Recently, Isaac Jomo Osman’s progress as the mayor of Blantyre city has been noticed by many Malawians.

They appreciate that Jomo has unique background and experience such that he is able to resonate with the local population. Is this really true?

Interestingly, some advocates of Jomo have gone as far as hoping for him to be granted the chance to take on the role of mayor in every city in Malawi.

In the first place, Jomo’s semi-illiteracy has allowed him to connect with a significant portion of Blantyre’s residents who also struggle with formal education.

This relatability has fostered trust and open lines of communication, making it easier for him to understand and address the concerns of his fellow residents.

Furthermore, having been a street kid before, Jomo has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by marginalized groups in the city.

This background gives him a unique perspective on the needs and expectations of Blantyre residents, allowing him to advocate for policies and initiatives that directly benefit those communities.

It is true that Jomo gained experience in management when he was elected as a councillor and later served as the deputy mayor of Blantyre City.

In addition to this, Jomo has also served as a patron for Mtopwa football club, allowing him to demonstrate his strong leadership abilities.

As a result, he has gained widespread recognition and admiration not just within Blantyre city, but beyond its borders as well.

Additionally, Jomo’s origins from the impoverished Mangochi district where the incumbent state president was residing, has the potential of providing him with political leverage and support.

This connection exudes his advantage in securing resources and backing for his initiatives, as well as in navigating the political landscape of the Blantyre city.

Moreover, Jomo’s reputation as a “notorious boy” suggests that he possesses strong negotiation skills and a certain level of street intelligence.

In fact, his ability to relocate vendors without police force indicates that he can effectively mediate conflicts and find solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved, which is crucial for maintaining order and harmony in the city.

With the foregoing, it sounds logical that Jomo has a clear vision and innovative ideas for the future of Blantyre City,

He is actually focusing on practical solutions to local issues, which have the potential of leading to tangible improvements in the city.

They say “Ukaipa dziwa nyimbo”. Therefore, despite being semi-illiterate, it is highly probable that Jomo has made a commitment to learning and personal growth, seeking advice from experts to improve his leadership skills.

In conclusion, Jomo’s background, communication style, and negotiation abilities contribute to his effectiveness as a mayor, allowing him to resonate with the people of Blantyre and address their needs in a meaningful way.

The Maravi Post

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman has shared insights into his leadership vision and personal journey in a Times Exclusive interview previously recorded during his tenure as Deputy Mayor.

The discussion, now circulating widely following his recent election victory, highlights the experiences that shaped the new mayor’s approach to public service.

Osman once a street child and later a minibus call-boy–told Times Exclusive host Brian Banda that his background influences how he understands the struggles of ordinary residents.

He said this gives him a deeper appreciation of issues affecting vulnerable groups, including street-connected children and unemployed youth.

In the interview, Osman described his rise to public office as a testimony of determination and community trust.

He outlined challenges faced by the Blantyre City Council, including waste management, crime, and congestion.

He emphasized teamwork between councillors and the city administration as key to delivering meaningful change.

Following his election as Mayor on 14 November 2025, Osman reiterated many of the points he made in the interview.

He pledged to steer Blantyre towards becoming a “secure, cleaner and more prosperous city that serves all its residents, not just a few.”

His win, secured with 15 votes against challengers Eric Mofolo and Joseph Makwinja, also completes the Democratic Progressive Party’s sweep of all four major city mayoral posts nationwide.

As expectations rise, residents will be watching closely to see how mayor Osman translates his promises into practical action, especially on cleanliness, security, and youth welfare.

The Maravi Post

….Councillor Gerald Lipikwe chosen as Vice Mayor as Blantyre City Council ushers in new leadership…

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Blantyre City on Wednesday welcomed a new leadership team following the election of Isaac Jomo Osman as Mayor and Councillor Gerald Lipikwe as Vice Mayor during a fully attended council session held at the Blantyre City Council chambers.

Osman’s election marks a new chapter for the city, with councillors entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the commercial capital toward improved service delivery, enhanced development, and strengthened community engagement.

His rise to the mayoral seat comes at a time when residents are calling for renewed focus on infrastructure maintenance, security, waste management, and economic revival within the city.

Councillor Gerald Lipikwe, who was elected Vice Mayor, pledged to support the new Mayor in advancing the council’s development agenda.

He emphasized teamwork, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of residents as key guiding principles in carrying out his duties.

The election drew excitement among community members and council officials, who expressed optimism that the new leadership will bring energy, accountability, and strategic thinking to the management of Malawi’s oldest city.

The new Mayor and his deputy are expected to immediately begin consultations with council departments, local leaders, and key stakeholders as they outline priority areas for the coming months.

The leadership will be central to driving the city’s developmental vision and restoring confidence in municipal governance.

The Maravi Post