By Suleman Chitera
In the simmering heat of Malawi’s political season, one unexpected alliance is making waves—an alliance led by what many once dismissed as “matemba,” the small fish of politics. But now, the tides may be turning.
The Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD), in a bold move, has joined forces with the People’s Party (PP), Mafunde, and the Freedom Party, rallying behind former president Dr. Joyce Banda as their presidential candidate ahead of the critical September 16 elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, ADD Secretary General HeavyRock Bonomali declared Banda the “only leader with proven experience to fix Malawi.” He said her past achievements as head of state are evidence enough that she deserves another chance at the helm.
But it was People’s Party Secretary General Ben Chakhame who stole the spotlight with a fiery rebuke to critics who label their movement as “just matemba.”
“People say we’re matemba and can’t compete with the chambo for power,” Chakhame said. “But they forget—these same matemba once ruled this nation, these same matemba once served as vice president. We’re not just swimming—we’re heading straight for the shoreline of victory.”
As the countdown to election day ticks on, the “matemba alliance” might just prove that even the smallest fish can make the biggest splash.
