MALAWI

Hot_ChocT · Newbie

MALAWI

Observer · Member

You have started an interesting topic but rather than just remind of something we already know, try to offer/suggest possible solutions. How do you think Malawi and Africa in general can move forward etc.....?

I think Malawians lack a sense of urgency. Its only when you come to the western world that you realise that time is money and you cant afford to waste it. But the only drawback is that although fellow countryment back home would be willing to work 24/7, lack of jobs and investments is what is holding us back since the the economy is basically non existent.

Honestly speaking, the future for most poor countries (not only in Africa) looks bleak. We are becoming poorer and poorer and its bound to get worse. The final straw will come when the rich and powerful countries come and forcefully colonise us again when they deplete their resources (mainly water). Think its not possible? Watch closely what is happening in the world right now. At the moment its Oil. Soon it will be water. Already Egypt is involved in aggressive diplomacy with Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia over the usage of water from the Nile river. Egypt is saying it has the sole right to use the nile waters and any attempt by the countries which are down the Nile to use the river will be seen as an act of WAR.

Watch this space.

zeze · Newbie

just to add a lil insight to whats been discussed here....

another thing that is massively crippling our country is administration, i mean look at people like bakili muluzi...he is spending a lot of money sponsoring soccer teams....not just bakili bullets (formely bata bullets)..but also other teams like wanderers and ACT stars...recently...he gave each one of bakili bullets playes a fat envelope containing 50,000 each and then went ahead and hired a boeing 737 300 to ferry the bullets to Uganda including like 25 supportes for the team...whom he paid for both the air tickets and accomodation....better yet, he is sponsoring the super league itself with a fat 16 million...my question is, why doesn't he leave the soccer issue to be handled and sponsored by companies as it was before?...instead he can put all this money he is squandering to good use as creating job oportunities and better living conditions like safe water and good sanitation.....

Hot_ChocT · Newbie

I am glad someone finally saw that this topic is worth discussing. Quite honestly right now, things are worse than they were in the 70's. The only hope I see for Malawi or Africa for that matter is through people who are genuinely concerned about Africa. It seems like African leaders have a tendency to believe that outsiders will help them out. I mean didn't this same outsiders colonize and exploited us? Did they change their hearts to want to help us up? I mean most of these rich countries are based on capitalist views, basically saying that inorder for them to work someone has to be at the bottom. The system of rich nations is based on Bonds and stocks..I owe U and will pay later. Why would they want everyone to be on the same level? for them to go on, they need someone to lend and be at the bottom. The debts that Africa owes are increasing and the sad thing is ...most nations keep borrowing and borrowing. Look at Malawi for instance. The little money they make they have to pay back to their lenders...IMF, World Bank and I can't even start on CORRUPTION, The continent is getting colonized already, there is a system called GLOBALIZATION!! PRIVATIZING BUSINESSESS-EXAMPLE;david whiteheads and sons, apparantely Air Malawi is in progress right now. Now, the question is WHO IS BUYING THESE BUSINESSES????!! FOREING CORPORATIONS??!!

I think Malawi needs to have people who know how Economics works in Malawi. You can't expect someone who lives overseas to come to Malawi for three weeks and draw out a plan on how you can run your country. The only way out is for Malawians to work hard and help Malawi. Education is the core here...obviously the leaders of today are not the future. The young childred in Malawi are!

IS ANY ONE FEELING ME HERE?

Hot_ChocT · Newbie

In response to Zeze's comment; I have to agree that the administration in Malawi is weak. The problem is that most of these leaders are in it for the money. Who cares about the thousands of children who are dying because of diseases and lack of food?? As long as they have food on the table, they don't care. That's the problem in Africa too. You have to have leaders who deeply and genuinely care to improve the conditions. Most do not care as long as they can get their hands on money and use it to buy expensive cars and other luxury stuff and give it so football player??!! what madiness.( and you know this money has to be repaid to the IMF OR WORLD BANK!)@ a higher interest. That expenditure money is supposed to be used to build hospitals and schools. That Money being spent on useless things is supposed to fund educational materials! unfortunately when you have Money hungry people leading the nation....nothing is accomplished. That ****es me off too!

