Vendors cash in on DPP campaign, manifesto launch

The launch of the  governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) campaign and manifesto created a good haven for traders to make more money as they converged at Kamuzu Institute for Sports in large numbers selling different wares and foodstuffs.

As early as 9am over a hundred vendors were on sight and it was evident that they were ready to feed thousands of people  that were anticipated to attend the meeting.

Even women who run restaurants in some markets in the city could not resist but cooked Nsima right near the venue and hungry DPP party faithful were seen buying the staple food  in large numbers.

Some foodstuffs that were on offer included chips, roasted and cooked meat, mandasi, zitumbuwa,zigege, samosa, fried goat,  pig and chicken.

But that was not all- there were also all kinds of beverages from thobwa, caned beer, spirits and even opaque bear Chibuku.

Soft drinks, water in plastic bags and bottles as well as wine.

A Biwi-based Pork trader Edward Kainga told Nyasa Times that  he took advantage of the function to make a kill.

“We knew that this function would attract thousands of people and we decided to come as early as possible. I brought 15  kilograms of pork but its sold out,” said Kainga.

One of the women who was selling Nsima but refused to disclose her name said she was tipped by her friends that many people coming from surrounding districts would need food and she did not hesitate to bring her wares to the venue to prepare the much loved staple food.

“Look all these people are buying nsima and this is the second ‘trip’ I am preparing. The first  one  was sold out like hot cakes and I am sure that I will prepare a third ‘trip’. I believe at the end of the day I will make not less than K30 000,” she said.

If the vendors thought that they would only be selling their foodstuffs to people coming outside of Lilongwe, they were in for a rude awakening because even those from the city were seen buying the foodstuffs including Police officers.

The launch attracted a multitude never seen in recent memory at Kamuzu Institute for Sports.

DPP Treasurer General Jappie Mhango who is also Minister of Transport and Public Works explained in an interview with Nyasa Times after the meeting that the turn up had emboldened the party that it still commands a large following even in the central region.

“Lilongwe has spoken and people have seen for themselves that the party is still popular,” said Mhango.
Chairman of the organizing committee Brown Mpinganjira concurred with Mhango that the centre, Lilongwe in particular had sent a strong message that DPP is strong in all the regions.

“Some never thought that we could pull such a large crowd but we have passed the test. The turn up was great and we are sure that come 21 May we will carry the day. This will be the easiest elections we have participated in,” said Mpinganjira.

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