Over the weekend, organisers of the Malawi Fashion Week (MFW) 2013, Elegant Resources by ArianaLouise and African Dzuwa conducted models auditions for the May/June fashion event. The auditions, conducted in the Capital City Lilongwe attracted over fifty local and two Zambian models from Lusaka namely Alice Musukwa and Naomi Banda.

Nyasa Times caught up with Musukwa, who is among the Top 5 models in Zambia and also the country’s representative at the Miss Universe 2010.

In this interview with Kimpho Loka, she shares about her interests in MFW and her experience as a model. The 25-year-old also tips Malawian models on how to become successful in the profession which is not much respected in Malawi.

Kimpho: Firstly, what gave you the urge to travel all the way from Zambia to Malawi to do auditions for Malawi Fashion Week?

Alice Musukwa

Alice: Because I want to explore and learn more, and the fact that Malawi has never been known to be a fashion industry country, it’s huge, plus to my modelling CV I wanted to be the first group to be part of the show. I always want to do new things.

Kimpho: With the experience you had during the auditions, were you satisfied? Was it worth spending your penny from Lusaka to Lilongwe?

Alice: It was worth trying and I think judges were friendly enough to learn from them.

Kimpho: What did you learn from the industry in Malawi? And is there anything you think Malawi can improve to make things better?

Alice: I have not learnt anything just yet because I didn’t have time to go round because of time, so I would rather not comment.

Kimpho: From what I hear, you are one of the top models in Zambia, right?

Alice: Yes I am. I’m on top 5.

Kimpho: What would you say about Malawian models, with your experience and observation? Though you didn’t spend much time with them?

Alice: While I think potential is there with a bit of grooming and training, you would have best models out of the few I saw, I was very amazed with the group I saw.

Kimpho: What does it take to be the best model or among the best?

Alice: Be focused, know why you’re there and why you want to do it and open up to new ideas.

Kimpho: Is modelling well paying in Zambia?

A bit, but its picking everyday

Kimpho: Give us a bit of your modelling background and what you have achieved to make it into Zambia’s top 5?

Alice: Well firstly I started serious modelling when I was 18years old modelled in SA for some time good 4years and came back to Zambia after winning the Miss Universe Zambia 2010 and doing a lot of runway and photo modelling has kept Me moving and known. I [also] train upcoming models.

Kimpho: Do you own a modelling agency?

Alice: Yes it’s called New Look Models and I direct Miss Teen Zambia

Kimpho: How much does your agency earn annually?

Alice: Well it depends. I charge training the girls 12 days and in a month it is US$600 from the age of 15 to 25 and from 7 to 14 it is US$1000 30days.

Kimpho: You are really doing great hey! That’s good monies there. What’s your ultimate dream?

Alice: Not really it’s just to tiring to train people on a daily basis because it’s a full time job. My dream is to have the biggest modelling group company in my country [Zambia].

Kimpho: What inspires Alice Musukwa the model?

Alice: Is the fact that I know I can do it and that what makes me is the line of success that I believe I can achieve, it keeps me moving.

Kimpho: You mentioned focus, and knowing know why you’re there, why you want to do it and opening up to new ideas, what tips would you give to Malawian models?

Alice: That’s just the key because all that will teach you different tasks.

Kimpho: Before we conclude, what challenges face the Zambian modelling industry?

Alice: Lack of sponsorship and modelling jobs mostly when you are not known

Kimpho: Anything you’d like to add before?

Alice: You can still be a model even after you have a child. Most girls would rather abort than stopping their modelling career. No it’s even better to be an example to such ideas. Am a proud mother of a baby boy [who is 1year 4 months and nothing has changed.

That should be something inspiring to the girls out there. Thank you so much for the interview Alice, on behalf of Nyasa Times I wish you all the best as you prepare for Malawi Fashion Week 2013.

Alice: Thanks a lot.

Barely days after Malawi government announced a salary increment of 61 percent for civil servants, employees at the education ministry in Capitol Hill are refusing to resume work until Principal Secretary of the ministry Mcphell Magwira  is removed, Nyasa Times has established.

A visit by Nyasa Times reporters to the ministry of education block on Monday found out that the building was to larger extent abandoned leaving behind placards on the entrance with the name of Magwira appearing prominently to register their discontent.

Most of the placards demanded for the immediate removal of the experienced senior government servant calling him all sorts of unprintable names.

However, a senior officer in the ministry whose identity we are concealing for obvious reasons, Magwira is not the villain as the junior striking workers would want to make the world believe.

Civil servants in Ministry of Education on strike, demanding PS Magwira removed

He disclosed that the PS has been tough on authorizing allowances for activities that are deemed dubious as such this has not pleased the employees who normally benefit from claiming of huge government allowances for duty they have not executed.

The official further added that Magwira has also been the target by a horde of employees who were embroiled in allowances scam where an audit report established that most employees in the ministry were found to have doctored days they went out in the field.

According to the audit report it was found out that one employee, for instance, could be found to have claimed allowances for 400 days in one fiscal year a development described as not feasible.

“As you are aware our ministry is very vast with a big funding in terms of our annual budget allocation. This is the source of confusion it seems. It is a very outstanding grudge the employees have been holding against the PS because he refuses to authorize funding for questionable trips whose aim is just to draw allowances.

“Magwira is the sort of person who refuses to be part of the corrupt syndicate that has rocked the system. It’s a ring that involves a whole wider network and the PS has been trying to cut the umbilical cord that is basically the reason they have ganged up against him,” lamented the official.

Meanwhile, it is not the first time for civil servants to protest against Magwira. Some few years back, the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) had to move in swiftly to remove him from Transport and Public Works where employees staged violent protests demanding for his head.

But in our investigations it has been discovered that coincidentally one of the masterminds of the previous protest who was director of planning in the ministry Victor Lungu was deployed to the Education ministry and there are strong signals that he is the one mobilizing the staff against their boss.

