JB should maintain the momentum, Malawi's best week

We suddenly have reasons to smile. As Journalists this week was significant as Section 46 was completely removed from the Country's penal code. People can invest in Newspaper business and no fear of being closed down.
The Presidency also did make a bold statement on the arrest of BNL Journalist Clement Chinoko it regretted his unlawful detention. It was something rare that made some of us believe perhaps after all, Malawi has changed. Bravo the President and her administration.
Then came the issue of National Flag. Followers of this blog know that I have always called the Independence Flag the true identity of the Malawian people. The return was an emotional moment, one that God has granted us opportunity to witness. The previous administration insulted, threatened and intimidated some of us based on the issue of flag.
The injunctions bill is no more, we hope of normal taxes, the launch of Safe Motherhood Initiative and even the cutting of Presidential Convoy, the simple travel style of Vice President Khumbo Kachali, one can easily forget that fuel this weekend was not available in Lilongwe.
The respect and installation of Paramount Kyungu and very soon hopefully of Inkosi Mzukuzuku, is a sign that the President and her administration want things done differently and in order.
This evening the Telegraph of the United Kingdom reported this and couldnt help to smile all the way: Presidential JET and 60 Mercedes Benz will be sold. I wish she included the Executive Prados that Ministers can use cost effective Camrys and Fortuners which are lot cheaper. Here is what has been reported and JB has made this blogs Friday, Bravo Amayi for such a bold move;

Malawi's new president sells off presidential jet and 60 Mercedes

Joyce Banda, Malawi's new president, has announced the presidential jet and fleet of 60 Mercedes limousines would be sold in a move applauded by a British cabinet minister as an example to other African leaders.

Joyce Banda, Malawi's new president, has announced the £14 million presidential jet and fleet of 60 Mercedes limousines would be sold in a move applauded by a British cabinet minister as an example to other African leaders.
Mrs Banda had sent a signal of her intent and her priorities at a time of financial austerity both in Malawi and Britain Photo: AFP
Mrs Banda said she was happy to "offload" the presidential perks, adding: "I can well use private airlines. I am already used to hitchhiking."
It means that the 62-year-old head of state – the second woman to hold the position in Africa – will fly to the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in London this weekend with British Airways.
Andrew Mitchell, the UK International Development Secretary who is currently visiting Malawi, delivered a £33m cash injection for Mrs Banda's government.
He said the move was a sign of the "seriousness Mrs Banda is applying to overturn bad decisions taken under the previous government".
The former vice-president in Bingu wa Mutharika's government, she stepped into the presidency in April when he suffered a heart attack. The jet had annual running costs of £220,000.

Comments

Gerald said…
I cant help but smile too. God bless JB and grant her wisdom to always make decisions that favour her people and especially the poor! Not too surprising because she has always demonstrated her passion for the underprivileged through among others her scholarship scheme.

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