President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent visit to the Northern region, during which he commissioned the Nkhatabay Town Water and Sanitation Project, was an important moment for Malawi.
What stood out during this event was the unexpected show of political maturity and statesmanship displayed by Vuwa Kaunda, the Member of Parliament for Nkhatabay Central Constituency.
In a political landscape where partisan divisions often overshadow the nation’s progress, Kaunda’s actions were nothing short of remarkable. Despite belonging to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), an opposition party to Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Kaunda chose to rise above the divisive norms of Malawian politics.
He welcomed the President not as a party leader but as the Head of State, acknowledging that, in that capacity, Chakwera was serving the entire nation.
Kaunda’s willingness to publicly praise Chakwera’s administration, commending the government’s efforts in providing clean and potable water to the residents of Nkhatabay Township and surrounding areas, and highlighting the end of power blackouts, sends a powerful message.
It challenges the entrenched belief that opposition politicians should never acknowledge the positive contributions of the government.
The Democratic Progressive Party, understandably taken aback by Kaunda’s stance, viewed it as deplorable and uncalled for, given the tradition of political opposition in Malawi.
However, Kaunda’s actions should be seen as a step towards the much-needed political maturity in the country.
Malawi has been on a democratic journey for nearly three decades. In this time, the nation has witnessed the ebb and flow of different political parties and leaders.
Yet, the cycle of political polarisation and intolerance has persisted, hindering the country’s progress.
What Vuwa Kaunda demonstrated during President Chakwera’s visit is precisely the direction Malawi should take. In a mature political landscape, politicians should be able to rise above party lines when it comes to recognising and applauding the government’s achievements that benefit the citizens.
This should not be misconstrued as betrayal or disloyalty to one’s party; rather, it is a testament to a politician’s commitment to serve the people. Political leaders, regardless of their party affiliations, must prioritise the well-being and development of Malawi.
Vuwa Kaunda’s willingness to acknowledge the positive actions of the government is a step towards fostering unity and progress in the nation. It’s a call for all politicians to put the interests of Malawians first, above partisan politics.
In a country striving for socio-economic growth and political stability, Malawi needs more leaders like Vuwa Kaunda. It is time to break free from the shackles of divisive politics and embrace a more collaborative and inclusive approach to governance.
In doing so, Malawi can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.
Perhaps, this transformation should not be limited to politicians but should encompass everyone, transcending the typical habit of viewing everything through a political lens.
From the Birds Eye View, Malawi requires a civil society capable of providing constructive criticism while simultaneously recognising the government’s efforts to address the pressing challenges facing the country.
It is essential to acknowledge that Malawi differs significantly from many other countries, mainly due to its status as a predominantly consumer-driven nation heavily reliant on imports.
We must collectively embrace the spirit exemplified by Vuwa Kaunda. If Malawi had more individuals with such spirit, our circumstances might have been different. We could have all become goodwill ambassadors dedicated to fostering positive change.