Usi says CSOs confused about NAC demos
Adventist Development Relief Agency (Adra) deputy executive director Michael Usi says civil society organisations (CSOs) planning demonstrations against the National Aids Commission’s (NAC) disbursement of funds to non-conventional organisations do not have a valid basis.
Some CSOs are taking to the street on Monday against NAC’s disbursement of funds to First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s Beautify Malawi (Beam) Trust and Mulhako wa Alhomwe cultural group which counts President Peter Mutharika among its members.
But speaking to The Nation on Thursday, Usi said the CSOs are focusing on the wrong issue.
Said Usi: “The question is how do we utilise the potential of the demonstrations to achieve goals that will develop Malawi? That should be the focus. Demonstrations should lead to elements that should build Malawi and not just to show power and presence.”
Usi, who is popular for playing the thespian Manganya in the local television dramaTikuferanji, expressed reservations about the planned demonstrations, saying the argument being advanced is not valid.
He said: “For me, the bone of contention should be how the funds were utilised. Because by going for demonstrations with this agenda, they are sending a wrong message to other NGOs who are basically not HIV and Aids oriented.”
Usi accused his fellow CSOs of being confused in their approach.
I don’t see any valid argument by Usi here; or perhaps we are looking at these matters differently; peaceful demonstrations are a way of contributing to development because the voice of the aggrieved citizens is heard; sometimes for people to act they need a bang at the door, or else they will never wake up.