Nyasa Times sources say another bone of contention in the ministry is decision by OPC to put Magwira in charge of procurement replacing one Shaba who is said be part of the ring that also involves education ministry director of administration Isaac Msiska.

“Since Magwira took charge of procurement committee he has already blacklisted some two if not three companies as part of the cleanup. So it seems there was whole bunch of staff here in the ministry that used to benefit hugely from the blacklisted firms.

“Yes, as human being he has his own weaknesses but seriously the man is being targeted by a group of corrupt morons who regard him as thorn in their flesh,” added another source who is senior secretary to one of the directors in the ministry.

Efforts to talk to both Lungu and Msiska proved futile.

On his part, Magwira told Nyasa Times in a telephone interview that it’s an issue he would resolve reasonably with the disgruntled employees and not through the media.

Chief Secretary Bright Msaka said he was on his way to the airport but referred this reporter to his deputy Willie Samute who also refused to comment saying he is ill.

Supporters of TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers should expect to see new faces coming to the club next season, says Owen Munthali, the team’s General Secretary.

The Lilongwe giants were crowned champions of the TNM Super league on Sunday despite losing their last game 1-0 to Mighty Wanderers and staying level on points with their closest rivals Big Bullets at 58 points apiece but Silver had superior goal aggregate.

Silver has managed to win only one trophy out of the possible four, which explains the desire for a new roaster.

“We are very happy with what the team has achieved, but still more there were some two or three things which didn’t go well, like in the cup competitions we didn’t do well. We will try to prepare for the next season and fix all the areas which had some loopholes. Our supporters should expect to see new players coming,” said Munthali whose team has often been criticized of not growing its own talent and relying heavily on buying players.

Silver players parade the league trophy.-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

When asked whether buying new players would hinder the development of young players, Munthali said that the team is committed to youth development.

“We have a new coach who also likes to use young players, and we assure our fans that next season they will see more young players coming into the Silver Strikers squad from our reserve side. We believe that young players are the future of this country and the world in general, so our team is committed to youth development,” Munthali said.

Meanwhile, Silver Strikers midfielder Harvey Mkacha bought from Zomba United hopes to do better next season.

“I had a good season, only that I was very troubled with the injuries…which I feel affected my performances but now I feel good.

“The fans are yet to see why Silver Strikers brought me here from Zomba United and I feel that next season people will see the reason,” Mkacha said.

Silver Strikers players

We are champions! Silver players, officials and supporters pose wth the TNM Super League trophy.-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Rodrick Gonani has been Silver’s prominent player in the season.-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

Silver supporters in Lilongwe celebrating title win.-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere/Nyasa Times

As the 2004 General Election approached, the hype was incomprehensible to the moderate minds. Everyone wanted to find some space where they could breathe a different scent than that of political fire. Some of us found this space in the religion circles.

Every day at around 11am, I used to walk from my parents’ home in Area 12 to Chinese Garden which has now been developed into Bingu International Conference Centre and the Presidential Hotel.

A week before the Election Day which fell on a Tuesday, our pastors at the Lunch Hour fellowship intimated that God had given them a message which they had to convey to Malawians and that we were the privileged few to get it firsthand.

The pavilion was filled to capacity and everyone was ready to hear what God had said concerning the elections.

Prophet Sheperd Bushiri

Prophet Scaver

Prophet Austin Liabunya

Prophet Kajawa

One of the Pastors, who at that time used to work for Reserve Bank of Malawi, took to the podium.

Looking nervous and with a hoarse voice he said.

“We know we might have state agents here but that will not hinder God’s words this afternoon,” he swallowed his saliva together with his fear such that his next statement carried with it extra vigor and stability.

“God has shown us that the next President of Malawi is Gwanda Chakuamba, we will hold hands and thank God for His provision because He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider,”

The statement brought some unease among the crowd but the pastor was already into his next line.

“If there is anyone who feels that this is not in their favour, may I ask them to leave because as we hold hands in agreement we will be speaking with one voice in acceptance of God’s choice,”

One humble looking lady, probably in her mid thirties, picked up her handbag and headed out. She was escorted by many eyes. She never looked back but simply vanished into the scanty forest towards Chief Mbelwa House at the City Centre.

We held hands and prayed for some 10 minutes or so. As we dispersed, one could feel the air of excitement among the congregants. I headed for the British Council Learning Centre with so many questions and anticipation on what God had said through the pastors.

Gwanda, without even learning of the Chinese Garden prophecy was stealing the show across the country. He had been keeping his beard and hair growing for months and promised that he would get rid of it on his inauguration.

Election Day came.

Bingu wa Mutharika won, John Tembo was second.

Gwanda, the favoured, was in distant third. Chwe Mwana Chwe aka Kamlepo Kalua was breathing down his neck in the contest.

Gwanda was heartbroken and claimed victory, violence erupted and lives were lost.

All that is history now, Gwanda is tucked somewhere in his decent home on the hill of Nyambadwe.

The Chinese Garden prophecy went down the drain and no one dared to ask the prophets who brought it out.

It was this scenario that opened up my eyes that sometimes our religious leaders depart from Biblical precepts when dealing with contemporary issues.

Of late, it seems every man or woman who starts a ministry is rushing to the prophecy corner because that is where demand is.

I will not dispute the fact that God speaks to His people through prophets but I am at pains to comprehend why these distinguished men and women are carried away by social and technological progression thereby twisting the intended purpose of God’s calling.

Three months before the Gwanda prophecy, one Mark Zuckerberg had established a social networking site called Facebook. But we never had the privilege to send the messages to many people as it was still an alien culture.

Things have changed so fast. A facebook post by a prominent Malawian prophet will yield more than 5000 likes, 5000 comments and 100 shares within 30 minutes. What an amazing viral world!

This calls for great responsibility from our men of God as they deal with this technological and social advancement.

