The Chilembwe Day commemorations this year marked a distinct departure from the usual pattern of divisive political manoeuvring that has, unfortunately, characterised past commemorations of national heroes.
In previous years, the annual event celebrating the life and legacy of John Chilembwe was often marred by political rivalry.
It became a spectacle of political grandstanding, where party leaders sought to outshine each other with speeches, donations and overt displays of allegiance to particular political ideologies.
The 2025 celebrations, however, offered a refreshing and much-needed shift towards unity, as leaders from various political parties came together in a show of solidarity.
In past events, politicians would seize the occasion to deliver carefully crafted speeches aimed not at honouring Chilembwe’s legacy but at scoring political points.
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This practice, which undermined the solemnity of the occasion, led to a dilution of the original message of the hero’s struggle for justice, equality and freedom.
In some years, donations from party leaders seemed more like political gestures than genuine acts of charity, as they sought to associate themselves with the hero’s name and, by extension, the moral authority that comes with it.
However, this year’s Chilembwe Day observance was marked by a spirit of unity that was palpable.
For the first time in many years, the event saw leaders from different political factions putting aside their differences and coming together to honour Chilembwe’s memory.
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The question that immediately arises, however, is whether this unity can transcend the boundaries of the commemoration and become a lasting feature of Malawi’s political landscape.
Unity, after all, is a fragile thing in the realm of politics, where ideological differences and power struggles often threaten to tear apart even the most carefully constructed alliances.
Political unity, in its truest form, should not be a seasonal or event-driven occurrence. It must be rooted in a genuine commitment to the common good and must not be confined to specific moments or occasions.
The spirit of unity that was so evident on Chilembwe Day must, therefore, be seen as a call to all political leaders and citizens alike to move beyond the entrenched rivalries that have often stymied progress in Malawi.
Unity should be a continuous and deliberate effort—one that does not ebb and flow with the changing of the seasons or the calendar of commemorative events.
It should be a constant reminder that, regardless of political affiliation, all Malawians share the same fundamental values and goals.
One of the most profound aspects of Chilembwe’s legacy is that he was not a politician nor did he belong to any particular political party.
Chilembwe was a man driven by principles of justice, equality and the desire for freedom from colonial oppression.
His struggle was not rooted in partisan politics but rather in a vision for a better future for all people irrespective of their political leanings. This is why it is so unfortunate that in the past, his commemoration has been hijacked by political forces.
What should have been a solemn occasion to reflect on his sacrifices and the ideals he championed has often been turned into a partisan battleground, where the focus shifts from the hero’s values to the interests of political parties.
It is a sad irony that the man who fought so fiercely against political and social injustice was often associated with political posturing.
This year’s commemoration, however, offered a stark contrast to that trend. Of course, it would be naive to ignore the element of pretence that often accompanies political events, even those that are ostensibly designed to promote unity.
Politicians, after all, are masters of presentation. It is well known that many politicians know how to put on a good show for the public, projecting an image of harmony and cooperation even when personal and party interests are at odds behind closed doors.
There is an undeniable degree of performative behaviour in the political sphere and it is possible that some of the unity seen on Chilembwe Day was influenced by the desire to present a united front in the eyes of the public.
However, despite the inevitable element of showmanship, it is important to recognise that the display of unity was not entirely insincere.
The fact that party leaders were willing to come together and participate in the commemoration might indeed be speaking to a broader shift in political consciousness.
The fact that leaders acknowledged the importance of Chilembwe’s legacy and the need for collective action is a positive sign.
It is also essential to acknowledge that Malawians are increasingly fed up with the toxic nature of partisan politics.
Over the years, citizens have grown weary of the mudslinging, the partisan bickering and the constant jockeying for power.
They want something new—something that focuses on national development, social justice and the well-being of all people, rather than on the narrow interests of political elites.
