By Joseph Dumbula
Malawi’s President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has made it clear that cabinet ministers should expect no grace period, stressing that those appointed must begin delivering results from day one.
The President made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe during the swearing-in ceremony of Simon Itaye, the newly appointed Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism.
Hon. Itaye takes over from Dr. George Partridge, who was appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi on January 23 this year.
President Mutharika noted that the new minister is joining a cabinet that has already started producing tangible results, adding that his appointment comes at a critical moment for the country’s economic transformation agenda.
He said Hon. Itaye was selected based on his qualifications and experience, expressing confidence that he would make a meaningful contribution to national development.
The President urged the minister to serve with patriotism, diligence and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Itaye pledged to execute his duties to the best of his ability, drawing on his professional experience to advance the ministry’s mandate.
He underscored the central role of industrialisation in national progress, stating that no country can achieve sustainable development without a strong industrial base.
