Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe and Malawi are inseparable twins and the former’s shoulder is always available for the latter to lean on in her time of need, Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi has said.
VP Mohadi said this yesterday when he handed over an assortment of food aid to Malawians, mobilised by the public and private sector in response to floods that affected the country.
Malawi was affected by heavy rains between December 22 and 28, 2025. The incessant rains swept across several regions of the country, leaving a trail of destruction.
Several areas were affected among them Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Lilongwe City, Lilongwe District, Mulanje, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje and Salima.
VP Mohadi said communities in these areas are now in urgent need of both food and non-food assistance, including shelter materials and other essential supplies.
“We gather here today as neighbours, partners and brothers and sisters, united by a shared sense of responsibility and compassion in the face of human suffering,” said VP Mohadi.
“We were informed that the floods caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including bridges and major road networks linking cities and towns, thereby disrupting economic activity and access to essential services.
“This disaster has occurred against the backdrop of an already challenging humanitarian situation in Malawi.”
VP Mohadi said the floods came on the backdrop of President Arthur Peter Mutharika having declared a State of Disaster in response to a food insecurity situation that is likely to affect more than 4 million people during the 2025-2026 season.
“Our response today is guided not only by humanitarian considerations, but also by the deep historical, cultural and social ties that bind Zimbabwe and Malawi,” said VP Mohadi.
“Our two nations share a common colonial past and a long history of people-to-people interaction.
“During the period of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, we witnessed significant movements of people across the region.
“As a result, many Zimbabweans trace their roots to Malawi and many Malawians call Zimbabwe home. These enduring ties reinforce our collective obligation to stand together as family in times of adversity. Indeed, solidarity between our two countries is not new.”
VP Mohadi said the rains brought relief to the agricultural sector in the country, albeit with some adverse effects.
He said the donations to Malawi do not mean Zimbabwe is content, but rather it is driven by a sense of shared responsibility.
“At the same time, we are acutely aware that Zimbabwe itself is responding to rainfall-related incidents,” said VP Mohadi.
“Heavy rains have affected parts of our country, damaging infrastructure, displacing families and threatening livelihoods and food security.
“Our disaster management institutions are actively engaged on the ground, working to provide relief and enhance resilience.
“This dual responsibility, responding to domestic challenges, while assisting a neighbouring country, highlights the necessity of strengthened regional cooperation, particularly in the context of climate change,” said VP Mohadi.
Malawian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Peter Namathanga received the assortment on behalf of his country.
The Ambassador thanked the Government for the support and continued bond that has stood the test of time, given the number of Malawians who call Zimbabwe home and vice versa.
Charles Duri