Former President and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has appointed new officials to fill vacant positions within the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), with immediate effect.
According to an internal memorandum dated 9 September 2026 and signed by MCP Secretary General Hon Richard Chimwendo Banda, MP, the appointments are intended to fill vacancies in various portfolios of the party’s national leadership structure.
The newly appointed officials are:
- 1st Deputy Secretary General – Hon Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, MP
- 2nd Deputy Secretary General – Hon Dr Owen Chomanika
- 1st Deputy Director, Economic Affairs – Hon Francis Phiri
- 1st Deputy Director, Public Relations – Hon Dr Anthony Masamba, MP
- 2nd Deputy Director, Public Relations – Hon Alumwira Mwenesongole
- 1st Deputy Director, Recruitment – Hon Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, MP
- 1st Deputy Director, Religious Affairs – Hon Sheikh Mtenje
- 1st Deputy Director, Social Welfare – Hon Francis Mkandawire, MP
- 1st Deputy Director, Strategic Planning – Hon Lawrence Chakakala Chaziya, MP
- 2nd Deputy Director, Strategic Planning – Hon Daniel Mwanyongo Chitonya, MP
The memorandum also lists the following individuals as NEC members:
- Hon Benedicto Chambo
- Hon Edward Chileka Banda, MP
- Hon Brown Mpinganjira
- Hon Monica Chang’anamuno, MP
- Hon Maureen Nseula Chirwa, MP
- Hon Savel Kafwafwa, MP
- Hon Grezelder Jeffrey, MP
- Hon Kafandikhale Mandivala
The appointments come as the opposition MCP continues to reorganise and strengthen its internal structures following its return to opposition after the 2025 general elections.
The expanded leadership structure is expected to play a role in coordinating party activities, strengthening grassroots mobilisation, enhancing communication and public relations, and shaping the party’s strategic direction going forward.
The appointments take immediate effect, according to the memorandum signed by the party’s Secretary General.