President Arthur Peter Mutharika has left Malawi for his fifth publicly announced private visit to South Africa since returning to office.
Chief Secretary Justin Adack Saidi confirmed the development in a statement, saying the President’s aircraft departed Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
“His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, has today 6th October 2026 left for the Republic of South Africa on a private visit,” reads the statement.
This marks Mutharika’s third private visit to South Africa since returning to office in October last year.
Records show the President has now made five publicly announced private trips to South Africa:
• 1–15 December 2025 (14 days)
• 1–12 March 2026 (11 days)
• 12–29 June 2026 (17 days)
• 5–15 August 2026 (11 days)
• 6 October 2026 (ongoing)
The repeated trips have sparked debate over the frequency of the President’s private travel, with critics questioning transparency and priorities, while officials insist the visits are personal.
Chief Secretary Justin Adack Saidi confirmed the development in a statement, saying the President’s aircraft departed Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
“His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, has today 6th October 2026 left for the Republic of South Africa on a private visit,” reads the statement.
This marks Mutharika’s third private visit to South Africa since returning to office in October last year.
Records show the President has now made five publicly announced private trips to South Africa:
• 1–15 December 2025 (14 days)
• 1–12 March 2026 (11 days)
• 12–29 June 2026 (17 days)
• 5–15 August 2026 (11 days)
• 6 October 2026 (ongoing)
The repeated trips have sparked debate over the frequency of the President’s private travel, with critics questioning transparency and priorities, while officials insist the visits are personal.
