By Chisomo Phiri
President Arthur Peter Mutharika has challenged newly appointed Deputy Ministers to play an active role in addressing Malawi’s pressing national challenges, including climate-related disasters and economic recovery.
The president made the remarks on Friday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Ministers.
Mutharika said the appointments were aimed at reinforcing Cabinet capacity at a time when decisive leadership is required to safeguard the country’s development trajectory.
He emphasized that the oath of office obliges the Deputy Ministers to uphold the Constitution, respect the rule of law, and prioritise national interests in the execution of their duties.
The Malawi leader reiterated that his administration remains firmly committed to a people-centred approach to governance.
Referring to recent floods that have claimed lives and damaged critical infrastructure, Mutharika urged the appointees to work closely with their respective ministries to develop practical and sustainable solutions that would protect Malawi’s socio-economic progress.
He further warned the Deputy Ministers against engaging in corrupt practices, reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, and called on them to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and professionalism in public service.
The Deputy Ministers, appointed on 5 January 2026, are Thoko Tembo (Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development), Chipiliro Mpinganjira (Natural Resources), Edgar Tembo (Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism), and Charles Chilambula (Health and Sanitation).
