Leader of the People’s Party (PP) and aspiring presidential candidate Dr. Joyce Banda has pledged to introduce free secondary school education if elected in the September 16 elections.
Speaking at a political rally at Songani Ground in Zomba, Senior Chief Malemia’s area, Banda emphasized the need to support struggling parents who cannot afford school fees for their children.
“I know many parents struggle to pay school fees. This is why I want to introduce free secondary education,” she stated.
Banda cited research indicating that 140,000 children dropped out of school due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy, while 200,000 were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to her education pledge, Banda promised to continue distributing motorcycles to young people to boost their participation in the transport business and improve economic opportunities.
She also urged residents of Zomba Malosa to vote for her daughter, Edith Kachale Banda, as their parliamentary representative to drive more socio-economic development in the area.
PP Secretary General Ben Chakhame echoed Banda’s sentiments, saying it was time for her to lead Malawi again. He assured supporters that Banda could resolve issues such as fuel shortages, inflation, and economic hardship.
“When she was president, life was better—fertilizers were affordable, and we had surplus food,” Chakhame said.
Meanwhile, PP’s Zomba Malosa parliamentary candidate, Edith Kachale Banda, pledged to upgrade Songani Community Day Secondary School into a boarding school. She also committed to transforming Songani Community Ground into a stadium for various sporting activities.
