LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika on Friday, January 30, 2026 made minor changes into cabinet by shifting Alfred Gangata to Sports from National Resources Ministry.
Chief Secretary to the government Justin Saidi says Gangata is now new minister of Youth,Sports and Culture replacing Patricia Wiskes who has been moved to Natural Resources ministry where Gangata was.
The statement adds thatcSimon Itaye is the new minister of Industrialization,Business,Trade and Tourism to replace George Partridge, who was appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi last week.
Gangata move to Sports Ministry looks more strategic as he is connected with youths.
Commenting on the development, sports analyst Williams Chande has cautioned the public against politicising the appointment or linking it to club football interests.
Chande said concerns that Gangata might favour a particular team expected to compete in the FDH Premiership 2026/27 are misplaced and should not distract from the task at hand.
According to Chande, when a president appoints someone to such a position, it is after carefully assessing their competence, integrity and suitability for national service.
He added that Gangata’s role should be viewed from a national perspective rather than through the lens of club affiliations or personal interests.
Chande further expressed hope that the new minister will work closely with all sports associations to ensure the growth and development of various sporting disciplines.He noted that cooperation between the ministry and sporting bodies is essential if Malawi is to achieve meaningful progress in sports administration and performance.
Another sports analyst, Ibrahim Phiri, echoed Chande’s sentiments, saying Gangata has the capacity to advance sports in the country.
Phiri pointed out that Gangata has spent a long time within the sports sector, giving him practical experience that could positively influence his performance as minister.
He added that such exposure to the sports field places Gangata in a good position to understand the challenges facing athletes, administrators and associations.
In the same cabinet changes, former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskes has been moved to the Ministry of Environment.
Before his latest appointment, Gangata served as Minister of State and later as Minister of Natural Resources, roles that further broadened his experience in government service.