As Malawi prepares to mark 61 years of independence on Sunday, July 6, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has called for heightened safety and vigilance during national celebrations scheduled to take place at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Speaking to the media, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwira urged parents and guardians to accompany children to the event, referencing the tragic 2017 stampede that claimed several lives.
“We don’t want a repeat of the 2017 stampede that killed children,” Kabwira said. “Let’s ensure children are supervised. Gates will open on time to avoid congestion and ensure everyone’s safety.”
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “Restoring Broken Foundations: Taking Malawi Forward.” Kabwira described the theme as a powerful symbol of national renewal and progress under President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration.
She emphasized the importance of using the occasion to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and to recommit to Malawi’s founding values. Kabwira also underscored MCP’s historical legacy, noting that the current government continues the development vision initiated by the party’s founding leader, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
“Kamuzu Banda left us with a party, and that party is now leading with a clear vision to care for Malawians,” she said.
Kabwira highlighted recent achievements in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and governance. She cited the government’s efforts to combat academic fraud, the recruitment of healthcare workers, and the promotion of teachers as signs of tangible progress.
She also praised President Chakwera’s leadership during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, and pointed to the resumption of stalled infrastructure projects—such as Kamuzu International Airport upgrades and the Lakeshore Road—as evidence of renewed momentum after what she described as years of neglect under the previous administration.
Looking ahead to the upcoming September 16 elections, Kabwira expressed confidence in the MCP’s chances, saying voters would base their decisions on the government’s performance rather than fear or political pressure.
This year’s Independence Day celebration will also feature Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko as the Guest of Honour, along with a friendly football match between Malawi and Botswana to cap the day’s festivities.
