Dausi says Goodall rejoins DPP: Malawi ex- minister recuperating at home
Former Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr. Goodall Gondwe has rejoined his former party, opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) less than a year he officially withdrew his membership from the party and vowed to ‘entirely’ retire from frontline politics.
Gondwe is currently answering charges of perjury and treason alongside DPP president Peter Mutharika, DPP top officials Kondwani Nankhumwa, Henry Mussa, Nicholas Dausi, Patricia Kaliati and Symon Vuwa Kaunda as well as former Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Bright Msaka.
DPP Publicity Secretary, Nicholas Dausi confirmed of Gondwe’s rejoining of the party in an interview with Nyasa Times, saying the Mzimba North Parliamentarian rejoined the once ruling party soon after the treason arrest.
“Honorable Gondwe has been our member since his resignation from cabinet last month. He is a full-time member now,” Dausi said.
However, Dausi was quick to point out that for the time being Gondwe has not been offered any executive position in the party due to his health condition.
Gondwe collapsed after his arrest on alleged coup plot earlier last month and was rushed to a private clinic in Lilongwe where he was treated for hypertension.
“He is currently sick, and I think he has chosen to take low profile until he recovers. Once he is fully recovered the party will decide to delegate some functions,” said Daudi.
Boost
Dausi described Gondwe’s return as a boost for DPP especially in the northern region, arguing the Parliamentarian commands deserving respect in the north due to his caliber, personally and politically.
“Honorable Gondwe is a respectable member of DPP. He is one of the elite who have achieved a lot in life. He is a well respected person in the northern region and he will help to strengthen the party in the region,” Dausi pointed out.
According to Dausi, Gondwe wanted to contest for vice-president (North) during DPP’s last week’s convention at Comesa Hall in Blantyre, but pulled out at eleventh hour following a recommendation by his doctors.
Dausi said: “As matter of fact he paid the nomination fees (K250, 000) and all the paperwork was done before he excused himself on health grounds. He opted for a younger person to take over the post since its challenging position”.
Gondwe and the 10 others were arrested in March on alleged coup plot following Commission of Inquiry instituted by President Joyce Banda revealed the group wanted to block Banda from ascending to power following the death of Bingu wa Mutharika in April last year.
He resigned as Minister of Economic Planning two days after being charged with treason, arguing under “prevailing circumstance” he could no longer continue to serve as cabinet minister. And he has hinted that he will retire as a Parliamentarian at the end of his term in 2014.
Career
Gondwe began his political career serving as an economic adviser to former president Bakili Muluzi and subsequently Bingu wa Mutharika.
Born 1936 the revered Malawian economist has served as the Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Affairs ; the Minister of Finance where he was an “engine room” of Malawi economic success and Minister of Local Government .
He also worked at International Monetary Fund where he headed the African division.
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