Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba has disapproved fellow politicians who put politics over people, saying he will not associate with such elected officials.
Speaking on the sidelines of a political rally he addressed on Sunday at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre, Mumba said sometimes people fail to do things on their own and want others to validate them; hence, associating with anyone irrespective of differences in political ideologies.
“I stand for people over politics and I will never associate with anyone who puts politics over people that is why as an eagle I fly alone and other eagles will join me,” said Mumba.
However, he stressed the need for unity and love not only among duty-bearers but at all levels if the country is to achieve sustainable development.
The minister also said discussions were underway with Illovo Sugar Limited to ensure that sugar prices remain affordable to most Malawians.
He further said government was working on ensuring that vendors are not squeezed by foreigners who are flooding the country to open petty businesses.
Mumba was accompanied by some Malawi Congress Party senior members such as veteran politicians Brown Mpinganjira and regional chairperson (South) Peter Simbi.
Blantyre Vendors Association chairperson Alfred Ching’anga requested Mumba to take action on foreign traders who come into the country under the guise of investment but end up establishing retail shops.
He said vendors were facing stiff competition from such traders because their products are cheaper as they directly import from manufacturing countries.
Political analyst George Phiri said Mumba was becoming a crowd puller because he has introduced a different way of how ministers must be operating.
On Friday, Mumba held a public lecture at the University of Malawi in Zomba.
