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Malawi Housing Corp tenants want govt to surrender houses

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MHC boss Wezi Mkandawire: School fees scam

Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) tenants have asked the government to honour long dwelling tenants by giving them the  houses for free. [caption id="attachment_88589" align="alignright" width="485"]MHC boss Wezi Mkandawire: School fees scam MHC boss Wezi Mkandawire:  Building new houses[/caption] This was said at a meeting on Thursday minister of Lands and Housing Atupele Muluzi held with them in Blantyre. Representative of the tenants Mervin Kaumphawi said there was need for the government to consider those who had stayed in the houses for over 20 years to give them the houses for free or sell them at the lowest price the government can think of. "Government should think of selling the houses to tenants who have been in the houses for 20, 30, 40 even 50 years. This is not a new arrangement as this happens in Zambia, Tanzania or South Africa," he said. Kaumphawi bemoaned that the houses are never rehabilitated, the are filthy, roofs half blown up saying they were not fit for human dwelling in urban areas. Muluzi did not immmediately respond to the request but said the government will look into the issues raised critically. He said the public sector reform programme will greatly benefit the Malawi Housing Corporation tenants. Muluzi said the reform programme also provides for the construction of new houses. The minister also said the government is in the process of amending the MHC Act to enable tge state run housing company deliver. MHC general manager Rose Mkandawire said her organisation is building new houses in Ngumbe, Blantyre and Area 18 in Lilongwe. She said over all, the housing corporation is expected to construct 2500 houses to ease demand for houses. The MHC boss said currently, there are 140000 people on the waiting list for the only 6500 houses available. She said the corporation needs at least 21000 houses a year to meet the growing demand for houses mostly in urban areas.

Malawi to have centres for the elderly – Kaliati

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PS Mary Shawa (left) and Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender, Children, Disabilities and Social Welfare: Malawi government will have drop centres for elderly

Malawi government says it will now accelerate plans to have drop in centres for the elderly where trained attendants will look after the aged to minimise harm on the aged citizens. [caption id="attachment_99779" align="alignright" width="600"]PS Mary Shawa (left) and Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender, Children, Disabilities and Social Welfare: Malawi government will have drop centres for elderly PS Mary Shawa (left) and Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender, Children, Disabilities and Social Welfare: Malawi government will have drop centres for elderly[/caption] Minister of Gender, Child welfare and the Elderly Patricia Kaliati told the state controlled Malawi Broadcasting Corporation that this follows the gruesome killing of four elderly people in Neno on allegations of witchcraft. As MBC was running the interview, private radio Zodiak was announcing that an elderly person in Dedza has been murdered on same allegations of witchcraft. The radio said the grandson of the elderly man was hit on the head and fell to his death, raising concern that the elderly in Malawi need protection. Kaliati, on the other hand, said the issue of having centres for the elderly was hatched some years ago and its aim was to give comfort to the elderly. She said as soon as money is available, the government would roll the project across the country. Just last week, four elders in Phalombe were kept at a police station after an irate mob wanted to kill them following the death of a 21 year old Phudzo Mandawala, 21.

CCJP hits at Malawi govt, miners over niobium mining

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Kanyika Mine

Officials from Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), a civil rights arm of the Catholic church has urged government to come out clearly and say whether there will be niobium mining at Kanyika in Mzimba or not. [caption id="attachment_42786" align="alignright" width="320"]Kanyika Mine Kanyika Mine[/caption] CCJP coordinator in Mzimba Anorlld Msimuko said it was a disgrace that families were removed from the prospective mining area five years ago and they have not yet been compensated. "Those families are leaving in untold misery, the situation is not all that good," said Msimuko. Global Metals and Mining were supposed to start mining niobium and other high price minerals. However, five years down the line, after removing the people, there is nothing on the ground to show that the company is ready to start the mining work. Chief Mabulabo of the area said the project has brought untold misery in his area. "We had dreams that this area would transform, my people would gratlly benefit from the minerals but these are just dashed hopes," said the traditional leader who said five years is a long time to wait. Government and Global Metals officials said the project is still on and people should not lose hope as they will be duly compensated.

Let’s be humans on homosexuality

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Him and His: Kiss me and I'll kiss you back

