A It depends on who is asking, and for what reason [laughs]. I remain Samuel Donald — SD Kaliyoma — with Phumisa as my clan name. Some call me Angoni.
Over my lifetime, I have been a businessman, a public servant, a politician and a historian. Above all, I am a loving husband to my wife, NyaMhango, whom my ancestors named Nankhoma when she first faced them in the late 1960s. We now live quietly here in Ntcheu.
I cannot complain. God has been gracious to me. Reaching 93 this year, God willing, is testimony enough.
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I have outlived many friends and foes, which brings both gratitude and sadness. Apart from Bakili Muluzi, most of those I worked with in politics, academia and business are gone. My wife has played a major role in my longevity.
I married my best friend. After more than 50 years, we are still lovers. I did not merely exist; I truly lived.
I do not like dwelling on it. It remains one of the most painful episodes of my life. It was politically motivated.
I was detained at Zomba Central Prison for close to a year. I was not physically abused, and my family was looked after. My wife was even allowed to visit.
Still, the experience hurt deeply. Eventually, the truth emerged. Kamuzu apologised to me personally at Sanjika and offered me any position I wanted — ministerial or otherwise.
I declined. I retired permanently and returned to Ntcheu to focus on business. Years later, Muluzi found me at my shop and persuaded me to re-enter politics.
I hesitated, having been a career civil servant, but the opportunity to help dismantle the one-party system was irresistible. It was never personal against Kamuzu. The rest is history.
That is a memory that still comforts me. I had no broadcasting background when I took over MBC, but I accepted the challenge. During my detention, Lucius Chikuni served as caretaker, later handing over to the late Tony Kandiero after his return from the BBC.
MBC still largely operates on the structure we built then, though I cannot confidently comment on its editorial independence today. I still love the station and tune in whenever I can. Did you expect Kamuzu to concede defeat during the referendum and the first multiparty election?
Honestly, no. We feared bloodshed. But he conceded gracefully, to the disappointment of some around him who had committed atrocities.
Kamuzu told me he had no knowledge of my detention, and I believed him. He apologised sincerely. He had faults, yes, but I prefer to focus on the positives.
How did you help build the first democratic government? Once the one-party system was removed, I felt my job was done. But Muluzi insisted that we stay.
He had vision and remarkable charisma. He listened, understood his limitations and knew how to bring together professionals, business leaders, chiefs and religious figures. That is why the UDF government worked.
Leaders must listen and resist arrogance. Power belongs to the people.
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