By Burnett Munthali
Umunthu for Sustainable Empowerment has strongly condemned the persecution of elderly people in Malawi who are unjustly blamed for poor rainfall during the rainy season. The organization has called on all Malawians to stop attributing weather patterns to the actions of elders, particularly in areas where they are accused of causing droughts or preventing rainfall through witchcraft.
Speaking to Times Malawi 360, the Executive Director of Umunthu for Sustainable Empowerment, Prince David Mattaka, expressed deep concern over the recurring mistreatment of elderly individuals who are blamed for natural weather phenomena they cannot control. Mattaka clarified that rainfall is influenced by natural environmental factors such as temperature, weather conditions, and, in some cases, divine will, rather than the actions of human beings.
“It is disheartening to see our elders, who should be revered and respected for their wisdom, being persecuted over something as natural as rainfall. The patterns of rainfall are governed by complex environmental processes, and it is not something that can be manipulated by humans. Instead of blaming our elders, we need to focus on protecting our environment,” Mattaka said.
The organization called for a shift in focus, urging Malawians to protect the environment through sustainable practices to combat the broader issue of climate change, which significantly affects rainfall patterns and weather conditions. Mattaka emphasized that climate change is causing unpredictable and often erratic weather, including changes in the distribution and timing of rainfall, which can lead to severe droughts or flooding.
“Let’s love and respect our elders. Instead of attributing poor rainfall to witchcraft, we should focus on promoting environmental stewardship to mitigate the effects of climate change. Educating people about the real causes of weather patterns can help prevent the unjust persecution of our elderly citizens,” he urged.
Umunthu for Sustainable Empowerment advocates for the adoption of sustainable farming methods, conservation efforts, and community education to address environmental challenges and improve the resilience of communities to changing weather patterns. The organization also calls for the establishment of stronger legal protections for the elderly, ensuring that they are not blamed or harmed due to superstitions or misunderstandings.
As climate change continues to affect Malawi and other parts of the world, Mattaka stressed the importance of collective action to safeguard the environment for future generations. He urged citizens, government agencies, and environmental organizations to work together in addressing the root causes of climate change, which will help ensure a more stable and sustainable future for both the environment and the elderly.
Umunthu for Sustainable Empowerment’s message is clear: it’s time to protect the elderly, embrace science, and work together to fight climate change for the well-being of all Malawians.
