DPP Members Differ On Position Appointments

Opposition Democratic Progressive Party-DPP’s Administrative Secretary, Francis Mphepo has come under fire from the party’s senior officials for allegedly authoring letters of appointments to Thomson Kamangira and others, into their National Governing Council, without the knowledge of the Central Committee.

In a letter dated, 23 January 2022, the senior party officials including Secretary General, Grezeldar Jeffrey and all vice presidents, Kondwani Nankhumwa (South), Bright Msaka (East), Zeria Chakale (Centre) and Goodall Gondwe (North), question the appointments; saying the Central Committee did not meet to endorse such.

They demanded withdrawal of those appointments by end of business yesterday, Monday. But the officials did not indicate what they would do if that was not done.

“You are aware that the Central Committee did not meet to make these appointments and that no other structure of the DPP has power to make these appointments,” reads part of the letter in our possession.

One of the senior members, who opted for anonymity, said they would not allow a few individuals to deliberately breach the party’s constitution for selfish motives and interests.

“These are the people causing divisions and slowing progress in the party. We will not allow such unconstitutional unilateral appointments,” he said.

Both Mphepo and DPP spokesperson, Shadreck Namalomba were not available for a comment. But in a letter posted on the party’s official Facebook page, dated 20 January 2023, without an authorized signature, the party purportedly wrote Kamangira informing him of his appointment as Deputy National Director of International Affairs.

Previously, governance expert, Makhumbo Munthali spoke against creation of inner circles in the party against existing structures.