Chilapondwa replaces Mia

President Joyce Banda has elevated Ulemu Chilapondwa to the portfolio of Minister of Transport and Public Works, replacing Muhammad Sidik Mia who resigned on Friday.

Chilapondwa served as deputy minister of Agriculture in the Banda administration.

In an announcement made on Malawi Broadcasting Station (MBC) on Saturday, the promotion is with immediate effect. But it is not clear when he will be sworn in.

Mia resigned from both government and the People’s Party (PP) where he was serving as vice-president but he has not indicated his next political move.

Meanwhile, Banda has “welcomed news that Minister of Transport and Public Works and People’s Party (PP) Vice- President (Southern Region) Hon. Muhammad Sidik Mia has resigned from the PP,” said Elias Wakuda Kamanga, special adviser to the President on politics and communication.

“Her Excellency the President is aware that every citizen in Malawi has a democratic right to choose to belong to any political party or association and, equally, to leave any political party or association.

“Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda wishes Hon. Sidik Mia all the best in his future endeavours,” said Kamanga in a statement on Friday.