A day doesn’t elapse without some prophet (mainly from Lilongwe) telling the nation what is going to happen in 2013 and the first half of 2014. (I still don’t understand why these prophecies don’t go beyond May 2014)

Much as some of the prophecies are general and suited for all Malawians, some have mentioned names of influential people especially politicians. Some of these people have had their names mentioned in full why others have only first letters of their two names given.

Not only that, the prophets have invited (through Facebook) those that feel the prophecies are directed at them to contact them for more or prayers.

I fail to understand why some prophets use facebook to discuss issues that are private in nature. Why not find the person’s details and send them personal communication on issues that concern them.

Remember Prophet Nathan when heard a message from God for King David? Did he rush to tell the Israelites a message that wasn’t meant for them but their King?

Why then do we have prophets these days who say things that in a way cause alarm among the citizens? What they say might be true but we serve a God of order and wisdom. It is wisdom that some of our prophets need when dealing with these issues.

If God has a message for Malawians, then Malawians should be told. If that message is narrowed down to the leadership then the leadership should be notified. This can be done by following the right channels such as booking appointments or sending letters to Office of President and Cabinet or through the Presidential Adviser on Religious Affairs.

God is still saying something but I don’t think He has changed just because Zuckerberg came up with Facebook. Let wisdom rule.

With Godly love; to respected prophets  and prophetesses of God.

Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) jointly with other stakeholders, is set to conduct an extensive research on the local discovery of a herbal medicine, GARANI MW1, which is believed to be a cure for the deadly HIV and Aids pandemic.

MBS analysed the medicine and the results revealed some compounds that have
effects on the HIV. The bureau facilitated the formation of a Stakeholders Committee which has since drafted a research proposal.

The Stakeholders Committee is comprised of representatives from College of Medicine, Chancellor College, Malawi Pharmacy Medicines and Poisons Board and the Department of Nutrition, HIV & AIDS.

In an email response, the MBS Director General, Davlin Chokazinga said each member of the Committee will have specific role to play during the research.

“We have drafted a proposal waiting for government approval. Our focus will be on chemical composition, others will do other things that they know better,” said Chokazinga.

The extensive research is to be conducted national wide in consultation with National Commission of Science and Technology. It will focus on chemical analysis and clinical trials among others to authenticate the herbal medicine.

Garani Mw1 herbs: ‘Cures Aids’

Gloria Kantema Jeremiah: The woman behind Grani Mw 1

Previously University of Malawi’s Chancellor College (Chemistry Department) and Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board carried out separate primary analyses on the medicine with the consent of Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) Department of Nutrition and HIV and Aids.

Gloria Jeremiah, the one behind GARANI MW1 has described the research as one big step forward in finding cure to the pandemic.

“The research will help a lot and it will assist in recommending proper dosage to rid-off the virus depending on viral load,” said Jeremiah, a District HIV and Aids Coordinator for Lilongwe District Health Office.

Jeremiah, currently studying Master of Public Health at College of Medicine specialising in epidemiology, said that apart from curing the HIV, the herbal medicine has been found to cure other health related problems such as hormonal imbalances, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, amenorrhea dysmenorrhea, leukaemia, skin problems among others.

“The main focus of the herb was on the HIV and Aids and any opportunistic infections but it has come to my notice that other conditions and diseases that the medicine is curing are not HIV related, hence need for more research,” she said.

For better results, clients are advised to repeat dose at one month intervals.

Reports so far show that the effectiveness of the herb doesn’t depend on blood type and the herb has been found to work on both newly infected who are not yet on ART and those who have been on Antiretroviral treatment.

She however, urged people to desist regarding it as vaccine against the virus, saying:“Those who take the medicine are advised to go for an HIV test after 10 or 12 months from the time they take GARANI MW1 although to some it takes only a few months before they test HIV negative.

“We advise clients not to engage in any unprotected sex after taking the medicine even though all the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared until they go for the HIV test.”

One dose consists of six tea-spoons of the powder and a person takes through porridge with no salt or sugar once per day for three consecutive days. The remaining powder is then repeated after two weeks.

Some patients have reportedly been cured just after taking the first dosage while others have to repeat for two or more times depending on the viral load.

”This is one of the reasons why there is need to carry out a research to find out the proper dosage depending on the viral load or to come up with a uniform dose like any other medicine,” she told Nyasa Times.

Demand is reportedly growing for the herbal medicine called GARANI MW1 as scores of HIV infected people, both Malawians and foreigners are apparently finding a sigh of relief in it after several
testimonies on the effectiveness of the drug. The herb was discovered in 2007 in Malawi.

“If a person is on Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) or on any medication, are advised to continue taking that medication even if tested HIV negative, until advised by qualified physicians to stop”.

Mchape, a traditional concoction in Malawi stormed the HIV cure scene with pomp, but disappeared silently in disgrace.

Many other initially promising but ultimately doomed pretenders to the cure for HIV have come and gone, but the elusive conqueror of the devastating virus remains well beyond the horizon.

Thoko Banda, the son of one of the great conviction politicians the late Aleke Banda, who has been in diplomatic service for a long time, is supporting UDF president Atupele Muluzi’s Agenda For Change, saying it is time for the new generation to take over the reigns of power and bring new politics  with genuine democracy.

“I would feel very sorry for Malawi if younger Malawians don’t take over the reins of government next year,” Banda told Political Index in Malawi’s flagship daily newspaper, The Nation.

He said twenty-something year olds are effectively running huge multinationals with budg­ets that dwarf Malawi’s budget.

“When Malawi was becoming an independent nation in 1964, many young Malawians in their 20s and 30s were entrusted with developing this nation and, dare I say, they did, then, far better job than many of these older Ma­lawians have been doing in the past couple of decades.

Thoko Banda:Leadership must keep pace with changing world

“Names like John Msonthi, Aleke Banda, the Chisiza brothers, Henry Chipembere, Rose Chibambo, John Tembo, Kanyama Chiume, and many others were part of an entire generation of young Malawians who served Malawi competently even while in their youth. The leadership must keep pace with this rapidly changing world,” Banda said.

