By Beni Bamusi 

Thyolo, January 5, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has urged political and traditional leaders not to politicize food distribution exercise being undertaken by the government, saying doing so will hinder the intention of the exercise. 

Usi made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at Gunda Primary School ground in the area of Senior Chief Ndalama where he distributed 5 kilogramme maize flour to 700 food insecure people in the area of chiefs Ndalama and Nanseta.

“Hunger is a danger to the community such that politicizing food distribution exercises will leave hundreds of people suffering from famine. 

“If you see a politician or any person politicizing food distribution, ask them to give their portion of food to those who are suffering from hunger, hunger affects all people regardless of one’s political affiliation,” he said.

Usi, therefore, called on politicians, clergy, and faith groups to come together and help Malawians to come out of hunger.

However, Usi lamented over some government officials who are stealing the relief items from the poor that they were supposed to serve.

The Vice President observed that for the past two weeks, he has been in the Southern Region distributing maize; he noted with shock that those stealing from the poor were well-to-do who can fend for themselves. 

He said measures will be put in place to stop the malpractice from continuing. 

Member of Parliament for Thyolo East, Masauko White thanked Usi for being diligent in fulfilling his promises, saying it was the second time for Usi to visit his constituency where at first the VP distributed food under the lean season food insecure programme.

Masauko added that as a Member of Parliament, his focus is to see people who are affected by hunger being assisted; noting that it is sad to note that his party (DPP) is politicizing the initiative thinking it is aimed at bringing MCP to the area. 

Senior Chief Ndalama expressed gratitude to President Chakwera and the vice president for understanding the magnitude of the hunger in the country.

Ndalama said the food assistance will reduce hunger in the villages of Bandaman, Ndalama, Nanseta, Gunda, Thowera, Chitimbe, and Khumukile, which are under traditional authorities Ndalama and Nanseta.

He, however, attributed the recurrent hunger situation to the lack of land for cultivation as a contributing factor aside from the climate shocks.

Ndalama, therefore, appealed government to consider reclaiming some pockets of uncultivated land from Tea Estates and distribute it to the communities to ensure food security in the district.

He also asked the Vice President to assist in the construction of a school block for Gunda Secondary School.

One of the beneficiaries, Alefa Magombo from Kasalika Village in Traditional Authority Ndalama expressed gratitude for the food received.

"I could have slept on an empty stomach if it was not for this food," she said.

She added that hunger has severely affected her since she doesn't have a husband to support her.

Apart from distributing maize flour, Usi distributed groundnuts, mosquito repellent and clothes to people in the area.