By Burnett Munthali
Former Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu has pledged to bring transformational development to Nsanje South West constituency if elected as Member of Parliament during the September 16 general elections.
Nyamilandu made the announcement during his first political rally, held at Khulubvi Primary School ground on Saturday, where he formally declared his intention to contest for the seat.
He told the gathering that his 19-year tenure as FAM president had elevated Malawian football to higher levels across Africa.
Among his notable achievements, he cited the construction of the impressive Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre, along with other infrastructure developments throughout the country.
Nyamilandu, who is also a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee, added that he played a key role in initiating the K500 million Nsanje Youth Centre project with support from Fifa.
He highlighted his long-standing professional experience, stating that he worked for Illovo Sugar Malawi for 21 years.
During his time at Illovo, he noted that Malawi never experienced a sugar shortage, in contrast to the current situation.
Nyamilandu said he plans to use the vast experience he gained from both football administration and the corporate world to uplift the socio-economic conditions of Nsanje South West.
He expressed concern that the constituency has long been sidelined in terms of development, lacking essential services such as electricity, clean water, quality healthcare, bridges, and road infrastructure.
He assured the electorate that, if voted into office, he would lobby companies and financial institutions to establish branches within Nsanje, bringing services closer to the people.
Nyamilandu also promised to introduce starter packs for small-scale businesses to empower local women economically.
He committed to promoting wealth creation and entrepreneurship programs for both the youth and elderly in the constituency.
Speaking at the rally, Village Head Tsamdoka of Traditional Authority Malemia vouched for Nyamilandu’s roots in the area.
He revealed that Nyamilandu attended part of his primary education at Khulubvi Primary School in the late 1970s.
The chief confirmed that Nyamilandu’s family still resides in the village and that he frequently visits his home area, affirming his right to contest as a Member of Parliament.
The event drew a large crowd and featured vibrant performances from the Black Missionaries Band, Livison Thimfu, and Khumbo Kamb.
Poet Wiseman Jumbe recited spoken-word pieces, while the Masokunyenga drama group entertained the audience with stand-up comedy.
Traditional dances from local groups added cultural flair to the occasion, marking a spirited launch of Nyamilandu’s political journey.
