Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Transport, Steve Baba Malondera, has called on the youth of the country to step up and become agents of development.
He made these remarks during an interview on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Nkhoma, Lilongwe, which was organized by Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma.
The meeting aimed to highlight the various development projects implemented by the government over the past four years.
It was attended by Lilongwe Mpenu Nkhoma constituency MP, Collins Kajawa, and Lilongwe Central legislator, Lobin Lowe.
Malondera, who is also director of youth for the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), expressed gratitude to President Lazarus Chakwera for recognizing young people as valuable partners in development.
He stated, “I sincerely thank the President for appointing me as deputy minister, a move that demonstrates his trust in young people as part of his leadership. This sends a direct message to all young people to wake up and become key stakeholders in development, unlike in previous administrations that used youth as instruments of violence against political opponents.”
During the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), several initiatives targeting the youth were highlighted, emphasizing the need for their active participation. Malondera referred to the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans and the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations aimed at benefiting young people.
Chakwera has also held engagement meetings with youth across all regions to promote inclusivity and address crucial development issues affecting their lives.
These engagements are a significant step towards ensuring that younger generations are not only heard but actively involved in shaping the nation’s development agenda.