He underscored the UDF agenda for change rhythms that Malawi needs “ a new generation of political en­gagement, a new generation of ideas, a new generation of lead­ership.”

Banda said he is deeply worried that the poverty levels are worsening while the depths of public dis­illusionment are deepening in the country.

“In my view, it is important to get as many people contributing to the national dialogue in positive ways, tabling fresh ideas, explor­ing new ways as possible, in the hope that this will lead to a more meaningful electoral process next year.

“In my view, it is important not only to intensify the discus­sions and to focus on ideas rath­er than on personalities, but it is also vital that we all strengthen adherence to the Constitution so that people choose more wisely next time than they did last time. Atupele’s initiative is worth tak­ing seriously. I hope more young people will join this discussion with a focus on ideas and not on personalities,” he said.

Banda dismissed the ‘descendancy’ syndrome assertion attached to Atupele’s candidature as son of former president  Bakili Muluzi who ruled Malawi from 1994 to 2004, saying what is more im­portant for the future of Ma­lawi is that “we stop hearing the same failed ideas because it is ideas and not names that will either save this country or sink it further.”

Said Banda: “It is important that, at whatever levels, be it national or regional or district or village, leadership should be about vision and competence in the interests of the people and not about names or heritage of individual candidates. I believe that every Malawian of eligible age should feel free to contrib­ute whatever skills and energies they have for the improvement of the lives of our people, espe­cially for the benefit of the most vulnerable among us.

“What is more important, I feel, is that incompetence, corruption, eth­nocentricity and the like should not be passed on. Similarly, there is no hereditary birth right to leadership as would be the case in a monarchical system of government. Surely, it makes sense to talk about substance rather than about last names.”

Banda said if Malawians orient their at­titudes towards ideas and away from petty politics, the change agenda will transform the coun­try “in innumerable ways far quicker than we can even begin to imagine.”

He also said people are weighing the current Joyce Banda government’s claims about car­ing about children’s and other human rights against how the regime uses or abuses its pow­ers.

“They are seeing through the globetrotting development-beggar mentality while some in power divert and personalise scarce resources,” he noted.

Banda said “personalisation of public re­sources and abuses of power must stop. I urge all Malawians to join the agenda for change so that our country can change so that our people realise their destiny with a more dignified future.

“Malawi must, can, and will change—this I do believe,” he said.

Banda said he belives Atupele genuinely does want to open this country to a new political maturity, “one that respects the dignity of our people instead of talking down at people as is traditional in some other major parties. I respect that Atupele is making concerted efforts to encourage an inclusive dialogue, demonstrating a willingness to listen to diverse opinions.”

He stressed that he is committed to  help  Atupele  and UDF who want Malawians to take responsibility and ownership of our country and its future direction.

Dedza Secondary School, popularly known as Box 48  in central Malawi has been shut down following continued protests against congestion and poor diet at the facility by the students.

The students were on Wednesday morning ordered to leave the campus by 3pm.

Protests and demonstrations started on Monday after storming the district’s education office (Demo) for possible solution to their concerns.

The students claimed that they have been eating meals especially Nsima and porridge made from “rotten maize flour” and “weevil infested beans”.

School damage has caused education ministry to close schools

They also claimed that there is congestion at the facility, which, they said, does not have enough beds for all students, forcing three students to sleep on one bed while others sleep on the floor.

They further claimed that school’s ablution blocks are germ-infested.

The district’s education manager, Billy Banda confirmed the development, saying the ministry of education has resolved to close the facility because of the continued protest by the students.

Banda further said the order was relayed to the students by the district’s “senior” police officers.

Meanwhile, there is heavy presence of armed police officers to ensure safety of the school’s proper.

Malawi Parliament on Wednesday had to vote to adopt the speech delivered by President Joyce Banda at the official opening of the 44th session of parliament.

Adoption of a State of the Nation address is made by popular acclamation. But there was drama when the motion was received with a deafening ‘no’ from the opposition benches after the government side’s ‘weak’ yes vote, which clearly showed how depleted the side is, in terms of numbers.

Speaker of Parliament Henry Chimunthu Banda had to summon a roll call vote for its adoption .

The results showed that the majority who voted adopted the speech. 90 members including Leader of Opposition John Tembo voted to approve the speech.

Parliament adopts State of the Nation address

There were 39 MPs who voted ‘no’ while 52 members including opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) acting president Peter Mutharika were absent. Mutharika walked out of the House before voting.

DPP didn’t approve most of what President Banda said in her address, saying that the current administration is just implementing economic reforms that were left by late president Bingu WA Mutharika.

However, some DPP members voted ‘yes’.

There were 11 lawmakers who abstained from voting.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are pushing government to implement the 500 litres a month each fuel allowances as agreed upon in 2008. They also want the allowances to be paid in arrears dating back to 2009.

The government side has seen its numbers dwindle since the House was opened on February 8, because several MPs have jumped ship and gone back to their parties. Most of the MPs leaving are from the former ruling DPP.

After the President’s address was adopted, government started tabling Bills with the Gender Equality Bill, almost 12 years after the proposed bill was conceived.

Malawi lawmakers have been pushing government to implement the conditions of service approved in 2008.

But President Banda has vowed that government will not bow down to demands by legislators to get K10 million (about $27 778) in fuel allowances backdated to 2009.

Mango chi Central MP Clement Chiwaya (UDF) accused the President of seeking public sympathy by insinuating that the MPs were demanding K10 million each.

He said: “But let me say here that pronouncements at public rallies will not buy any political sympathy. We are aware that our conditions of service are the only ones that do not get respect. Ministers get 1 000 litres of fuel a month and [their] deputies 750 litres each. Do we hear any quacking around?”

