In an exciting Blantyre derby, Big Bullets beat Mighty Wanderers 3-0 at the newly re-opened Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday in a TNM Super League contest.

Bullets are third on 39 points while Wanderers lie fifth on 35 points

With this win, Bullets strengthened their title push as they retained the third spot on the league table with 42 points.

Blantyre United remain at the summit of the log table after edging strong-willed Bvumbwe Research 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.

Mhango celebrating his second goal for Bullets.-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

United now have 45 points from 23 games—two points ahead of Silver Strikers  who have a three game cushion having played 20 games.

Wanderers have since been displaced on fourth position with 38 points from 21 games. It’s now Zomba-based soldiers, Red Lions who went fourth with their win 2-0 against Azam Tigers’ through Kelvin Katema and Edwin Ng’oma goals.

Derby debacle

In the Blantyre derby,  returnee  Chimango Kaira opened the score sheets before hot-shot Gabadinho Mhango registered his brace to torment the ‘Nyerere’ fans and send Bullets faithful into frenzy as they chanted ‘siiife, koma Gaba’ all the way to Ndirande and surrounding townships in Blantyre after the match.

Kaira scored when Wanderers defender Stewart Gerald’s blunder benefited Diverson Mlozi whose well taken cross was too hot for goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa to tame and his clearance e found Kaira to finish it home

The Nomads, who missed the services of Gerald ‘Papa’ Phiri, lion-heartened Francis Mlimbika and Alfred Manyozo, tried to come back into the game but their midfield, which was manned by Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo and Gerald Chimbaka, failed to tick.

The presence of Kayira and James ‘Terminator’ Chilapondwa was a headache to Gerald Chimbaka and Kamwendo that they failed even to play their usual enterprising football.

The Nomads striking duo of Diverson Chilemba and Mapopa Msukwa could not find the password to unlock the People’s Team defence which was well marshaled by no nonsense George Nyirenda and Douglas ‘Section 65’ Chirambo on the left flank.

Post-match reactions

Bullets coach Eddington Ng’omnamo said he is happy to win an “action-packed “ derby.

“Today was special one because we have given our supporters a New Year’s present on the pitch not in the media,” said Ng’onamo in apparent reference to outspoken Wanderers Secretary General David Kanyenda who had predicted a 2-0 win against the rivals.

“It was a fantastic game, Absolutely. I think we played very well. Wanderers were determined to win the match but we were too superior for them, they should not respect us,” said the coach.

He said the victory against the blues is significant as it has boosted their title push.

Wanderers’ team manager Chiyembekezo Zidana said: “We are hugely disappointed.”

“Any loss is disappointing, especially a derby loss to rivals,” he said.

Gabadihno Mhango

Big Bullets defender George Nyirenda marshalled the defence well-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Mike Kaziputa showing his skills in the middle of two opponents-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Sife koma Gabadihno…Big Bullets fans chanting after Mhango’s second goal-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

The blues: Thrashed-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Big Bullets fans mocking the Nomads fans chanting….paulendo paulendo-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Man of the match accolade went to Gabadihno Mhango-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Nomads bench: Clueless with Bullets supreme performance-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Chalulu from TNM before the match-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

No room for hooligans as police hand cuffed one fan-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Malawi’s R & B musician Armstrong Kaluwa was also their to witness his team’s victory-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

The grand finale of the E-Wallet Talent Search show will not be taking place on New Year’s Eve and has been shifted to a later date, Nyasa Times has learnt.

According to confirmed reports, the 2012 E-Wallet winner will be announced at the end of January, 2013 and not 31st December, as initially announced.

Currently, there are five contestants remaining in the competition and two are expected to be evicted to select the Top 3 who will fight for the prize money of K0.5 million and a record deal.

“We are not selecting the winner on December 31 as earlier announced because we have sponsors who have come on board and would like to make the finale memorable,” Anthony Kafuwa, E-Wallet’s project coordinator confirmed to Nyasa Times.

Wakhumbachi Kalua: Still in the race

He added: “The other reason is that we want the artists to perform their own recorded composition, probably with a live band, and as you know this takes time. We want to give the contestants ample time to prepare and Malawians the best show ever.”

He however said the sponsors and their other new plans would be disclosed during the final eviction show slated for Capital Hotel in Lilongwe Monday night.

The new sponsors that have joined the show towards its end are Airtel Malawi and Sunbird Hotels, but it is not known yet whether these are the new companies that have brought in the change.

Among the other sponsors, MultiChoice Malawi is expected to pay for studio time for an album which the winner will record and the shooting of a music video.

The contestants who are still in the race include singers Guise Pemba, Tawonga Kanthungo, Wakhumbachi Kaluwa, Mick Monyo and the dancers, Floor Steppers.

One of the hottest contenders, Mzuzu-based Goma Nyondo was shown the exit last week, alongside the Elements Dance Crew, following their failure to show up at the eviction show in Blantyre.

During the show this Monday night, there will also be live performances by Patience Namadingo, who also performed during last week’s show, as well as his label-mates Trumel and Biriwiri from Nde’feyo Entertainment.

Cracks have emerged within the hierarchy of Blantyre City Council (BCC) just few days before the expiry of an ultimatum handed on it by Members of Parliament from within the city, Nyasa Times understands.