I have said this and I will repeat it. If a referendum were to be held today on whether government should repeal Section 153 of the Penal Code, which prohibits homosexuality, the majority would vote no. [caption id="attachment_103389" align="alignright" width="500"]Him and His: Kiss me and I'll kiss you back Him and His: Kiss me and I'll kiss you back[/caption] What this means is that such an exercise would be a futile one which we can do without. As Malawians, we are generally conservative on the issue, just like many African countries are. Foreigners can do well in respecting this stand. There is no need for them to force us to adopt a positive attitude towards homosexuals overnight. The problem with homosexuality in our society is that everything is stack against it. The majority of us do not like and religion is up in arms whenever they find a chance to talk against it. We all saw how a State function organised to pray for rain in Lilongwe last month turned into an anti-gay rally where speaker after speaker from all manner of religious inclinations chorused against homosexuality and that it was responsible for our incurring God’s wrath to deny us rain. As for the DPPgovernment, it is caughtbetween a hard placeand a rock. When Joyce Banda showed some signs of softening up on homosexuality under pressure from donors, DPP as an opposition party was on top of its voice roasting the PP government. Today it is DPP’s turn. It is under pressure from the West to legalise homosexuality, something it cannot do as there is a strong lobby against it from conservative voters and an opposition that is ready to pounce should the ruling party relent. A moratorium against the application of Section 153 of the Penal Code was an easy way out as it seemed to placate both the donors and Malawians in general. Unfortunately, some pastors in Mzuzu had other things on their mind and they moved the court this week against the moratorium. Their wish was granted and we are back to square one where the law enforcing machinery can move to arrest and prosecute homosexuals. I find this a problem. Culture and religion are stuck against homosexuality and there is nothing anybody can do about it. Is there no more humane way of approaching the problem than sending these people to the dirty gallows as the pastors in Mzuzu want, despite religion and culture? Yes, as the court and others have noted, it is illegal for government to suspend any law as it opens room for abuse, but isn’t the context different here? Surely there are hardcore criminals out there—the murderers, rapists and thieves of our tax. These should be locked up as they are a menace to our society. They deprive us of peace and safety. But can we bracket these evil-minded thugs with homosexuals that don’t do any physical harm to anybody? How different are they from, say, adulterers or prostitutes that line up our streets as early as 6 o’Clock in the evening at Kamba, Bwandiro or God-knowswhere, looking for cash in exchange for sex? Why can’t the pastors also go to court to ask government to lock up adulterers and prostitutes? The pastors are clearly abrogating their responsibility and mortgaging it to the State for it to arrest sinners. The pastors have failed to show God’s mercy and preach to the homosexuals to change their ways. Instead they want the State to do it on their behalf. I would have understood if someone, let us say Kenneth Msonda, he who was saved by the Director of Public Prosecutions after he was dragged to court for saying gays should be killed, went to court demanding that government drops the moratorium. Pastors, by their very calling, should show mercy and compassion to advance a humane way of treating sinners such as homosexuals.

EU rules out budgetary support for Malawi

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Finance Minister Gondwe: Tough times

European Union (EU), one of Malawi's largest donors, has ruled reinstating budgetary support any time sooner even the country meets the IMF extended credit facility. [caption id="attachment_88200" align="alignright" width="600"]Finance Minister Gondwe: Tough times Finance Minister Gondwe: Tough times[/caption] A senior EU official from Brussels who is in the country said Friday, Malawi has a lot to do to ensure that donor money is not looted as was the case with the infamous ‘cashgate’ scandal. The official, Fernandes Ahnies said the government of Malawi will continue getting EU aid through the development aid which has since been increased by 220 million Euros, hitting 560 million Euros. The official said the money will continue being used in the sectors of agriculture, health and good governance. The revelation has not come as a surprise in government corridors of powers as President Peter Mutharika and Finance minister Goodall Gondwe have openly ruled out the return of most donors for the budgetary support, whose pull out has adversely affected the economy which is fast collapsing. Ministry of Finance spokesperson Nations Msowoya said the government is widening its tax base to fill the gap left by donors. "We are looking at how best to tax the informal sector," said Msowoya pointing fingers at the untaxed unskilled labour which forms a bulk of the Malawi economy . Msowoya said soon the government will commission a study on this which will be led by experts from the IMF and World Bank. He could however not say how much new taxes the government is expected to collect, saying everything would be known after the study. On Thursday, renowned economist Henry Kachaje warned local businessmen to avoid getting bank loans in the wake of high interest rates and high inflation due to a slump in the economy. Speaking on MBC, Kachaje said: "This is not the best time tto be borrowing from banks." Finance minister Gondwe has since urged Malawians to hold their patience, saying the government is doing all it can to fix the ailing economy.

Goodall’s good week, CCAP Blantyre Synod’s bad week

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Rev Maulana

In his Malawi News column, ‘Hitting-the-nail’, George Kasakula, the paper’s editor-in-chief writes on  who had the bad and the good week. [caption id="attachment_42587" align="alignright" width="600"]Rev Maulana Rev Maulana[/caption] Bad Week The Blantyre Synod of the CCAP Church leadership led by general secretary Alex Maulana had a bad week for not letting go of elections by-gones and wanting to victimise fellow reverend, Stanley Chimesya, all because he was not in his camp. We all believe churches are not mere secular clubs where hatred and politics of kuthana take place. On the contrary, we believe churches are guided by the Holy Spirit where forgiveness and brotherhood reign. Yet what is happening in the Synod is just like what obtains in politics. It is hard to imagine that these reverends are fighting over a simple vehicle. Lawyers have been hired just to make sure that the vehicle donated by a politician, Joyce Banda, is taken away from Chimesya. Honestly, I do not see where the problem is because Chimesya belongs to the Synod and has not retired to warrant his non-use of the Nissan Sentra. The Blantyre Synod leadership is a big let down to its many Christians who are wondering where their church is going. The leadership had a bad week. Good Week Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe had a good week for coming out of Capital Hill to face Malawians through Times TV’s Point Blank with host Bayana Chunga. [caption id="attachment_98641" align="alignright" width="306"]Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe: Government is considering pulling out of National Bus Company Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe[/caption] It is common knowledge that we are living in an economy that has literally tanked. The kwacha continues to tumble down big time as inflation is biting us very hard with prices of all essential goods skyrocketing, thereby eating into our static incomes. Companies cannot produce enough as they have to contend with price fluctuations of raw material imports on daily basis. Gondwe’s words during the interview did nothing to assuage any of our pain or offer prospects for the future. In fact, Gondwe took the opportunity to qualify the statement that he made earlier this year to the effect that our economic problems would be over by May. He now says that depends on the amount of rain the country receives and the food we harvest. So far, the rain is not satisfactory and so we should brace for trouble and that is what the Finance Minister was essentially saying. This is bad news but Gondwe was brave and candid to break it to us. He had a good week. We need someone just to, at least, pretend that they are aware of our problems and are doing something about it no matter how remote it might be.

