Member of Parliament for Zomba Chingale, Dr. William Susuwele Banda, on Saturday officially launched a K10 million football and netball tournament aimed at promoting youth development and talent in the constituency.
The launch ceremony, held at St. Bridget Ground in Zomba Chingale, attracted a large gathering of traditional leaders, women, youths and political leaders who witnessed the commencement of the sporting competition.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event were Minister of Defence Feston Kaupa, Minister of Education Bright Msaka, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Eastern Region Governor Daud Chikwanje, the party’s regional women leadership, and other senior party officials.
Guest of Honour Bright Msaka thanked the people of Chingale for their overwhelming support for the Democratic Progressive Party and urged them to continue working with Dr. Susuwele Banda.
Msaka described the legislator as a humble, hardworking and development-oriented leader who was committed to fulfilling the promises he made to constituents.
He further revealed that Dr. Susuwele Banda has consistently engaged government on the construction of the Zomba–Chingale–Lirangwe Road, saying the project remains one of the area’s major development priorities.
DPP Eastern Region Governor Daud Chikwanje praised Dr. Susuwele Banda for investing in youth development through sports, describing the tournament as an important initiative that will keep young people actively engaged.
Chikwanje also warned DPP officials in the area against causing divisions within the party, stressing that indiscipline would not be tolerated.
He agreed with Senior Chief Mlumbe that the current period should be dedicated to development, with active political campaigning reserved for the period leading to the 2030 General Elections.
Minister Feston Kaupa echoed the same sentiments, saying this was not the time for political campaigns but for delivering development projects.
He commended Dr. Susuwele Banda for initiating the K10 million sports competition and said the initiative had inspired him to consider introducing similar youth programmes in his own constituency of Zomba Changalume.
Speaking during the event, Senior Chief Mlumbe called on political and community leaders to prioritise national development over partisan politics, saying Malawi can only progress if leaders focus on improving people’s lives.
“We should put development first and set politics aside if we want this country to move forward,” said the chief.
In his remarks, Dr. Susuwele Banda thanked President Professor Peter Mutharika for the confidence shown in him following the 2025 General Election.
He said the launch of the K10 million football and netball tournament marks the beginning of broader development programmes that will benefit youths, women and the wider community.
The legislator announced that plans are underway to support irrigation farming, entrepreneurship, access to fertiliser and other development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in Zomba Chingale.
Dr. Susuwele Banda said the sports tournament would provide young people with meaningful activities while identifying and nurturing sporting talent across the constituency.