A group of irate Parliamentarians, three weeks ago, nearly sealed BCC main offices at Civic Centre demanding an immediate resignation of the entire management for what they described as “gross incompetence”.

The lawmakers took to task BCC Chief Executive Ted Nandolo and his team of directors demanding an explanation as to why funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) were not being disbursed to them.

But according to Nyasa Times sources, in an effort to be seen innocent, Nandolo and Director of Administrative Services, Alfred Chanza, reportedly pushed the blame to Director of Commerce, Dennis Chinseu, as the causative agent of the delay.

Ted Nandolo: CEO of scandle riddled Blantyre City Council

Chinseu is also chairman of the council’s procurement team which has Nandolo and Chanza as members too.

The development angered Chinseu who reacted angrily to the matter before resigning as chairman of the team.

“The situation was tense because the Chief Executive and Mr. Chanza blamed Mr. Chinseu and yet they are both members of the procurement team and Mr. Chinseu could not do any transaction without the blessing of CEO,” said our source.

He alleged: “The fact of the matter is that Mr Chanza and Nandolo diverted the funds to their own interests so they are playing hide and seek while looking at ways of replacing the funds,” he said.

He said since the incident happened Chinseu has not been in talking terms with the two particularly the Director of Administrative Services.

“The situation is not healthy,” noted our source, “we don’t know what will happen next.”

Efforts to speak to Chinseu proved futile as his mobile phone went unanswered after several attempts.

The government-financed CDF is supposed to be used by lawmakers in carrying out projects in the constituencies such as construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and public school blocks.

According to our source, during the 2012/2013 financial year BCC was allocated K56 million for various developmental projects in constituencies within the jurisdiction of the city council but the council has just released about K12 million.

A parish priest of Mzambazi Roman Catholic Church in Malawi’s northern district of -Mzimba at Euthini area was on Saturday caught red-handed having sex with a wife of the losing opposition Democratic Progressive Party’s parliamentary aspirant in the recently held Mzimba by-elections Owen Mkandawire.

Confirming the incident Nkandawire told Nyasa Times on Sunday that he caught his wife Ruth Chaula, a primary school teacher at Kapiri Euthini “doing the act”.

They were allegedly doing it in a church with Father Mark Mkandawire after he got suspicious of how the parish cleric offered his wife a lift from their house to a bus stage where she was supposed to board a bus to her home in Mzuzu.

“In fact what happened is that the Father came to our house to pay us a visit on Saturday morning as my wife was preparing to leave for her home in Mzuzu. When my wife was about to start off, Father Mkandawire offered to drive my wife to Euthini bus stage where she was to board a bus for Mzuzu,” said the husband.

Priest allegedly caught in the act

But former aspiring parliamentarian said he was suspicious with the way the two were behaving and this forced him to follow her wife to the bus stage.

“I was surprised to find that she was not there at the stage and instead I went straight to the parish where people who were outside the church told me that my wife was inside the prayer house with Father Mkandawire. Disturbed, I went straight into the church where I found the two having sex. And upon seeing me, they both fled,” said Mkandawire.

Mkandawire, who admitted that the incident has put to shame his family of three children, said he has also discovered that Father Mkandawire had orchestrated the impending transfer of his wife from Kapiri primary school to St Monica Full Primary school in Enukweni about 80 kilometers from Euthini.

“I have possessed some documents which show that Father Mkandawire cheated education authorities in Mzuzu that my wife was not married and is sick so that she should be transferred near her home to be looked after by her relatives,” he claimed.

He also charged that the man of cloth and the wife were exchanging text messages “referencing sexual connotations.”

Meanwhile, Roman church leaders for the parish have written Bishop Joseph Zuza of Mzuzu Diocese of Roman Catholic asking him to discipline Father Mkandawire.

Both cleric and Owen Nkandawire’s wife are said to have been hiding at unknown location in Mzuzu city.

Speaking from the location believed to be his hideout, Father Mkandawire, who sounded very angry, told Nyasa Times that he is a man of God and cannot do such sinful act.

“That is a total lie only that those people who are spreading such a story wants to tarnish my image,” said the cleric.

Father Mkandawire was moved from Champhira parish to Mzambazi because he was also reportedly going out with married women members of the church.

In the first ever direct interaction between the public and the Head of State,  Malaiwan President Joyce Banda scored a first by taking questions off-the-cuff from the general public as monitored on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), on 31st December 2012.

President Banda answered questions on a wide range of issues including on the economy, gay rights, contractual issues of top civil and public servants, increasing university intake and youth policy among others.

The Malawi leader defended her bloated cabinet saying each of the ministries is vital for the country’s development agenda.

Responding to a question by host of the program Pilirani Phiri, President Banda explained that looking at the present composition of her cabinet each ministry has a role to play for the economic prosperity of the country.

President Banda: Took questions from public

“Take for instance the Energy, Mining and Natural Resources ministry; it was so big so much that it was becoming difficult to be run by one minister. As such some very crucial areas like mining and natural resources management were being overlooked as we only focused on energy but now that the three have been separated I’m very comfortable my government would perform efficiently and effectively,” said Banda.

