Malawi: Author Undule Mwakasungula on the Dangers of Inheritance Obsession

Undule Mwakasungula, a writer from Malawi, has expressed concerns about the negative impact of inheritance on families and society. In an opinion piece published in The Nation, Mwakasungula argued that the pursuit of unearned wealth can bring out the ugliest sides of human nature. He noted that relatives often fight over land, houses and money they did little or nothing to acquire, leading to bitter disputes and strained relationships.

Mwakasungula's views are rooted in his personal experience. He revealed that even his own family, despite its education and social exposure, has not been spared from the negative effects of inheritance. Some relatives have displayed astonishing greed, claiming virtually anything within reach. This experience has led him to conclude that education and social standing offer no guarantee against greed.

The writer turned to the Bible for guidance, citing Proverbs 13:22, which says a good person leaves an inheritance for their grandchildren. However, he also noted that Scripture cautions against greed, dishonesty and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness. Mwakasungula cited the example of Abraham, who was called by God to leave his country and family for a land He would show him, building his legacy through faith, obedience and courage, not dependence on inherited wealth.

Mwakasungula emphasized that he will not make inheritance the foundation of his future. Instead, he wants to create his own legacy through honest work, determination and integrity. He criticized those who wait for parents or uncles to die so they can claim a share of the family estate, describing this mentality as dependency masquerading as entitlement.

The writer also expressed concern about the pressure this mentality places on parents. Some feel compelled to accumulate wealth for their children at any cost, compromising their integrity through corruption, theft and other dishonest schemes in the name of securing their families' futures. Mwakasungula questioned the value of an inheritance built on corruption, asking what kind of blessing it is and what legacy a parent leaves when wealth passed to children was acquired through the suffering and deprivation of others.

Mwakasungula warned that inheritance may transfer material wealth, but it cannot erase responsibility for how that wealth was acquired. He called for a redefinition of what it means to leave something behind, advocating for a legacy of integrity, faith, discipline and honest work, not wealth accumulated through corruption. He urged younger generations to learn that personal effort matters and that inheritance should inspire, not breed idleness or entitlement.

Ultimately, Mwakasungula believes that the greatest inheritance is not property or money, but the values instilled in children: integrity, discipline, faith, responsibility and the dignity of honest work. He would rather leave his children a clean name and a clear conscience than a fortune acquired dishonestly, considering that a legacy of values can sustain generations.

Key points

• Undule Mwakasungula argues that the pursuit of unearned wealth can expose the ugliest sides of human nature.
• Mwakasungula advocates for a legacy of integrity, faith, discipline and honest work, rather than wealth accumulated through corruption.
• The writer believes that personal effort matters and that inheritance should inspire, not breed idleness or entitlement.