By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Right Honourable Dr Jane Mayemu Ansah SC, JA (Retired), spent the past week traversing Malawi, shifting from high-level Cabinet discussions in Mangochi to hands-on humanitarian missions in communities battered by storms and hunger. Her schedule reflected a blend of governance oversight, crisis response, and public reassurance at a time when the country faces increasing climatic and economic pressures.
30 November 2025 – Mangochi Retreat Ends With a Call for Delivery
Dr Ansah wrapped up the 2025 Cabinet Retreat in Mangochi by challenging ministers to renew their commitment to national service. The meeting—supported by UNDP under the theme “Delivering the Promise: Building a Resilient Economy, Accountable Governance and Strategic Partnerships”—focused on boosting government performance and aligning policy actions with the DPP Manifesto and Malawi 2063.
She urged Cabinet members to move from discussion to execution, stressing that Malawians expect real outcomes, not prolonged deliberations. With that, she officially closed the retreat and encouraged collective action as the Government rounds out its reform agenda.
1 December 2025 – Quick Response to Storm-Affected Zones
The start of the week saw the Vice President in Mangochi and Thyolo, where unexpected storm rains had unsettled communities. Dr Ansah expressed relief that no fatalities had occurred but underscored the urgency of supporting more than 2,400 families already affected by weather-related shocks.
She applauded President Mutharika’s emphasis on preparedness and promised continued food assistance throughout the lean period. The day ended with prayers for peace and protection during the rainy season.
2 December 2025 – Hunger Warnings in the South and a Surprise Inspection
Tuesday took Dr Ansah to Nsanje for the Lean Season Response Programme. She highlighted the harsh impact of the La Niña season, which disrupted the 2024/2025 agricultural cycle and pushed up food prices. The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee projects that over four million Malawians may face hunger between October 2025 and March 2026—a warning she reiterated strongly.
Before proceeding to Chikwawa, the Vice President made an unannounced visit to the DODMA warehouse in Nsanje to verify the availability and condition of relief supplies. She encouraged staff to uphold professionalism and transparency.
In Chikwawa, where food distribution continued, she urged communities to guard maize against misuse and to report corruption immediately.
3 December 2025 – Storm Recovery and Relief in Zomba and Ntcheu
On Wednesday, Dr Ansah visited Zomba Malosa, where storm damage left homes destroyed and families displaced. She reiterated that food security remains the base upon which all development rests, making the national declaration of food insecurity both timely and necessary.
She later travelled to Mlanda Primary School in T/A Masasa, Ntcheu, where similar weather challenges have strained local households. Once again, she reminded residents of the looming hunger crisis and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring that aid reaches all districts.
4 December 2025 – A Multi-District Mission From Lilongwe to Mchinji
Thursday began in Lilongwe, where the Vice President distributed relief items at Kalumbu in Nathenje and later at Senior Chief M’bwatalika’s Headquarters. She warned communities to use the food responsibly and highlighted persistent La Niña effects as a key driver of the current hardship.
Her final stop was in Mchinji, at Kathyakula Full Primary School under T/A Simphasi. There, she addressed concerns about land sales and strongly encouraged residents to embrace irrigation farming—an approach she said could yield up to three harvests a year. She also noted that the MWK 5 billion constituency development allocation offers communities a direct path to grassroots development.
She closed the day by urging vigilance against vendors attempting to exploit vulnerable families by buying relief maize.
A Week Defined by Urgency and Accountability
In all the districts she visited, Vice President Dr Jane Ansah carried one central message: Malawi must strengthen its resilience through unity, responsible governance, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her week-long engagements revealed both the scale of the country’s food security challenges and the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no household is left without support.