Commenting on the economy, the President said that the economy was in bad shape; “We needed quick wins, we took steps to reform, we made decisions that were necessary but tough and we have to stay the course if we are to heal from the economic pangs that beset this country in the run up to my taking over office.”

Commenting on the planned demonstrations on 17th January 2013, the President said that she cannot stop people from demonstrating, but she hoped people will do a critical examination of the economic path this country had taken.

In as far as Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are concerned regarding University education, the President said that the country has benefitted from such arrangements before and that it was her Government’s wish that a way was found to tap into such arrangements.

On a related note, the President said that her government is working hard to source the required resources to complete and furnish the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) located in Thyolo.

Several social and political commentators have hailed this gesture by the president and say it sets the tone for a more open and transparent political platform in the country.

Blantyre based social commentator Albert Chigoga  said by talking directly with Malawians, the President has demonstrated that she is open for talks.

“I’m not sure about the criterion which was used to identify the callers but the impression I got is that it was done at random and almost each and every region was represented. Talking about the issues addressed, of course it was same rhetoric, but the president was composed and able to articulate the issues eloquently,” concluded Chigoga.

The commentator however bemoaned the program’s duration saying it was not enough for the president to clarify all pertinent issues.–(Additional reporting by Mana)

One of the vocal ruling People’s Party (PP) officials, Yusuf Matumula has barred United Democratic Front (UDF) Machinga East Member of Parliament, Kenneth Thomas Kamu from attending President Joyce Banda’s rally in the constituency on Monday for fear of stealing the show, it has been learnt.

Matumula in a meeting held at Senior Chief Kawinga and in the presence of other chiefs including Traditional Authority (T/A) Nkowola and T/A Mlomba, summoned Kamu and told him would not be allowed to attend the rally late alone speak as a caution measure to avoid overtaking the rally and win over the PP targeted audience.

“I was told I could not be allowed to come to the event despite it being in my constituency. Mr. Matumula told me point blank that if I want to attend the rally I have to seek for permission from President Joyce Banda, and I don’t how I could do that,” lamented Kamu.

Kamu said the way Matumula put it, no opposition MP would not be allowed to patronize PP rallies to avoid stealing the morale from the ruling party, now eight months in government.

Matumula: Bars MP

“I feel like am sidelined in an event happening in my constituency. As the sitting MP, I feel I was supposed to be part of the event, since am told it’s a development rally. But politics is killing unity in the country,” he added.

But Matumula, While confirming about the meeting, said he only advised the MP to seek PP’s approval if was willing to patronize the rally.

“Since it’s a PP rally, I only told the MP seeks the party’s approval first if he wanted to attend. I could not bar him from patronizing such event. It’s a party protocol just like UDF would do to any of PP member; we ought of doing the same. And you can talk to the party’s spokesperson, is the one better placed to comment on this matter,” said Matumula in an interview.

PP’s deputy spokesperson, Ken Msonda refused to comment on the issue and referred it to his boss, Hophmally Makande who could not pick up his phone.

Matumula, a businessman-cum-politician, is a close ally of former vice president Dr Cassim Chilumpha (PP vice president) who are both answering treason charges for an alleged plot to assisinate late president Bingu wa Mutrharika.

Minister Henry Phoya is on record saying Malawi’s intelligence apparatus has some “chilling evidence” surrounding the plans, saying Chilumpha instructed Matumula to travel to a foreign country to engage a professional assassin.

The day came, Zodiak Broadcasting Station was live at Chikoko Bay. Malawians were glued to their radio devices as the county’s Head of State engaged them in an interview that was moderated by award winning journalist Pilirani Phiri.

 For 75 minutes, Pilirani asked his 10 questions, 4 people called and one person sent a text message and the President made effort to put matters in perspective.

Within that multi-faceted interaction, President Joyce Banda spoke for 69 minutes which translates to 92 percent of the time allocated for the program.

Malawians- just as they did before the broadcast-are still deliberating on the issues raised during the program and we know that the pondering will go on for days and weeks to come.

President Banda

One view on an online social forum noted that the whole act sounded rehearsed from start to finish. True, leaders world over do not love going into an arranged interview without knowing in advance what is going to be said. What changes along the way is how the moderator takes grip and diverts the seemingly obvious course to an unfamiliar zone.

Some people made it clear before the program that they expected it to be handled with a tone and demeanor just like BBC’s Hard Talk or other similar programs. However, we think Pilirani did a good job though he was not the same guy we listen to every Sunday evening in “Tiuzeni Zoona” program. He is better placed to tell us why he shifted his presentation but the bottom line is that he planned his act and got what he was looking for.

On the other hand, the President did a good job. She sounded calm and confident as she tackled issues that had been burning on people’s minds for the past months. Some of these were the retracted appointment of Khumbo Kachali as overseer of MEC, the compensation packages given to former government employees who left their posts in the months after Bingu’s death, Nsanje World Inland Port, Ndata University (MUST) and economic reforms among other issues.

On Kachali’s appointment, the President’s answer brought her opponents to the edge of their toes before she retreated and told them how she is a listening leader who can take back tough decisions for the sake of serving the public.

Another issue that had been troubling people was that of her external and internal travels. Some quarters have recently come hard on the President saying she is wasting public resources. JB dilly dallied on the main gist of the answer as she talked about her external trips which she counted to be 8 and quickly pointed that five of those were fully funded by the powers that invited her.

