Kasunda Invokes Chilembwe Legacy, Calls for Just and Self-Reliant Malawi Ahead of 2030

A 2030 presidential aspirant, Jani Grey Kasunda, says that remembering and honoring the life and work of Reverend John Chilembwe should not be a mere ceremonial exercise, but a moment for Malawians to reflect deeply on themselves asking whether they are truly free as citizens and whether the government is genuinely fulfilling its responsibilities.

Kasunda says Reverend Chilembwe was not only a man who understood and spoke out against the injustices of colonialism and the oppressive Thangata system that forced people into exploitative labor; he was also a man of decisive action. He was driven by a strong belief that Malawians deserved dignity, justice, equal opportunity, and self-reliance as people of an independent nation.

“Today we must ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions: how free are we really from dependence on others? How far have we moved away from the mindset that poverty is our unavoidable destiny? Do our politics promote merit, hard work, and national unity, or do they continue to elevate tribe, patronage, and party loyalty above service to the people?” he asked.

Kasunda added that Malawians expect much more from their leaders: sustainable jobs for the youth, quality and accessible education, reliable healthcare, modern agriculture that truly benefits the small-scale farmer, and protection of life and property. In addition, citizens want a government that listens to their voices, fights corruption without favoritism, and manages national resources responsibly so that the benefits reach everyone, not just a privileged few.

“Today, the legacy of John Chilembwe calls on us not to remain passive observers. Although our challenges are different from those of 1915, we still face hunger, unemployment, rising prices of basic goods, insecurity, and a political system that often neglects the ordinary citizen. These challenges demand leaders with vision, integrity, and a genuine spirit of service,” Kasunda said.

He went on to say that the true way to honor Reverend John Chilembwe is to continue his struggle in modern form by demanding leadership that prioritizes the well-being of all people, respects the dignity of citizens, and works to rebuild the nation’s future without discrimination.

“As Malawi looks toward 2030 and beyond, I call upon Malawians to look to me, Jani Grey Kasunda, to reject failed traditions and systems, confront corruption and poverty, and work together to build a new Malawi, one that is just, self-reliant, and rich in values, economic opportunity, and human dignity just as Reverend John Chilembwe envisioned,” he concluded.