By Twink Jones Gadama
Updated: 09-01-2026
Malawi’s former DPP secretary general, Grezelder Jeffrey, is currently in a precarious political position that could potentially lead to her downfall. In the world of politics, reputation is everything, and any misstep or controversial action can seal one’s fate. Jeffrey is not fully aware of this fact as she continues to dig her own political grave, alienating herself from both the party and the public.
One significant factor contributing to Grezelder Jeffrey’s self-destruction is her consistent disregard for party loyalty and unity. A successful politician understands the importance of standing by their party and supporting its objectives.
However, Jeffrey has repeatedly shown a lack of commitment to the ideals and goals of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which she once served as the secretary general.
Instead of working towards uniting the party and promoting its agenda, she has engaged in actions that have undermined its integrity.
One example of her undermining the party’s interests was her public criticism of the party leadership. Instead of addressing internal concerns privately, she openly voiced her dissatisfaction with the party’s decisions and strategies. This kind of public betrayal not only divides the party but also erodes trust and confidence in her leadership abilities. By failing to demonstrate loyalty and unity, Grezelder Jeffrey has isolated herself and positioned herself as a potential threat to the party’s stability.
Furthermore, Jeffrey’s decision to align herself with controversial figures has significantly damaged her reputation and political standing. A successful politician carefully chooses the company they keep, ensuring that their associations reflect positively on their own character and values.
In a misguided attempt to boost her own political influence, Jeffrey has associated herself with individuals who questionable qualifications and have not come in the open to clear themselves from such serious allegations. This association raises doubts about her own ethical stance and judgment, tarnishing her political image.
Moreover, Jeffrey’s communication approach has been highly detrimental to her political career. A successful politician knows the power of effective and strategic communication and understands the importance of choosing words carefully.
However, Jeffrey has repeatedly exhibited a lack of tact and diplomacy when expressing her opinions and addressing sensitive matters. Her abrasive and confrontational style has repeatedly alienated supporters and potential allies, leaving her isolated and devoid of crucial political support.
An example of her damaging communication style was her recent social media outburst, where she used derogatory language towards fellow party members who disagreed with her. This kind of public display of aggression not only harms personal relationships but also erodes public trust and confidence in her ability to hold a leadership position. It also highlights her inability to manage conflicts and differences of opinion in a mature and constructive manner, further isolating her from potential allies and coalition partners.
Additionally, Jeffrey’s inconsistent and opportunistic approach to policymaking has further weakened her political standing. A stateswoman should be guided by a set of values and clear policy stances, which citizens can rely on when making decisions on leadership. However, Jeffrey has displayed a tendency to flip-flop on critical issues, aligning herself with whichever stance serves her own self-interest now. This lack of consistency not only erodes trust but also raises questions about her sincerity and commitment to public service.
Furthermore, Jeffrey’s failed leadership during her tenure as the DPP secretary general has not gone unnoticed. A successful politician is expected to demonstrate strong leadership skills, inspire confidence, and achieve tangible results. Unfortunately, Jeffrey’s history is less than impressive.
Under her leadership, the party faced internal divisions, struggled to effectively communicate with the public, and failed to deliver on key promises.
These failures have weakened the parties undeniably led to her current state of political self-destruction. Her disregard for party loyalty and unity, questionable associations, damaging communication style, inconsistent policymaking, and failed leadership have all contributed to her alienation from both the party and the public.
Unless she recognizes the consequences of her actions and takes corrective measures, her political grave will continue requires a delicate balance of loyalty, integrity, effective communication, and strong leadership. One misstep can be all it takes to undermine years of challenging work and destroy a political career.
Updated:
Grezelder Jeffrey is a politician in Malawi. She was an MP for the Democratic Progressive Party rising to be Secretary General. In 2024 she joined the Malawi Congress Party and she was re-elected in 2025 in the Nkhotakota Chia constituency.
She was elected as a member of the National Assembly for a constituency in Nkhotakota District in central Malawi. She became the party’s Secretary General and she won unopposed in the primaries but she lost this seat in 2019. During the elections she had said that people should not vote for Ulema Msungama. She slandered him by saying that he had raped his cousin. In 2021 she was in the high court crying with remorse before the judge adjourned the court so that they could make an out of court settlement.
At the end of 2023 she announced that the National Governing Council meeting of the DPP would be held of December 6. This was required because there was a court order requiring such a meeting to create an election. The situation became complex when the DPP’s spokesperson, Shadric Namalomba, issues a contradictory statement. Namalomba claimed that all of the DPP’s positions had timed our and Jeffrey was (and was not) the Secretary General.[4]
At the start of 2024 she was the Central Region vice president and she was called before a disciplinary meeting of her party after she was accused, with others including Cecilia Chazama, of organising an unauthorised meeting. She did not attend. Jean Kalilani led the disciplinary committee but they did not move to punish her quickly and this led to speculation in the media
In 2024, she left the Democratic Progressive Party to join the Malawi Congress Party. Jeffrey explained her move to the MCP as being like a marriage. Her marriage to the DPP was over and she was returning “to the father”. She was elected in the Nkhotakota Chia constituency with 10,441 votes in the 2025 election.
Feedback: jonesgama@gmil.com
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor
