Govt mum on Malawi’s independence celebration costs

On Thursday July 6, Malawians across the country are to celebrate 53 years of self-rule but government is mum on the costs of the celebrations.

Chairperson of the celebration committee who is also minister of trade and industry Joseph Mwanamvekha said he is yet to get a report on expenditure.

Speaking to members of the press in the Lilongwe on Monday, Mwanamvekha said government has worked on reducing the costs for the celebrations.

“As of now we are working on the figures and authorities are to give a report later. We have not invited any team or group from outside Malawi, this is to ensure that costs are reduced,” said Mwanamvekha.

The Independent Day celebrations will be commemorated with prayers at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) and later a football match between Silver Strikers and Nyasa Big Bullets.

Before its independence, Malawi was under British control and known first as British Central Africa and later Nyasaland.

It then became part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Malawi achieved full independence, as Malawi in 1964. After independence, Malawi was ruled as a one-party state under Hastings Banda until 1994.