By Burnett Munthali
Kasungu District came alive on Sunday, 29 September 2024, as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held a grand rally organized by the party’s Central Region committee. The event was spearheaded by the DPP’s Vice President for the Central Region, Hon. Alfred Gangata, and saw a large turnout of party supporters from across the region.
The rally, which took place under the theme of party unity and the way forward, was aimed at galvanizing support for the DPP ahead of the 2025 general elections. It provided an opportunity for the party leadership to reconnect with its grassroots supporters and share their vision for a brighter future under DPP governance.
In his keynote address, Hon. Alfred Gangata emphasized the importance of unity within the party as they prepare for the upcoming elections. He called on all DPP members and sympathizers to rally behind the party’s leadership to ensure a decisive victory in 2025. Gangata expressed confidence in the DPP’s ability to restore hope for Malawians, especially in light of what he termed as failed promises by the current administration under President Lazarus Chakwera.
“This is a crucial time for the DPP and for Malawi. The people of Kasungu and the entire nation are suffering due to the mismanagement of the current government. It is only the DPP that can rescue this country from the hardships we are facing today,” said Gangata, as the crowd cheered in agreement.
Gangata went on to outline the DPP’s plans for development, should they return to power in 2025. He highlighted key areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, which he said the DPP would prioritize to uplift the lives of ordinary Malawians. According to Gangata, the DPP’s track record of development projects, including road construction, school rehabilitation, and health facility improvements, speaks for itself.
“We are the party that believes in action, not just words. When we were in government, you all saw the development projects we implemented across the country. We will pick up from where we left off and make sure that every Malawian benefits from the resources of this nation,” he added.
The rally also served as a platform for the DPP leadership to stress the importance of unity within the party. Hon. Gangata urged party members to put aside any internal differences and focus on the bigger goal—winning the 2025 elections. He called on all DPP members to engage with their communities and recruit more supporters to the party’s cause.
“Let us focus on building a strong and united DPP. We cannot afford to be divided if we want to win in 2025. Each one of you here today has a role to play. Go back to your villages, talk to your neighbors, and bring them into the DPP family,” Gangata encouraged.
A significant portion of Gangata’s speech was directed towards the youth and women, whom he described as the backbone of the party’s future. He emphasized that under a DPP-led government, policies would be enacted to create more opportunities for young people, including jobs, education, and entrepreneurship programs. He also acknowledged the critical role of women in the party’s success, calling for greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making processes.
“We need our youth and women to be at the forefront of this movement. You are the ones who will drive the change that Malawi needs. The DPP is committed to ensuring that you have the opportunities to succeed and contribute to the nation’s development,” Gangata said.
Several other prominent DPP leaders from the Central Region also spoke at the rally, all reiterating the party’s commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing the country. They criticized the current government for its failure to manage the economy, citing rising prices, unemployment, and the shortage of essential commodities such as fuel as evidence of mismanagement.
The speakers encouraged the people of Kasungu to stand firm with the DPP, assuring them that a change in government would bring about the relief that Malawians so desperately need.
The Kasungu rally was not only a show of strength but also a clear indication of the DPP’s strategic focus on the Central Region as a key battleground for the 2025 elections. With hundreds of supporters in attendance, waving the DPP’s blue and white flags, the event was a visual reminder of the party’s strong grassroots presence in the region.
As the rally concluded, the atmosphere was charged with optimism and enthusiasm, with supporters chanting DPP slogans and pledging their loyalty to the party’s leadership. The DPP’s Central Region rally in Kasungu has once again demonstrated the party’s resolve to make a strong comeback in the 2025 elections, with a clear message of unity, development, and a brighter future for all Malawians.