Akhibula · Member

quote:
Originally posted by:
"You have started an interesting topic but rather than just remind of something we already know, try to offer/suggest possible solutions. How do you think Malawi and Africa in general can move forward etc.....? I think Malawians lack a sense of urgency. Its only when you come to the western world that you realise that time is money and you cant afford to waste it. But the only drawback is that although fellow countryment back home would be willing to work 24/7, lack of jobs and investments is what is holding us back since the the economy is basically non existent. Honestly speaking, the future for most poor countries (not only in Africa) looks bleak. We are becoming poorer and poorer and its bound to get worse. The final straw will come when the rich and powerful countries come and forcefully colonise us again when they deplete their resources (mainly water). Think its not possible? Watch closely what is happening in the world right now. At the moment its Oil. Soon it will be water. Already Egypt is involved in aggressive diplomacy with Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia over the usage of water from the Nile river. Egypt is saying it has the sole right to use the nile waters and any attempt by the countries which are down the Nile to use the river will be seen as an act of WAR. Watch this space."

At first when I read your comment about scarcity of water I thought you were kidding us. Then I did a little research and I found this article below so I thought some fellow doubters out there should benefit too.

Set against the velvet blackness of outer space, our home planet looks like a “blue marble”—bright, shimmering, and mostly fluid. Indeed, it is the abundance of water on its surface that gives Earth its blue appearance. Water covers approximately 70 percent of our world’s surface. So it would seem that finding water is a trivial task. Yet only 2.5 percent of the Earth’s water is fresh and thus suitable for consumption. Not only that, but of that 2.5 percent, more than two-thirds is locked away in glaciers and not particularly able to help meet the growing demands of society. By far, the most abundant and available source of fresh water is underground water supplies or wellsprings known as aquifers. Therefore, scientists and natural resource managers are very interested in tracking how these underground reservoirs of fresh water are changing with time.

Has · Newbie

Malawi is waiting for us, until we live the riches of the diaspora and go back to rescue the masses of people back home then and only then our country will improve. If not people back home will keep on recycling politicians as waste water.

This will mean getting well organised, only organised people can overthrow the government be it in the voting system or martial plan.

Im am OUT..

Date: Mar 24, 2004

All economies need to be competitive for short and long term growth and survival.The Malawian economy can't withstand outside competition, and even where we are strong, we are not strong enough

Malawi is one of the worlds leading tobacco exporters (especially now that Zimbabwe is out of the picture). Even so, the future of our most important export doesn't look to good. The anti smoking lobbyists have gain considerable ground over the years and look set to make more progress in the near future (try smoking in an NY club and you'll get my point. In the UK, tobaccco advertisements in newspapers were banned last year). Most will agree with me that our prime source of income is vanishing and it's more a quetion of when than if.

When those times come, what are we going to do? In real terms, the other malawian revenue sources (tourism, etc) cannot sustain the economy without the extra tobacco export revenue and "aid" we recieve from foriegn goverments at the moment. The way the economy is run has to change whether we like it or not.

We do not have enough institutions for higher learning, and the few we do are pityful; running a courses irrelevant to the 21st century and inadequatly funded with very low student intakes sourced from a basic education system that is even more pityful.

Unfortunately for us, it is the graduates and school leavers we educate that we depend on, today and tommorrow to take us forward.

How will we ever be able to compete with the rest of the world?

PS: I'm one of them. Views and comments welcome

Hot_ChocT · Newbie

quote:
Originally posted by:
"All economies need to be competitive for short and long term growth and survival....................

Absolutely true. A country needs to be competive or have a comparative advantage in order to compete in the world economy. As for Malawi, it's so sad to say that relying on tobacco is not the answer. Agriculture in general is not something that can necessarily make a country compete. One has to have some kind of industry...what are the resources besides Agriculture that malawi has? about 80% of Malawis's GDP comes from agriculture. And the sad thing is other rich nations have very protective walls when it comes to agriculture. Meaning Malawi or other countries relying on agriculture can not trade with these nations Ya feel me? They are protecting their domestic farmers! and ofcourse someone has to be at the bottom for such nations to survive(capitalism)!! Look at Japan, in order for someone to even bring rice into Japan they have to pay high tariffs! I mean this is like 400% or so and in the U.S you have other barriers besides tariffs! They are not opening up trade especially in the Agriculture sector! The other disadvantage of Malawi is it's land locked....(I can't lose hope yet...) What to do? what to do? The adult literacy level is 41%, That's way too low, the GDP per capita has declined -0.7! it's supposed to be positive and growing at hight rates! we are going backwards...life expectancy at birth is 39!!!! that's extremely young..and not to mention HIV/AIDS! We have to work together to figure some kind of solution! We can not wait for somone else to lift us up from this disastrous pitiful ditch except ourselves!

