By Vincent Gunde
Political activist Bon Kalindo has once again spoken out on issues affecting Malawians, reaffirming that freedom of speech is a fundamental right for every citizen. He said he is not afraid to speak the truth, even when it involves institutions like the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) or the Malawi Police Service (MPS).
Kalindo emphasized that his criticisms of soldiers and police officers are intended to help, not harm them. However, he expressed concern that some MDF soldiers are reportedly hunting for him for undisclosed reasons—a move he says will not silence him.
He assured those seeking to arrest him that he is not intimidated. Having previously been arrested by police and transported in police Land Cruisers, Kalindo said it would now be an “honour” to be arrested by soldiers.
Speaking through an audio clip, Kalindo urged the soldiers not to waste taxpayers’ money chasing him. Instead, he invited them to simply call him on 0993650005, stating that he is ready to surrender voluntarily. He reminded them that Malawi is a democratic state that upholds the right to free expression.
In the same audio message, Kalindo voiced deep concern for Malawian truck drivers working for AC Trucking who are reportedly stranded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to him, the drivers have gone three weeks without food, water, or valid visas.
Kalindo described it as “worrisome” that the drivers were only given K40,000 as travel allowance for such a long trip and were expected to wait indefinitely without loading goods before returning to Malawi.
He called on the Minister of Labour to intervene immediately and urged AC Trucking to treat its workers with dignity. He suggested that if the company cannot improve the drivers’ welfare, it would be better to fire them and let them come home.
“Spending three weeks in a foreign country on just K40,000—how is that support for employees who bring in billions of Kwacha for companies?” Kalindo asked.
Kalindo also turned his attention to the Ministry of Education, highlighting the plight of IPTE 12 teachers in Blantyre who were employed in 2019 but have not been paid their November and December salaries up to 2025, even though their counterparts in other districts have been paid.
He condemned the victimization of teachers in Blantyre Urban, who were told that the delays are due to pending audits. Kalindo accused officials of stealing millions meant for teachers’ salaries and stressed that no country can develop while ignoring the welfare of educators.
“Teachers are suffering. This is injustice. Teachers are the backbone of any nation’s development,” he said.
Kalindo also blasted the high levels of corruption in Malawi, saying it has reached the core of government and society. He called it “stupidity of the highest order” that some people in positions of power continue to punish fellow citizens with such cruelty.
Turning to private education institutions, Kalindo exposed serious concerns at Lilongwe Private School. He alleged that management pressures teachers to pass students, even those who are clearly not performing, simply to maintain a good public image.
He further criticized the school’s practice of forcing cleaners to sit inside student toilets as supervisors, a move he described as degrading and inappropriate.
Kalindo also raised the issue of foreign nationals employed as teachers at the school, particularly some Indians who are not professionally trained in education, yet are being paid higher salaries than qualified Malawian teachers.
While acknowledging the secondary school headteacher at Lilongwe Private School for being professional and respectful to staff, Kalindo accused the primary school headteacher of mistreating teachers in humiliating and extreme ways.
Finally, Kalindo distanced himself from a misleading viral story that names him among Malawi’s top 20 celebrities, falsely claiming he has built a lavish house at the foot of Mulanje Mountain.
He denied owning any such house, thanking those who circulated random photos from Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. while falsely associating them with him. He declared, “I am the President of the poor people in Malawi,” reinforcing his grassroots identity.
