BACK TO MY ROOTS’ ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

DETERMINATION INITIATIVES NETWORK

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  ‘If people from the vicinity of Mzuni complained that they had nowhere to go on Independence Day then they are being economic with words because the varsity student community organized an appetizing gala under the auspices of Determination Initiative Network, this reporter can describe the whole event.
  
  The celebrations, which marked forty-six years of Malawi’s independence, reached the climax on Tuesday night with several traditional activities spicing up the episode. Among them were traditional dances like gulewamkulu,
  

  

  poem recitals, music performances, comedies, chinkhoswe, weight lifting and an indelible and first ever raffle draw.
  
  According to Martin Mkasala, the events coordinator for the organization, the event was organized to remind Malawians where they are coming from and to re-create the bad image that people outside there have about university students.
  “You know we are future leaders, but our future starts today. It is high time we had shown the world that we are responsible citizens,” said Mkasala who was also the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Mkasala said the event had been organized in the African way because Malawi is in Africa and we cannot do away with Africanism. He added that the event was a success despite the problems they faced to prepare the event. He bemoaned the tendency of late registration of activities by students as it delays the whole programme. However, he said they really appreciate the support they have received from the student community. He also disclosed that the organization would communicate to the student community on how much was collected on the day. Mkasala also hinted that people should expect more next semester.
  
  The events started earlier in the day with sales and displays of various local foods such as therere, thobwa, charcoal burnt sweet potatoes and cassava. The afternoon schedule commenced with prayers in the hall conducted by Pastor Monica Nyondo of Christ Embassy Ministries. However, the prayers were poorly patronized, a thing which Mkasala attributed to lack of seriousness among the students community.
  
  

  

  Impersonating Malawi’s former leader, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda

  
  However, the story was different when other activities started in the evening as people flocked into the hall in en masse. Members of Mzuzu University Theatre (MUTHE) sent the audience into rapture when they impersonated Malawi’s former leaders, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda and Dr Bakili Muluzi as well as the incumbent, Professor Bingu Wa Mutharika.
  
  Bhahat Zimba a level one Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences student played the part of Kamuzu. In a typical Kamuzu attire he greeted the audience with the MCP slogan kwa-a-cha! Dressed in a black suit, Wilson hat and holding a flying whisk, he reminded people of the father and founder of the Malawian nation. Martin Mkasala took the character of the first president in democratic Malawi, Dr. Bakili Muluzi. Donning a grey suit and a UDF scarf, he sent the audience into laughter when he quoted the former leader; “Amayi nda bambo, ndamva kuti ena amanena kuti ndidzakupatsani feteleza waulere, kodi uleya ndi ulere ndizofanana? Nanga ine ndili ndi fakitale yopanga feteleza?”
  
  The former MUSREC speaker Samson Chiphwanya came on stage but this time wearing the face of the incumbent head of state, Professor Bingu Wa Mutharika. His heavy Lomwe accent mimesis sent the audience into a cloud of laughter and excitements. Beside him was Madam Callista in DPP colours, a role that Wehma Chimwezi played.
  Even the opposition leader, Honourable John Tembo, was not spared with Jaheibic I, comically impersonating bwana JZU on the stage.
  
  Probably, the pinnacle of the event was the chinkhoswe ceremony, which was typically traditional. Forth year Bachelor of Education Science student and former charismatic speaker, Madalitso Chikaonda, acted the role of bridegroom while third year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student, Felistas Chirwa, was the bride.
  
  Tsitsi Chirwa, a level one Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious studies could not hide her excitement and was full of praises about the event. “I have really enjoyed the event. It was wonderful. The chinkhoswe portrayed real Malawian tradition. These people really prepared for the event. Am happy!” said she with a loud tone as a sing of her maximum joy.
  
  Last on the menu was the raffle draw that was organized to raise funds for a disabled child, Talandira of Kasungu who was born without both arms. Assorted items like pens, wristwatches, tumblers and fashionable caps were up for grabs. Samson Chiphwanya was the luckiest man by winning the grand prize, a Samsung E250I mobile phone with camera, internet and MP3 player facilities,
  
  Asked on how he felt for scooping the prestigious prize, the out going speaker was full of praises to the Organizers. “When I bought the ticket, I was just doing it for the sake of assisting the kid because I was so touched. I did not know that I would be the winner of this phone. I’m so happy indeed,” he explained. He further urged the organizers to bring in more activities to engross the student community after the boggling academic work.
  
  Determination Initiative Network is an organization founded by Dennis Imaan, a level one Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student with an aim of empowering the youth through charity works and other activities. Membership is open to all students.
  
  However, the event did not go without drama as one first year Bachelor of Science in Water Resources Management students, who was drunk, undressed right in front of the audience. This did not go well with the respectable intellectuals and they immediately whisked him away from the stage amidst beatings.