Sulumba exit will make ‘no difference’ to Nomads: Mlimbika,  Zakazaka, Namwera, Kamwendo back in training

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Nomads squad...Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers captain Francis ‘FM 7’ Mlimbika says Muhammed Sulumba’s transfer to rivals Nyasa Big Bullets will make "no difference" to the blues this season and described the morale in the Nomads camp on the high climax following the coming in of former stars, who have started training with the team ahead of the 2016 season. [caption id="attachment_103402" align="alignright" width="600"]Francis Mlimbika leading his friends in doing exercises...Photo Jeromy Kadewere. Francis Mlimbika leading his friends in doing exercises...Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_103401" align="alignright" width="600"]Nomads squad...Photo Jeromy Kadewere Nomads squad...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption] [caption id="attachment_103397" align="alignright" width="600"]Far right is Joseph Kamwendo, Victor Nyirenda and Ernest Tambe...Photo Jeromy Kadewere Far right is Joseph Kamwendo, Victor Nyirenda and Ernest Tambe...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption] [caption id="attachment_103398" align="alignright" width="600"]Precious Msosa is back from loan...Photo Jeromy Kadewere Precious Msosa is back from loan...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption] [caption id="attachment_103400" align="alignright" width="335"]Elijah Kananji drilled the players on Friday...Photo Jeromy Kadewere Elijah Kananji drilled the players on Friday...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption] [caption id="attachment_103399" align="alignright" width="303"]Joseph Kamwendo in Nomads camp Joseph Kamwendo in Nomads camp[/caption] Sulumba this week signed a three-year deal with Bullets, following the expiry of his season-long deal at Lali Lubani Road from Blantyre United. The People’s Team unveiled Sulumba in Blantyre on Thursday where the club’s chairperson Samuel Chilunga said they were honoured to have him in their team. Mlimbika said Nomads have got plenty of options, plenty of new players blending with experienced stars . Former Nomads stars midfielder Joseph Kamwendo, Foster Namwera, Jimmy Zakazaka, Cuthbert Sinetre and a Ghananian player were spotted at Kamuzu Stadium training with the Nomads. In an exclusive interview, the lion-heartened left back told Nyasa Times that the presence of the vastly experienced players have lifted the morale in  the camp. Mlimbika  stressed the Nomads fans that the departure Sulumba to Bullets will not affect them at all. “The coming in of Kamwendo, Foster, Sinetre, and Jimmy has motivated us. These are the players who have been in this game for a long period of time and playing with them always motivate young and upcoming players. Let me assure our supporters that this season Wanderers will come out hard and the departure of Sulumba is not been felt in our camp at all since we have a huge squad,” said Mlimbika. The Flames leftback also praised the presence of Peter Wadabwa who has experience. “He is one of the best strikers in the country, and his presence alone has also changed things in our camp. These are the type of players that lift you when the chips are down during competitive games,” said Mlimbika. During Thursday’s training, the players looked more confident, as Kamwendo led them to different exercises. The inspirational captain could be seen sharing jokes with the entire squad, as they were jogging  to strengthen their muscles. Adding spice to the training were hundreds of supporters that trooped Kamuzu Stadium to cheer their players. The fans, who most of them were clad in their usual blue and white colours were chanting, “ Tiwalandire Tiwalandire alendo athu ( welcoming their old veterans and new signings). No Danish move Meanwhile, Wanderers have blocked their former striker Muhammad Sulumba’s trip to Denmark for trials with Second Division side Herforge Boldklub, according to press reports. Sulumba and Nomads’ defender Peter Nselema were scheduled to leave for Denmark on March 18 after being spotted by the Danish club’s coach Lars Jensen during his sojourn in the country in December last year when he spotted four players. Nomads have  reportedly struck out Sulumba’s name out of bitterness following his move to join Bullets. Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao explained that  the agreement for the trials is between the Nomads  and their Danish partners. “This is meant to benefit our players.  Sulumba is not our player now,” said Butao. Sulumba said he is not bitter with the Nomads’ move. Apart from Sulumba and Mselema, Herfolge also spotted defender Ted Sumani and midfielder Isaac Kaliyati who are also earmarked for trials between next month and April.

