By Vincent Gunde
A youth Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)-Youth Alive Mchinji has proposed that government should consider consolidating certain holidays to reduce their economic impact expressing its concern with the number of public holidays currently observed in Malawi.
The Youth Alive Mchinji says while preserving public holidays significance, Reverend John Chilembwe Day (15TH January) and Martyrs’ Day (3rd March) could be merged into a single day of commemoration as both recognize sacrifices made for Malawi’s freedom.
The organization says Kamuzu Day (14th May) could be retired as honoring individual leaders through public holidays is unsustainable observing that in the future, it will demand the recognition of figures such as Dr. Bakili Muluzi for introducing democracy in Malawi in 1994 or the late Dr. Saulosi Chilima who tragically passed away in the Chikangawa plane crash.
In a statement dated 15th January, 2025 signed by its Executive Director Luciano Milala, the Youth Alive Mchinji says while they appreciate the government’s efforts to honor the country’s heritage and national heroes, they believe that the current approach of designating 14 public holidays is unsustainable for a nation striving to overcome significance economic challenges.
The Youth Alive Mchinji has observed that every public holiday leads to nationwide halt in productivity, affecting businesses, government services and other sectors saying there are cumulative effects of these disruptions particularly for an economy that relies heavily on continuous labor and productivity to sustain growth.
The organization says while it is essential to remember and honor the country’s national heroes, alternative approaches can be explored saying National commemorations, education campaign, and media programmes can achieve the same purpose without halting economic activities.
It says South Africa and China provide lessons on how a balance between cultural preservation and economic productivity can foster sustainable growth saying Malawi must adopt similar strategies to ensure the country’s public holidays calendar reflects the economic priorities of a developing nation.
“Youth Alive Mchinji remains committed to engaging further on this matter and supporting initiatives that align with Malawi’s aspirations for economic advancement while preserving our national identity, together, we can build a stronger and more productive Malawi,” reads part of the statement.