Nevertheless, she remained on track and jumped on the contentious aspect of the issue from internal travels’ perspective. Here she prominently highlighted her philosophy as a President while stifling the question and addressing the clogging fears. She made it clear that she is ready to continue engaging the masses through official visits that are coupled with public meetings.

One area for which Patriots Forum give kudos to the State President is how she chose to look at trends rather than isolated occurrences. She focused repetitively on the period of 18 months she asked from Malawians so that she can turn things around before venturing on taking Malawi to the next step of economic development.

In the same vein she put it clear than in the period within 2004-05, Malawi was again faced with a situation where she had to make sacrifices in line with demands by the Bretton Woods institutions and other international cooperating partners. She sees the current set of reforms as another stepping stone to the dry land. Her advice though is that whenever we get past these reforms and are back on dry land, we must not to be derailed again by selfish motives. Forward ever; is her motto.

Another area scoring highly on the discussions now is how and why Joyce Banda reminded or emphasized that she is finishing a term that does not belong to her. We look at it as a smart way of distancing herself away from the effects of the mess created by the previous regime while stamping her authority on the successes that will emanate from her intervention. She is a politician, who can blame her?

She knows that it is now an open secret that those who sympathize with the previous regime are uncomfortable when the present ruling class reminds Malawians time and again who the source of the problems was?

In politics they say “What makes your opponent flinch becomes your best weapon to crush him, leave him in shame while you find your next destination” The more it pains the former ruling party, the more it scores more marks; that’s the rule of the game I guess.

At the end of it all, people who were glued to the radio for 75 minutes had to make their own judgments on what they think Joyce Banda is doing as the Head of State.

She might not have answered everybody’s lingering question due to our varying needs and limitation of airtime but as Patriots Forum, we think that she used her 70 minutes well and kept her mind aware of the balance between many constituencies of the society she serves. The callers were civil enough as well.

At the end of it all, our democracy has been decorated and our civilized way of handling issues has been put in good light. Always for the good of Mother Malawi.

President Joyce Banda has stressed that she will not stop the floatation of the Malawi Kwacha currency as consumer groups plan nationwide protests next month against the sharp rise in the cost of living, the high inflation rate and uncontrolled fuel pricing.

Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) chief John Kapito said “what has created some concern and panic is the floatation of the currency, which has created a wrong policy sequence between devaluation of the currency and floatation of the Kwacha It’s like having a free fall of the Kwacha on the local market against foreign currencies.”

He contends that the policy has created a sharp daily rise in prices of goods and services.

But President Banda through a live radio programme on December 31 2012, said she will not stop the devaluation.

“I will not stop the flotation of the kwacha,” the Malawi leader  said  Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) during which people were given a chance to ask her questions through telephone calls and short message services (SMSs).

Malawi Kwacha

“That will be suicidal. We just have to be patient,” she added, saying  she inherited a bad economy from the Mutharika’s regime and the measures she has implemented will take more time to succeed.

“I am the first one to agree devaluation has brought suffering,” Banda said. “However, this has also helped exporters earn more and for the first time in as many years, tobacco growers benefited a great deal from their crop as a result of devaluation. Our only problem is that we have a very narrow export base and this is why we have been hit hard by this devaluation.”

Meanwhile, former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  has said the “the hurried devaluation” of the Kwacha by 49 percent, “followed by day to day inflation which is now around 40 percent has caused a lot of misery to Malawians.”

The party also faults the fuel prices automatic pricing mechanism which the government is implementing for the rise of fuel prices from “a mere K160 per litre to around K600 now”.

This, it said in a statement, has heaped more misery on Malawians because businesses have had to increase prices of basic commodities such as sugar, soap and salt, against the meager salaries offered by the government and other employers.

Malawi devalued the kwacha by a third against the dollar on May 7, a month after Banda took office, and agreed to let the exchange rate float to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund. Since then, the currency has dropped 26 percent to 326 per dollar, making it the worst-performing unit in Africa.

President of Malawi Joyce Banda has been advised to be extra watchful when making comments about civil servants.

Malawi’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gave the advice following the President’s unfair treatment of police officers at a political podium.

The President, a few days ago, also poked fun at teachers’ meager monthly salaries during a political rally she addressed in her home district of Zomba.

In its New Year’s message, the former ruling party expressed concern with the President’s attitude and asked her to be more cautious when making remarks on issues relating the civil service.

Chiyembekeza: Joyce Banda should stop insulting civil servants

“Of late we have heard the president insulting teachers and police officers on the political podium.

“When she was doing the ground breaking of the national stadium in Lilongwe, the president shouted at police officers present for creating a security wall to protect the high table. The president chased away the officers to let their space be occupied by PP [Peoples Party] supporters,” said DPP in its message released on December 30 signed by acting secretary-general Dr Allan Chiyembekeza..

It added: “And  to add  salt to an injury we are reliably informed that up to now, police officers who offered their services at he PP indaba have not received their  allowances as their bosses told them they were on normal duty.”

On teachers’ insult, the DPP singled out the Zomba incident where, during her political rally, President Banda told the gathering that she would distribute livestock to PP women for them to earn more than a teacher.