K1bn cashgate criminal proceeds: Malawi yet to decide how to dispose it

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ACB's Matemba: There will be an indaba

Government says it is yet to make a decision on how to use over K1 billion in cash and property realised from criminal proceeds of the infamous ‘cashgate’ scandal, the plunder of billions of money at Capital Hill in Lilongwe. [caption id="attachment_98604" align="alignright" width="600"]ACB's Matemba: There will be an indaba ACB's Matemba: There will be an indaba[/caption] Reyneck Matemba, deputy director of graft busting body, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) said the organisation will have to call for an indaba with officials from ministry of Finance and the Attorney General among others to discuss how to use the repossessed cash and property. The High Court has so far convicted 10 people, including main cashgate payer Oswald Lutepo who stole K4.2 billion from the public purse. "This issue involves more than one government agency to make a decision on how to dispose off proceeds of crime. “The money belonged to the ministry of Finance, the attorney general and other officials from the ministry of Justice are also very much involved," said Matemba. ACB's comment comes amid fears that some of the properties, including buses that have been parked for two years now, are losing monetary value. Matemba, however, said the ACB would ensure that the property is disposed off as soon as possible. Trials for the cashgate are still going on.

Kachali must make up his mind

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President Mutharika with former Vice President Kachali

Khumbo Kachali must make up his mind. And fast! [caption id="attachment_101121" align="alignright" width="600"]President Mutharika with former Vice President Kachali President Mutharika with former Vice President Kachali[/caption] Is his long-term ambition to take over the national leadership of the Peoples Party (PP)? Or does he want to be the leader of PP in the Northern Region—Mzimba, to be precise, because beyond the district one doesn’t get the impression he has anyone else in his corner? PP is embroiled in a leadership conflict and it doesn’t seem it will let up anytime soon. While its bona fide national leader (Joyce Banda) has flown the coop, its putative leader (Uladi Mussa) is struggling for recognition and acceptance in a party that has lost all of its elected vice presidents, not to mention their replacements. The Northern Region, particularly, has not been too kind on—and receptive to—Mussa’s leadership; what with his rally in Mzuzu being aborted after “thugs” disrupted it in protest at the sacking of the party’s erstwhile provincial chairperson, Rev Mzomera Ngwira. The protesting Northern Region faction also demanded Kachali to lead PP and also made their disdain for Mussa plain, contending they were weary of people who failed to gain the party’s mandate at the convention foisted on them as leaders—a thinly veiled reference to Mussa. But a disenchanted mob hardly carries the legitimacy of a convention. Ironical, it seems, that a faction that has recoiled at the thought of having unelected leaders imposed on the party is itself advocating for the very thing it has expressed moral umbrage against. Of course, Kachali may have been elected PP vice president, but he forfeited his claim to that or any position in the party when he walked away in a fit of anger. The chaos in PP’s Northern Region apparatus needs someone with a cool head to tame the tempers. So far, Kachali has not offered that leadership. His tactic has been to position himself away from—but near—the spotlight. He could easily have staged a palace coup of sorts, but he is holding his cards close to his chest. Move swiftly, he could be accused of capriciousness and hunger for power. Move slower and away from the limelight, he could be usurped. People like Mzomera Ngwira have offered themselves as sacrificial lambs in Kachali’s quest for leadership. But the former Vice President is playing a dangerous game. Like William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the eponymously named play, Kachali has refused to stage a coup or to accept the crown when the putative coup leader, Mzomera Ngwira offered it him last year. But if he wants to become PP’s national leader he must be bold, assertive and begin to build coalitions of like-minded people—and foes alike—within the party and beyond Mzuzu. However, if Kachali’s idea of building the party—his stated aim—is by razing it to the ground and start from them, he is doing a marvellous job at it. But time—and people’s perception of his leadership style—may not be on his side.
  • The article first appeared in the Weekend Nation

Malawi Police officer in Rumphi face sex assault rap

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police image

Malawi Police in Rumphi are investigating one of their officers who is alleged to have defiled a 12 year old girl in Livingstonia in the district. Rumphi Police Station Officer, Senior Superintendent, Charles Mpezeni, confirmed the development in an interview with Malawi News Agency. He identified the policeman being investigated as Constable Clever Mtengerenji who is based at Livingstonia Police Unit. Senior Superintendent, Mpezeni said police are treating the matter like any other criminal case after Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) expressed concern that the law enforcers were dragging investigations into the matter. “We have opened the file on the matter and I have personally taken up the case. We are treating this case like any other even if the suspect involved is a policeman. “We have already put the suspect under restriction. We want to get all facts correct to build a strong case,” he said. Mpezeni said the suspect told police detectives that he had been in love affair with the girl and she had told him that she was 18. However, the girl is also on the record to have told police that she was 15 years old contradicting her mother’s statement which said her daughter was twelve. Whatever the case, the policeman could still be found on the wrong side of the law because despite the contradictions, the girl could be considered an under aged. Life Concern Organization (LICO) Executive Director, Peter Gondwe told journalists that his organization received a complaint from the girl’s mother that her daughter had been defiled by a policeman and nothing has been done. He said the girl’s mother lodged a complaint to his organization on Monday but by Thursday there were no serious investigations into the issue despite police recording a statement plus the medical report made available to them. “After the incident had occurred the mother took all necessary steps like taking the victim to hospital where a medical report was issued and then reported the matter to police. “She is concerned that despite receiving the complaint Police have done nothing to investigate the suspect. He is still free. She is concerned that police are playing delaying tactics so that the issue should just die out,” explained Gondwe. He appealed to police to hasten investigations into the issue to avoid raising unnecessary suspicions of covering up a crime.