IF YA'LL CARE...PLEASE HELP OUT! IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN!

MISS THANG · Senior Member

I agree wit y'all but from the experience i've had here in the UK, Malawians r selfish sons of bitches. They only care about themselves. Why can't we be like other people? We all know that there is a huge problem back home but it's as if we don't give a **** as long as we r no longer livin there. That is wrong people!

But then again who is going to lead our people? People say all these things but as soon as they r in power they change. They don't care about anyone else as long they get rich or die tryin. I admire u guys in the States. It seems as if u've got ur heads screwed on properly but not here. if anyone disagrees then say something. But i'm sure most people here in the UK WILL AGREE with me. Let's get malawi back on track people. Let's show the Muluzi's of this world how it's done.

I mean let's hold charity events and send the money back home. But don't send it to the government, send it to a UN mission in Malawi. If anyone agrees wit dis then let's discuss it further and DO IT.

Peace!

2 Words · Veteran Member

quote:
Originally posted by:
"I agree wit y'all but from the experience i've had here in the UK, Malawians r selfish sons of bitches. They only care about themselves. Why can't we be like other people? We all know that there is a huge problem back home but it's as if we don't give a **** as long as we r no longer livin there. That is wrong people! But then again who is going to lead our people? People say all these things but as soon as they r in power they change. They don't care about anyone else as long they get rich or die tryin. I admire u guys in the States. It seems as if u've got ur heads screwed on properly but not here. if anyone disagrees then say something. But i'm sure most people here in the UK WILL AGREE with me. Let's get malawi back on track people. Let's show the Muluzi's of this world how it's done. I mean let's hold charity events and send the money back home. But don't send it to the government, send it to a UN mission in Malawi. If anyone agrees wit dis then let's discuss it further and DO IT. Peace!"

couldn't have said it any better!!!

Hot_ChocT · Newbie

quote:
Originally posted by:
"I agree wit y'all but from the experience i've had here in the UK, Malawians r selfish sons of bitches. They only care about themselves.......

I know what you are sayin'! I feel Ya! I mean how can you choose business men to rule a nation? But then, all the other people trying to gain power are probably as selfish. It's quite a shame. People run away from malawi and forget about the country that raised them to be where they are. Soon enough Malawi will be dead and gone...look at how things are going now. Right now you mean to tell me rich ass people in Malawi can't start charities. I mean just a little charity donating something..no matter how little! Quite honestly selfishness is in part to blame for some of the problems that Africa faces. If only more people were not so SELFISH and thought about others. Just because you have more than enough on your table does not mean someone else is not starving! SHARE! I hope people can start realizing the magnitude of this problem! I personally want to be proud of where I came from! I want people to know Mother Malawi in part contributed to shape who I am today.I owe it to her in this time of trouble to help out in whatever ways possible. So IF YOU CARE..SHOW IT! START DONATING! Of course not to the government rather, start your own Charity...whether it's book donation, food donation, .....etc DO WHAT YOU CAN! HELP OUT OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY!!

Mbili_Ku_Njanji · Member

Excuse me Ladies and Gentlemen!

You guys are a bunch of barking dogs that do not bite. Yes! I mean chicken ****, too. You guys are busy building castles in the air! All talk and no action is not going to get you anywhere, as a matter of fact, that is why Malawi is in the situation she is right now. If you guys have figured her out, do something instead of waiting on others.Tell us what you have done for the people and then others will follow suit. Give people information on established organizations that are helping people ie World Vision, Save the Children fund, Banja la (mtsogolo) etc. Give people a list of telephone numbers or websites so people can read about them, whats next is up to an individual. I will tell you one thing though. If you donate something to an organization, you can claim it on your taxes. I know I do. Do not just agree with each other and think you care about your country. Yes! I mean you too!

Thank You!

Zuze Chilombo Chapamudzi!

Has · Newbie

"A Malawi mukuyimba iyi ndi matipati imapana mudzalira. Kamuzu 19.... "

It will take courageous people to rescue the country Malawi. At the moment I do not think hand outs and donations will solve the problem Malawi is facing at the moment.

What I see back home, the main problem is governance and no one will come from another country to govern us. This is our own responsibility which needs organised people to lead this country. In a multipary democrancy only a aparty which is voted into power can lead the country.