“This is ridiculous. The million dollar question however is: When did the president discover that teachers are poorly paid and what is she doing to improve their status? Was the status of the teacher the only comparable aspect which the president found fitting?” wondered the party which ruled Malawi between February 2005 and April 2012 when its founding leader Bingu wa Mutharika died.

DPP said it acknowledged the important role police and teachers play in the country’s overall development as such it “politely asks the president to be extra careful in commenting on issues pertaining to the civil service.”

As a party, the DPP said it shall continue striving to practice civilized politics by being a constructive opposition bearing in mind that every Malawian has a role to play in social and political development regardless of political, tribal and religious affiliations.

Commenting on its forthcoming national convention slated for 17th to 19th April 2013, the party said it was geared to hold it and promised “a transparent activity which shall mark the official start of our journey to reclaim victory in the 2014 elections.”

Malawian President Joyce Banda on Monday refused to commit herself on the controversial question of homosexual rights.

The President said she had nothing to say on the matter as to whether the country should   decriminalise same-sex relations or not, saying she would leave Malawians to decide for themselves.

She was speaking on Zodiak Broadcasting Service (ZBS) where she took telephone calls from ordinary Malawians across the country hoping to clarify issues that are currently of concern to the country.

Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara is on record saying there is a moratorium on anti-gay laws, which see sexual conduct between men punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment, until parliament voted on a new law.

President Banda: Let Malawians decide

But the government back-tracked on its decision to suspend the arrests of gay people, after Malawi Council of Churches, a group of 24 Protestant churches,  fiercely criticised the move.

President Banda said “the power to repeal or amend laws rests with the legislative house.”

“I left the issue of same-sex marriages in the hands of Malawians and I feel great listening to people debating the issue,” said Banda.

“I don’t have powers to make laws, all the laws are passed in parliament and this depends on what people want. As a Christian I have my own feelings but as a leader I can’t impose my feelings on Malawians, let them decide,” added the President.

She also hinted that even the western donors particularly Britain know the country’s stand on homosexuality that “Malawians are not ready”.

President Banda also emphasized that she will “never say anything” on same-sex marriages until Malawians are ready and have a final say.

Malawi made world headlines in 2010 when two gay men were arrested for getting married. Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were arrested and locked up for five months during their trial and after their conviction, until President Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned them on May 29 amid international outrage and protests.

Malawians have bashed the much touted first ever live presidential programme aired on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) claiming President Joyce Banda’s lecture offered no hope to the citizenry.

Snap interviews Nyasa Times conducted immediately after the programme, revealed that most people who listened to the President were not satisfied with her speech.

They observed that the President’s talk had nothing new to address the current economic hardships affecting Malawians.

Others have also questioned the private broadcasting house claiming the programme was somewhat “staged” in order not to embarrass the President.

They wondered why only one text message was read and only four  telephone calls were attended to.

Mayaya: Lawmakers should also quiz the President

“We heard from Pilirani Phiri himself [anchor] that he had lots of text messages but surprisingly he only read out one text message. We have had phone in programs where more people have called and texted, but this one has been so disappointing,” observed Gryson Chapita, a Blantyre based social commentator.

He added: “She [president] was also given more time than necessary to answer a question. I expected Pilirani to at least take charge and ensure that more people were accommodated. Still more I wouldn’t want to look at the symbolism but rather the substance. To me there was nothing new presented, and no hope given to Malawians.”

Throughout the programme which took 75 minutes, the anchor read out only one text message and responded to four calls only.

According to our calculations, the President was given 68 minutes out of the 75 minutes to repeat issues that she has always been telling Malawians since she took over government on April 7, 2012.

The remaining period was left to the programme anchor (Pilirani Phiri) who asked 10 questions.

While describing it as a positive development, a seasoned journalist, Frank Jomo, thought the Head of State could have focused more on the country’s economy and what her government is doing, with practical examples, to fix the ailing economy.

“Otherwise most of what she said is what we have heard her say the whole year. But all in all, this was a welcome development and I think we should give much credit to Zodiak,” Jomo said.

Human rights activist Billy Mayaya said it was “good initiative that promotes direct democracy.”

Mayaya added: “This should be extended to Parliament so that MPs can also question her on various matters of the State.”

A school leaver, Emmanuel Muhango from Manja in Blantyre, also had her opinion on the matter.

“For sure, to me it was a blank rant. There was nothing fresh I got from her because everything she spoke is what I have been hearing from her on political podiums. It was more of a political address than public discussion with Malawians as claimed by the radio station, personally, I am disappointed,” he explained.

Another commentator who did not want to be named but resides in Lilongwe said the programme was turned into a platform for the President to seek public sympathy from Malawians.

“What happened was a mockery to listeners and Malawians at large,” she said.

She called on ZBS management, the brain child behind the idea, to explain better why they “lied” to Malawians that the President will be taking phone calls and answering text messages which did not happen.

“Nevertheless, the president should be highly commended for her courage to face the people live. It shows she is courageous and has the welfare of the people at heart. As Malawians we should be thankful for her acceptance and humility to do the live programme,” she concluded.

Some people commenting on social network said they expected the anchor to give  the President more hard hitting questions such as the over expenditure of the state residences budget.