US, MISA-Malawi for deeper reporting on financial crimes, corruption

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Palmer (r) Good investigative reporting crucial to democracy. On the left is Sundu, MISA-Malawi Vice Chairperson  Pic. Courtesy of U.S. Embasy in Malawi

The United States  Government and the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA – Malawi Chapter) on Friday challenged journalists in the country to come up with investigative reports on financial crimes and corruption. [caption id="attachment_103427" align="alignright" width="600"]Palmer (r) Good investigative reporting crucial to democracy. On the left is Sundu, MISA-Malawi Vice Chairperson  Pic. Courtesy of U.S. Embasy in Malawi Palmer (r) Good investigative reporting crucial to democracy. On the left is Sundu, MISA-Malawi Vice Chairperson Pic. Courtesy of U.S. Embasy in Malawi[/caption] [caption id="attachment_103426" align="alignright" width="600"]Blantyre Newspapers Ltd's Josephine Chinele shows off her Investigative Journalism certificate flanked by Palmer (r) and Sundu (l)  Pic. Courtesy of US Embassy in Malawi Blantyre Newspapers Ltd's Josephine Chinele shows off her Investigative Journalism certificate flanked by Palmer (r) and Sundu (l) Pic. Courtesy of US Embassy in Malawi[/caption] US Ambassador to Malawi, Virginia Palmer, and MISA – Malawi Vice Chairperson, Yvonne Sundu, made the call at the American Embassy in Lilongwe at the close of five-day Investigative Journalism training the two bodies organized for about 12  journalists drawn from various media institutions. The training, facilitated by renowned American investigative journalist, Lucinda Fleeson, was aimed at honing the journalists in reporting financial management issues in the country especially in the wake of cash-gate and the subsequent public sector and financial management reforms government instituted. Palmer said although it was challenging, time-consuming and sometimes dangerous, good investigative reporting – especially related to financial crimes and corruption – was so vitally important in a democratic nation, be it the U.S. or Malawi. She described the current reforms Malawi Government is instituting as crucial for the country and that the journalists’ continued close attention to the progress would help keep the reforms on track. “…It is very important to tell a story of how financial crimes and corruption deprive ordinary citizens of the basic services they deserve,” said Palmer, adding, “I have said publicly on various occasions that Malawians should stand up and speak out about what the Public Sector Reforms  and Public Financial Management Reforms mean to them, personally. “For example, what happens to them when clinic officials fail to show up to work on time, or life-saving drugs are stolen from government pharmacies?” The U.S Ambassador said through good investigative reporting, journalists’ work could magnify the stories and impact on needed changes. In her remarks, the MISA-Malawi Vice Chairperson concurred with Palmer in stressing the need for thorough reporting in financial crimes and corruption. Sundu challenged the graduating journalists to prove to the public what they were now capable of doing after the five-day training with the celebrated American investigative journalist, Lucinda Fleeson. “As change starts with taking the right step in the right direction; that can surely start with us,” said Sundu. “It is our duty and responsibility to initiate that positive step and expose malpractices that limit our ability to move forward as a country.” The MISA Malawi Vice Chairperson also announced that the institution had partnered with the Centre for Investigative Journalism based in Mzuzu to award excellent investigative journalists during the 2016 Annual MISA Awards. Sundu said her institution was looking forward to seeing the graduating journalists produce quality investigative stories that would scoop various prizes during this year’s MISA-Malawi’ AGM. Over the years, the U.S. Embassy in Malawi has sponsored most media activities such as the World Press Freedom Day celebrations and MISA-Malawi Annual General Meetings.

Malawi court imprison 4 people over albino bones: 4 years IHL

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Jailed  with the albino bones: They were arrested in Phalombe

Four people who were recently convicted of being found in possession of human bones suspected to be of a person living with albinism, have been slapped with jail sentence by the Zomba Principal Resident Magistrate Court seating at Phalombe on Friday. [caption id="attachment_100916" align="alignright" width="447"]Jailed  with the albino bones: They were arrested in Phalombe Jailed with the albino bones: They were arrested in Phalombe[/caption] The court has sentenced the four- a woman and three men- to four years imprisonment with hard labour each.  The accused were last month convicted by the court after pleading guilty to the charge of Prohibition of Sale of Body or Tissue contrary to Section 16 of the Anatomy Act. Phalombe police arrested the four namely; Starford Chimenya,45, Kondwani Patrick, 38, Rose Kumpama, 39, and a Mozambican citizen Petro Jezemani, 33, on Monday night of 4th January, 2016 following a tip-off from a businessman the suspects had approached to sell the bones. They were offering the said human bones for sale to a local businessman at Mitekete trading in the district. On Friday, Principal Resident Magistrate Gift Dorothy Makanje slapped the four with custodial sentence, saying the offence committed was very serious considering the rise in incidences of albino attacks. The magistrate observed that being a person with albinism in Malawi has become a challenge because of the behaviour of people like the four. She, however, said she had considered the fact that they were first offenders and that they pleaded guilty to the charge thereby saving the court's time. The bones, which are eight in number, were certified by medical practitioners from Phalombe Health Centre to be of a human being.

