Social media commentator Josh Banda has cautioned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) against attacking Mary Chilima, the widow of late Vice President Saulos Chilima, in an attempt to justify the cost of Vice President Jane Ansah’s private trip to the United Kingdom.
Banda was responding to a post by a ruling party mouthpiece that circulated a memo addressed to former President Lazarus Chakwera, seeking approval for Mary Chilima to travel abroad for medical treatment. According to Banda, using such a sensitive matter for political justification is inappropriate and damaging.
In his commentary, Banda emphasized that a DPP-led government must recognize that Malawians have high expectations and are looking for leadership that governs differently from past administrations. While the DPP may have won the election, he noted that many citizens are more attached to the leadership style and legacy of President Peter Mutharika (APM) than to the party itself.
He warned that adopting arrogance early in government—similar to what many criticized during the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration—would be a serious mistake. Banda urged DPP leaders to pay close attention to public reactions and feedback, stressing that criticism from citizens should not be treated as an attack but as a call for improvement.
Banda further observed that some DPP leaders appear to be drifting away from the leadership path associated with APM.
He reminded the party that Malawians are more concerned about food security, affordable prices, quality healthcare, good roads, safety, and national transformation than political propaganda or blind loyalty.
“If the DPP governs well, Malawians will be satisfied. If it fails, the country will suffer once again,” Banda said. He concluded by noting that Malawi is a small nation with great potential for development and transformation, provided leaders prioritize the needs of the people.
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