Malawi’s priority should be self-reliance says Finance Minister

Malawi Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe has said although Malawi depends on donors on a number of issues, priority should be on self-reliance.
Gondwe was responding to a question on the new government’s position on donor aid, just after being sworn in as minister at Mtunthama State Lodge in Lilongwe.
“As Malawians first and foremost, we should look at how we will do the job ourselves, rather than looking at how others will support us. I will help His Excellency the president to ensure that we, Malawians, do operate the economy to the best ability we can. If the donors, because of that wish to support us, they will support us, but if they want to continue to abstain then we have to work even harder,” he said.
President Peter Mutharika had earlier on in the day appointed Gondwe as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Development.
Gondwe urged Malawians to change their mindset.
“I think as Malawians, we have to think twice, before we think that we will survive because of other people’s kindness.
Let’s look at ourselves first: What can we do for ourselves? How can the economy work by our own efforts? No question of handouts, no question of thinking that other people will give us something to sustain ourselves,” he said.
While admitting that he will have to analyse the current scenario before stating his direction of the country’s 2014/15 budget, Gondwe said one thing which is clear is that things are not going on well.
“I have not sat down. I have to go to the office and look at how the figures look like. But from what I understand, things are not alright. We will estimate to what extent we have a problem. I would really like to thank the president for the confidence he has shown in me. I must accept it with humility.
My responsibility is to assist him to ensure that we again stand on our two feet and produce, as well as contribute in normal way. We have to bring the country to normality,” he said.
Mutharika, who described the country’s economy as dysfunctional, said he will need people like Gondwe to get the economy on track again.
“We are very lucky that Honourable Gondwe has agreed to serve this country, at this very difficult time. I pledge to give him all the support so that he can accomplish what is an extremely challenging task,” the president said.
(BNL Times)