Tereza Master, Kesten triumph in national cross country

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Tereza Master on the finishing line- Pic by Lucky Mkandawire

Malawi’s top class female athlete Tereza Master put behind her last season’s woes to win the national cross country held at Mzuzu Stadium in the Northern Region of country on Saturday. [caption id="attachment_62652" align="alignright" width="580"]Tereza Master on the finishing line- Pic by Lucky Mkandawire Tereza Master on the finishing line[/caption] Last year Master encountered a terrible season having been disqualified in the Sunbird Kuchawe Road Race and failed to finish the Mulanje Mountain Porter Race. She clocked the 10km distance in the senior category in 38:40 minutes beating her Nalicy Chirwa (39:09 minutes) and her bitter rival Doris Fisha on third (39:21 min). The competition’s wonder in the female category Ellen Nyoka finished on fourth after clocking 40:12 minutes beating seasoned athlete Nancy Matanda who finished the race in 42:03 minutes. In the men’s senior Kephas Kesteni won gold medal in 30:26 minutes beating seasoned Francis Khanje by 59 seconds to settle for silver while Abina Chinga grabbed bronze clocking 31:45 min. Grevazio Mpani put up a disappointing performance finishing outside the podium position on fourth in 32:06 min while Happy Mcherenje was on fifth. In the men junior Abina Tchinga, completed his double after emerging the champion before competing race in the senior men where he got bronze. Harry Sichali won silver Leo Chikwaza anchored the podium position to win bronze while Austin Sukali and Juma Wilson finished on fourth and finish respectively. In the women junior Mercy Malembo won gold medal, Cecelia Mhango got silver, Nalise Chirwa settled for bronze while Ellen Nyoka was on fourth and Dorothy Gawani fifth position. Athletics Association of Malawi president Godfrey Phiri said the competition was successful with a number of new faces who put up a brilliant performance. “The competition was competitive and I am happy with the way it has gone,” Phiri said. “I would like to commend the government through Malawi National Council of Sports for funding this event.” He said AAM would also select a team to represent the country at Africa cross country to be held in  Cameroon next month.

Airtel opens service shop in Nchalo

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Celebrations after cutting the ribbon .-Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Airtel Malawi on Friday evening opened a new shop located at Nchalo trading centre in Chikwawa district in its quest to consistently offer quality customer service experience. [caption id="attachment_103436" align="alignright" width="600"]Celebrations after cutting the ribbon .-Photo Jeromy Kadewere Celebrations after cutting the ribbon .-Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption] [caption id="attachment_103437" align="alignright" width="600"]Waiting patiently for the Airtel shop to be opened...Photo Jeromy Kadewere Waiting patiently for the Airtel shop to be opened...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption] District Commissioner (DC) for Chikwawa Bester Mandere commended Airtel for opening of the shop, saying it is a timely response to the ever growing business sector. "Today's business runs on mobile phones, e-mails, internet, and airtime and of course mobile network availability and I am sure this shop is an avenue for a lot of business opportunities,” said Mandere. He said apart from solving customer queries, the shop will also cater for innovative mobile solutions and devices which people require from Airtel. The DC said mobile telecommunication is no longer a luxury but a basic necessity for every person across Malawi. He has since urged all mobile telecom providers to make their various products and services affordable to Malawians adding communication is a core human necessity that needs to be fully accessed by all people. “Communication is a core human necessity and as such, it needs to be fully accessible by service providers,” he said. Airtel’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Charles Kamoto said considering that technology is fast moving being part of human needs, the shop has been opened to address challenges customers are facing. He said Airtel is now taking its services “right at the customers door-step” in order to increase customer satisfaction through convenience and ease of reach of the customer. Kamoto said so far they have opened 18th shops in the country, and stressed they will keep on expanding. The new customer service shop is a fully fledged service Centre providing all Airtel products and services, where  customers will be able to carry out SIM-card replacements, Airtel Money transactions, devices and airtime purchases, Airtel data services and signing of post-paid contracts signup and bill payments. The new shop will create a retail environment that’s entirely focused on the ultimate customer experience and give people from Chikwawa an opportunity to explore the company’s entire range of products and services.