Chiwaya, who is also UDF chief whip, also said it is not true that the MPs are demanding K10 million in fuel allowances despite that there were grievances that the MPs have. He said the issues have since been channeled to their employer, which is government.

The UDF chief whip also attacked President Banda’s frequent travels, the political prostitution which he said is destroying the country and the distribution of free maize which he labelled as “cheap campaign tactics”.

A traditional medical practitioner in Dedza has come out in the open to express his interest to bewitch Association for Secular Humanism (ASH) Executive Director, George Thindwa, for challenging that witchcraft does not exist.

Thindwa is an activist fighting for rights of people persecuted for allegedly practicing witchcraft which is not recognised by Malawian laws though there is a widespread belief of its existence among many communities in the country.

He claims that there is no evidence to prove the existence of witchcraft and as such he announced a reward of K500, 000 to anyone who will give proof of witchcraft by bewitching him. The amount was later revised upwards to K1 million after noticing that no witch or wizard came forward to cast a spell on him.

The herbalist, Masiyambuyo Njolomole who is also president of Dedza Herbalist Association, a grouping of over 2, 000 traditional medical practitioners in the district, said he is ready to bewitch Thindwa.

Herbalist Njolomole: I am ready to bewitch Thindwa

Thindwa: Claims witches do not exist

Njolomole said he is inflamed by recent media reports which quoted Thindwa as insisting that witchcraft does not exist as demonstrated by the fact that nobody has bewitched him even when he announced a reward.

Meanwhile, the herbalist is looking for an opportunity to speak with Thindwa and express his interest.

“I called him three times on Monday but he could not pick his phone. He called me a few minutes later after I had sent him a text message. However, when I told him about my interest [to bewitch him] he immediately cut me off,” Njolomole said.

But Thindwa, in a telephone interview, refuted Njolomole’s claims saying he did not receive the said text message nor did he call Njolomole.

However records in Njolomole’s phone are indicating that he sent a message to Thindwa’s number (0888853150) at 11.55 am on Monday, 25th February, 2013.

The message read: “Ine ndine Dr Njolomole ku Dedza, ndikhonza kukulodzani koma mundipase K2million” (I am Dr Njolomole in Dedza, I can bewitch you if you promise to reward me K2 million).

The phone records are further indicating that Thindwa called later at 12.22 pm and the call was cut off after 18 seconds.

When this reporter told Thindwa about the phone records he insisted that he did not communicate with Njolomole.

“There was no such communication between us, if he is serious let him just come to my office at Bwandilo in Lilongwe and perform his rituals,” he said.

Thindwa said over ten people have been threatening to cast a spell on him but nothing strange has ever happened to him.

With the ever fast growing technology that has seen most of Malawis’ music being now digitally recorded, the market itself hasn’t been left out in embracing this digital migration as digital doors continue to open for consumers; online purchasing.

Providing a further option to the traditional modes of music outlets of buying music from shelves; Nyimbo Zachimalawi ventures into the scene as it will now start selling and distributing local music online via its website www.malawi-music.com.

The songs to be bought on the site will not include the promotional tag but rather will all be in full length, CD quality in mp3 format while albums will be zipped, in a single file with all mp3 files inclusive and details on how to unzip the files.

A single mp3 will be selling at 0.099 pounds while a whole album is pegged at 10 pounds, approximately K6000.

Lucius Banda: Time on line malawimusic.com for sale

For a start, and due to the wide number of artists in Malawi, there will be 2 categories from two well-known artists.

First is Lucius Banda who will have songs all from his 19 albums available on the site for legal purchase and all albums form the Black Missionaries including their yet to be released ninth album.

Management of Nyimbo Zachimalawi explains of the idea behind the development: “It is our goal to provide Malawi music customers with a fast and convenient checkout process, so that they get to download the music they want and legally own it at the same time supporting the local music industry in Malawi,” read part of a press statement issued on their site.”

As pointed out, Malawi music has been extremely associated with piracy which has seen pirates making huge sums of money while musicians only getting peanuts from their work.

This has left some artists who could not bear the heat or take the risk in selling their music themselves with some even moving around with their CDs in bags around town in search of a legal market.

As selling online provides another avenue of selling music, management of Nyimbo Zachimalawi calls for legal use of materials to be purchased on the page:

“Please note that while we would like you to legally own Malawian music and support local artists, it would be unlawful for you to sell these mp3 to other people or upload them on any other website for commercial use,”

“So we encourage our customers to use the music in a Godly and Christian way knowing the artists in Malawi are suffering and need support and for their music purchased so that they finally financially gain from their God-given talents,” reads part of the statement.

The buying process through the website will be supported by Google checkout cart also known as Google Wallet; a fast and secure checkout process that helps new customers by allowing them to buy from the site quickly and easily with a single account from Google.

To purchase, one has to select an item, then add to cart whereby a shopping basket with selected songs will appear. At the bottom of the cart is a link of buy with Google, which will direct to the buyer into his account where a Google Wallet checkout process and charging the buyer processes will be completed. This will follow with further details on how to download the items.

“We hope you are excited as much as we are about this addition to the Malawi Music website. We look forward to working with record companies and other new artists to get their music up on the site as quickly as possible and make it available for sale and legal ownership,” said the organisers of Nyimbo Zakumalawi through the news statement.

Police in Blantyre, using an advanced technology, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), have managed to apprehend four people in connection to looting of Puma Fuel Station supermarket at Kudya, Zingwangwa during students’ street demonstrations last week.

Angry students joined by other youths turned violent in some parts of the commercial capital Blantyre during the civil servants strike as they took  to the streets in protest for not learning.

Kudya service station supermarket was smashed and nearly set ablaze by the angry students from Zingwangwa Secondary and Primary Schools who were joined by scores of other onlookers.

The rioters managed to sweep the shop clean before law-enforcers in armory gear rushed in to fire teargas canisters to disperse the looters.

