By Jones Gadama

The recent uproar over Vice President Jane Ansah’s scheduled private visit to the United Kingdom, accompanied by a delegation of 15 officials, is not only misplaced but reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of opposition politics in Malawi.

The criticism from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and other detractors appears to be less about genuine concern for austerity and more about political posturing and opposition for opposition’s sake.

First and foremost, the size of Vice President Ansah’s entourage—15 people—is modest and reasonable, especially given the nature of her position. It is crucial to understand that high-ranking officials, even during private trips, require a support team that includes protocol officers, security personnel, medical staff, and personal assistants to ensure their safety, dignity, and the seamless execution of their duties. This is not an extravagant display but a necessary operational reality.

To label this as an act of impunity or arrogance is to ignore the practicalities of state protocol and the importance of maintaining continuity and security.

Contrary to the accusations, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has demonstrated commendable commitment to austerity measures. Since taking office, austerity has been a guiding principle, with clear directives that all ministers, including the Vice President, should travel with as lean a team as possible without compromising their security or functional needs.

In this context, 15 members accompanying the Vice President is not only reasonable but reflects a disciplined approach compared to previous administrations.

It is instructive to remind the critics from MCP that during their tenure, private trips by officials often involved entourages exceeding 30 people, more than double the number currently accompanying Vice President Ansah. This historical fact exposes the hypocrisy of the current opposition’s criticism.

Instead of constructive engagement, MCP seems intent on undermining the government regardless of facts or context, failing to appreciate that austerity is not about eliminating all support but about prudent and efficient use of resources.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s involvement in facilitating appropriate diplomatic coordination and security arrangements is standard practice, underscoring the professionalism with which the government manages such visits.

This coordination ensures Malawi’s high-ranking officials are accorded appropriate respect abroad, which is vital for sustaining diplomatic relations and national prestige.

To clarify what austerity means in this case: it is a government strategy aimed at reducing unnecessary expenditure while ensuring that government functions are not hindered. It is about balancing fiscal responsibility with operational necessity.

The DPP government’s austerity measures have been carefully calibrated to avoid the excesses of the past while maintaining the dignity and security of public office holders.

The criticism of Vice President Jane Ansah’s entourage is largely a politically motivated attack that ignores the realities of statecraft and protocol.

The 15-person delegation is not an extravagance but a reasonable and justified requirement for a private trip by a high-ranking official.

The DPP government deserves credit for its ongoing austerity efforts, which are more disciplined than previous administrations.

The opposition should focus on constructive criticism rooted in facts rather than reflexive opposition that damages national unity and progress.

The Maravi Post