During the so called public discussion, among others, the President drummed her government cure of the fuel shortages, forex and drugs availability.

Banda, who appeared calm throughout the programme, also defended her global and domestic trotting, floatation of the kwacha and devaluation, among others.

The program was initially set to start at 09:00 hours and tipped to take two hours but instead started 58 minutes later.

Malawi’s leading online publication, Nyasa Times, has named Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander, General Henry Odillo, as its ‘Person of the Year’.

Nyasa Times introduced the Person of the Year accolade in 2010 and it was first given to the then Vice President Joyce Banda who defied the late President Bingu wa Mutharika plans to hand over power to his brother Peter Mutharika.

Banda is now the Head of State following the sudden death of Mutharika in April.

Nyasa Times then declared 2011 as the Year of the Protestor in recognition of those who took part in the July 20 and 21 demonstrations as well as those who fought for academic freedom.

The Nyasa TimesPerson of the Year is someone who, for betterinfluences the events of the year.

General Odillo: Nyasa Times Person of the year

The short list  for 2012 included President Mrs Joyce Banda who  has been spearheading  reforms since she took over power, consumer rights advocate John Kapito and Nation Publication Limited for its watchdog role with its newspaper titles – the daily Nation, Weekend Nation and Nation on Sunday.

Announcing the winner for 2012, the online publication editorial management said it has named Odillo for “leading the  Malawi army to defend the Constitution” after former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) orchestrated a failed “constitutional coup d’état” following the death of  Mutharika.

Cabinet ministers reportedly convened a meeting without the then Vice President Joyce Banda immediately after Mutharika’s death and plotted to prevent Mrs Banda, the vice-president, from taking over and to thrust the late president’s brother, Peter, into power in her stead.

Six ministers– Patricia Kaliati, Simon Vuwa Kaunda, Dr. Jean Kalilani, Henry Mussa, Nicholas Dausi and Kondwani Nakhumwa–dubbed ‘Midnight 6’,  held a news conference in the dead of the night on April 6 on state MBC television, telling the nation that the Vice President had no authority to act as president.

On 7 April, when Mutharika’s death could no longer be hidden, Malawi’s Cabinet sought a court order to block Joyce Banda from taking over as President.

But Malawi army chief backed the constitutional order and stationed troops around Banda’s  house  to allow her take over power.

The former ministers agreed to seek a court interpretation on the matter and asked the then Attorney General Maxon Mbendera to get a court order stopping any swearing-in of Banda.

Apparently, the swearing ceremony of Banda was cancelled by the Chief Justice Lovemore  Munlo, saying  he had forgotten his ceremonial robes and wig in Blantyre, 360 kilometres away from Lilongwe.

Nyasa Times learnt, at that time there were still some behind-the scene maneavring to side-step constitutional order.

But after a two-hour delay, Mrs Banda was at last sworn in.

Some Malawians expressed concern that the ‘mid night 6’ action undermined the constitution, which they said, could have led to violence and chaos.

President Banda herself is on record saying the Chief Justice was involved in the ‘Good Friday Gang’.  But Munlo dimissed the accusations.

Nyasa Times management team felt the role of Army chief was “pivotal” hence naming Odillo Person of the Year.

Guarantees Malawians security

Meanwhile, Odillo has pledged to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Republic of Malawi and support its civilian rule.

He told journalists at Kamuzu Barracks in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe where he observed that the army demonstrated a deep understanding of its role in a democracy and continued to support civilian rule as per dictates of this country’s constitution.

The military chief also commented on  the on-going discussions between Malawi and Tanzania on the Lake Malawi border dispute, by assuring all Malawians that he was aware of what was going on.

Odilli assured Malawians “not to live in fear in their own house” as this is their country where military would always protect them.

Member of Parliament for Blantyre West, Tarsizio Gowelo  survived a ghastly road accident  after a vehicle in which he was travelling Monday night involved crashed at Kanyimbo along M1 Road in Ntcheu.

The lawmaker has been admitted to Ntcheu District Hospital.

Ntcheu District Health officer, Dr Anitta Naeja said Gowelo had sustained a fractured right arm due to the accident.

“Gowelo has since asked the hospital management to transfer him to Queens Central Hospital for him to be closer to his relatives and we are currently making arrangements to take him to Blantyre,” said Dr Naeja.

Dr Naeja said the hospital management also felt that the decision by the Gowelo was in order as he is required to meet a surgeon at Queens Central Hospital.

Gowelo: Survives

“We have also admitted his driver and one man who was also on board of the vehicle during the time of the accident,” said Naeja.

According to Mac Donald Kajuni 35 who was driving the vehicle, the accident resulted from the busting of the front right tire of the vehicle

“We were travelling from Lilongwe to Blantyre and upon reaching at Kanyimbo, the front right tire of the vehicle which I was driving, registration number BL 3915 busted into pieces and in the process I lost control of the vehicle,” said Kajuni.

Kajuni said as he was struggling to avoid hitting the oncoming vehicles, the vehicle ended up squeezed between two on-coming vehicles.

“The Member of Parliament, his body guard and I sustained various injuries,” said Kajuni.

All roads in Mzimba led to Edingeni at the residence of Malawi Vice President Khumbo Kachali where a Ngoni traditional festival where he slaughtered two bulls in a celebration of the New Year.

Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa the fourth said the Vice President has always remembered his roots despite his ascendancy to the high office.

The Paramount Ngoni chief said people of Mzimba will eternally remain grateful to President Joyce Banda for choosing one of their sons as her deputy, pledging the districts continued support to her administration in appreciation of the gesture.

Mbelwa who was accompanied by Chewa’s Senior Chief Lukwa and his new wife, said President Banda had shown a spirit of caring for all Malawians including providing food relief to those that have been affected by food shortages.

Ngoni dance style: VP Kachali and Inkosi Mbelwa

Vice President Kachali said President Joyce Banda will soon introduce cattle, cash crop and other community support programmes within this year, asking people to prepare themselves to benefit from such programmes.

“The President is very keen to develop this country. That cannot happen if we do not support her initiatives. The initiatives include rearing of cattle which after we breed we give to others, growing of cash crops such as soya which will add to our production to generate incomes apart from cash crops,” said kachali.

The vice president thanked people of Mzimba for their continued support to the administration of President Banda saying it was giving hope to all Malawians that the country will recover economically.

Later the vice presidents wife Mrs. Martha Kachali cheered expectant mothers and the sick at the Edingeni rural hospital. Mrs Kachali said the New Year should give hope to all Malawians of better times ahead.

Strictly Ngoni dance: VP Kachali

Mrs. Martha Kachali cheering   the sick at the Edingeni rural hospital

VP Kachali with Inkosi Mbelwa and Chief Lukwa

Queen Elizabeth, has awarded the founder of Malawi Education Link (MEL) an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to the developing southern African nation.

Caroline Hansford of Huntingdon was awarded for her exemplary work improving schools in Malawi.

Hansford has been running a charity in Malawi for over a decade working in partnership with local schools in the Nkhotakota and Dwangwa area to improve facilities and  help teachers and students gain a better environment to work and learn.

She regularly brings out students from the United Kingdom to Malawi to help build and improve  schools .

Hansford is currently in Malawi.

Caroline Hansford: On Queen’s New Year Honours list for services to Malawi

In her reaction to the MBE honours, the charity boss said she was “overwhelmed.”

She said  Malawi Education Link  is for the hundreds of volunteers “willing to place themselves in my hands.”

She added: “They are the ones who have done all the fundraising and helped build the schools – I’m just a facilitator who knows how things work in Africa.”

She said she finally relented and allowed her name to be put forward after being “metaphorically smacked on the knuckles” by friends who encouraged her to see the honour as positive for MEL, not just herself, according to The Hunt Post.

When she officially laid a foundation stone for a Maternity Waiting Home at Domasi Rural Hospital on New Year’s Day, President Joyce Banda promised the construction of a new Zomba District Hospital “as soon as February or March” this year.

“I am aware of the immense problems that people in Zomba face to access medical attention owing to the fact that the Zomba Referral Hospital already caters for many cases. I will urgently champion the construction of a new hospital here to ease the pressure on the referral hospital,” said the President, who disclosed she was born at the rural hospital over 60 years ago.

Turning to the Waiting Shelter, the President said God gave women a noble responsibility to bring life on earth and that it was therefore imperative that expectant women are offered a conducive environment to give birth. She said it did not make sense for women to be dying while giving birth to new life.

“I wish to implore on husbands to support their expectant wives to ensure safe motherhood and maternal health,” she said.

JB briefs Tasha about the history of the facility as both hold newly-born babies

President Banda said she was greatly indebted to Tasha de Vasconcelos, a Spanish model and European Union (EU) Ambassador on Humanitarian Causes and Founder of AMOR for her selfless involvement in ensuring safe motherhood and maternal health in Malawi.

She said the Waiting Home to be constructed at the hospital will be funded by her foundation.

“She is a young selfless model who was born in Africa. Selfless because she still remembers Africa and its problems hence her presence here. I wish to thank her for her continued support. This is not the first time she is involved in such activities in Malawi. In 2009, she also helped us set up a clinic in Dowa,” said the Head of State.

Tasha said it was a great honor for her to be in Zomba and “I speak to you from the bottom of my heart and I bring to you a message of hope”.

“I bring in the world where we live, a message of confidence in humanity from the continent where I was born, Africa that has brought me back to realizing how much we need each other.

“With the solidarity of the women and each of us together, we can indeed change the world. I have a passion for Malawi and in particular, Malawian women who have touched my heart,” she said.

She said in her role as European Union Ambassador for Humanitarian Causes, she would continue her work of serving humanity.

“As international supermodel, I encourage all you young people to follow your dreams because anything is possible with hard work. I salute, admire and support  President Joyce Banda,” said Tasha, adding that on January 20, 2013 a state-of-the-art mobile eye clinic “is arriving in Malawi and will operate from Nandumbo Health Centre in Balaka”.

JB and Tasha after laying the foundation stone

President Banda with newly born baby at Zomba hospital maternity wing

Police in Malawi’s commercial capital Blantyre on New Year’s Day rescued a middle-aged woman who was about to be raped by minibus touts at Mudi River bridge near the city’s main market after they undressed her for wearing a miniskirt.

