NYA vows bold economic overhaul

President of the newly founded National Youth Alliance (NYA) party, Vasco Mqobi Madhlopa, is promising to overhaul existing economic systems and policies to drive the country’s economic development, which he pledges will be youth-centric, once voted into power.

The youthful presidential aspirant, who is determined to be on the ballot in next year’s general elections, made this promise during a press briefing organized by the party in Mzuzu on Wednesday.

Madhlopa stated that nearly all the systems need to be overhauled, arguing that the current economic systems in place are outdated and contribute more to poverty than wealth creation.

“Since 1994, democracy introduced a culture of people expecting free things. This system has turned many Malawians into beggars. As a result, our country has become a begging nation. Wherever we go, what we think of is begging because, at the household level, we have trained our children and others to depend on handouts,” Madhlopa said.

He emphasized that, as a party aiming to take over the government next year, they will encourage self-reliance through hard work.

“Everyone must engage in either business or job. As a party, we don’t believe in handouts, we believe in empowering the young people. Let them access capital for business. Let them get money to invest and create something that fosters self-reliance. We will ensure we eliminate the mentality of relying on free things,” he explained.

He added; “We will also revise salaries for civil servants, as most of them are currently earning peanuts. When we come into government, we aim to double their current salaries. We want to see the minimum wage raised to MK300, 000 or MK350, 000. It all starts with fixing the economic system, once that is done, everything else will follow.”

Madhlopa highlighted that achieving this will require placing the right people in the right positions.

He said, “We have people who are old in the civil service. You know we are in the digital era and these are people who are not conversant with technology, thus, affecting their work. We will retire them but we will not just leave them as that. They will be given loans for them to engage in Mega farms and other businesses, so they can retire peacefully.”

“Additionally, we will ensure that offices requiring bold decision-making are staffed with bold individuals. Weak, fearful, or easily manipulated people have no place in these roles. We will make sure that the departments running this country are led by strong leaders,” Madhlopa said.

“It is about handling the economy and when you talk about the economy, you talk about figures, you talk about people. If people are happy, the economy will be okay, if people are depressed the economy will be depressed. Our economy is bad because most of us are stressed, depressed, oppressed. So, it is like everything is not working for each one of us, most of us depend on loans and we would want to end that life,” he said.

Madhlopa assured that his promises are not empty rhetoric, portraying himself as a bold leader committed to creating a Malawi that benefits both the young and the old.

“Bold leadership is what Malawi needs. For years, we have lacked bold leaders. A true leader must not be afraid, captured, or manipulated. They must make decisions that bring change, even if they upset a few. We need the kind of leadership Tanzania had under Magufuli,” Madhlopa said.

He continued, “If I become president next year, I will not tolerate nonsense. Many people in government today act carelessly because they know the leadership wont hold them accountable. That will change. Bold leadership is coming, and everyone will need to stay on their toes.”

Madhlopa also encouraged young people to participate actively in politics, arguing that they are no longer just leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today.

“The Gen-Z generation is here, and we are coming in full force. Nobody has to tell young people to wait. Next year, many MPs are not coming back, many Councillors are not coming back, and the president will not be re-elected. For the first time, a young party formed just nine months before elections will win. Lesotho did it, and we will do it too,” he said.

About The Author