News has it that Malawi President, Joyce Banda is upset with celebrity Madonna for making untrue and exaggerated promises. On the other hand, it is likely that Madonna’s relationship with Malawi may soon turn sour as the President sent a scathing critique that the pop singer was not sincere in her efforts to build a $15m girls’ academy as she promised. Instead, she had reportedly demanded special treatment during her charity visit and also, she bullied officials at the site. Instead of focussing on the mission that she had set out to accomplish, she insulted the locals by making the poor dance for her.
What’s the issue?
Madonna was in the African country not just to visit the orphanage where she was said to have adopted two children, David and Mercy, but also witness the progress of the 10 schools that she had funded all across the country. Right until Madonna pumped in capital to build classrooms for the schools, almost 4000 children received education by sitting under trees and bearing all weather types. President Banda was angry that Madonna had started construction of these buildings without receiving prior information from government officials. Banda had condemned Madonna for arriving into the villages unannounced and failing to communicate with the office about her plans.
Madonna responds
Reports had it that Madonna had sent the President a barely legible handwritten, misspelled and rambled note, addressing the President as Joyce. This note was left unanswered by the President’s office. However, Madonna is not blowing this incident out of proportion and wants to continue her goodwill trip. She told reporters that she was grateful to the people of Malawi for being warm and hospitable towards her and is committed to her efforts to help improve the quality of lives of the poor in the country. She also added that young children and orphans in the country deserved a better quality of life.