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REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

STATEMENT BY

HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. ARTHUR PETER

MUTHARIKA, PRESIDENT OF THE

REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

AT THE

2015 INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS

KAMUZU STADIUM

MONDAY 6TH JULY 2015

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Your Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi,

Madam Gertrude Hendrina Mutharika

Excellencies Heads of State and Governments;

The Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Right

Honourable Saulos Chilima and Madam Mary Chilima;

Speaker of the National Assembly, Right Honourable

Richard Msowoya, MP;

Your Lordship, the Chief Justice Honourable Andrew

Nyirenda, S.C;

Honourable Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers

present here;

The Commander of the Malawi Defence Force, General

Ignasio Maulana;

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Loti Dzonzi;

Justices of the High Court and the Supreme Court of

Appeal;

Your Excellences, former Presidents of the Republic of

Malawi;

The Leader of Opposition, Honourable Dr. Lazarus

Chakwera;

Honourable Members of Parliament;

Leaders of Political Parties Represented in Parliament;

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Your Excellency, Madam Thandiwe Dumbutchena, Dean

Of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads Of Diplomatic Missions;

Chief Secretary to the Government;

The Chief Executive of Blantyre City Council

Distinguished Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

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I would like to begin my address this morning by wishing you all

a happy 51st Independence celebration.

My Fellow Malawians, as we look back at the road we came

for 51 years, let us also lift up our eyes to the horizon where

we are taking Malawi. Contrary to those who want to look at

everything negatively, I look at our past and see the road of

progress. We have achieved a lot in the last 51 years. But it has

been slow progress. And we are not where we should have

been by now.

But, Malawi is undergoing exciting times. After 51 years of

independence, we are re-making history. The whole world can

see that Malawi is on the road to transformation. Only last

week, hundreds of foreign investors from all over the world

came to Malawi because they can see hope and opportunities.

All the international and local speakers at that meeting agreed

that we have a better economic outlook ahead of us.

But the economic transformation towards which we are going

must benefit all Malawians, whether you live in town or in the

village. Economic transformation must mean inclusive

development. We fought for independence together. We must

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develop this country together. We must all be part of the

economic growth.

In fact, the struggle for independence was a popular movement

of the people. It took the cooperation, sacrifice and involvement

of the masses for us to attain this liberty that allows us to create

a greater future.

At the highest peak of nationalism, especially between 1953 and

1963, it was villagers who fought for emancipation. These were

smallholder farmers labouring across the country. They were

barefoot workers toiling on the railways. They were labourers

plucking tea on the estates. These are the Malawians we

honour in our national memory today.

Ladies and gentlemen, our road to economic transformation

is very clear now. Our vision is clear. Let me outline the four

things we are doing to turn around this country. First, we are

creating a local business environment and attracting foreign

investors to bring their money to invest in Malawi. With Direct

Investment, we will undoubtedly create wealth, create more

businesses for Malawians, create jobs and create a better life for

all. As I said, the response of the entire world is extremely

overwhelming. Secondly, we have launched a Skills Development

Programme. This is a process of creating a skilled labour to

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support the industry. Wherever you go in the world, skilled

labour is thrust of development. Within this programme, we are

building community colleges. With this programme, we will

create a skilled labour market to support the expanding

Investment. We want this programme to help us create jobs for

the youth and the rest of us. Thirdly, we have also undertaken

serious Public Service Reforms because we must have a public

service that supports our investors and serve the public

efficiently. We need a public service that works, and a Malawi

that works! But above all, we have undertaken a people-centred

approach to inclusive development. The Green Revolution we

undertake with the Green Belt Initiative, supporting farmers

with inputs and the Malata Subsidy programmes will ensure that

this country has sufficient food and Malawians must sleep in

descent houses. All Malawians must rise together with the

economic growth that is coming. We are all moving towards a

better life for all.

But there is one immediate challenge facing us all. The human

factor! Umunthu wathu! This is where the problem is. We

cannot do with people who are irresponsible; dishonest; lazy

wanting results for which you have not worked; wanting things

to be done for us than us doing for others; we cannot develop

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Malawi if we dont love our country! We need to be a nation of

responsible and patient people. Rome was not built in a day.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I fully agree with our religious

leaders, our moral custodians, that we cannot change this

country if we are not a responsible nation. We cannot change

anything unless we change ourselves. We are the foundations of

change, and the pillars of progress on which the future rests.

We are now launching a mind-set change programme which

must make us a responsible nation.

My Fellow Malawians, ladies and gentlemen, I am

delighted to inform you that Government wants to promote

three pillars of progress that support our reforms and

national development. The pillars are Patriotism, Integrity

and Hard work.

1) We must be patriotic! We must love our country; be

proud of her. Be proud to be Malawian. This is our only

country.

2) We must be a people of high integrity. We must

be a highly principled and honest in whatever we do.

There wouldnt have been cashgate if we were a people

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of integrity. Corruption would be history if were a

people of integrity.

3) We must be hard working people. Work for the

results. In whatever we do, let us do it to the best of

our ability whatever the circumstances. Whatever you

do, do it with all your mind, soul and strength. There is

no other road to success!

My Fellow Malawians, ladies and gentlemen, Today, I am

calling upon all political leaders, educationists, investors and

captains of the corporate world, traditional leaders, religious

leaders, Civil Society Organisations and the public at large to

embrace these pillars of progress as the core values of our

national character. If we ever differ, let us unite on this common

cause.

At an appropriate time, we will organize a national conference

at which we must draw up a national plan of implementation.

We must agree how best we should inculcate these values in

every Malawian. I want these values to be collectively owned by

all Malawians.

Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and

selflessness of former Presidents of the Republic of Malawi in

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serving this country. They served Malawi to the best of their

abilities and we thank them for their sacrifices.

Let me also take this opportunity to thank our neighboring

countries with whom we live in harmony. We are what we are

today because of their support. In a special way let me thank

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Vice President of the

Republic of Kenya Mr. William Ruto for sparing time to

celebrate with us today. We cherish the cordial relationship that

exists among our countries.

Lastly, Tiyeni tiyende pamodzi ndi mtima umodzi. United,

we will cross any river of challenges; cross any mountain of

hardships; and march every mile until we have conquered.

May God bless us all and may He bless Mother Malawi! Thank

you!