By Burnett Munthali
Multi-award-winning business journalist Kingsley Jassi has never been one to mince his words. In his latest hard-hitting commentary, Jassi lays bare his frustrations with the Malawian government’s latest decision. He writes:
“A middle finger this is. A great insult to the people. Pomwe chuma cha dziko chawonongeka chifukwa cha ngongole, boma nkuzangokongolanso ndalama zina nkugulira galimoto zanyawani zoperekeza a pule. Ukamatsogolera anthu ambiri osazindikira uthadi kupanga chiri chonse nkumatamandidwa. This hurts hard, for those in the know.”
Jassi’s words resonate deeply with many Malawians who continue to witness worsening economic hardships. His statement cuts straight to the heart of a matter that should be infuriating every citizen of this country. The government has once again shown disregard for the reality most people face.
The latest purchase in question is a Toyota Prado First Edition, a top-of-the-range vehicle priced at MWK 333,450,000 at Toyota Malawi. This model was launched just three weeks ago. When multiplied by four to cater to the luxury fleet for the president’s convoy, it totals an astounding MWK 1,333,800,000 billion. In a country where poverty, unemployment, and inequality are rife, this is a blatant display of financial irresponsibility.
Jassi rightfully characterizes this move as “a middle finger” to the people, particularly at a time when Malawi’s economy is reeling from the burden of debt and inflation. The recent economic trends are alarming, with poverty levels rising. According to the latest World Bank data, 72% of the population was living below the $2.15 international poverty line in 2023, up from 70.1% in 2019. The economic situation is deteriorating, yet the government has chosen to spend millions on luxury cars.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has repeatedly been criticized for failing to control public spending. This latest example only serves to underscore the government’s disregard for fiscal discipline. With Malawi’s economy being propped up by loans, the decision to prioritize such exorbitant purchases over pressing national issues is baffling. Where is the empathy for the average Malawian struggling to put food on the table?
As Jassi points out, it is easy for a leader to bask in the glory of the uninformed masses, unaware of the gravity of the economic situation. But for those who understand, this is painful. This is not the time to indulge in luxury while citizens suffer. Malawi’s public debt continues to skyrocket, and it is the ordinary people who bear the brunt of this irresponsibility.
Poverty continues to be a thorn in the side of Malawi’s development. In 2023, Malawi’s unemployment rate improved marginally, from 6.8% in 2022 to 6.7%. However, this minor improvement is hardly reflective of the economic realities faced by millions of Malawians. In rural areas especially, people are living in dire conditions with minimal access to basic services.
Corruption is another factor that is compounding these economic challenges. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index scored Malawi at 34 out of 100, where 0 represents “highly corrupt” and 100 is “very clean.” Malawi ranked 115th out of 180 countries, indicating widespread public sector corruption. This, combined with fiscal mismanagement, further drains public resources, deepening poverty and inequality.
Advice to President Chakwera and his government
Mr. President, the nation is watching, and it is clear that your government must urgently address this lack of fiscal discipline. While luxury vehicles and other symbols of status may serve to bolster your image on the international stage, they do little to address the economic reality faced by ordinary Malawians. Here are a few steps you and your administration can take to address the growing frustrations:
The first step is to curtail unnecessary expenditure, especially on non-essential luxury items such as high-end vehicles. Focus instead on investing in infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare programs that directly benefit the people.
Secondly, with unemployment levels still high, it is essential to invest in industries and sectors that have the potential to create jobs, particularly for the youth and technical college graduates. There should be more government initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and skills development.
Thirdly, the fight against corruption needs to be taken more seriously. Strengthening institutions that monitor public finances and ensuring accountability will help curb the misuse of funds. Transparency in government expenditure, particularly in high-profile purchases, should be a priority.
Fourthly, address the national debt issue by adopting policies that encourage fiscal responsibility and reduce reliance on external loans. Redirect resources towards boosting local industries and improving Malawi’s agricultural productivity, which is the backbone of the economy.
Fifthly, the government should take deliberate actions to reduce poverty and inequality. This can be done through targeted social programs that provide safety nets for the most vulnerable, and by ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach all citizens, not just a privileged few.
Conclusion
The purchase of luxury vehicles for government officials in the face of an economic crisis is an insult to the people of Malawi. As Jassi eloquently puts it, this is a “middle finger” to the nation. While the administration may see this as a status symbol, it serves as a reminder to Malawians of the disconnect between the government and the struggles of its people.
Now, more than ever, the government must demonstrate empathy, responsibility, and transparency in how it handles public resources. Failure to do so will only deepen the already stark divisions between the rulers and the ruled. The people deserve better, and it’s time President Chakwera and his administration deliver on their promises.
