by The Forum

Vitumbiko Mumba’s political rise has been anything but conventional and that’s precisely what makes his story resonate in the run-up to Malawi’s 2025 elections.

Disillusioned with what he called “ndale za kuthana” — gutter politics or, loosely translated, “politics of personal takedown” — Mumba resigned from the Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) National Executive Committee (NEC). His decision followed repeated clashes with senior party figures, including Secretary General Chimwendo Banda, over control of elective positions and internal power struggles.

The tension peaked when the party held a parliamentary primary election in his absence, which Mumba claimed he was never informed about, as he was out of the country at the time.

Yet even when he was either in or outside the inner circle, Mumba made his mark. As a cabinet minister, he earned a reputation as a champion of the everyday Malawian. Whether it was fighting for workers’ rights, tackling the sugar scarcity (he believed the unavailability was driven by hoarding) or banning imports to protect small businesses, he consistently positioned himself on the side of the people.

Mumba also targeted the youth, who make up over 50 percent of the population, by hosting a public lecture with university students under the theme “People Over Politics,” focusing on governance and active citizenship.

His bold, hands-on approach won him admirers and enemies alike. Social media trolls took aim, but Mumba, an engineer by training, remained focused. He kept his head down, avoided flashy party rallies (which he criticized as little more than a battle of egos among senior officials) and insisted the priority should be addressing the real challenges citizens face.

Despite his resignation from the NEC, Mumba pledged to support President Lazarus Chakwera’s re-election bid, a commitment that didn’t go unnoticed and he has now been selected as the MCP’s running mate in the September 16 elections.

Whether or not he becomes vice president, Mumba’s journey already offers a powerful message: that hard work and the courage to do what seems right still matter in politics. He embodies the idea that fortune favours the brave, a message that could inspire a generation of young Malawian voters yearning for change and a better future.