By Yohane Phiri, Freelance Journalist
In what can solely be described as an modern leap into 1984-style governance, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has introduced plans to purchase an costly machine to watch and fight the unfold of pretend information. Never thoughts the truth that our hospitals are in shambles, public universities are underfunded, and civil servants are ready for his or her overdue paychecks. Clearly, we’ve discovered our nationwide precedence: policing on-line rumors!
But earlier than this shiny, budget-draining machine whirrs to life, let’s discuss who its first catch must be. Spoiler alert: it’s none aside from His Excellency, President Lazarus Chakwera. Yes, Mr. Chakwera, the person who, from his days as Leader of Opposition proper up-to-the-minute he secured the presidency, mastered the artwork of promoting goals, half-truths, and, dare we are saying, somewhat sprinkle of fiction to the Malawian folks.
Chakwera’s Political Theatre: A Fake News Masterclass
Remember when Chakwera promised to show Malawi right into a land of milk and honey inside a 12 months? Oh, how we laughed—till we realized he wasn’t joking. Instead, we received rising inflation, skyrocketing gasoline costs, and a refrain of “challenges inherited from the previous government.” Ah sure, the basic plot twist in each political fairy story. Apparently, fixing a nation is tough work whenever you spend all of your time rewriting historical past.
And let’s not neglect the well-known promise to finish corruption “from day one.” Fast ahead to right this moment, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau is principally a chat present—loads of dialogue, zero outcomes. If there’s a chapter within the faux information guide on learn how to weaponize hope, Chakwera certainly co-authored it.
Why Arrest Chakwera? Because Accountability is Overrated
If MACRA’s machine is critical about figuring out misinformation, then Chakwera’s marketing campaign speeches and press statements ought to gentle up like a Christmas tree. Perhaps the machine will flag gems just like the time he declared Malawi’s economic system “on the right track” whereas the kwacha nose-dived sooner than our nationwide soccer workforce at AFCON. Or when he assured us that gasoline queues have been “temporary,” which, in Malawian time, interprets to everlasting inconvenience.
But who may neglect the pièce de résistance: the promise of a “lean government” whereas appointing extra advisors than a Netflix manufacturing workforce wants scriptwriters? If that’s not faux information, what’s?
Let’s Cut MACRA Some Slack
In MACRA’s protection, perhaps this machine is critical—in any case, how else will they persuade Malawians that issues are going easily? With each headline questioning Chakwera’s management, they’ll want a magic wand, and this machine may simply be it. Just think about: as an alternative of addressing the actual points dealing with Malawians, MACRA can maintain busy monitoring tweets from unemployed graduates complaining about lack of alternatives.
Maybe the machine will ultimately evolve right into a nationwide “hope detector” that lets us know when Chakwera’s subsequent promise comes with a some restrictions apply disclaimer.
What Next for MACRA’s Machine?
After arresting Chakwera (the apparent candidate), maybe MACRA may flip its sights on authorities press briefings. They ought to examine statements like, “We’re on track to achieve food security” whereas ADMARC warehouses stay empty and maize costs hit report highs. Or examine why each funds speech guarantees miracles however finally ends up being a eulogy for fiscal duty.
In conclusion, if MACRA actually desires to cease the unfold of misinformation, they’d do properly to begin on the high. But one thing tells me that received’t occur. This machine will seemingly be used to silence dissent, flagging any social media put up daring to criticize the established order. Meanwhile, Chakwera will proceed to tour the nation, providing guarantees wrapped in poetic rhetoric whereas actuality tells a unique story.
So, welcome to Malawi, the land the place we are able to’t afford correct healthcare, however we are able to afford costly machines to chase lies informed by the very individuals who run the present. What a time to be alive!