By Burnett Munthali
In a thought-provoking Facebook post, renowned lawyer Alexius Kamangila recently shared his reflections on justice, self-interest, and society’s reluctance to fight for others. Kamangila’s words resonate deeply in a world where personal survival often takes precedence over standing up for fairness and the rights of others.
“Justice is not a theoretical concept, it’s practical,” Kamangila asserts. He goes on to highlight a troubling reality — while everyone desires justice for themselves, few are willing to put in the effort to achieve it. Even fewer, he notes, are willing to extend that fight to ensure justice for others. His observation that many people are focused on their own lives without concern for the struggles of others captures the growing individualism in today’s society.
“Apopo aliyense angofuna apange zake, and go on with their lives,” Kamangila writes, blending both English and Chichewa to reflect the mindset of those who prioritize their own well-being. In this case, he refers to the indifferent attitude of individuals who, after securing their personal goals, no longer concern themselves with the pain and suffering of others — even when that pain affects someone close to them.
Kamangila’s post includes a sharp critique of the dynamics between spouses, as he jests about the plight of a ‘loving’ wife. His mention of “Mamuna waine,” which translates to “my husband,” adds a layer of social commentary about the ways in which even in intimate relationships, the pursuit of justice can be overshadowed by selfishness and disregard for others’ emotions.
This reflection by Kamangila offers a broader
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