How many of us are ready to join forces to form a party of young blood which can contest in the 2009 elections. All the resources which can be predged should go towards supporting this party to contest the elections.

Until we get organised only then can we solve the problem of Malawi.

Enough for today.

Tutu · Member

We may think, talk, suggest, comment or even cry about the deteriorating situation back home but nothing is going to change. Unless of course strict laws are put in place and there is enough corrupt free judiciary and law enforcers then and only then can there be any hope of seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Take an example of this country (USA), I believe its success story is built mainly on its strict laws and mainly patriotic population.

For a start Malawi should introduce tough punishment corruption laws.........punish those who break the law........and maybe we will learn and respect the law.

mamacita · Member

The problems in Malawi have nothing to do with politics, and neither does politics have anything to do with improving Malawi's situation. Any development and sustainable change will have to come from people's change of behavior and attitudes. Any change happening will have to come from the Malawi people wanting that change so badly that they make those baby steps. It doesn't matter how much talking we do -- rather, what are we doing about it. I should think that people have already done enough research as regards what needs to happen in MW for things to change. The next step would be to do something for sustainable change.

So instead of just letting out steam, rather pick up the phone and DO SOMETHING. Change will have to start with you! Isn't there a quote by some great thinker that says something to the effect of the worst that could happen is when good men/women do nothing. So, if your problem is with MW's economics, call someone in the govt and start things rolling. If it's the poverty situation, start calling non-profit organizations and collect food, clothing, etc. If it is education, donate money towards teacher pay, curriculum development, etc. Malawi's situation has been discussed enough. What is needed is ACTION.

Just my two cents -- Kudos

Has · Newbie

"Any development and sustainable change will have to come from people's change of behavior and attitudes."

I can Hear you loud and clear.

Hot_ChocT · Newbie

quote:
Originally posted by:
"The problems in Malawi have nothing to do with politics, and neither does politics have anything to do with improving Malawi's situation. Any development and sustainable change will have to come from people's change of behavior and attitudes. Any change happening will have to come from the Malawi people wanting that change so badly that they make those baby steps. It doesn't matter how much talking we do -- rather, what are we doing about it. I should think that people have already done enough research as regards what needs to happen in MW for things to change. The next step would be to do something for sustainable change.
So instead of just letting out steam, rather pick up the phone and DO SOMETHING. Change will have to

I agree with you, As I said earlier nobody will bring US out the deteorating ditch except Ourselves (Malawian's) I am not just letting steam out...trust me..I am doing something for my Country. What i am studying in school right now (as of this moment) is pertaining to rescue Malawi/Africa in general. I know that with what I am learning and doing...I will make a difference. Not only do I help out non profit organizations, I am also into empowering women in Malawi. Ya heard...I AM MAKING A DIFFERENCE.....WHAT MORE CAN I DO FOR THE FUTURE??..IMAGINE..
The problems in Malawi have to do with POLITICS...who gets what? and Economics..the allocation of resources...with these two combined...they are contributing factors...so are some peoples attitudes and behaviors!!

mamacita · Member

They say that some of the best ideas from people come forth when they are studying for something...but unfortunately, once they are done with school and join the real work force, somehow those ideas seem to have jumped right out of school with them.

Certainly let me commend Ms. ChocT (I hope I got your name right for studying towards something that will make a difference in Malawi. What that tells me is that you have some idea of what you want to do with your life. Very commendable indeed. I am all for education, regardless of one's station in life. As it is, Africa needs more diversely educated individuals. But the point I was making pertained towards the fact that Malawi can not afford to wait for people to finish school. Something needs to be done now. You seem to have great ideas, and I bet you every now and then you come up with some visions of what you would want done. May I be so presumptuous as to suggest that instead of waiting up until you graduate (because as a student you must be networking and meeting people), start the ball rolling. Get in touch with some people who can help you set up an organization...etc...whatever it is your heart wants to be involved in. You will be surprised how much power you have even as a student. I just think that we waste too much time discussing what needs to be done instead of just going ahead and doing it.

