By Isaac Salima
President Lazarus Chakwera has said his government will ensure that it continues implementing development projects in line with the vision that anti-colonial rule master Reverend John Chilembwe had for Malawi.
The President said this at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu District Monday, when he presided over activities marking Chilembwe Day.
Chakwera said the reverend wanted the country to be liberated from bondage, hence the need to prolong such a vision.
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“His first vision was on education, where he put all his heart. He did not want to rely on others in the provision of education [services]. When education and digitalisation feature highly in Malawi 2063, they are derived from Chilembwe’s vision.
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“Soon, we will be opening 500 schools which the government has been constructing with support from [United States of] America and this is all about improving education [standards] in the country as Chilembwe wanted,” he said.
He further said he would ensure that his leadership promotes industrialisation, just as Chilembwe aspired.
“Chilembwe wanted the country to be food self-reliant, which is in accordance with our industrialisation drive. It is unfortunate that when Ngwazi [late President Hastings Kamuzu Banda] opened factories, the regime that followed later dismantled everything,” he said.
Chakwera then said Chilembwe Day is a day of reflection on the sacrifice Chilembwe made to Malawi.
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He said Chilembwe loved the country and put aside his personal interest, such that he died fighting for the country.
In recognition of the fallen anti-colonial activist, Chakwera has declared that Phalombe District Hospital will now be called Chilembwe District Hospital.
The event started with the laying of wreaths, where Chakwera, First Lady Monica and Vice President Saulos Chilima led Malawians in laying wreaths at PIM Memorial Tower.
The event was held under the theme ‘Extend Our Territory Lord’.
PIM President Wilson Mitambo said it is high time the country focused on God as it seeks answers to challenges it is facing.
“We should unite in asking God to extend our territory. The country has been facing a lot of challenges but this is time to leave everything aside and join hands in praying to God to hear us out,” Mitambo said.
