By Burnett Munthali
On Sunday, 11 May 2025, UTM senior official Felix Njawala addressed a lively crowd at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe, where he reflected on Malawi’s past leadership and economic management.
In his speech, Njawala revisited the pivotal year of 2004, when the late President Bingu wa Mutharika took office and began assembling a team of professionals who would drive his ambitious development agenda.
Njawala emphasized that President Mutharika appointed individuals based on merit, singling out two notable figures—Goodall Gondwe and Dr. Dalitso Kabambe—as exemplary choices.
He noted that Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping Malawi’s fiscal direction and economic reforms during Mutharika’s first term.
Njawala described Kabambe as “the man who made the subsidy program possible,” referring to the revolutionary Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) that transformed Malawi’s agricultural landscape.
At the time, Kabambe was serving as Budget Director, a role that placed him at the center of national resource planning and allocation.
Njawala pointed out that under Kabambe’s watch, all components of the subsidy program were adequately financed, ensuring timely procurement and distribution of fertilizer and seed to farmers across the country.
He added that Kabambe also ensured that all contractors involved in government-supported infrastructure works—referred to as “crushers”—were funded on time and received sufficient financial support.
This efficiency, Njawala stated, was instrumental in supporting both agriculture and infrastructure development, the two pillars that defined the success of the Mutharika administration.
Njawala went further to mention that following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika in 2012, Kabambe’s competence and reliability continued to earn him recognition in government circles.
As a result, Kabambe was appointed as Principal Secretary, a senior civil service position that underscored the trust placed in his capabilities by the leadership that followed.
This appointment, Njawala argued, was not political but a reflection of Kabambe’s consistent track record of service and professional excellence.
Felix Njawala’s remarks come at a time when the country is facing mounting economic challenges, with many Malawians yearning for visionary and competent leadership.
By invoking the legacy of Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, Njawala drew a sharp contrast between past and present economic management, suggesting that the key to progress lies in appointing people of merit and technical know-how.
His speech was not only a tribute to the technocrats of the Bingu era but also a subtle reminder to current political players of the importance of placing professionalism above partisanship.
As the 2025 elections approach, Njawala’s comments may be seen as part of a broader UTM strategy to engage in dialogue about governance standards and the type of leadership Malawi desperately needs.
In elevating Kabambe’s legacy, Njawala may also be sending a message to voters and political leaders alike: that the success of a nation depends on the strength, integrity, and competence of those entrusted with public office.
