Some traditional leaders and businesspeople in Thyolo District have applauded President Professor Peter Mutharika for appointing three Members of Parliament from the district as ministers and deputy ministers.

Senior Chief Nchilamwera, speaking in agreement with Senior Chief Khwethemule, said they are pleased with the President’s decision.

“We are very happy that the President has once again recognized Thyolo by appointing our own representatives into his cabinet,” said Senior Chief Nchilamwera. “We are particularly pleased that he has appointed Mary Navitcha as a minister, as this shows his commitment to promoting women’s participation in leadership.”

The two chiefs have since urged the new appointees, Ben Phiri (Thyolo central), Mary Navicha (Thyolo Thava), and Chimwemwe Chipungu (Luchenza Municipality)— to focus on development initiatives that will directly benefit their home areas.

“We are asking them to remember the people back home and work hard to bring tangible development while supporting the President in his national duties,” added Senior Chief Khwethemule.

At Thyolo flea market, traders have also welcomed the appointments with optimism. Chrissy Mulumbe, who sells secondhand clothes, said she hopes the ministers will help uplift small-scale traders.

“We expect that they will help us access business loans, improve market facilities, and create more trading opportunities across the district,” said Mulumbe.

The appointments have been viewed as a morale boost for the district, which has produced several key Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) figures in President Mutharika’s administration.

President Mutharika released his cabinet on Thursday after the partial cabinet portfolio.