By Falles Kamanga
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The recent article published by ShireTimes titled “Contract King Grabs It All: Malawi Fumes As Gangata’s Empire Grows” is a prime example of sensational journalism that prioritizes emotional manipulation over fact-based reporting.
The piece attempts to paint businessman Alfred Gangata as a corrupt individual who has leveraged his connections to amass wealth, but it conveniently ignores the complexities of doing business in Malawi and the principles of fair competition.
The article’s central claim – that Gangata’s company, Master Security, has unfairly won major contracts, including the CEAR/Nacala Logistics deal – is a gross oversimplification. Malawi’s procurement laws, as outlined in the Public Procurement Act (2017), are designed to ensure transparency and fairness in the awarding of public contracts.
It is likely that Master Security met the required standards and submitted a competitive bid, yet the article implies foul play without providing concrete evidence.
The Constitution of Malawi, Section 13(h), emphasizes the state’s responsibility to promote economic development and manage public resources effectively.
Gangata’s success in securing contracts could be seen as a contribution to national development, rather than a personal affront to Malawians. Moreover, Section 30(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right to engage in economic activities, which includes participating in public procurement processes.
The narrative pushed by the article and its author is not about fairness or respect, as they claim, but rather about stifling competition and discouraging investment in Malawi.
By portraying successful businesspeople as “contract kings,” the publication perpetuates a culture of envy and undermines the entrepreneurial spirit that is essential for economic growth.
Furthermore, the article’s emotive language and unsubstantiated allegations are a clear attempt to whip up public outrage, rather than encourage constructive debate.
This approach is not only unprofessional but also detrimental to Malawi’s development, as it erodes trust in institutions and discourages transparency.
It is time for Malawians to demand better journalism, not sensationalized clickbait that serves only to divide and distract.
As a nation, we should be celebrating success stories like Gangata’s, which demonstrate the potential for growth and entrepreneurship in our country.
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