Gondwa: CCTV footgae fave Police clues

Southern Region Police Public relations officer, Nicholas Gondwa disclosed in an interview that the four suspects were arrested at Zingwangwa market after identifying them through a CCTV from the smashed station.

“Nothing has been recovered yet from the stolen items. But the arrest are on-going, we are working apprehending the remaining suspect. The suspects will answer charges of breaking into a store and committing felony to earn,” said Gondwa.

The four are Isaac Khonje, 23 years old and hails from T/A Ntwalo in Mzimba, John Mwase, 18 years old from T/A Mponda in Mangochi, McDonald Khwengwele, 16 of T/A Malemia in Zomba and Edson Phiri, 20 years old and comes from T/A Kapeni in Blantyre.

Background

Business came to a halt in the central business district of Blantyre City when the school children from different primary schools took to the streets chanting anti-President Joyce Banda songs.

The students were protesting against government’s failure to address their teachers’ concerns which has resulted in them abandoning classes.

The fuel station’s shop was smashed and all the merchandises were swept clean as fuel attendants and security guards belonging to G4S took cover.

Police in Blantyre are keeping in custody a medical assistant and his three accomplices for being found in possession of 29 bottles of life-prolonging AIDs drugs ( ARVs) suspected to have been stolen from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Each bottle contained 30 tablets of ARVs which they were selling illegally within the city, according to Blantyre Police Publicist Lameck Thembachako.

The medical assistant, who works for Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital is identified as Dambudzo Huwa, aged 29 of Anderson village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Likoswe in Chiradzulu. His accomplices are Charles Gweta, 26, comes from Tomali village, T/A Lundu in Blantyre, Philip Kambuzi, 23, from Kapazanji village, T/A Choseka in Lilongwe and Patrick M’bale, 35, from Mwandovi village, T/A Wasambo in Karonga district.

Thembachako said they arrested the four suspects following a tip off they received from members of the general public.

Chimbali: Seeling loopholes

“Charles Gweta was found selling ARVs within Blantyre city around 18:00hours.  Upon interrogation, he alleged that he got the drugs from Dambudzo Huwa, a medical assistant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“Phillip Kambuzi and Patrick M’bale alleged that Charles Gweta asked them to find a market for the drugs. They were arrested on Tuesday while Huwa was arrested on Wednesday.  They are expected to appear before Blantyre Magistrate Court today (Thursday), February 28, 2013 or tomorrow (Friday), March 01, 2013 to answer charges according to the role each played,” said Thembachako.

The media has been awash with reports that unscrupulous traders have been found on several occasions selling government drugs in the streets or abroad.

Government recently assured members of the general public that it has intensified the drug monitoring system in order to seal all the loopholes which have been giving opportunity to some individuals to steal government drugs.

Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Health, Henry Chimbali said the Ministry has worked out ways of ensuring that all the drugs in the country are not being acquired illegally.

Patriotism has been said to be an indispensable weapon in the defence of civilization against barbarism. Nothing defines barbarism better that the premeditated and internationally unacceptable act of one country unilaterally assuming ownership of another sovereign state’s bequeathed property.

Unfortunate as this is, this is what Tanzania is doing and worse is now using unorthodox means to annexe Lake Malawi, granted to Malawi via the July 1, 1890 Anglo-German Treaty, also known as the Heligoland Treaty.

We will, for the sake of clarity, dwell a bit on this treaty. In 1890 neither Malawi nor Tanzania, as they are today, were represented.

At the Scramble for Africa, European countries literally tore Africa apart without giving a thought to the fact that the world is dynamic and that one day what they were referring to as ‘territories’, ‘colonies’ or ‘protectorates’ would evolve into states.

States with their own development agenda; with their own unique people; with their own aspirations, indeed, states that would need to live and coexist in peace alongside each other.

This lamentable greed and lack of foresight that underpinned the Scramble for Africa is what has led to the current state of affairs. Unfortunately this cannot be undone. However, our wise founding fathers, via the precursor to the African Union, smelt trouble.

And in this regard, the Heads of State and Government of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) made a resolution in 1964 that member states should recognise and accept the borders that were inherited at the time of independence.

The African Union made similar resolutions in 2002 and 2007. From the Heligoland Treaty and the OAU/AU resolutions, it is Malawians’ conviction that the border still remains the eastern shores of Lake Malawi.

Tanzania, through the concept known as “Riparian Rights” (the right of one who owns riparian land (land abutting or including a stream or river) to have access to and use of the shore and water), says it now owns half the lake.

In its efforts to wrangle the lake from Malawi, in blatant disregard of the Heligoland Treaty, the OAU resolution of 1964 and the AU resolutions of 2002 and 2007, it is leaving no stone unturned and if reports are true, special envoys armed with assorted inducements, promises and lies, are all over the place making nocturnal deals to buttress Tanzania’s bid.

Now let us pause here. Never mind the law of riparian rights, Tanzania’s interest in Lake Malawi is rooted in the feeling that it was, via the Heligoland Treaty, cheated. It feels it was robbed of a rightful inheritance. This may true – for argument’s sake, let us assume it is.

But flipping the coin to the other side, for what Nyasaland got, i.e. Lake Malawi; she lost something: most probably access to the Indian Ocean and a large chunk of the Maravi Kingdom which stretched deep into Tanzania up to the Indian Ocean.

This case was well made and delivered by Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda to his Tanzanian founding counterpart Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. It follows therefore, that if Malawi and Tanzania must negotiate over the ownership of the lake, Tanzania must be willing to cede a quid pro quo.

Grabby Tanzania, in the so called talks, has said nothing to that effect and will of course not.

And this begs the question, were the so called negotiations worth wasting time and resources on? Or more pertinently, is this consultation of African elders over a matter settled in 1890, reinforced by the OAU in 1964, further secured by the AU in 2007 and 2007, worth indulging in especially when the conclusion is being unduly influenced with foul play?

