‘Mtengowaminga’ Mussa makes his position well known in knife-edge DPP battle for vice president

Malawi’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) elective convention is turning into a topsy-turvy race in which almost anything could happen with Minister of Trade and Industry Henry Mussa the latest to announce he is running to become the vice-president for the South.

Mussa (right) believes he can provide good support to President Mutharika as DPP veep for south

Mussa, who is currently the treasurer general of DPP, confirmed that he is contesting for the vice president having switched his ambition to seek re-election on his current post following the resolution of the party to distribute post on regional lines.

“So, I decided to put my name forward for the position of vice-president in the south,” said the Chiradzulu East veteran MP.

“I am committed to making sure that we deliver Operation landslide victory for President Peter Mutharika and the DPP in 2019,” he said.

“People deserve a formidable party team, I know that I can be that leader and provide that support to President Professor Mutharika and the party in unity.”

Mussa will have to battle it out with Minister of Local Government, Kondwani Nankhumwa, Minister of Agriculture Joseph Mwanamveka, and George Chaponda who is currently holding the position.

The party will be holding its hotly contested national elective conference from 1to 3 July in Blantyre to elect new top officials and national executive committee members.

Mussa has achieved a lot for the party and government and credited to be party to the noticeable infrastructure development with late Dr Bingu wa Mutharika when he served as his Minister of Public works.

The catchphrase “let the work of my hands speak for myself’ was coined by Mussa also known as ‘Mtengowaminga” at the official opening of the Nkhoma-Kamphata road.

Mussa was part of the “mid-night six” and President Mutharika jokes that he was their ‘evangelist’ in police custody.

While Chaponda has  a battered image with corruption and theft allegations. His maizegate scandal has ruined the image of the party and government.

What all of this does tell us is that the situation is actually growing more complicated, and the choices facing DPP delegates are getting harder. And that means that predicting what will happen is getting more complex as well.

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oMachemba
oMachemba
5 years ago

All in all, the high quality of candidates running for positions in DPP is enviable to the other Parties in this country. The competitions will only shine a brighter light on the Party; and perhaps embolden it to better performance. No other Party can claim such an abundance of quality men and women. And too bad, Ms Kaliati got swept up into that inconsequential so-called Chilima Movement: She could have easily been in the mix of this convention, and perhaps on her way to political resurrection. But now she may as well throw in the towel and NOT run the… Read more »

Hatton
Hatton
5 years ago

He is a veteran politician. Very stable and focused. He deserves the post. I wish you all the best; you are the best of all aspirants.

Telon
Telon
5 years ago

One predictable outcome of this race is that Chaponda will get the least votes. He better pulls out to save his otherwise battered image. Which delegates will vote for this certified and qualified thief?

mlendo
5 years ago

Democracy at its best.

andy
andy
5 years ago

In that race for VP South I would encourage Mtengowaminga to vie for the position. Not that I have any reason against the rest of the contestants, but I find Mussa to be a well articulated statesman like presence in him helpful for diplomatic duties but at the same time a down to earth approach in him when conferring with the people at village level. Actually he is gifted on this, he relates distinctively well with people at all levels. Bwana Nankhumwa is also good at negotiations with the masses and his work with the local government gave him more… Read more »

Malawian
Malawian
5 years ago
Reply to  andy

@ Andy

Statesman? Do you really poses a good grip of the meaning of the term ” statesman”. Certainly by all measures Mussa is not a Statesman mwamva. You don’t know this man because if you knew him you would not commit such injustice to this noble word.
Write again

ade
ade
5 years ago

mpando wonono, so what was wrong with Chilima vying for the position of the president of the republic?

Aphokambanthu
Aphokambanthu
5 years ago

What a race

Grova
Grova
5 years ago
Reply to  Aphokambanthu

I would urge Mtengowaminga to join Chilima movement and become his running mate during the 2019 General Elections. I believe Mtengowaminga has a lot to offer in this country and can only do this through a viable and well focused grouping.

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