The incident happened when the lady was coming from Blantyre Market around 9 am.

An eye witness told Nyasa Times traffic police vehicle whisked the woman away after four minibus call boys insulted and undressed her.

“One grabbed her and pulled off her miniskirt while others took off her blouse and bra”.

The eye witness said this confused the young lady, who out of anger and total frustration, took off her under wear and shoes and threw them away to the surprise of the onlookers.

However this forced some of her attackers to want to rape her.

Our source said none of the onlookers came to the rescue of the lady until traffic police officers intervened.

However some eyewitness told Nyasa Times that the girl was herself to blame because of the way she dressed.

“We have seen women putting on miniskirts but that was too much and one would wonder the motive of dressing like that,” said a business lady at Blantyre market.

Another eye witness said he suspects the girl was mentally ill.

“She is a very beautiful lady , smart and light in completion but the way she removed her pants and shoes and throw them away seemed she is mentally ill or she was drunk may be..”

Similar incidents happened last year when vendors in the country’s major cities were undressing women wearing miniskirts and trousers claiming it were un Malawian.

President Joyce Banda and her governing People’s Party (PP) bade farewell to 2012 on New Year’s Eve with a massive ‘Development Rally’ that undoubtedly infused in them a sense of much hope, politically.

Throng of thousands of people attended the public meeting, the first addressed by the President in the district, believed to be opposition Unit4ed Democratic Front (UDF) stronghold, since she ascended to power in April 2012.

Speaking at Nanyumbu Primary School in Senior Chief Kawinga’s area in the district where the rally took place, President Banda said she graduated into understanding and responding speedily to people’s needs way before she became the Head of State and reiterated that she will not rest until lives of poor Malawians improve for the better.

Reacting to calls from some quarters that she “minimizes” local travel, President Banda said Malawians have suffered for a long time and as Head of State and a “servant of the people” she will go elsewhere to meet people and appreciate the level of poverty and suffering to meaningfully respond to the same.

JB speaks in Machinga

“It is time we improved people’s living conditions for the better. The PP administration under my leadership will not sit back and see people die of hunger; we shall improve the health, education and agriculture sectors. We want to ensure that households have incomes,” said President Banda.

“I am employed by you people, there is no way I can sit at State House while the people, my employers, were suffering; I have grown up in the village and I know what it means when people cannot afford food,” she said.

She encouraged people of Machinga to grow crops such as groundnuts, soya, sunflower, rice and cassava, among others, for both food and economic purposes. She said she would ensure that there are ready markets for the produce.

“We will now have to aggressively grow these crops twice a year if we are to permanently deal with the problem of perennial hunger in this country,” said the Malawi leader.

She also urged on traditional leaders to support her efforts ensuring safe motherhood and maternal health for all expectant women, saying current statistics on maternal deaths were not acceptable.

New Year

She said God had blessed Malawi in 2012 and is hopeful that 2013 will be a good year. She said in the short time she has been President, she had succeeded in restoring good relations with neighbouring countries, donor countries and development partners, which had gone sour during the late President Bingu wa Mutharika’s time.

President Banda pledged continued dedication and support to the people of Machinga in particular and Malawi in general in the New Year and beyond.

She encouraged the people to give her administration “total support” as they implement economic recovery policies.

Banda said Malawi is on a journey; a journey to change its trajectory; and a journey to make real change happen.

“Malawi is ready to take its turn to grow. To grow not just the wealth, but the opportunities, hope and freedoms for all the Malawian people,” President Banda said.

Chief Mlomba who spoke on behalf of Senior Chief Kawinga, who was reportedly sick, said the President was welcome in Machinga as was evidenced by the multitudes at the rally.

Banda elevated Chief Liwonde to Senior Chief, attributing her decision to the Chief’s dedication and hard work in national development. He joins senior Chiefs Kawinga and Bwana Nyambi.

After the rally, the President visited the sick Senior Chief Kawinga at his house to cheer him. She pledged to do “whatever it takes” to ensure his quick recovery. He was reportedly suffering from Hypertension.

Samson Msosa welcomes JB at Nanyumbu Primary School

JB greets former politician Muhammad Kulesi who comes from the same area

Massive crowds at Nanyumbu School

JB shares light moments with wheelchair bound women

JB poses with former UDF members who announced their defection to the PP

JB at Senior Chief Kawinga home where she went to cheer the sick chief

Owner of Tsamilani Coffin Workshop in Zomba is in police custody for allegedly possessing assorted medical items, police have confirmed.

Eastern Region Police spokesperson Thomeck Nyaude identified the suspect as Prince Kaphuka (37) who was arrested on New Year’s Eve in the city.

Nyaude said the suspect was found with five cartons of perineal cushion; five boxes of hypoallergenic silk tape; 18 surgical wraps, three pairs of clutches and eight toilet cisterns.

He said the items were hidden inside a hawker close to his shop near Matawale Township in Zomba.

Meanwhile, the police are working with the Zomba District Health office to establish the value of the items. Nyaude said the suspect will appear before court soon to answer charges of being found with items suspected to have been stolen.

Cases of stolen medical items and drugs have dominated in most of the districts in the Eastern part of Malawi for the better part of the year 2012.

The suspect is from Mangulu Village, TA Liwonde in Machinga