malawians at that time were ready to fight for what was theirs. Now, contrast contrast Chilembwe with Chihana.
The fact that Chihana's cause was a success does not mean he was any better than Chilembwe, but the people of Malawi had grown tired of Kamuzu's regime and they were ready to support his cause. People's attitude made the difference. We must also remember that international aid to Malawi had been frozen on condition that Kamuzu improve his political and social policies. All these factors were too much for Kamuzu to ignore. He had to do something about it, that's when he called for a referendum that took place on 14 June 1993, for Malawian to decide whether they wanted to continue with one party rule or if they wanted multiparty democracy. This is where the real hero of Malawi emerged: the people of Malawi. The unsung hero of our freedom and independence.
I would be ungracious of me if I fail to congratulate those who got the awards: congratulations! For those who feel grieved for losing out: don't worry trails of history will absolve you. On my part, Malawians are my heroes, true heroes of our freedom and democracy. And, I truly believe Aleke Banda is the best president Malawi never had.