By Edwin Mauluka
Vice President Jane Ansah has revealed that joining politics was not an easy decision for her, saying she initially struggled with the local meaning of the word ndale, which in Chichewa translates to “tripping someone to fall.”
Speaking during a thanksgiving prayer service marking her 70th birthday at Christ Citadel International Church (CIC) in Area 47, Lilongwe, on Saturday, Ansah said she was hesitant to enter politics due to the negative connotations attached to the word.
“For many years, I hesitated to join politics because of the meaning of ndale, which means tripping someone to fall,” she said.
Ansah said her perception changed after consulting the English dictionary and seeking divine guidance.
“I found that politics means leaders meeting together to discuss the welfare of their community. That encouraged me. I wanted to be one of those people who meet to discuss the welfare of others and make a difference.”
The thanksgiving service, which also marked the church’s Feast of Tabernacles celebration, was attended by family members, clergy, and senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials.
Ansah, who co-founded CIC with her husband Bishop Dr. Joseph Addo Ansah, said some members of her church questioned her decision to enter politics.
“When I made that decision, many people in this church thought I was lost,” she said. “They asked what kind of leader I would be. But through prayer, the Lord showed me that I was called to serve and support the welfare of people even in politics.”
Quoting Psalm 106, the Vice President encouraged Malawians to continue praying for the country and its leadership.
“Let us continue praying for our country, beginning with our President, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika,” she said.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Ansah said the new DPP administration remains committed to fulfilling its campaign promises.
“Our guideline is the manifesto, which is an all-inclusive document for the wellness of Malawians,” she said.
Guest speaker Dr. Emily Joy Sikazwe, former Vice Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, described Ansah’s leadership as a major milestone for Malawi and a source of pride for women across Africa.
“When women are leaders, the pull-down syndrome becomes more vicious than male to male,” Sikazwe said. “God has given you this leader; support her and stand up to be counted.”
She also praised Ansah’s background in law and her unifying leadership style.
“The constitution is safe because Dr. Ansah understands it well. Malawi needs a healer and a unifying factor, and she qualifies.”
Senior DPP officials in attendance included Minister of State Alfred Gangata, DPP Vice President for the Eastern Region Bright Msaka, National Organising Secretary Sameer Suleman, Mary Navicha, and Jean Mathanga.
Suleman said Ansah’s humility and faith made her a model leader.
“The whole church should celebrate that it has given Malawians a parent for all,” he said. “Continue praying for the President and the Vice President to redeem the country and improve people’s lives.”
