Zomba Chingale’s Awakening: Hon. Foster Ntandama Inspires Hope Amidst Turmoil

In a recent rally organized by MCP Regional Chairman Foster Ntandama in Chingale, Zomba, the pressing issues of hunger and neglect in the area were met with a message of hope and transformation. Chairman Ntandama emphasized that while complaints about the state of the constituency should not be shifted to President Chakwera or the government, the blame should be directed towards chiefs who, during the formation of Village Development Committees (VDCs), neglected to include ruling party members in key positions, opting instead for opposition party members.

During the rally, Chairman Ntandama assured the people of Chingale that the government is prepared to bring about positive change for the community. His presence at the rally symbolized that their grievances have been heard by President Chakwera. He encouraged the residents to trust the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and support their candidate in the upcoming 2025 tripartite elections.

Among the notable figures present at the rally were Director of Youth, Isaac Ramsy Khan, Hofman Makande, Davie Lare, and Yusuf Matumula.

Before Chairman Ntandama spoke, Group Village Headman Chibwana welcomed the guests and advocated for the promotion of Sub T/A Kapita to T/A Kapita. He also highlighted the urgent need for the construction of the neglected Lirangwe-Machinga Road.

While thanking the president for the construction of irrigation schemes such as Mlowoka, T/A Kapita requested that ongoing scheme construction works by another contractor be closely monitored for timely completion.

Concerns over the Machinga-Lirangwe Road were also reiterated by Davie Lare, who emphasized that despite being included in various budgets during the 26-year rule of UDF and DPP, the road was never developed.

Hofman Makande emphasized the need for chiefs to restructure VDCs and ensure MCP members are prominently represented at the village level. He highlighted that chiefs may have neglected MCP members at the VDC level, assuming that the party’s rule is ending. In an interview, he stated that Chairman Ntandama’s visit was a response to many raised concerns.

Isaac Ramsy Khan, Eastern Region Youth Director, while inviting the Regional Chairperson to the podium, emphasized that the youth in Chingale have been denied many opportunities, including NEEF loans. He mentioned that despite the area being represented by DPP legislators who should be advocating for the community, they are instead concealing information to make the community feel neglected by the government. He also revealed alleged misappropriation of CDF funds amounting to 400 million, meant for the constituents, diverted into personal pockets.

The rally saw approximately 180 individuals from DPP, PP, and UTM join the MCP, indicating a shift in political allegiance in the region.

Reported by Leonard Mhone, Eastern Region