By Durell Namasani
As contenders begin to position themselves for the Malawi Congress Party presidential contest due in 2029, marking the end of incumbent President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s reign, one hopeful has openly declared his ambition to become the party’s new leader. That candidate is Alex Major, who has moved to shake up the opposition party by announcing a prospective shadow cabinet on his Facebook page.
In a post declaring his intentions, Major stated, “I am the MCP president in Waiting. Its just a matter of time.” He proceeded to name a full roster of individuals he intends to appoint to his shadow cabinet, signalling a prepared platform for governance. His announced appointments include Honourable Kusamba Dzonzi as Minister of Economic Planning and Honourable Rhino Chiphiko as Minister of Finance. Other key figures named were Joseph Njobvuyalema for Local Government, Richard Msowoya for Agriculture, and Juliana Lunguzi for Health.
Further appointments outlined in the social media declaration are Kezzie Msukwa for Transport, Professor G. Kamchedzera for Justice, and Givason Kadzipatike for Lands. The list continues with Anderson Gwanda Chakwaamba Moyo for Youth, Ahmed Dassu for Trade, and Hurry Mkandawire for Labour. For the mining portfolio, Major named Dr. Albert Mbawala, while Khumbize Kandodo was designated for Gender. John Tembo Junior was selected for Tourism, and Major reserved the role of Minister of Defence for himself.
The announced cabinet also features Lobin Lowe for Homeland Security, Dr. Jessie Kabwira for Education, and Honourable H. Mkaka for Foreign Affairs. Jean Sendeza was named for Natural Resources and Climate Change, with Clement Mlombwa and Honourable Chimpeni as Deputy Ministers for Transport and Homeland Security respectively. Major appointed Kunkuyu as Minister of Information, Charles Kamwangala as Director of State Residences, and Chikondano Musa as Chief Secretary. Louis Chimango was named Minister of State, Nicolas Dausi as Director of Intelligence, and Dr. Chidanti Malunga for Water and Sanitation. Major noted that Charles Kamwangala and Mrs. Kettie Kamwangala, his oldest family friends since 2010, are part of his campaign team.
