By Twink Jones Gadama
Daniel Mpwesha’s story is one of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
In the very early hours of Monday March 13, 2023, Cyclone Freddy swept through Mulanje, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Mpwesha, in an effort to rescue victims, found himself caught in the heavy flooding waters.
His house collapsed, and he clung to the roof as it was swept away by the raging waters.
For more than fifteen kilometers, Mpwesha was at the mercy of the floodwaters, sustaining injuries from sharp objects and gliding stones.
His roof, his only lifeline, was slowly disintegrating.
In a desperate bid to escape, he used his remaining adrenaline to jump onto a rolling log, which carried him over a nearby tree.
Exhausted, restless, and in agony, he was finally rescued and taken to the hospital, where he spent a month recovering.
Mpwesha’s story is not an isolated one.
Many survivors of Cyclone Freddy are still struggling to come to terms with the trauma they experienced.
The cyclone left thousands homeless, without shelter or food.
A certain organization promised monetary assistance but abandoned the survivors after two months, leaving them with only K40,000.
It was in this context of desperation that DPP shadow MP for Mulanje South East, Tiyamike Harold Goliati, stepped in.
Moved by the plight of the survivors, Goliati used his meager resources to find houses for Mpwesha and another survivor, a woman.
His gesture brought tears of joy to their eyes.
Senior Group Village Headman Njirambo commended Goliati, describing him as a true son of the area who deserves to be a member of parliament.
“The current MP doesn’t help people and has no regard for them. No single survivor has been constructed a house.
They (victims) have been staying in rented houses, mostly grass thatched ones, ” the chief said.
Mpwesha’s story highlights the traumatic effects of Cyclone Freddy, which are still being felt today.
The cyclone destroyed homes, livelihoods, and families.
Survivors are struggling to rebuild their lives, but the memories of that fateful day will haunt them forever.
In an interview, Goliati expressed his commitment to helping the survivors.
“I was touched by their stories, and I had to do something.
I will continue to support them in any way I can.”
As Mpwesha looks to the future, he is grateful for Goliati’s aid.
He has planted peas in the garden where his house once stood and is currently looking for work to start afresh.
His story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
Cyclone Freddy’s effects are still being felt, but stories like Mpwesha’s remind us of the resilience and hope that exists in the face of tragedy.
Tiyamike Goliati’s aid has brought comfort to survivors, and his commitment to serving his constituents is a beacon of hope for a better future.
However, not everyone has been as supportive.
Mpwesha has no kind words for the current MP of the area, Hon. Naomi Kilekwa Phiri, who has been largely absent since the disaster occurred.
“She rarely responds to calls, and we’ve heard she’s relocated to Machinjiri in Blantyre, leaving us to fend for ourselves,” Mpwesha said, her voice laced with disappointment.
“We feel abandoned and forgotten, but Tiyamike Goliati’s actions have shown us that there are still people who care.”
Efforts to reach Hon. Naomi Kilekwa Phiri for comment proved futile, as her phone went unanswered after several call attempts.
Her silence has only added to the frustration and sense of abandonment felt by her constituents.
The stark contrast between Goliati’s compassion and Phiri’s neglect has not gone unnoticed.
Senior Group Village Headman Njirambo echoed Mpwesha’s sentiments, saying, “The current MP has shown no regard for her constituents.
She’s never been in touch since the disaster, and we’re left to suffer.
Tiyamike Goliati, on the other hand, has proven himself to be a true leader and a son of the soil.”
