His Grace, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa has warned that Malawi will remain underdeveloped unless its leaders embrace an ideology that seeks to transform the country despite the many challenges Malawians are currently facing.
The remarks were made on Sunday, 05th July, 2015 during a national service of worship that was held at Comesa Hall in Blantyre ahead of independence celebrations on 6th July, 2015 to mark the country’s 51 years of independence.
In his sermon, Archbishop Msusa who is also the Chairperson for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) questioned the integrity of local leaders from both government and the opposition sides.
He said the conduct of some leaders has led to the economic underperformance of the country as they in most cases indulge in corruption.
The Archbishop also wondered why leaders appoint many advisers to help them in various affairs of the state.
According to His Grace Msusa, some of the advisers make the leaders fail.
He said: “Sometimes the advisers that we appoint (contribute) to the downfall of our leadership. We need to be clear on why we need some of these advisers.
“On this point I want to emphasise that I am not specific on one leader but all of us leaders either in the church, civil society organisations, and politics. As we are now, Malawi needs leaders who are transformative if (the country) is to enjoy economic growth.”
The national service of worship was organized by all faith communities in the country, including Christians, Muslims and other faiths.
Apart from President Peter Mutharika, other notable faces at the prayers included his vice, Saulos Chilima, Cabinet Ministers, members of diplomatic community, parliamentarians, Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya and members of the clergy.
And during his speech at Kamuzu Stadium during activities to mark the Independence Day celebrations, President Mutharika said his government will promote three pillars of progress to deal with unpatriotic traits, corruption and laziness among some Malawians.
Mutharika said the government will use the three pillars which include patriotism, integrity and hard work to support the public service reforms and national development.
Zambian President Edgar Lungu, Kenya Vice-President William Ruto and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chisano were some of the foreign dignitaries that attended the celebrations.