By Suleman Chitera,
UTM Party advisor Patricia Kaliati has sparked debate over the meaning of Malawi’s independence, questioning whether the kind of freedom being celebrated today is truly meaningful for ordinary citizens.
Speaking at Matiya in Zomba District, Kaliati criticized what she described as a humiliating trend where citizens are made to queue at the President’s residence just to receive small handouts.
“Is the kind of freedom where we’re told to line up at the President’s house to be given ‘K50’ really freedom?” she asked, drawing murmurs of agreement from the gathered crowd.
Kaliati argued that true independence must be grounded in self-reliance and dignity, not dependency and political patronage.
She said freedom should mean having the capacity to provide for oneself — harvesting food from one’s own field and being able to eat in the morning, afternoon, and evening without relying on state favors.
Her remarks highlighted the growing frustration among Malawians who feel that 61 years after independence, the promises of prosperity and self-sufficiency remain unfulfilled.
Kaliati used the platform to endorse economist and aspiring presidential candidate Dalitso Kabambe, urging Malawians to consider him as the right leader to bring about economic transformation.
She emphasized that with Kabambe’s leadership, Malawi could move away from donor dependence and small-scale handouts to a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
According to Kaliati, only when the economy is fixed and people can earn a living with dignity will the concept of freedom become truly genuine.
Her comments add to the growing chorus of voices demanding economic empowerment, accountability, and real change ahead of the 2025 general elections.
