The ‘mandasi’ magic
His father used to work as a cook for an old whiteman called Juwett. His mum used to prepare and sell mandasi [fritters] to complement the family’s earnings. So tasty were the fritters that as Gorilla’s mum prepared them, we would always find a way to divert her attention so that we could sneak into the kitchen and pinch some.
When I meet ‘Gorilla’ he always reminds me of an incident when we lied to his mother that there was a big scorpion in the house, just to get her out of the kitchen. As she rushed into the house, we sneaked into the kitchen to pinch mandasi—boy! That was how funny it was.
And, therefore, I found it unfortunate that some quarters scorned at Madame Joyce Banda before she ascended to the high office, wondering how a mere mandasi vendor would aspire for the Presidency.
One such high-profile lady even had the cheek to ask: “Zoona mungalole kuti muzalamulidwe ndi wogulitsa mandasi?â€
Well, probably she did not know what she was talking about. Had she known the ‘mandasi magic’, she would not have dared to say that; otherwise, is it not the same mandasi woman running the show now?
Just last week, the State President donated K2 million to the Boxing Association of Malawi (Maba) from her Joyce Banda Foundation (JBF) to enable boxers take part in the 2012 London Olympic qualifying tournament.
I am certain the K2 million came from a foundation that was formed from geni ya mandasi omwewo!
At least our boxers will have a chance to take part in the global sporting showcase courtesy of proceeds from mandasi!
AOB: It always feels so good to see African players shining on the big stage and Didier Drogba thrilled my world last week when he scored the lone goal for my beloved Blues as they edged Barcelona.
While many are tipping the scales in Barca’s favour in the return leg Tuesday night. I believe Didier will again turn on the African magic and give the Queen a reason to smile as the only team from her kingdom battles for a final berth of the Uefa Champions League. Go Drog! Go!