Nankhumwa bails out M’mbelwa council officials

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Nankhumwa: Do not abuse the funds

Local government minister Kondwani Nankhumwa on Friday miraculously removed mistrust that existed between M'mbelwa council officials and elected leaders of a K1:9 billion funding from state coffers which councilors suspected was swindled by the staff. [caption id="attachment_87359" align="alignright" width="379"]Nankhumwa: Do not abuse the funds Nankhumwa: Do not abuse the funds[/caption] There have been accusations and counter accusations over the money until Nankhumwa symbolically brought the money to the council and directed that it should be used for roads rehabilitation in Mzimba. This was after chairman of the M'mbelwa District Council in Mzimba demanded detailed account of the money from staff as he and other councillors suspected the money had been cash gated. The council has since earmarked to rehabilitate a 2:9 kilometre road from Luwinga to Mkhoringo to Dunduzu roadblock and from Airport to Zorozoro. "The money is still intact and this is the money we will use to rehabilitate the roads here this year," said Nankhumwa to the relief of the elected leaders who want development in their respective areas. The K1.4 billion is part of the K6 billion the government is splashing out for the rehabilitation of roads in Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu. Nankhumwa said soon, council officials will not be able to abuse council funds as the government is upgrading the integrated financial management system (ifms) to include all district and city cuncils. He said the upgrading process of the system is in progress.

Leprosy hits Mzimba

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A patient shows the effects of leprosy on his hands

Officials from Mzimba District Hospital are seeking financial assistance to sensitise people on leprosy after eight pepole have since been diaognised with the one of the oldest diseases in the world. [caption id="attachment_100959" align="alignright" width="600"]A patient shows the effects of leprosy on his hands A patient shows the effects of leprosy on his handsOwen Kham[/caption] Dan Kwacha, skin disease and leprosy officer at the district hospital confirmed that eight people are now on leprosy treatment. He said the number can go up as some people might be suffering from the disease but might not know the signs and symptoms of the disease. "That is why we need money to sensitize people on the symptoms and signs of the disease. The earlier they know its leprosy the better," he said. He said currently the hospital does not have a budget for such an activity and feared this might affect more patients suffering in villages but not knowing its leprosy. Leprosy has also hit Balaka where 23 cases were recorded last year and there are fears it might be making a come back after the World Health Organisation certified Malawi lerosy free some years back.

Police arrest Mangochi councillor over K2.8mil

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Kachikuwo: Confirmed the arrest

Police in Mangochi have arrested a councillor who reported that thieves had stolen K2.8 million development  fund. [caption id="attachment_51532" align="alignright" width="216"]Kachikuwo: Confirmed the arrest Kachikuwo: Confirmed the arrest[/caption] Mangochi police station officer Elijah Kachikuwo confirmed Shadreck Banda, who had days earlier reported that thieves broke into his room at a lodge in Mangochi and stole the money, is now in police hands. "There are several questions he needs to answer. There are several issues we need to find out. “ Why is it that he took all that money and decided to put up at a lodge? How does the Mangochi district council disburse development money, does the council give to a single person like thar? There are several unanswered questions," he said. Banda reported that the money, which he said was meant for payment of workers who did development work in his area, was stolen on the night of February 10 and 11, 2016. Kachikuwo said it was surprising that council officials say they did not give the councillor the money. "They are saying they do not know about the money, this is surprising," said Kachikuwo. He said although Banda is a complainant, the law enforcers arrested him because of the unaswered questions. Kachikuwo said the police have not recovered the money neither have they suspected the suspected thieves.

Mr. President, better is not good enough

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Mutharika

If there is one thing any caring household and government will always ensure it has in abundance to ensure peace and harmony, it is food. In the case of Malawi, it is the staple—maize. When food is in short supply in the home, do not expect peace and harmony. [caption id="attachment_99862" align="alignright" width="600"]Mutharika Mutharika[/caption] The grain has been very much in short supply in the country this year. Starting with the delayed onset of rains last year, followed by floods and then drought, all have contributed to the shortage of the staple underscoring the need to rely less on rain-fed farming. But there is another thing that is in short supply in Malawi—apart from maize. It is proper planning and prompt action by authorities to avert crises. Now, not everybody can be up there planning to feed the 15 million mouths. Admitted, we all have a role to play. Some, like me, dutifully pay tax and leave it to the powers that be to ensure the revenue is used for the purpose of procuring commodities like maize, drugs. What is abundantly evident this year is lack of planning at the national level to ensure people get value for their taxes. Without being cryptic, someone or some people have been sitting up there either sleeping or snoring as the time bomb was waiting to explode. Now it has exploded right in their faces. There is no food in the country and there cannot be peace and harmony. The adage a hungry man is an angry man is very much true. It is the reason you cannot walk into an Admarc depot and buy the staple as you wish. Government was boastful a few months ago when it said no one will suffer from hunger or less still die of it. But ask me what it means when women with babies on their backs sleep at Admarc depots to buy just 20kg of maize. It is an insult to people’s intelligence for anyone to bark on the national broadcaster that there is enough maize in Admarc depots but that the problem is that people hide it just to tarnish the image of the leadership. One only hopes the President is being told truth. I like the John Magufuli style of leadership. He is not laidback and, as a result, no-one cannot cheat him. Hunger is biting and people are dying. I am actually surprised that in its desperate bid to improve revenue streams, the under-collecting Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is even clamping down on flour imports from Zambia. Prove the conspiracy theory about there being enough maize in the country wrong by opening the flood gates for Zambian flour to flood the country. This will go a long way in dampening maize prices. Talking about the skyrocketing maize prices, this is also the main cause of the runaway inflation in the country now at 24.9 percent and counting. And this is affecting every other sector including electricity tariffs. The leadership of this country has not done too little to avert the hunger crisis the country is going through. This reminds me of the time I was an editor for a certain weekly a few years ago. We run a story that sounded the alarm about hunger in the country—that half a million people would have no food from October to March. The president then, the late Bingu wa Mutharika, fumed, threatened to ban the newspaper and arrest the editor and reporter. But it was true. In fact as truth came to the fore, more than half a million people were food insecure that year. The situation is six times worse this year when over 2.8 million people have no food. The leadership has done too little too late avert this hunger. Better is not good enough. All the while the country’s development partners are always more than ready to come to the country’s rescue but they need to be moved to do so. The leadership should never feel it is being demeaned when the media sounds the alarm on certain things that are not going right either due to natural calamities or poor policies. All that the authorities need to do is to get out of their comfort zones and do the needful. Look stupid and get the flak once by admitting the truth, but be on top of things and solve the problem once and for all.
  • The article first appeared in Weekend Nation newspaper