As for politics and change, it is exactly that: politics! In other words, it is all a bunch of lies geared towards attaining someone's goals of being elected into political office. It does not matter what party, what individual, what background. Anyone willing enough to look at African and especially Malawian politics objectively will admit that we are a VERY long ways away from politics making and standing for positive social changes. It has basically become a powerplay with your African male (and some females) wanting his ego stroked (no offense whatsoever to my African brothers here:) But I would not bet my bottom dollar on politics making a difference whatsoever. I certainly hope that a leader will one day come along and change my mind on this, but I am not holding my breath. As stated earlier, change lies with the people, with the realization that things are not right and that something needs to be done. Has Malawi reached that point? I certainly do not think so. We are still very satisfied with the status quo, we still have the attitude "things have always been this way". As for the poverty and AIDS, we still do not talk about AIDS openly and we act like Lilongwe Depot is not nasty during the rainy season. "It's always this muddy and wet, and nasty and for the last 10+ years has had that open sewer water passing through". When those who frequent Lilongwe Depot finally get fed up and demand very loudly, (without being affected by political bribes) that it is an extremely unhealthy environment and needs for the government or City Council to do something...when that day happens, then YES! we would have reached a point when Malawi will be willing to change! That said...let me disappear and try to follow my own thoughts about action and mumbo jumbo.

Just my two cents---kudos

Has · Newbie

Mamacita,

Good points but the font, save our eyes I had a problem to read but I still continued because of the sense in your writting.

Once again the forum is talking.

OUT.....

Hot_ChocT · Newbie

quote:

Originally posted by:
"They say that some of the best ideas from people come forth when they are studying for something...but unfortunately, once they are done with school and join the real work force, somehow those ideas seem to have jumped right out of school with them.....

Fortunately I am not one those people who will finish school and forget about my ideas without somehow implementing them....I am here for a reason. I believe that reason is for me to make a difference (big or small) in somebodys life. (with that said...) I am obviously studying because I know what I want in life(as you mentioned) I am concerned about the well being of other people with unheard voices.(It's just in some of us..) I look around me and all I see is poverty, disease and hunger amongst Africans. As I said, to me this makes me feel horrible,shame,anger and desperation! I know most people do not choose to be born in poverty..and that's one the reason's I feel the need to help out. Look at the poor children lurking the streets of Malawi. Look at how many children die from lack of resources?? Look at how many people are running away from Africa. They leave and never go back! ( I don't blame anyone especially with the problems facing Africa) But, If there is anything on can do..I believe it's to some how help...(which I believe most of us here are doing) All the hopes are fading. As I state in my earlier posts, Politics(who gets what) have alot to do with the situations back home. look at the difference of the poor and the rich. When you are well off...you are well off..and when you have nothing...you have nothing...You have parties that are so corrupt (I don't even know where to start) and when they get in power things just keep getting worse. You need people who have HEARTS..(LITERALLY) .(who care for the well being of their people) because they will be genuinely concerned about the problems facing the majority of the people. What we have are people only looking out for the few...How are you going to spend money on something extravagant as condos' in other countries when you know that, that money is needed in your country. Most of these African leaders disgust me! Always relying on others to LEND them money. And they use that money to better themselves...like raising how much president and his ministers get!!! How can you do that when you are one of the poorest countries in the world? What about these foreign based programs...(I do believe some are making a difference) while others.. are just conducting studies... How about the IMF plan that is supposedly going to change things? How long has the IMF been in Malawi to know the wants and needs of that country?? A representative comes in from some country for 2-7 days to "assess" the situation and comes up with a plan....MORE LENDING...and pay back with high interest..in DOLLARS.. Everytime you LEND..CONDITIONS COME ALONG WITH the lending, like to cut social spending on HIV/AIDS programs..etc, We already know that to change kwacha to dollars you lose! so imagine poor Malawi changing it's kwacha to repay in dollars plus interest..(...anyways...) I believe we Malawians should call for a revolution. Striking/burning things won't do ****! Rather as Mamacita said...people should want the change so much.. that they would do almost anything to get their way! the bus depot that you mentioned in Lilongwe...I mean..SHOULD THAT NOT BE A PRIORITY?? CONSIDERING there are alot of health hazards and makes the capital city look like ****! Look at how many people are getting attacked everyday by poor kids who are supposed to be in school! (they want something to eat too!) house robberies...what not..I'ts really time for a change. we have to be determined to help...no matter how little..we should be willing.we should not wait for some miracle to come and help, I realize that, that's just a dream! We have to do it ourselves. No leader is going to do it for us(as we have witnessed since the day Malawi received independence in '64) Things have gotten worse!