* Men whose vision, discipline, and patriotism continue to inspire us to dream of a better Malawi
* We owe it to the memory of Bingu, Goodall, and all the late Malawians who sacrificed and envisioned a brighter future for us
* We must honor their legacies by confronting the hard truths — by calling out corruption wherever it exists in all three arms of government
By Duncan Mlanjira
UTM Party President, Dalitso Kabambe contends that former President, late Bingu wa Mutharika, and late Goodal Gondwe the former Finance Minister in his administration, stand out in Malawi’s history “as beacons of hope, resilience, and unwavering dedication”.
UTM Party president, Dalitso Kabambe
Writing on his official Facebook account as a deep reflection of what is on the ground in the country’s recent times, Kabambe maintains that “we owe it to the memory of Bingu, Goodall Gondwe”, and all those great patriots who passed on — “who sacrificed and envisioned a brighter future for us”.
“The late Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika and the esteemed Dr. Goodall Gondwe shine brightest — men whose vision, discipline, and patriotism continue to inspire us to dream of a better Malawi.
“Malawi’s journey has not been without obstacles,” continues Kabambe. “The shadows of smear campaigns and propaganda often cloud the truth, but history remains our most faithful teacher.
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“It reminds us that our past, with all its challenges, also holds lessons of courage and perseverance.
“And it is from this rich history that I draw my strength and conviction — believing wholeheartedly that Malawi can rise again.”
Kabambe, who is former Reserve Bank Governor in President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s 2014-2020 Administration, singles out Bingu as “a man who dared to dream big”.
“Under his leadership, Malawi experienced moments of hope and renewal. His economic policies, rooted in boldness and a genuine desire to uplift his nation, thrived on the strength of collective effort.
“Bingu believed in a Malawi that worked for all — an inclusive nation where progress was not a privilege but a right.
“His openness to collaboration and his confidence in the potential of Malawians set a foundation that we must continue to build upon.
The eulogy Kabambe published in April of Bingu’s death anniversary
“Equally, Dr. Goodall Gondwe exemplified the discipline, authority, and wisdom necessary to steer Malawi through turbulent times.
“His economic acumen was instrumental in stabilising and growing our economy.”
Thus Kabambe resolves that Bingu and Goodal’s partnership — “one of visionary leadership and sound fiscal management, demonstrated that Malawi’s potential is limitless when guided by integrity and expertise”.
“Our country was once a land of possibilities — where dreams of prosperity and development seemed within reach.
“Yet, recent times have seen us diverge from the path set by these great men. The disruptive forces of corruption, political experimentation, and complacency threaten to undo the progress made.”
Kabambe, however, maintains that he believes in Malawi’s resilience, saying: “I believe in the power of collective will to turn our fortunes around.
“We owe it to the memory of Bingu, Goodall, and all the late Malawians who sacrificed and envisioned a brighter future for us.
“We must honour their legacies by confronting the hard truths — by calling out corruption wherever it exists in all three arms of government.
“It is a bitter pill, but one we must swallow if we are to heal and move forward.
“Let us speak openly about our country’s challenges; let us seek light rather than darkness. Our nation’s destiny depends on our courage to face the truth and our resolve to build a Malawi that works for everyone.
“The spirit of Bingu and Goodall, and all the well-meaning Malawians who came before us, must not turn in their graves.
“Instead, let us carry their torch — lighting the way toward transparency, integrity, and prosperity.
“Malawi is a country full of possibilities. It is within us to reclaim that potential. With discipline, unity, and unwavering patriotism, we can turn the tide.
“Let us rise to the occasion and honour the legacy of those who believed in Malawi’s greatness. Together, we can forge a future that would make them proud.
“Malawi’s best days are still ahead. The time to act is now. Let us unite in hope and purpose — for Malawi, for our children, and for the legacy of great leaders like Bingu wa Mutharika and Dr. Goodall Gondwe,” maintains Kabambe.
His sentiments resonates with what Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja said when she opened the 4th Biennial Conference of the Political Science Association (PSA) yesterday, September 15 in Salima — by discussing the summit’s theme; ‘Malawi’s Democracy at the Crossroads? Maturing Institutions or a Tailspin into Uncertainty’.
Mtalimanja addressing the delegates at PSA conference
“Is Malawi’s democracy at a crossroads, with institutions maturing or facing uncertainty? This is a question that deserves serious and sustained engagement,” she said.
“We should approach it neither with complacency nor with pessimism. Our responsibility is to examine the evidence, recognise progress where it exists, identify weaknesses where they arise and support lawful, practical measures that strengthen democratic governance.
“Malawi’s democratic journey has involved important constitutional and political developments. Its future will depend, in part, on the ability of its institutions and citizens to uphold democratic principles and respond constructively to emerging challenges.
“The strength of a democratic society depends not only on its institutions but also on the ability of its citizens to understand, participate in and hold those institutions accountable.”
She thus maintained that the PSA “has an opportunity to contribute to that understanding and to ensure that its intellectual resources serve the wider public”.
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