By Isaac Salima:
The government has said that it expects this year’s John Chilembwe Day commemorations to be free from political interference.
The day is observed on January 15 each year, when the revered missionary John Chilembwe is celebrated for his fight against colonialism.
Speaking during a site meeting at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu, Principal Secretary responsible for national unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Elizabeth Chindebvu, said they had engaged with various stakeholders, including politicians, to emphasise the importance of advancing unity and ensuring that such events remain apolitical.
“This day reminds us that the freedom we enjoy today was fought for by others and we must honour this by always advancing unity. This is a national event, and every Malawian is welcome. Let peace reign, not politics,” Chindebvu said.
PIM president Reverend Wilson Mitambo urged people to attend the event regardless of their political affiliations.
“We are going through various hardships, and therefore, there is a need to come together and look to God. We urge all Malawians to attend the event, setting aside politics and ask God to address our challenges,” Mitambo said.
Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy, Boniface Chibwana, said that all concerned parties should come together during such occasions, as these events serve as a unifying factor.
This year’s event will be held under the theme: ‘Come to me and I will give you rest.’
During last year’s event, politics played a prominent role, as government officials and opposition members competed to outshine each other with their monetary contributions to the event.
President Lazarus Chakwera will preside over this year’s event.
Chilembwe is celebrated for his courage and leadership in the fight against British colonial oppression.
He became a symbol of resistance, leading the Chilembwe Uprising in 1915, which, although unsuccessful, sparked what is still regarded as a sense of national pride and is said to have awakened the spirit of independence among Malawians.
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