By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
As a saying in Chichewa “Kwanu mkwanu mthengo mudalaka njoka” and “Madzi sayiwala khwawa”, it is being manifested in political landscape of this country as many people are returning to Malawi Congress Party which is the oldest political party in the country and indeed the first ever local political party to lead this country under self rule.
There was a double celebration at the MCP Mzuzu regional offices on Saturday, February 19,2022 when the party welcomed into its family, two Ward Councilors, Tony Gradwell Mwenitete of Mzirawaingwe Ward and Peterkins Mbale of Zolozolo West Ward to take its Council numberer to eight and overturn the majority control at the City Council from its initial four in 2019 elections out of fifteen Councilors Mzuzu City Council has.
Doubling the celebration was the joining of Councilor Tony Gradwell Mwenitete of Mzirawaingwe Ward who is the Deputy Mayor of Mzuzu City Council to seal off the Mayorship for MCP, as the City Mayor, Worship Desire Nyirenda is also MCP.
Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Mwenitete and Mbale concurred on the policies and leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera as inspirational and visionary that is working towards building a new Malawi which is better for all, thereby attracting many to join or rejoin.
Mwenitete told the gathering that after a long thought of his political career and passion to serve the people diligently and with dignity, he decided to join MCP and that he is now happy to be part of the party’s family.
On the other hand councilor Mbale had very few words to say; “I and many of the people in my Ward have come to join MCP after seeing that it has leadership that listens. For instance, for many years we have been crying over a better road in my Ward, only to earn empty political ptomises, but when President Chakwera and MCP came into power, we just requested once and now I am happy that the long awaited road from Mzuzu Technical College to Luwinga is under construction.” Said Mbale while smiling showing his happiness to have joined MCP.
Welcoming the two, MCP District Chairman for Mzuzu, Franklin Hara thanked them for making their decision to join MCP, saying this shows how attractive the party is, considering that the Deputy Mayor can dump his party and join MCP, adding that building on the four cornerstones, MCP shall remain so strong forever. He then urged the members to remain united and attract more people into the party.
But speaking to reporters after the welcoming ceremony, Mwenitete said the MCP leadership is so attractive, hence his decision to join.
“I have come to MCP because of the leadership of President Chakwera. I have not been bought by anyone and I can not be bought. MCP has millions and Millions of supporters, how can it waste time to buy me? It’s not about cash but where you can be free and work with others freely.” Concluded Mwenitete.
In a separate interview with reporters, Chairman for MCP in the North South Region, Joseph Chavula expressed his excitement on the decision made by the two councilors including the Deputy Mayor.
“Oooh Yes, Yes, Yes, I am so excited because he is a big catch, the Deputy Mayor is not a mere person, is a person of integrity, is a person of authority in the society. So for him to make a decision to join Malawi Congress Party, we are much excited.” Said Chavula who was over the moon at the time of the interview.
Chavula further said, the joining simply means people have trust in the leadership of President Chakwera and entire Malawi Congress Party.
Councilor Tony Gradwell Mwenitete is formerly UTM councilor for Mzirawaingwe Ward, while Peterkins Mbale was an Independent Councilor for Zolozolo West Ward.