Yes, it would be better to have a Saulos Chilima Day than to continue celebrating Kamuzu Day.
Many Malawians view Kamuzu Banda’s rule as one marked by dictatorship, repression, and the denial of fundamental freedoms for nearly 30 years.
For those born in the 2000s or late 1990s ask your parents how Malawi Congress Party brought fear and so the mention of Kamuzu Banda .
We nearly believed that when we mention the name Kamuzu Banda , he was listening from the wall of Sanjika palace . That is how frightened Malawians were .
His government has long been associated with human rights abuses, political persecution, and the suppression of dissent.
Saulos Chilima was not a perfect man, and he had his flaws like any other leader.
However, before entering politics, he had already built a successful career in the corporate world.
He chose to leave that comfortable path because he believed he could serve his country in a greater capacity.
As Vice President, Chilima demonstrated a willingness to put national interests ahead of personal ambition.
At a time when Lazarus Chakwera was primarily known as a former leader of the Assemblies of God and the MCP, Chilima set aside his ego and accepted Chakwera’s leadership of the Tonse Alliance, despite already holding the office of Vice President himself.
He believed that working together with MCP offered the best chance of bringing change to Malawi.
In doing so, he prioritized what he saw as the country’s needs over his own presidential aspirations. But he teamed with ungrateful MCP souls .
Saulos Chilima never took away our land , farms , chickens , goats or fed us to crocodiles in the lower states like Kamuzu Banda and his battalion did to so many Malawians .
The call by Mary Chilima for recognition of Chilima’s contribution is therefore understandable and genuine.
While he made mistakes, many people remember him as a leader who put Malawi first and sought to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
His decision to partner with the MCP may, in hindsight, be viewed by some as a mistake.
However, it appears he genuinely believed that the party had changed and could deliver better outcomes for Malawians. He gave MCP and Chakwera a chance because the thought they were a change Malawians needed .
Yes! Kamuzu Day should be replaced with Saulos Chilima Day, as a way of honoring a leader whose legacy is associated with service, sacrifice, and a commitment to national progress.
About the Author
