Walter Nyamilandu Manda officially launched his campaign in Nsanje South West on Thursday with a grassroots tour that prioritized human connection over fanfare. The day-long event saw him walking through the bustling central marketplace, engaging vendors, and holding face-to-face conversations with residents about their everyday struggles.
“I wanted to start where life is raw and real the market, where people’s resilience is tested daily,” Manda explained. “What I saw and heard today was both heartbreaking and inspiring.”
In a gesture aimed at building unity and injecting a bit of joy into the lives of locals, Manda sponsored a bawo competition worth MWK1,000,000. The traditional board game tournament brought together young and old, offering a rare moment of togetherness in a community grappling with poverty and limited opportunity.
“The smiles I saw during the bawo games told me everything I needed to know: the people of Nsanje South West still believe. They believe in hope, they believe in change, and above all, they believe in leadership that listens,” he said.
Later in the day, Manda held in-depth discussions with various local committees to get firsthand accounts of the most pressing issues facing the constituency. From food insecurity and lack of access to clean water, to insufficient educational and health facilities, the dialogue was candid and solution-oriented.
“I’m overwhelmed by the resilience of the people here,” Manda said. “Many are impoverished and hungry, yet they welcome you with a smile and carry on with a spirit that’s unshakable. It’s humbling. These are people who deserve more than promises they deserve action.”
The visit, filled with heartfelt interactions and earnest listening, sets the tone for a campaign rooted in proximity to the people and a deep commitment to long-term transformation.
“This is not about politics as usual,” Manda added. “It’s about building a future together not from the top down, but from the grassroots up.”
As his campaign gains momentum, many residents expressed optimism that Manda could be the kind of leader who delivers not only hope, but concrete results.
“We need someone who sees us, who walks with us,” said one market vendor. “Today, we felt seen.”