Lilongwe, Malawi – May 2, 2025 — In a political masterclass wrapped in digital flair, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera last night stormed the youth-led Mijedo Corner show on Vilekeke TV—leaving Malawians with clarity, hope, and a bold reminder: Malawi is moving forward, and there’s no room for backward thinking.
One of the hot topics the President tackled was the now viral “mega farms” debate—sparked after Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda was mocked for explaining how smallholder farmers are combining their land to create larger, commercially viable farms. Some critics dismissed the concept, branding it “small mega farming” in a wave of uninformed sarcasm. But President Chakwera, cool and composed, used the digital platform to school the nation.
“Mega farms are not about one rich farmer owning a thousand hectares,” he explained. “They are about ordinary smallholder farmers coming together, working collectively, and achieving large-scale impact. That is empowerment.”
The President’s appearance on Mijedo Corner, a platform dominated by vibrant youth voices and hosted by the witty and bold Felistus “Nya-Uyu” Ngwira, was more than just a media interview—it was a political statement. Here was a Head of State stepping into the heart of youth culture, not to lecture, but to engage, laugh, educate and inspire.
When asked how he feels about being insulted by some young people on social media, the President didn’t flinch. In a show of democratic maturity, he reminded viewers that under his leadership, Malawi scrapped archaic sedition laws. “I’m a democrat,” Chakwera declared. “I hold no grudges. My job is to serve—even those who insult me.”
Beyond mega farms and free speech, the President highlighted his administration’s tangible efforts to uplift the youth—from NEEF loans for entrepreneurs to expanded university loan access that covers both tuition and allowances. His message was loud and clear: no youth must be left behind.
A political commentator captured the mood of the night perfectly:
“This is not just leadership—it’s transformation. Chakwera is awake, modern, and willing to meet the people where they are, even if it means logging onto youth podcasts and facing tough questions head-on.”
And that’s what separates today from the chaotic era of 2014 to 2020, which many remember as a time of lawlessness, fear, and impunity—when cadets ran amok, bodyguards played president, and albinos lived in fear.
Today, the winds have changed. Malawi has a leader who listens, who explains, who shows up—whether it’s in Parliament, on the campaign trail, or on a gossip show turned civic platform.
This is a new Malawi. This is forward. And there’s no going back.
