President Lazarus Chakwera has reiterated that the pain Malawians have endured over the past few years was necessary and unavoidable for the country to begin its journey towards prosperity.
Chakwera made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where he swore in eight new ministers and deputy ministers.
According to Chakwera, he made it clear during his inauguration on July 6, 2020 that the five years to come would be painful for Malawians, as he worked to remove “several untreated tumours” that he said had long hindered the growth and development of the country.
He said that, as part of straightening these “deformed bones”, there had been considerable pain in many areas that Malawians had to endure.
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“In the economy, there was a tumour of sugarcoating the situation by cheating Malawians that our currency was strong when it was not supported by exports.
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“Since that tumour was removed two years ago, Malawians have endured too much pain. But I would not have been a competent doctor if I were to just let the tumour to grow and rot for fear of being insulted by Malawians because I am confident that Malawians will enjoy economic bliss in the next five years,” Chakwera said.
The Malawi leader added that, as part of corruption, some people “sold a government bank and shared the proceeds”, while others siphoned money from parastatals and used it for political party rallies.
This, he said, led to the suspension of donor support and the cancellation of an Extended Credit Programme with the International Monetary Fund.
Chakwera then urged the new ministers to assist him in identifying and removing “the remaining tumours left by previous administrations”, so that Malawi can have a brighter future.
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“I did not appoint you to relax in your positions. I did not appoint you to be globetrotting on useless trips. I did not appoint you to be just sitting in the office or following me wherever I go,” the President said.
On New Year’s Day, Chakwera reshuffled his Cabinet by firing two ministers, promoting one deputy minister and bringing in seven new faces.
He dismissed the then Minister of Defence, Harry Mkandawire, and Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko.
The President then promoted former Deputy Minister of Local Government Owen Chomanika to the position of Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, a post previously held by Vice President Michael Usi.
Chakwera appointed Malawi Congress Party spokesperson Jessie Kabwila and lawmaker Ezekiel Ching’oma as Minister of Higher Education and Minister of Homeland Security, respectively.
He also appointed opposition legislators Joyce Chitsulo and Benedicto Chambo as deputy ministers of Local Government and Agriculture, respectively.
Additionally, lawmakers Noah Chimpeni and Patricia Nangozo Kainga were appointed as deputy ministers of Health and Foreign Affairs, respectively.
Another new face in the Cabinet is Lilongwe South lawmaker Peter Dimba, who is the new Deputy Minister of Transport.
In an interview after being sworn in, Chomanika and Kabwila promised to work hard to serve Malawians.
