National
Street kids react to Sylvester Ayuba James’ comments on social media about their lives

By Burnett Munthali
The lives of street children in Malawi have often been a subject of debate and concern, and recently, their plight was brought to the forefront of social media by a controversial post made by Sylvester Ayuba James, a well-known figure in the country’s legal and political circles. In his post, James commented on the challenges faced by street kids, often referred to as “ana ongoyendeyenda” in Malawi, and their role in the society. However, his views have sparked an outcry among the very group he was commenting on.
Street children, who live on the margins of society, often face discrimination, neglect, and a lack of basic necessities, including food, shelter, and education. Their lives are tough, and their stories of survival in harsh conditions are often overlooked by the public and policymakers. James’ recent remarks, however, seem to have struck a nerve with these children and their advocates.

On his social media platform, James shared his opinions on the street children issue, framing it in a way that many felt was insensitive and judgmental. He was critical of the children’s behaviors and the way they interacted with society. While James may have intended to highlight the need for better management of streetism and proposed solutions for the long-standing issue, his message came across as an attack on the children themselves.
In response to James’ comments, several street children have spoken out, expressing their displeasure with his views. They argue that James, along with many others, fails to recognize the root causes of their situation. Many of these children are forced into the streets due to poverty, abuse, family breakdowns, and lack of access to education or healthcare. Their lives are a direct result of systemic failure, not a reflection of any inherent moral failing.
The response from the street children highlights a deep-seated frustration with how society perceives them. They accuse James of not understanding their struggles and not addressing the larger issues that contribute to their presence on the streets. According to the children, it’s not a choice to live on the streets but rather a consequence of being abandoned by society.
Furthermore, their response emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in tackling the complex issues surrounding streetism. They urge society to focus on rehabilitation, reintegration programs, and more supportive structures that can help them transition from street life to stable living conditions. The harsh judgments, they say, only deepen their sense of alienation and reinforce the stigma that makes it even harder for them to reintegrate into society.
James, who has been known for his contributions to the legal field, now faces growing pressure from both the public and street children’s advocacy groups to rethink his approach. The public outcry has underscored the need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by street kids in Malawi.
As the debate continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and respectful discourse when discussing sensitive social issues. The lives of street children should not be reduced to mere commentary or political rhetoric; rather, they deserve real solutions and a chance at a better future. Their voices, as demonstrated in their reaction to James’ post, need to be heard and respected in any conversation about their lives and their rights as citizens of Malawi.
In conclusion, the controversy sparked by Sylvester Ayuba James’ remarks serves as a call for greater empathy, understanding, and systemic change. It also reinforces the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address the root causes of streetism and provide lasting solutions for the children who are most affected by it. The country must work towards building a society where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to live a life free from the hardships and stigmas of street life.
