Tag Archives: Dr Dalitso Kambabe

Opinion, Politics

Dr Dalitso Kabambe: A potential presidential victor of 2024 UTM elective convention

Rick Dzida

Power struggle has taken the centre stage in the United Transformation Movement (UTM) party following the sudden death of its founder Saulos Chilima.

It is interesting to note that some UM National Executive Committee (NEC) members and the party president, Michael Usi are not speaking with one voice on pertinent party issues such as party’s allegiance to Tonse Alliance, 4 billion kwacha party’s debt and nomination fees for the forthcoming national elective convention slated for 17 November 2024.

Currently, Dalitso Kabambe, Matthews Mtumbuka, Patricia Kaliati, Penjani Kalua, Newton Kambala and the incumbent party president, Michael Usi have expressed their interest to contest as presidential candidates.

At this juncture, it is of paramount importance to note that the major criterion in electing the party president must be centred on the qualities of a presidential candidate who perpetuates Chilima’s legacy.

Unfortunately, the selection of delegates to participate in the voting process will most likely influence the outcome of the elective convention.

Suffice to say that any presidential aspirant is a potential victor. However, this article endeavours to elucidate the strengths and weaknesses of Dalitso Kabambe whose chances of winning are highly probable.

For starters, Dalitso served as the Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor from 2012 to 2017. During his tenure, he implemented policies that aimed at stabilising the economy and promoting economic growth.

As a Reserve Bank governor, Kabambe’s key achievements ranged from stabilising inflation rates, implementing viable monetary policy reforms , improving foreign exchange management to enhancing financial inclusion initiatives.

For instance during his governorship, Kabambe’s sound monetary and fiscal policies resulted into the reduction of Malawi’s economic inflation rate from 21.4% in 2012 to 12.6% in 2016. This was a notable achievement indeed.

As Malawi is experiencing economic instability and meltdown, achievers of Kabambe’s acumen become vitally a panacea.

Kabambe indeed comes with vast knowledge in economic management.

For instance, prior to his governorship of the country’s central bank, Kabambe worked in the Malawi Government Economic Service for a period of 19 years from 1998.

He held various positions such as Principal Economist, Chief Economist, Deputy Director of Economic Planning and, Budget Director in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.

Kabambe was also the Director of Planning and Policy Development at the Ministry of Health from 2013 to 2015, where he was also in charge of the national health budget.

He also served as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for close to 2 years.

In terms of education, Kabambe is not a nonentity. He holds a PhD and a master’s degree in Development Economics from Imperial College, University of London, United Kingdom which he obtained in 2008 and 2001 respectively. He got his first degree from the University of Malawi in 1998.

Despite the positive achievements, Kabambe is not spared with financial controversies.

For instance, Kabambe was rocked in a salary controversy when it emerged that as governor of Malawi’s central bank, his monthly perk was billed at MK24 million (about US$30,000). Many citizens find this salary exorbitant considering the poverty levels in Malawi.

In an interview with Zodiak broadcasting station, Kabambe confirmed the reports, saying his salary was approved by the Bank’s board in line with the Reserve Bank of Malawi Act of Parliament and his years of service.

In a nutshell, Kabambe has good chances of winning the UTM elections based on his vast strong economic policies and experience.

Furthermore, since Kabambe announced his presidential candidature, he has shown that he is propagating Chilima’s legacy.

Politics

Kondwani Nankhumwa declares Presidential ambition: Failure does not exist in my veins

Maravi Post Reporter

Maravipost Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the south, Kondwani Nankhumwa has maintained his stand to contest for the party’s Presidency at the party’s convenient slated for this year.

Nankhumwa, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, expressed optimism that he will win and take over the mantle from DPP President Arthur Peter Mutharika, immediate past Malawi’s President.

Kondwani Nankhumwa shows mercy on DPP

“”Failure does not exist in my blood veins. I am not afraid of anyone and nobody will stop or block me from attending the convention.

“I’m ready to take the DPP back into government. I have vast experience having served in different portfolios when DPP was government. I know what Malawians want and they will rally behind me, come 2025,” Nankhumwa said in an interview monitored on Times TV’s Times Exclusive.

He also described as untrue claims that he was planning to form his own political party or join another party.

Kabambe
Dr Dalitso Kabambe DPP Presidential hopeful

“I’m a bonafide member of the DPP. I will remain in the party. I know all the statues of the party and all structures from the grassroots. I have massive support and I will be the party’s torchbearer in 2025,” stressed Nankhumwa, whose wife is a Member of Parliament for Blantyre Kabula constituency.

Others interested in the party’s Presidency are former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Dr Dalitso Kambabe, Chiradzulu law maker and former Finance Minister, Joseph Mwanavekha and Machinga Likwenu law maker Bright Msaka, SC, who at some point served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Lands.

“So, there are no reasons to be afraid of anyone. I will win at the convention,” said Nankhumwa.

Malawi

Atupele chides clueless Chakwera on lack of clear economic development plan for the country

Maravi Post Reporter

Former United Democratic Front leader Atupele Muluzi, who recently hinted at returning to active politics, says the country requires right leadership with a solid and sound economic development plan to address various challenges that are hitting Malawians hard.

Muluzi, who was the presidential running mate for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) torchbearer, Arthur Peter Mutharika during the court sanctioned June 2022 fresh Presidential polls, believes Malawi has the raw ingredients necessary to become a strong economy within the region and Africa, but the current administration is failing to come up with candid development plans that would address the most binding constraints first.

“I passionately believe that with the right leadership, a solid economic development plan and strategy that is inclusive and equal to all, Malawi will Rise.

“The next step forward will not be about an individual but finding solutions together on how we can transform our economy and eradicate poverty,” said Muluzi, who announced plans to rejoin politics three months after quitting the game.

He said in order to address the gaps, there is need to identify game changers which will accelerate the pace of economic growth and development.

Muluzi further observed that most the of the challenges rocking Malawians are “man-made” and President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera administration is not doing enough to reverse the situation.

“What has happened since 2020 is man-made. and the leadership should produce solutions to economic challenges that biting hard. We need realistic solutions and promises, otherwise things are getting worse,” said Muluzi.

Recently, Chakwera assured Malawians that his administration is doing everything possible to mitigate and bring sanity to the situation.

Chakwera attributed the current economic crisis to hefty loans left by the former ruling DPP, Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, which according to him, have fueled the cost of living within and beyond Malawi.

I have not been fired claims Kabambe

Meanwhile, former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor, Dr Dalitso Kambabe observes that since 2020, “more and more Malawians are being relegated into the abyss of abject poverty.”

Writing on his official Facebook, Kabambe claimed that Malawi economy is crumbling with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) falling with each, tanking to a paltry 0.9 percent as of this year.

“In 2019 it was at 5.5 percent. In 2021, it dipped to 1.2 percent. This year, it is such an uninspiring figure. This is against annual population growth rates of 3.0 percent. What does this mean? Our economy is failing to sustain the livelihoods of Malawians let alone providing for new entrants.

“Kids are being born into untold misery and suffering. This government is even robbing a decent standard of living from kids the moment they are born.

“I said this, and I would like to repeat approach elections as investment. The decision you make to support a candidate is you depositing, or stealing from, your own future and that of your loved ones.

“Support capability, commit to merit. You deserve an economy that guarantees your decency and humanity. You deserve an economy that can support your ventures. An economy that guarantees your children a solid future,” said Kambabe, who is also eyeing the country’s Presidency.