Mumba dismisses claims foundation is political

Mzimba Central independent legislator and former cabinet minister Vitumbiko Mumba has dismissed speculation that he is using the People over Politics Foundation as a platform to establish a political party.

Mumba, who was the running mate to former president Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the 2025 presidential election, made the remarks on Friday in Lilongwe during the launch of his charitable foundation, which aims to support needy students among other initiatives.

Mzimba Central independent legislator and former cabinet minister Vitumbiko Mumba has dismissed speculation that he is using the People over Politics Foundation as a platform to establish a political party.

Mumba, who was the running mate to former president Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the 2025 presidential election, made the remarks on Friday in Lilongwe during the launch of his charitable foundation, which aims to support needy students among other initiatives.

He questioned why people assume the initiative could transform into a political party simply because it has been established as a foundation.

“There are many foundations out there that are running. They are not political parties. I am going to sustain this foundation. I am an engineer and I am good at calculations. I know how I am going to sustain this,” he said.

Mumba explained that the foundation reflects an idea shaped by his experiences, particularly the challenges confronting young people. He added that despite the launch, the foundation is yet to be registered with the Office of the Registrar of Companies, almost 10 months after an application was submitted.

He blamed “rotten systems” for the delays, saying they had cost the foundation sponsorship pledges.

On the foundation’s objectives, Mumba said tertiary education in public universities must be publicly funded in a country where more than 70 percent of the population lives below the international poverty line. He linked the struggle for equality to historical movements such as the Haitian Revolution, arguing that inequalities persist today.

Guest speaker Lathitha Mbuzwana, former Nelson Mandela University Student Representative Council president, said his experience as a student leader exposed him to the struggles faced by university students across Africa.

“A student cannot concentrate on a lecture on an empty stomach, nor can they prepare for an examination when they do not know where they will sleep. A stipend is not a luxury; it is the baseline of human dignity required for learning,” he said.

Mzuzu University Dean of Students Agnes Hara echoed the concerns, noting that some academically gifted students have withdrawn from university due to financial hardship.

She said the foundation could help support capable students who face economic barriers.

Among its initiatives, the foundation will establish a K1 billion student stipend fund over five years, targeting 150 underprivileged students annually with K200 million earmarked each year. Beneficiaries at public universities will receive K1.8 million per academic year (K900 000 per semester), while college students will receive K800 000 per year (K400 000 per semester).

Funds have already been remitted to the University of Malawi, Mzuzu University, Domasi College, and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources with other institutions expected to benefit soon.

He questioned why people assume the initiative could transform into a political party simply because it has been established as a foundation.

“There are many foundations out there that are running. They are not political parties. I am going to sustain this foundation. I am an engineer and I am good at calculations. I know how I am going to sustain this,” he said.

Mumba explained that the foundation reflects an idea shaped by his experiences, particularly the challenges confronting young people. He added that despite the launch, the foundation is yet to be registered with the Office of the Registrar of Companies, almost 10 months after an application was submitted.

He blamed “rotten systems” for the delays, saying they had cost the foundation sponsorship pledges.

On the foundation’s objectives, Mumba said tertiary education in public universities must be publicly funded in a country where more than 70 percent of the population lives below the international poverty line. He linked the struggle for equality to historical movements such as the Haitian Revolution, arguing that inequalities persist today.

Guest speaker Lathitha Mbuzwana, former Nelson Mandela University Student Representative Council president, said his experience as a student leader exposed him to the struggles faced by university students across Africa.

“A student cannot concentrate on a lecture on an empty stomach, nor can they prepare for an examination when they do not know where they will sleep. A stipend is not a luxury; it is the baseline of human dignity required for learning,” he said.

Mzuzu University Dean of Students Agnes Hara echoed the concerns, noting that some academically gifted students have withdrawn from university due to financial hardship.

She said the foundation could help support capable students who face economic barriers.

Among its initiatives, the foundation will establish a K1 billion student stipend fund over five years, targeting 150 underprivileged students annually with K200 million earmarked each year. Beneficiaries at public universities will receive K1.8 million per academic year (K900 000 per semester), while college students will receive K800 000 per year (K400 000 per semester).

Funds have already been remitted to the University of Malawi, Mzuzu University, Domasi College, and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources with other institutions expected to benefit soon.

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