By Burnett Munthali
Outspoken activist Bon Kalindo has once again captured national attention with a fiery new audio clip in which he lambasts telecommunications giants Airtel and TNM for their poor services and high costs. He argues that these companies are exploiting Malawians with expensive bundles that expire too quickly and operate on unreliable networks. Kalindo went further, stating, “If Airtel and TNM are tired of serving Malawians, they should pack up and go. We need new companies that can offer better services.”
Kalindo did not spare the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) either, accusing the agency of prioritizing politics over its regulatory duties. He criticized MACRA for failing to hold Airtel and TNM accountable for their substandard services, saying, “It seems MACRA is more interested in politics than ensuring Malawians get value for their money.”
Message to President Chakwera: Chikangawa Plane Crash and Lake Malawi Issues
In the same audio clip, Kalindo directed sharp criticism at President Lazarus Chakwera, particularly regarding the handling of the Chikangawa plane crash. He questioned the credibility of the commission of inquiry, stating, “A commission of inquiry without a black box is pointless. This report is full of shortcomings and leaves many questions unanswered.”
Kalindo also accused Chakwera of surrounding himself with “useless advisors” who prefer feeding him lies rather than addressing pressing national issues. He raised concerns over rumors that critics of the government are being targeted, alleging that Rwandans illegally residing in Malawi may be used to silence dissenters.
On the Chikangawa plane crash, Kalindo highlighted inconsistencies in the government’s narrative, pointing out that the Minister of Information initially claimed the black box and transponder had been recovered, only to later retract the statement. “This mishandling is an insult to millions of Malawians who are outraged by this nonsense,” Kalindo said. He stressed that the incident must be handled with utmost care and transparency.
Regarding Lake Malawi, Kalindo dismissed the need for discussions on international boundaries, asserting that historical records clearly establish Malawi’s sovereignty over the lake. “This is not a matter for Assemblies of God or any church group; it’s a national issue,” he remarked.
Kalindo expressed his frustration with the government’s lack of urgency in addressing critical issues. “Malawians are tired of lies and half-truths. The leadership must rise to the occasion or face the wrath of a disappointed and angry nation,” he warned.
Final Thoughts
Kalindo’s remarks reflect the growing dissatisfaction among Malawians with the state of governance and service delivery. His call for accountability resonates with millions who are grappling with poor services, rising costs, and a perceived lack of transparency from those in power. Whether the government and corporations like Airtel and TNM will take heed remains to be seen.
