Mzimba Central independent legislator and former cabinet minister Vitumbiko Mumba has dismissed speculation that his People over Politics Foundation is a platform for establishing a political party. He made the remarks during the foundation's launch in Lilongwe. Mumba, who was the running mate to former president Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the 2025 presidential election, emphasized that the foundation aims to support needy students and other initiatives.
Mumba questioned why people assume the initiative could transform into a political party simply because it has been established as a foundation. He cited the existence of many non-political foundations and expressed confidence in sustaining his foundation. As an engineer, he claimed to be good at calculations and assured that he would sustain the foundation. The foundation reflects an idea shaped by his experiences, particularly the challenges confronting young people.
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. Mumba attributed the delays to "rotten systems" that had cost the foundation sponsorship pledges. He explained that the foundation's objectives include advocating for publicly funded tertiary education in public universities. This is crucial in a country where more than 70 percent of the population lives below the international poverty line.
Mumba 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, shared his experience as a student leader. He noted that students across Africa face struggles, including poverty and lack of access to basic necessities like food and shelter.
Mbuzwana emphasized that 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. He argued that a stipend is not a luxury but a baseline of human dignity required for learning. Mzuzu University Dean of Students Agnes Hara echoed these concerns, noting that some academically gifted students have withdrawn from university due to financial hardship.
The People over Politics Foundation plans to establish a K1 billion student stipend fund over five years. The fund will target 150 underprivileged students annually, with K200 million earmarked each year. Beneficiaries at public universities will receive K1.8 million per academic year, while college students will receive K800 000 per year. Funds have already been remitted to several institutions, including the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University.
The foundation's initiatives aim to support capable students who face economic barriers. Mumba's efforts have been welcomed by education stakeholders, who believe that the foundation can make a positive impact on the lives of many students. The foundation's launch and objectives have sparked a renewed conversation about the importance of access to education and the role that philanthropy can play in supporting students.
Key points
- Vitumbiko Mumba denies using his People over Politics Foundation to establish a political party.
- The foundation aims to support needy students and advocate for publicly funded tertiary education.
- The foundation will establish a K1 billion student stipend fund over five years, targeting 150 underprivileged students annually.
