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Strictly for Diary readers
14/04/05 I want to dedicate this diary to all those who create time to read this column and take time to respond to some of the issue I raise even when they do not necessarily agree with me. I get all your views whether by SMS, e-mail or phone. I note that during the past week, I received 23 e-mails, three SMSs and four phone calls on last week's diary alone. I want to acknowledge receipt of e-mails and SMSs which I did not reply to.
Lawrence Kayamba wrote in part as follows:
“Dear brethren Steve, I am impressed with the H.E. What I have noticed is that Bingu is very open in his speeches. He calls a spade a spade. For instance, he appreciated the Muluzi government for building the Thyolo district hospital. He further said where Bakili did well, he will talk about it and where he went wrong he will do the same. This takes me back some few months ago when he appreciated the development efforts Kamuzu Banda did during his reign. That’s statesmanship, isn’t it? The previous government would always want us to believe that Kamuzu did nothing for this country. Will write you again as usual.”
Among other things, Lawrence also talked about MCP former secretary general Kate Kainja who says she has been selling the idea of a government of national unity to President Bingu wa Mutharika and other party leaders. He is of the view that anyone can blow the whistle for a GNU, that it does not have to be a party president doing it. Please do write again Lawrence.
Robertson Khataza of Lilongwe wrote in part as follows:
“Steve. I want to dedicate my sincere membership to your column which I always read, not for the sake of reading it but because I find it worthy my time. Steve, I find the news that Mgwirizano Coalition is in disarray very rich to comment on and ask some questions. In the first place, we were told this grouping had a common ground in contesting the May 2004 general elections which they honourably lost. They continued to coexist with the interest of challenging the process and outcome of the very polls, the objective they have failed to pursue further.
“Does it cross your mind that this group enjoyed wide publicity in public rallies, print and electronic media through its outspoken Lady Spokesperson? My question is what has become of the money they solicited from well-wishers through the widely publicised bank account? Can they please be transparent on this and account for this kind gesture the well-wishers showed. Does this item find any space in your diary which I know is usually full of events and circumstances?”
As I have said before, the Diary is there for people like you. These are matters of national interest. I should have asked the Lady Spokesperson a chance to respond right here but I did not have time. I hope she will read this column. In case she does not, will anyone who reads this bring it to her attention, please! I promise to give Mgwirizano Spokesperson Kholiwe Mkandawire space on this column next week to respond to you Mr. Robertson Khataza. Kholiwe be brief. I know when you start talking, you do not want to stop.
Didrick Chirwa of Mzuzu University wrote:
“Steve, you are a man, simply put. I have said so because you are a fine writer. I have praised you not because of the articles on socio-political-religious-economic issues you feature in the Weekend Nation, but because of the sweet, fine and unquestionable English you relay them in. You are a model to most of the people who would want to do well in English. Which Primary School, Secondary School, University did you go to so that I may happen to send my child in the future (should God give me one)?”
Well, Didrick, Hoho F.P. School, Box 11, Champhira, Livingstonia Night Secondary School, Chancellor College.
Abdulla Omar wrote: “Dear brother, I agree with your comments against our parliamentarians. I think they have lost direction. No one knows where the government is taking us to.”
Among other things, Abdullah also talked about Parliament wasting time discussing Mrs. Mary Nangwale's rejection. He was also apparently not amused with government's decision to declare last Friday, the day the remains of Pope John Paul were buried, a public holiday.
I also want to acknowledge Grant Mzumara, Vitumbiko Chinoko, John Jacob and many others I am not able to mention here, who sent their views for the feedback I got from them. For some of them I replied to them immediately. Please keep writing. The feedback I get from readers like you is the only real reason I also keep writing.
For you Kumbukani Kafwirangachi Nyirenda, I have given your Letter to Professor Goodall Gondwe to the My Turn desk. Hopefully, it will in the near future see the light of day in The Nation. I find your style captivating and the issues you raise very interesting and pertinent. Nice weekend all of you readers.
Talking about weekend, I am reminded of my team, Arsenal, the team I create time to watch. I am happy with the present state of affairs in the premiership. To me, the league has already been decided. As defending champions, I will be happy for Chelsea to take over from us. Man U tried to warm the second spot. But as expected, it has slipped them. They are back to where they belong. Third. The fourth position goes to Everton. Liverpool should content themselves with fifth. They have a consolation for clinching a place in the Champions League semifinals.
Feedback to: stevenhlane@yahoo.co.uk
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