By Wadza Botomani
Seven months after the Cabinet reshuffle that saw Timothy Mtambo, the so-called son of the soil dropped from the cabinet, he finally resurfaced with an exclusive interview that saw thousands of Malawians gluing to Zodiak Tv to watch. Mtambo has been quiet and never gave media interviews since leaving cabinet and this was the first outing. The interview was explosive, the interviewer handled it well and Mtambo reminded Malawians that he is still the same energetic, intelligent young man whose articulation of governance issues resonates well with common Malawians.
Mtambo started by giving an update of what he has been up to during the hiatus post cabinet role. Spending time reading about Africa, writing about his life and focusing on building his people power movement Citizens for Transformation Movement (CFT) were the key activities that occupied his time over the past months. Asked if his political journey will be short-lived and that he is returning to activitism, Mtambo said he still regards himself as “ an activist at core, revolutionary by birth and a liberation leader”
Mtambo came to prominence in the political arena during the mass demonstration against the DPP regime, something which he says he does not regret. He said any actions at the time were motivated by people who were suffering, elections that were rigged and the massive corruption “ I will never be quiet when things are going wrong” he lamented.
On his time as a cabinet Minister , Mtambo refuted the common accusation that he got the cabinet role as a reward for leading the demos claiming he left some bigger and rewarding roles just to accept the cabinet post as his motive was to serve Malawians . He once again repeated that he does not regret accepting the cabinet role as it gave him opportunity to be inside the government , see how things are run thereby gaining more experience and being empowered
Mtambo argued that as Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, he feels he delivered unlike the propaganda that floats around saying he failed. He said the notion of trying to portray him as a failure was being propelled by some political enemies. He cited some key achievements of his time as a Minister that includes, development of the comprehensive legal and policy framework for the Ministry, the Peace and unity law that was passed in parliament, development of the Civic Education Policy and the Establishment of the National Day of Unity.
On politics Mtambo commented that he feels Malawi politics focuses on finishing each other and that young , new breed of politicians often times becomes the target of those that want to protect their territories.
Asked if he thought the current regime is delivering on the things he fought DPP for , Mtambo acknowledged that challenges are there . He reminded Malawians of some key factors that have made the economic situation to be a challenge such as Impact of Covid, the Russian Ukraine war and the cyclone disasters that affected Malawi. Mtambo said government has doen well in creating a good environment for freedom of expression , development of roads which is currently underway, he however wished if more can be done on fight against corruption as the prosecution rate is low and Malawians expected more .