Patsepatse nkulanda is a well-known Chichewa adage. If someone comes to your house, knocks and says I want you to give me so many chickens, in exchange for say, so many doves – this is fair trade.

But if someone, barges in without knocking and says I will grab your goat in return for nothing – this is theft; barbarism of the worst sort. And this is what Tanzania, must not be allowed to do to us – as long as we are awake and resolutely united.

Rather than remake Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s case, which Tanzania now conveniently chooses to ignore, and rather than school the Taifas on what civilization is all about, we will now turn to what they have been up to after duping us into consulting the African elders.

The shameless marauding that a determined Tanzanian horde has engaged in, is worthy of condemnation in the strongest terms. Reports are rife that Tanzania has co-opted corrupt but powerful and well-funded fiends with interests in the lake. This is to say the least, unfair, in bad faith, given that the African elders are yet to determine the ownership.

Reports that apparatus of friendly foreign governments are picking up on their radar vis-à-vis this shameless lobbying, while the Malawi Government machinery is in a deep slumber are a clarion call that Malawi must act now or forever be damned.

Tanzania’s envoys are, as we speak, all over the world, palm-oiling decision makers to make sure that the outcome of the Lake Malawi mediation is decided in Tanzania’s favour.

To be specific, big oil conglomerates are in Dar es Salaam negotiating for oil deals to do with our part of the lake, a development t which is a slap in our faces given that Tanzania never wanted us to even prospect for oil.

For once, our leadership must steer clear of the bad habit of focussing on the mundane when danger is lurking.  The type of leadership that Malawi needs now is not the ostrich type because by the time we lift our heads out of the sand, we will have nothing with which to quench our thirst – our lake having been seized.

In closing therefore we are not begging but demanding that Malawi must not, under any circumstances, cede an inch of our territory, let alone Lake Malawi, to any one.

The first thing is to immediately withdraw from the now compromised mediation effort. The second thing is to gather intelligence on what Tanzania has been up to behind the scenes. And the third thing is to go to the Hague for a settlement under international law.

If anything, Tanzania’s nocturnal activities are now ample evidence that the Taifas know that they have no iota of right to Lake Malawi, and that is why they want to bribe their way to its ownership. Surely, the international community cannot allow this!

We will conclude by addressing fellow Malawians. Although in Malawi we have a dispensation that promotes opposing views, only patriotism can see us through this threat.

Let all Malawians join hands, leave partisan politics aside, and support our country especially now that it needs us most.

Long live Malawi!

Member of Parliament for Likoma sland Olivia Thundu wanted to know when the Ilala ship will sail again on the waters of Lake Malawi.

She asked the minister of transport and public works in parliament Thursday, adding that people of Likoma Island are facing transport problems due to the absence of the ship.

“I just see questions about cars and roads being addressed to the minister responsible for transport, but I don’t see questions of when the Ilala will start sailing again.

“People of Likoma and Chizumulu are suffering when it comes to transportation because they mostly depend on water transport.” Thundu said.

Illala on Lake Malawi: When will it return?

She said that apart from Ilala, her constituency in 2010 was promised speed boats but up to date the boats have not arrived at the island.

“In 2010 we were given hope that our transport problems would be minimized by the speed boats we were promised but unfortunately we were given false hopes because the boats have not arrived up to date,” she complained.

She added that people in her constituency would be grateful if the minister responsible for transport would do something quickly about the situation.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Sidik Mia said government was aware of the problems that the people of Likoma and Chizumulu islands are facing.

“We are not ignoring the people of Likoma and Chizumulu but we are taking time to rehabilitate the Ilala,” Mia said.

He said that after seeing the bad state the Ilala was in, they thought it wise to rehabilitate it.

“The plan was that the ship would be rehabilitated for a short time because we thought the problem was small. After our expert’s inspection it was noticed that a lot of spares were dilapidated and they had to be exchanged for the ship to work well,” he said.

Mia said he personally went to Monkey-Bay where the ship is being rehabilitated and he has hope the ship would sail out soon as a new ship.

On the issue concerning the speed boats, the Minister said the water vessels would not help much in ending the transport problems. However the Department of Shipping and Transport has taken a further step to purchase a new ship that will be arriving soon in the country.

“I assure the people of Likoma and Chizumulu that their problem will soon come to an end because the Ilala and the new ship will start sailing on the waters of Lake Malawi soon,” Mia said.

Vehicle owners who leave their broken down vehicles on the roads will now be charged heavy fines for the offence in order to address this issue which is becoming a serious problem as it impedes the smooth flow of traffic as well as causing roads accidents.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Sidik Mia, made the remarks in parliament on Thursday while responding to a question asked by Member of Parliament (MP) for Mangochi Malombe, Romeo Bwanali.

Bwanali asked the minister to consider imposing a high penalty of not less than K200, 000 to road users whose trucks and lorries are packed in the middle of the road due to breakdown.

Responding to the question, Mia said the issue of broken down vehicles, especially trucks left unattended on the roads, was becoming a serious problem as it impedes the smooth flow of traffic and in many occasions cause road traffic accidents that could have been avoided.

Minister of Transport, Sidik Mia: Heavy fines to be imposed

He said enforcement of the Road Traffic Act (1997) and the Regulations Act (2000) which empowers the enforcement officers to tow off the vehicles and levy the towing charges to the owner of the vehicle could be used to address the problem.

“My ministry is currently exploring how such vehicles can be best cleared from the carriage way. We are engaging City Councils, as they have been delegated such powers to put into effect by-laws from the said Road Traffic Act to deal with such matters.”

“We are also working on the possibility of City Councils and District Councils to outsource vehicle towing services to the private sector so that any broken down vehicle left on the road carriage way be towed to the city council premises and only redeemed when a towing charge and a prescribed penalty fee has been paid by the vehicle owner,” said Mia.

The minister said such measures would deter would be offenders from getting involved in the practice and subsequently reduce the practice itself.

