By Chisomo Phiri
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has urged political and traditional leaders in the country to refrain from politicizing the government’s food distribution efforts, emphasizing that this could hinder the initiative’s progress.
Speaking at Gunda Primary School in Thyolo on Sunday, where he oversaw the distribution of maize flour to 700 individuals, Usi stressed that hunger poses a significant threat to communities.
The VP called on politicians, clergy, and faith groups to unite in supporting Malawians affected by hunger.
During his two-week visit to the Southern Region, Usi said he discovered instances of relief item theft by officials, which he vowed to address through implementing corrective measures.
The food assistance is expected to alleviate hunger in villages under Senior Chief Ndalama and Nanseta’s jurisdictions.
However, Ndalama attributed the recurring hunger issue to limited cultivable land and climate shocks, appealing to the government to reclaim uncultivated land from tea estates for distribution to local communities.
Beneficiaries, including Alefa Magombo from Kasalika Village, expressed gratitude for the received food items, which also included groundnuts, mosquito repellent, and clothing.
