Alfred Gangata
Alfred Ruwan Gangata | |
|---|---|
| Minister of State | |
| Assumed office 5 October 2025 | |
| President | Peter Mutharika |
| Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Mtandire‑Mtsiriza Constituency | |
| Assumed office 25 November 2025 | |
| President | Peter Mutharika |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 October 1988 Kachipeya Village, Dedza |
| Nationality | Malawian |
| Party | Democratic Progressive Party |
| Occupation | Politician, businessman |
| Known for | Vice President of Central Region (DPP); legal cases |
Alfred Ruwan Gangata is a Malawian politician and businessman. He is currently serving as the Minister of State of Malawi in the cabinet of President Peter Mutharika since 2025.[1]
Early life and career
Gangata was born in Dedza District in 1988. He is the founder and Managing Director of Master Security Services, a private security company operating in Malawi.[2] He has expanded his business portfolio to include multiple ventures under the Masters Group, such as Fredlines General Dealers, Self Made Import and Export, Sellers of Farm Produce, and Concrete Constructions.[2]
Political career
In February 2024, Gangata was appointed as the Democratic Progressive Party's Vice President for the Central Region, succeeding Zeria Chakale.[2] His appointment followed Chakale's departure from the party.
In the September 2025 parliamentary election for the Lilongwe City Mtandire‑Mtsiriza Constituency, Gangata stood as the candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party. Unofficial results at the tally centre indicated that he received 12,289 votes, narrowly ahead of his nearest rival, who received 12,284 votes. Following complaints about the handling of void ballots, the Malawi Electoral Commission declared the election null and void and scheduled a by-election.[3] However, he took the case to court seeking the release of the official results. On 10 November, the court ruled in his favour directing the electoral commission to announce the outcome based on the original tally sheets.[4] On 20 November, the commission formally declared Gangata the winner of the Lilongwe Mtandire–Mtsiriza parliamentary seat.[5]
In October 2025, Gangata was appointed as a Minister of State in the cabinet of Peter Mutharika.[6]
Legal issues
Tax clearance forgery
In January 2025, Gangata was arrested by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) on charges of falsifying tax records, forgery, uttering a false document, and conducting transactions without a valid tax clearance certificate.[7] He was granted bail with conditions, including a K1 million cash bond and fortnightly reporting to the MRA.[8]
Fraudulent MSCE certificate
In March 2025, Gangata was arrested by the Malawi Police Service over allegations of possessing a fraudulent Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) certificate from Chitowo Community Day Secondary School in Dedza District.[9] Investigators alleged that he was neither a student there nor did he sit the examination.
A witness testified that he had sat the MSCE exams on Gangata's behalf in 2017, claiming he was promised a house, a car, and K4 million, but received nothing.[10]
Public profile
Gangata is an active figure in Malawian politics, known for his public support of the Democratic Progressive Party. He has stated his intention to lead the party in the 2030 elections.[11]
References
- ^ "Malawi Government Shake-Up: Mutharika Unveils New Cabinet". Malawi 24. 2025-10-05. Retrieved 2025-10-06.
- ^ a b c "DPP appoints Gangata vice-president for centre". The Nation. February 27, 2024.
- ^ "MEC nullifies one parliamentary poll". Nation Online. 2025-09-30. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ Chitera, Suleman (2025-11-10). "High Court Orders MEC to Release Lilongwe Mtandire–Ntsiriza Election Results". Malawi Freedom Network. Retrieved 2025-11-11.
- ^ Mtenje, Dorica (2025-11-20). "MEC declares Alfred Gangata as winner for Lilongwe Mtandire-Mtsiriza Parliamentary Seat". The Maravi Post. Retrieved 2025-11-22.
- ^ "Malawi Government Shake-Up: Mutharika Unveils New Cabinet". Malawi24. October 5, 2025.
- ^ "MRA arrests Gangata over forgery allegations". Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. January 12, 2025.
- ^ "Gangata granted bail". Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. January 13, 2025.
- ^ "Gangata arrested over alleged fake MSCE certificate". Capital Radio Malawi. March 17, 2025.
- ^ "Witness says Alfred Gangata made 'irresistible' offer". The Times Group. July 15, 2025.
- ^ "In 2030, "I Will Lead DPP" — Gangata Declares as he Congratulates APM for Ansah Pick". 2025-07-25. Retrieved 2025-10-11.