Malawi VP Ansah celebrates 71st birthday with marginalised groups

• The Vice-President says she chose guests with disabilities, albinism and short stature so they would feel included

Malawi’s Vice-President, Jane Ansah, has said she would have been “swallowed alive” without God’s mercy, as she celebrated her 71st birthday with people from groups that are often marginalised.

Dr Ansah, who was born on 11 October, held the celebration ahead of the day itself at her official residence in Area 12, Lilongwe.

Reflecting on her life, she said she had overcome many challenges through divine grace and that the occasion was a chance to give thanks.

She said she had deliberately invited people with disabilities, people with albinism and people of short stature, to recognise their place in society and make them feel included.

Earlier reports said members of the Jane Ansah Foundation, family and several dignitaries also attended.

Dr Ansah drew a contrast with last year’s gathering, which she said was attended by politicians who had just won elections. She did not elaborate, and the remark was not accompanied by any detail on who attended or what was said.

Anthony Kamanga, a retired Justice of Appeal and Senior Counsel who was her classmate, described her as visionary, ambitious and intelligent during their school days.

He recalled that she and two other female pupils were regarded as masculine because of their exceptional qualities, a remark that reflects attitudes of the time.

Dr Ansah has held the vice-presidency since 2025, following a career as Attorney General, Supreme Court judge and chair of the Malawi Electoral Commission.