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Vera Chirwa

39 quotes

“Actually I did not withdraw, I stepped down. Many people in Malawi asked me to stand; it was under that pressure that I decided to declare myself an independent presidential candidate. But later the church saw the opposition was not very strong, so they decided to form a coalition. We needed a change of government, for many reasons.... There were nine parties at the time, so the church advised me not to stand, because I was going to divide the votes. So I applied to join the coalition.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Unlike all the others, I satisfied all the conditions to be their presidential candidate but I hear they rejected me when they discussed my application. They were afraid of me. Here in Malawi we are still chauvinistic.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Where I was voting there was peace, people voted freely. I am president of Women's Voice and director of the Malawi Centre for Advice, Research and Education on Rights. We participate in voter education and we also do monitoring. All the information I received from my own offices told me the elections have been almost peaceful.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Men have been dominating Malawi politics for too long. Maybe that's why they are blundering. But I think that if a woman can come up, she would improve a lot of things”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Malawi activist to run for office,4 January,2004,By Grant Ferrett
“I am still available, watching with keen interest. If the current government fails, I will certainly stand as a presidential candidate in the next elections.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Meet Malawi’s first female lawyer who fought for a multi-party system and spent 12 years on death row,May 10, 2019,by Elizabeth Ofosuah Johnson
“You have done well to come. I am always worried that history about the March 3, 1959 event and freedom fighters is always distorted. To begin with, even some of the very historians we trust do lie.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“This is the time I knew the British are very organised people. Not only in dressing but also in war. They were very organised. We saw them moving around and could not know what was happening. They were silent”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“Some of the soldiers came from Southern Rhodesia. They waited for 12 midnight for the clamp down on the nationalists’ movement that was spread across the country. It was until in the morning that we heard about massive arrests of the Nac executive members. Kamuzu Banda, the newly endorsed leader of Nac, Lali Lubani and many others had been arrested at Banda’s Mudi House”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“Three knocked on the door of our house at Magalasi near Nyambadwe, where I was staying with my husband. That time I was only a housewife. They came early in the morning to ask their lawyer for a possible court bail of the people arrested. The arrest shocked us.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“We only heard it on the radio”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“There were massive bloodshed and arrests across the country, Blantyre and Nkhata Bay were the centre of focus, where many Malawians were shot dead”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“But my husband was much feared by the British police because he was a lawyer. Of course he always dressed decently, but that could not be the reason that they feared him. Of course he was first Malawian to own a car, but that could not be the reason that they feared him. I think they feared him, because he never feared them.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“And when all this was happening. I was only a young lady- a mother of one. Our first born – a daughter was taken to live at Orton’s brother, Crosby Chirwa. And Orton asked me: Are you afraid? I said I am not. We are fighting for our land. We are fighting for the marginalised Africans. We are fighting for the rights of the marginalised women. We are fighting for the future of our children”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“And we thought it was our turn for the mass arrests. Orton told me to hide the paper that had the list of the executive members of the new party in my dress, for the British police could not search into my dress”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“But I will never forget this British police woman who snatched my golden ring, which Orton bought for me in England. He stole it and asked how come I possessed such an expensive ring. And I used to be defiant. I could put on my headgear before the eyes of the British police lady”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“We found many Malawians there collected from across the Nac party branches. Both women and men were there. We also shared rooms with detainees from Southern and Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) as the declaration of the state of emergence extended to the two Rhodesia- the states under British colonial rule.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“But life was hard in Southern Rhodesia especially for us women. We thought it was the end of us. Sometimes, British police came pointing guns to our noses. But I was not afraid.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“I and my husband were the victims of freedom for the period of about 30 years. I and Orton as lawyers fought strenuous court battles. But justice did not become justice; it cycled viciously, culminating in life jail sentences. But we were only political prisoners”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How women counted: Story of Vera ChirwaThe Times(Mar 3, 2016)
“Many accused persons have been tried and sentenced to death only to be revealed later that they were innocent. So, death penalty is unlawful, a violation of the right to life, and the right not to be subjected to inhumane and degrading punishment.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera for women space,against death penaltyNational Online(December 7, 2023)
“Malawi has clocked 50 years of independence. Every Malawian is looking forward to Jubilee Celebrations on July 6 2014 when the new government has just been ushered in at the end of May 2014. The road to the jubilee year was not rosy, there were ups and downs. Thanks to our Almighty God who did not desert us, but overcame for us each problem as it came up. As a nation, we ought to have learnt a lot from those problems and do better as we start a new era.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“We have a new President, new parliamentarians and councillors and soon we will have a new Cabinet. We, people of Malawi, are looking forward to the new government that will deliver its services by following the Republican Constitution to the letter, a government that will follow constitutional principles of good governance, rule of law, independence of the Judiciary, human rights and separation of powers.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“I would urge all leaders forming the new government to acquaint themselves with our Constitution, especially chapters one to four.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Sovereignty of the country is in the people of Malawi and therefore, everything should be done in the interest of Malawians. Chapter III sets out fundamental principles of the Constitution of Malawi. Section 12, provides that all legal fundamental principles derive from the people of Malawi and shall be exercised in accordance with the Constitution solely to serve and protect the interest of the people of Malawi.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“This means that the President and all leaders in government are not bosses but servants of the people of Malawi, they hold their offices in trust for the people of Malawi. Therefore, they must rule over or govern them with the authority from the people by, for example, formulating policies which are in the interest of Malawians and also consulting them.