Joyce Hilda Mtila-Banda 23 Jan 2013

President of the Republic of Malawi, I would realise that allowing people to exercise their democratic right to demonstrate against government should not be the end of the story, but the beginning of my task to address their demands.

If I were ‘Amayi’, I would further realise that it is important for the government to live to its word and address issues that the consumers raised in their petition because these are affecting the lives of Malawians.

Much as I blame my predecessor for all the problems, I would not forget that people expect me to explain what I am doing to  address the situation I inherited.

I would therefore appreciate that this calls for a better communication strategy other than outbursts on political podium—for even our deceased dictators were doing as much.

Of course, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu claims that some of the issues are already being addressed. However, I would realise that a number of issues such as reduction of my travel and salary adjustments for workers are still outstanding.

That is if I were my good ‘ole mum JB, unfortunately I am not the President of this country but a mere scribe!