By Burnett Munthali
Jean Mathanga, the Guest of Honour at the launch of the Mwanamvekha 15 Million Football Trophy, delivered a speech that underscored the significance of the initiative while also addressing crucial political matters within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
In her opening remarks, Hon. Mathanga expressed profound appreciation to DPP Vice President for the South, Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, for spearheading the tournament. She lauded his commitment to youth development and community engagement, emphasizing that such initiatives play a pivotal role in keeping young people away from drug and substance abuse. She noted that by providing structured sports activities, the tournament would not only entertain but also serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing young football talent, potentially benefiting Malawi’s sports industry in the long run.
Transitioning from sports to politics, Hon. Mathanga took the opportunity to caution the DPP leadership and grassroots structures against welcoming new members without proper scrutiny. She warned that some individuals might be joining the party with ulterior motives, using the DPP’s popularity as a stepping stone to securing electoral victory rather than genuinely committing to the party’s values and principles. Given the current political opinion polls that indicate strong public support for the DPP, she stressed the need for vigilance to prevent opportunists from infiltrating the party. She advised party structures to thoroughly vet all new members to ensure their allegiance to the party’s long-term vision.
Furthermore, Hon. Mathanga urged all DPP supporters to safeguard their voter registration receipts in preparation for the upcoming elections. Acknowledging concerns about possible electoral malpractices, she pointed out that some ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials might attempt to manipulate the voting process. However, she reassured the audience that the DPP was well-prepared to counter any attempts at electoral fraud and would remain steadfast in protecting every vote cast by its supporters.
Her speech resonated with the audience, blending the excitement of the football initiative with the urgency of political preparedness. As the event concluded, it was clear that Hon. Mathanga’s message had reinforced both the importance of youth empowerment through sports and the need for DPP members to remain politically vigilant as the country heads toward the next elections.
