Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has recruited new chief executive officers (CEOs) for Blantyre and Lilongwe city councils following the expiry of the previous office holders’ contracts last month.
In Blantyre, the council’s director of town planning and estate services Costly Chanza is now the CEO after serving in an acting capacity since March 1 2026. He replaces Dennis Chinseu whose contract expired on February 28.
For Lilongwe, veteran politician Clement Stambuli is the new boss, replacing McCloud Kadammanja whose contract also ended in February.
Stambuli was the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) parliamentary candidate for Nkhotakota Central during the 2025 General Elections.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development spokesperson Chimwemwe Njoloma confirmed the appointments in an interview on Monday.
She said: “Both Mr. Chinseu and Dr. Kadammanja’s contracts expired in February. Following the expiry, Mr. Hilary Kamela was appointed acting CEO for Lilongwe City Council while Mr. Chanza served as acting CEO for Blantyre City Council.
“The ministry has now approved Mr. Chanza as the substantive CEO for Blantyre City Council and appointed Mr. Stambuli as CEO for Lilongwe City Council.”
Njoloma said contracts for Mzuzu City Council CEO Gomezgani Nyasulu and Zomba City Council CEO Archangel Bakolo are still valid.
According to Section 13 (2) of the Local Government Act of Malawi, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has the mandate to appoint chief executive officers for city councils and district commissioners.
Chinseu and Kadammanja were both appointed in February 2023 and signed three-year contracts which ran up to February 28 2026.
