By Burnett Munthali
In a heartfelt message of gratitude and commitment, Vitumbiko Mumba, the newly appointed Minister of Labour, has expressed his thanks to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for entrusting him with the important ministerial position. Mumba, who took office following the resignation of his predecessor, Agnes NyaLonje, pledged to serve Malawians with dedication and humility, emphasizing his eagerness to learn from fellow cabinet ministers.
“I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, for trusting me with this noble ministerial position,” Mumba wrote. “I pledge to serve the President and Malawians to the best of my ability. I am also looking forward to learning from fellow cabinet ministers whom I look up to.”
In his statement, Mumba also took the opportunity to acknowledge those who have supported him throughout his journey, particularly those who have stood by him during challenging moments, including social media attacks. Despite the negativity he has faced, Mumba expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support from his loyal allies, calling them “trusted and loyal footsoldiers.” He especially mentioned Gogo Gowoka and Easter Gondwe, praising their consistent defense of his character and the truth.
“To all those that have stood by me and have been vouching for me whenever I get attacked on social media, for no reason but just hate, I salute you for your love and stance. You have taken lots of bullets on my behalf out of love and not for personal gain. I have had to reach out to most of you in person to know you,” Mumba continued. “In order to shame the devil, I call upon you to embrace this appointment with humility and love.”
He also urged his supporters to ignore negative comments and focus on the bigger picture. Mumba encouraged his followers to adopt a mindset of resilience, using the slogan “Rise Above Hate,” famously popularized by professional wrestler John Cena, to guide their actions and avoid retaliation against those who seek to attack them.
Reflecting on his guiding principles, Mumba disclosed one of the philosophies that shapes his approach to life and leadership, quoting Matthew 10:16: “Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” He clarified that being “shrewd” is not sinful when it is done within the moral guidelines of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and integrity in leadership.
In closing, Mumba expressed his dedication to his role as Minister of Labour, highlighting the bigger political mission ahead, particularly leading up to the 2025 general elections. He called on his supporters to focus on advancing the goals of President Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for the betterment of the nation.
As a final gesture, Mumba promised to share an inspiring music video, “Solid as a Rock” by Sizzla Kalonji, which he says has inspired him personally and continues to guide his journey.
Mumba’s words serve as a reminder of his commitment to serving the people of Malawi and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. His message reflects both gratitude and determination, as he embarks on this new chapter of public service.
