MORNING THOUGHTS
by John Kachere

Let me start by emphatically putting it that I have deliberately refrained myself from commenting on this hot issue of federalism. Not because I am not patriotic, but because I feel the issue has been too politicized by the mighty and rich of our society so much that a proletariat like me has very little say in the matter.

Loosely put, federalism is a system of of government in which the same territory is governed by two levels of government. Generally, the central government looks after matters that affect the entire country and the provincial states look after matters that affect their respective states. From this definition, it is therefore crystal clear that federalism is not about 'breaking away' from the system as some quarters have put it. It is among other things about creating a system that de-concentrates

the powers of the office of the president which are currently too much and harmonizing the interests of Malawians across the country as they will have a chance to make laws and choose developments that are in tandem with their culture and beliefs. For instance, the Yao tribe can make laws which will ensure that their academic calender runs in such a way that it does not interfere with jando.

As a system, federalism is a tool of making sure that there are few marked inequalities in the society. It seeks to advance the notion of giving people the power to decide and work towards their own destiny. The system would also eliminate the 'political cancer' that we are currently suffering from of 'jumping in bed' with the ruling party as the elections would be healthy contested by virtue of having grassroots at a provincial level (Bindula). It is therefore on this note that it can be argued that the call for federalism is a justifiable cause and must be debated in peace and all sides must reach a consensus without breaking the peace which our forefathers fought and died for.

I am however, not very comfortable with the group of chaps that are calling for the federation of Malawi just as I am not comfortable with the reasons they are digging out. As a bonafide Tonga from Nkhata-Bay, I find it very interesting when the 'leaders' from the north argue that there are marked inequalities in the development of this country. By this do they mean the facilities like airports, universities and hospitals? A quick look around these facilities will reveal that there are far more northeners working in these facilities than any other group of people. I also fear if northerners themselves share the views of the likes of Harry Mkandawire and Rev Ngwira. I say this because last time they were in power, such an issue did not arise. I have every reason to believe that this is due to pure malice and hunger for power. I doubt these folks are speaking for people in the north.

Another crucial fact which we should embrace as a nation is that currently we are failing to run a unitary system which has less people on the government payroll. What makes us submerge ourselves in the waters of mediocrity by believing that we can run a federal government which is far more expensive and cumbersome to run? It is a question that as Malawians, we must ask ourselves. It is indeed true that certain tribes enjoy a level of superiority over the others, but I do not think thus a good reason to advocate for federalism. Such problems can easily be solved on a national level through contact and dialogue. I recall a certain time during the Bingu era when there were four cabinet ministers from Nkhatabay alone ( Prof Etta Banda, Vuwa Kaunda, Prof David Mphande and Mganda Chiume). Now this according to my memory has not happened before, however no Southerner complained about it. There was also a time in 2008 when more than 50% of those selected to University of Malawi were northeners. Again nobody complained.

The issue in my opinion is not necessarily about inequalities, it is about interests a rich minority who are aimed at confusing Malawians into accepting a system that will bring far too many problems than solutions. Regionalism and tribalism will always reign as long as we do not take ourselves as Malawians first before any other title. I therefore pray that this matter shall be resolved amicably and that our leaders put the interests of Malawians which are without doubt peace and stability first. I hereby rest my case.