Pretoria – South Africa has congratulated 85-year-old Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on being elected President of Malawi.
Mutharika defeated incumbent Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
In a statement, the SA Presidency said: “On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his warm congratulations to Professor Peter Mutharika on his electoral victory in the Republic of Malawi’s general elections of 16 September 2025”.
The statement added: “President Ramaphosa wishes Professor Mutharika every success as he prepares to undertake the weighty responsibility conferred upon him by the people of Malawi.
“South Africa looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with Professor Mutharika’s administration, working in concert to strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity between our two nations.”
The Presidency said the partnership is essential for the mutual benefit of “our peoples” and for the advancement of regional integration.
“President Ramaphosa further commends the people of Malawi for their active and peaceful participation in the electoral process, which reaffirms their steadfast commitment to democratic principles, thereby setting a positive example for the region,” said spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
“In the same spirit, President Ramaphosa expressed his profound appreciation to His Excellency President Lazarus Chakwera for his dedicated leadership.
“During his tenure, President Chakwera meaningfully strengthened bilateral cooperation between our countries and was a committed advocate for regional unity.”
His contributions to the Southern African Development Community, notably during Malawi’s chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, were instrumental in promoting peace, development, and prosperity across the continent.
“South Africa eagerly anticipates working with the incoming government and the people of Malawi to advance our shared aspirations for the well-being of our citizens and the broader African family,” Magwenya said.
Professor Mutharika previously led Malawi from 2014 to 2020 but lost to Chakwera after the annulment of the 2019 election due to irregularities, including tampered results.
However, the DPP leader, Professor Mutharika, staged a remarkable comeback this time around, winning 57% of the vote, far ahead of MCP incumbent 70-year-old Chakwera’s 33%.
Chakwera, who previously worked as a pastor, accepted the outcome and congratulated Professor Mutharika.