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“For instance, before policies or laws are passed, the Executive and Parliament must consult the people of Malawi and be satisfied that what they are about to pass is in the interest of Malawians. The President and his or her team can maintain this trust through open accountable and transparent government and informed democratic choices.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Section 12 (2) requires that the State should recognise and protect fundamental human rights and “afford full protection to rights and views of all individual groups and minorities whether or not they are entitled to vote”. In other words they must respect the views of the people and their fundamental rights.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Therefore, the new government should strive to govern according to the principles laid in our Constitution, thus making a difference with previous governments in those areas where they fell short.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“The new government must observe and effect the principle of separation of powers enshrined in Sections VII, VIII and IX of the Constitution. Section 7 of the Constitution provides that the Executive shall be responsible for the initial policies and for the implementation of all laws which express wishes of the people of Malawi and which promote the principles of the Constitution.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Section 8 of the Constitution provides that when enacting laws, the Legislature shall reflect in its deliberations the interest of all the people of Malawi and shall further the values explicit or implicit in this Constitution.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Section 9 of the Constitution provides that the Judiciary shall have the responsibility of interpreting, protecting and enforcing this Constitution and all laws in accordance with this Constitution in an independent and impartial manner with regard only to legally relevant fact and the prescriptions of law.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Malawians opted to change government from one party system to multi party system of democracy with the hope to improve governance. In some cases, there has been no change at all and in others the change has been for the worse”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“As we start a new era this year, the new formed government must follow things which were governed well and abandon those which were administered badly. Methods of governance must change for the better.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“I hope the new President will stand above party matters when performing government duties. Secondly, the President should discourage his supporters from wearing party colours to government functions which include public meetings. Party colours should be reserved for party meetings.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“I urge the President and his team once again to acquaint themselves with the contents of our Republican Constitution for them to discharge good governance. May God continue blessing our beloved country, Malawi.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“In previous governments we have seen members of the Judiciary appointed to head ministries or appointed to diplomatic missions. It is clear that the duty of the Executive is to formulate or make policies which are implemented by civil service; the Judiciary is there to judge or adjudicate and interpret the law, while the Legislature or Parliament is there to make laws. But this has not been adhered to, especially by the Executive, whose head is the President. We have seen the Executive interfering with the Legislature by, for example, influencing the Speaker in the course of his duties. I hope the new government will try its best to maintain the principle of separation of powers.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“In one party democracy, government and the party is one. The mind of the party is mind of the government. Whereas in a multi party democracy, government and the party governing are two separate entities. Therefore, the government in power must strive to ensure that when it is performing government matters, they are government matters involving all Malawians regardless of their political affiliations. Therefore, for instance, its party uniform should not be worn at government functions for that prejudices other people to attend. Those colours should be worn when purely party meetings are held. During President Kamuzu Banda era, party uniform was worn at both government and party meetings because it was one party State.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Moreover, utterances at public meetings which indirectly or directly give impression that government will bring development only to party members must stop. The new government would do well if it discourages its members from wearing party uniforms to development rallies. I would also remind party leaders that campaign stops 48 hours before elections. When a new government is formed, everyone must think of building Malawi. Political leaders must come together and help government with ideas which will contribute to the development of our country. Some good ideas, for example, are those which came up during the presidential debates before elections.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Today, we are talking of Cashgate because the account which was meant for the one party system and catered for both government and the party was maintained during multiparty system of government. Hence, governments used it for government services and party services. This was not right. That is taxpayers’ money which is meant to cater for government services, not for the party in power. The party should have its own account fed and run by its own party members. For example, in countries such as Great Britain and United States of America, there is strict separation between party and government matters, which have their own separate accounts and auditors. Note that if the ruling party is using government money, it is using the people’s money (tax).”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )
“Lastly, it had been a tendency by churches, especially during the last two governments to invite presidents to their functions or religious gatherings mainly for raising funds for the churches. When we are in the presence of God, we humble ourselves before Him, whether king or slave. Take example of kings of Israel, e.g. King David always humbled himself before God and here in Malawi, President Kamuzu Banda did that. When he was asked by the clergy to read the Bible, he humbly walked to the front, read the text, once he had finished, humbly went back to his seat and sat down quietly. But a culture has risen during multiparty democracy whereby the clergy, like in political party meetings, address the President and other eminent people first before starting prayers or services. So these take priority before the Almighty God. When a president is asked to read a text in the Bible or Quran, he walks to the front and either at the beginning or at the end of reading the Word of God, he addresses the congregation on something. Is this respect to our Lord God? If a president has something to say other than the Word of God, arrange some platform for him or her outside the religious gathering. I remember the clergy did this for former president Muluzi at Livingstonia Mission. I hope the new President will not allow himself or herself to be glorified in church before God. It is wrong.”
Vera Chirwa (born 1932) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Vera Chirwa: On Constitution of Malawi, new era Nyasa Times(June 18, 2014 )