Democratic Progressive Party vice-president (South) Joseph Mwanamvekha has warned party members against fighting and tarnishing one another’s reputations in pursuit of leadership positions.
Speaking yesterday at this year’s Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival at Chonde in Mulanje where he was the guest of honour, he said the party should focus on rebuilding the country rather than engaging in internal political battles.
Mwanamvekha, who is also Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, said President Peter Mutharika committed to govern the country until 2030 and called on Malawians to support his efforts to restore the economy.
“This is not the time for politics, fighting and tarnishing one another’s reputations in order to look better than others because we want leadership positions in the DPP,” he said.
He then urged party members to support Mutharika in fulfilling his 2025 campaign promises.
“There is only one President at a time. At the moment, our President is Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, until 2030,” said Mwanamvekha.
Turning to the economy, he acknowledged the challenges facing the country, saying rebuilding an economy that had deteriorated over five years would take time.
The minister said government is implementing measures to restore economic stability and improve people’s livelihoods.
The measures include reducing government travel expenditure, promoting commercial agriculture to increase exports, strengthening mining regulations to ensure the country benefits from its mineral resources and expanding access to business loans for women and young people through the Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (Medf).
Mwanamvekha said government is working to improve the availability of food, fuel and foreign exchange while ensuring development reacheds communities and businesses receive support to grow.
Taking his turn, Mulhako wa Alhomwe chairperson Muchanakhwaye Mpuluka warned those bringing politics into the cultural organisation and those jostling for leadership positions against causing divisions.
He said the organisation was not a political party and would take action against anyone who introduces partisan politics into its activities.
“Anyone who brings politics or insults us will face action, including being reported and barred from entering our area,” said Mpuluka.
He also said the Lhomwe community would no longer tolerate anyone insulting Mutharika.
Seven other Cabinet ministers inattendance were Minister of Energy Jean Mathanga, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango, Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation George Chaponda and Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Martha Ngwira.
Other senior government officials at the event included Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi, directors and principal secretaries from various ministries, departments and agencies, as well as district commissioners from various district councils.
Traditional leaders from different ethnic communities and business leaders from across the country also attended.
The annual gathering brings together members of the Lhomwe community to celebrate their cultural heritage, traditions and identity.
This year’s festival was held under the theme ‘Preserving culture while considering present and future generations’.
Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival was established in 2007 by its founding patron, former president Bingu wa Mutharika.
The event started on Friday, with yesterday’s celebrations attracting a large crowd of people from all walks of life.
This year’s gathering was the first to take place without President Mutharika, the organisation’s current patron, who was in South Africa on a private trip.
