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