By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Justice Dr. Jane Ansah’s continued presence in disaster-hit communities is not a sign of government excess but a reflection of the mandate she carries as the minister responsible for the country’s disaster response system.
Her office oversees the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), a portfolio assigned by President Peter Mutharika that requires her to lead emergency interventions, monitor relief efforts, and personally assess conditions on the ground.
Leaving disaster affairs to run from an office would undermine the very reason she holds that responsibility, as effective disaster management demands on-site verification and direct engagement with affected households.
In moments of hunger, storms, or displacement, families expect leadership that is visible and responsive, and the Vice President’s visits provide reassurance that government support is active rather than symbolic.
Emergency coordination depends heavily on accurate, real-time assessment, and such information cannot be gathered through paperwork or reports alone, but through physically inspecting damaged areas and speaking to local leaders and victims.
Those criticising her travel schedule overlook the operational reality that the country’s humanitarian machinery cannot function without the oversight of the official appointed to guide it.
Reducing these visits to mere expenditure weakens the understanding that disaster response is not optional—it is a core government obligation aimed at protecting lives and preventing further hardship.
Had she chosen to remain in Lilongwe while hunger and storm-related destruction continued in multiple districts, it would have fueled a damaging public perception that she was detached from the suffering of citizens.
Such an absence would raise questions about her commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to her by the Head of State, especially at a time when the nation is facing widespread food insecurity.
Her travel should therefore be seen in the context of national duty rather than political indulgence, because supporting vulnerable communities forms the heart of her assignment within government.
Properly managed disaster operations reduce long-term economic costs, limit social disruption, and strengthen public trust, making the Vice President’s field leadership a necessary investment rather than a drain.
Austerity measures must target waste, not essential government functions that safeguard citizens’ lives, and emergency response is one area where leadership presence cannot be substituted or scaled back for the sake of optics.
VP Jane Ansah’s outreach demonstrates that responsible governance means showing up when citizens are in crisis, not retreating under the banner of fiscal restraint.
Her critics would do better to focus on strengthening long-term resilience planning—such as irrigation, climate adaptation, and food security systems—rather than faulting the very leadership required to manage today’s emergencies.
The Vice President’s actions reflect the seriousness of her role and the demands of a nation in distress, reminding Malawians that disaster response is a hands-on responsibility that cannot be carried out from behind closed doors.
