What's the News?

“Malawi is a failed state.” the article declared. It was our first day back in country and Malawi had appeared on a list of failed states based on social, economic, and political progress. “Malawi has a new flag.” announced another article. It was our second day back in country and the Parliament had just voted to convert the Malawi flag from a rising sun into a noon day sun. The reason? Malawi is a shining example of progress. No doubt the reality of Malawi’s status lies somewhere between these divergent views.

“Sex worker attacks witchdoctor” This was not a front page article but one that caught our interest. A sex worker who plies her trade at Malomo Trading Centre … last week chased a Mponela-based witchdoctor, who she accused of recommending false concoction for attracting men. The sex worker, who refused to disclose her identity, explained that she met the witchdoctor at the trading center where he claimed to have traditional medicine for various problems.

“He also mentioned that he had juju to enable us {sex workers} attract men. I bought some of the medicine at K1,800 ($ 12.00) but I did not see any change in my business,” lamented the woman. She explained that when the witchdoctor visited the trading centre again, she confronted him about his juju’s failure but the witchdoctor insisted that his medicine was effective.

“This angered me and I threw stones at him and he fled,” she said.

Freedom of the press is quite robust in Malawi and catching up on the news is always both interesting and entertaining. We’ll catch you up on the Nursery news next week.