APM urges collective action to develop Malawi

 Former president Peter Mutharika has challenged Malawians to use their God-given talent to contribute towards the development of the country.

He said this in a post on his Facebook page in reaction to his award for outstanding service to the nation by the Dedza

 Secondary School Alumni Association on Saturday.

During the 70th anniversary or platinum jubilee of the school, Dedza Secondary School Alumni Association awarded Mutharika and several other former students, including retired Chief Justice Richard Banda, former speaker of Parliament Louis Chimango, High Court Judge Redson Kapindu, entrepreneur Napoleon Dzombe and Mwaiwathu Private Hospital founder Professor Jack Wirima.

Mutharika , who contributed K1 million towards the event, attended the event virtually. He was awarded for his contribution to the country’s Constitution and international law.

Writing on his Facebook page after receiving the award, he acknowledged the recognition, saying it was an honour.

Mutharika said every Malawian should contribute to the country using their individual talents.

“It is a huge honour for me to receive the Sapere Aude Award. Let me say that each and everyone of us were born Malawians and placed in a time such as this to contribute to this great country using what God gave us,” he said.

Wirima, who was the guest of honour at the event, said the nation cannot talk about the Constitution without mentioning Mutharika.

He said Mutharika—who served as the country’s president between May 2014 and June 2020—and other awardees stand as role  models to the younger generation.

He urged the younger generation to work hard and contribute to the development of the country.

Brigadier General Dan Kuwali, a lawyer who chaired the celebrations committee, said Mutharika has played a great role in developing the country’s laws.

He said: “He was the President of the country. But most importantly, the award is in recognition of his role in helping coming up with the Constitution of Malawi and also taught international law in various universities outside the country. With his expertise on the Constitution and international law, we had to honour him.”

Zomba-based High Court of Malawi Judge Redson Kapindu, who received the award for justice and good governance, also spoke highly of retired Chief Justice Banda who was awarded the public service award.

He said Banda served the country well and there is need for the younger generation to follow in his footsteps.

Mutharika and the other awardees are among the many influential people that went through Dedza Secondary School. His deceased brother and former president Bingu wa Mutharika, former minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe and several others also studied at the institution, one of the oldest schools in the country.

Other former students awarded included General Mark Chiziko (retired), Professor Brown Chimphamba, Professor John Chiphangwi, Professor Grant Kululanga, economist Henry Kachaje, engineer Mayamiko Nkol oma, Bishop Mark Kambalazaza of Charismatic Renewal Ministries and Apostle Madalitso Mbewe.