UK Minister visits Malawi to deliver £80mil aid

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David Mundell: A UK cabinet minister

The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, will make a three-day visit to Malawi from 16th to 18th February 2016 to meet staff and partner organisations working to deliver the £80m Aid development programme, including those involved in providing the humanitarian response to Malawi’s current maize shortage. [caption id="attachment_103503" align="alignright" width="600"]David Mundell: A UK cabinet minister David Mundell: A UK cabinet minister visiting Malawi[/caption] According to a statement from British High Commission in Lilongwe made available to Nyasa Times, Mundell  is  greatly looking forward to his  second visit to Malawi. “I hope my visit will underline the long standing links that the UK, and Scotland in particular, has with Malawi. “ I will be promoting the breadth of that relationship, as development partners assisting Malawi with £80 million bilaterally this year, facilitating education, business and institutional relationships, and responding to assist Malawi in times of humanitarian crisis,” Mundell said. In his engagements with the Malawi Government,  Mundell is expected to highlight close cooperation with Malawi across a range of bilateral, regional and international issues and to encourage progress on the process of wide-ranging reform under President Peter Mutharika’s administration. “I am looking forward to hearing from the Malawi Government and others about the urgency of broad reforms to move the country from aid to greater prosperity and self-reliance, while demonstrating that the UK, and no more so than the people of Scotland, are proud to stand by the people of Malawi on that journey,” he explained. The Secretary of State for Scotland becomes the most senior UK Government minister to visit Malawi since May 2012 after former Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell. “Mr Mundell will also meet a wide range of individuals and groups who contribute to the breadth of the UK - Malawi bilateral relationship, and those involved in promoting ever deeper Scotland – Malawi ties, such as the Malawi- Scotland Partnership,” reads the statement in part. Mundell is also expected to launch the next phase of the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms programme, which has included exchanges with schools in Scotland. Among other things,  Mundell’s visit will further promote the strong ties between the UK and Malawi, and the close historical and modern relationship between Malawi and Scotland in particular.

Kamlepo says  some Ministers involved in K577bn cashgate: Parliament to seek donor funds for report

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Kamlepo Kalua: There are cashgate accomplices in cabinet

Outspoken Rumphi east MP Kamlepo Kalua says parliament would seek donor money assistance to enable the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)of the National Assembly meet to scrutinise the K577 billion cashgate report. [caption id="attachment_70640" align="alignright" width="250"]Kamlepo Kalua: There are cashgate accomplices in cabinet Kamlepo Kalua: There are cashgate accomplices in cabinet[/caption] Kalua, who is also the vice chairman of PAC,  said the government has shown no interest to fund the meeting of the committee to discuss the report alleging it is because the Democratic Progressive Party  (DPP) officials were involved in the plunder of the money at Capital Hill. "I will be meeting my chairman very soon to see if we can raise money from donors to fund our meeting. It is sad that these people don't want PAC to meet and discuss this issue," he said. Kalua said the only reason the government is dilly-dallying to fund the PAC meeting is that some current cabinet ministers were involved in the plunder of public resources. "Those involved include some ministers in the current administration, you can never erase history, history never rots, Malawians will never forget no matter how long it takes," he said. He said the K577 billion report is of national importance, saying it is the genesis of the current economic problems. Kalua said the current economic problems are self inflicted, saying the ruling DPP has a larger share of the blame. "Most of the money was plundered by the DPP officials, this is why they don't want us to discuss this issue. This government has no sense of responsibility, this government has no sense of direction," he charged. Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe said all government departments are facing financial problems due to the prevailing economic climate, saying this is not unique to parliament alone. Kalua also took a swipe at some civil rights leaders, saying they are silent when a bag of maize weighing 50kg is now hitting K20,000 and utility bills of water and electricity are raised wily-nilly. "We know they have been given lucrative rewarding parastatal chairmanships," he claimed.
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