However, Mia said his ministry had already started taking measures that meant to reduce numbers of accidents on the roads.

He cited the enforcements of vehicle fitness in terms of tyres, fire equipment material and other facilities and the enforcement of speed limit on the roads as some of the measures already in place.

Nkhata Bay South MP Professor Eta Banda has removed iron sheets she donated from a junior primary school at Chifira in Nkhata Bay district because she is angry that supporters from her former DPP refused to follow her to PP.

Nyasa Times source said people allegedly sent by Prof Banda stormed the Chituka FP School when learning was in progress and asked pupils to move out.

“They came with a three tonne lorry. We tried to reason with them but they referred us to Prof Banda who is currently at Parliament,” one of the teachers told NyasaTimes.

He said by the time they reported the matter to Police, the gang, which came equipped with tools had already gone.

Prof Ettah Banda

Prof Banda said she did not send anyone to remove anything but said everybody is entitled to his things.

“If people cannot appreciate what you have done for them then it’s good to backtrack. Other people can assist them also,” she said.

Last Sunday Prof Banda had a rude awakening when DPP supporters she claimed were her ardent followers refused to follow her to PP during at integration meeting held at Chifira in Nkhata Bay district.

Prof. Banda claimed to PP President Dr. Joyce Banda on the podium at Chitipa Boma during the official inauguration of the Karonga-Chitipa road that she would bring into PP all DPP supporters in her constituency.

Speaking in her native Tonga Prof Banda said :“A president ndati ndimukambiyeni kuti musanaware ndajoina PP. Nditoposo mwayi kuti ndipepese vyose yvo ndikumu nangiyani. Mwendazi kuno to chipani chidu cha PP ndekuti ndapinga vose vo ndenawo ku DPP”

Prof Banda is also known for ridiculing President Banda by initiating the song “wachoka wachoka sizonyengelela” during the DPP NEC at Sanjika Palace where they were booted from DPP together with Vice President Khumbo Kachali for opposing the endorsement of Peter Mutharika as DPP torch bearer.

As part of its reorganization following enmasse defections from other parties, the Peoples Party is conducting country wide integration meetings where MPs or aspirants are required to bring their followers for inclusion into new constituencies committees.

But during a meeting held at VIBTAC Mission private Hall Prof Banda brought about 300 supporters from DPP, Dr Zikhale Ng’oma who stood as NRP candidate in 2009 brought about 3000 supporters while Emily Chithu of PPM 50.

However, trouble started when PP Provisional Secretary Good Kayira asked the joining parties to indentify only 30 members for inclusion into the constituency committee.

DPP supporters refused to be associated with Prof Banda saying she had neglected the constituency for so long. They then started chanting PP slogans while moving away from Prof Banda to Dr Zikhale Ng’oma camp.

President Joyce Banda on Thursday held talks with a delegation of mining investors from the United Arab Emirates on possible assistance in the mining industry to Malawi.

The audience took place at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

Briefing reporters after the audience, the Minister of Energy and Mining John Bande said the delegates have come all the way to help Malawi in the building capacity of the mining of petroleum and gas.

“United Arab Emirates is a country which is very advanced in the sector of mining, their mission is to help us in building up capacity in the mining sector so that we as a country also benefit from the industry,” revealed Bande.

Bande also said there is need for Malawi to partner with countries like United Arab Emirates as we are just venturing into the industry.

Shaikh Said Bin Saqrbin Muhammed Alqasimi, Member of Supreme Council, Ruler of Rasai of United Arab Emirates in a meeting with President Banda at Kamuzu Palace

“As I have already said, our friends are more advanced when it comes to mining, Malawi as a country which is just venturing into the industry needs to partner with such countries so that we can learn a lot from them and help us address the gaps that exist in our mining industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bande said technical experts from his ministry will continue holding discussions with technical experts from United Arab Emirates to find ways on how they can help Malawi venture and benefit from the industry.

The leader of delegation of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Shaikh Saidi Bin Saqirbin Muhammed Alqasimi could not shade more light on the matter, but only said that he was happy to be in Malawi since it was his first time.

“I came to Malawi to learn from the President about the country as it is my first time to be here, I have learnt a lot and I am happy,” he said.

Police in Mzuzu have arrested a man believed to the master minder of a robbery of 29 bags of the government subsidized fertilizer worthy MK435,000   at Luvwere Admarc in Mzimba district in November 2012.

Mzuzu Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Maurice Chapola said Police apprehended the suspect Kapezela Grispin Gondwe 36, Traditional Authority Mtwalo in Mzimba District who has been at large, during a sweeping exercise.

According to Chapola, during the night of 10th – 11th November, 2012 Gondwe in the company of six other men all armed with Panga Knives allegedly invaded Luvwere Admarc and hacked security guards before tying them to a tree.

Police arrested five suspects and impounded a Pick-up vehicle which was used during their mission following a tip off after they spotted them transferring the bags from the pick up into a 36 seater bus because the Pick-up had broken down.

During Court appearance Police Prosecutor Emmanuel Kathumba objected Gondwe’s bail application saying the suspect is a flight risk since he has been on the run for months.

Kathumba also told the court that the suspect disguised himself as John Phiri at the time of arrest for fear of recognition

Senior Resident Magistrate Austin Banda concurred with the State saying the fact that Gondwe disguised himself gave the Court an indication that he was likely to abscond bail.

Banda then turned down the application and later adjourned the case to March 13th 2013 for hearing.

The State is expected to parade seven witnesses during the case.

Leader of Rastafarian for Unity, Ras Judah, says it’s time Chamba (Indian-hemp) drug was legalised for the benefit of the whole country.

He claimed   top government officials in the country are engaged in trafficking Indian-hemp.

“Haven’t you ever wondered that weed is an illegal trade but yet Malawi is one of the leading exporters of ganja to Europe, America and Asia? How does that happen?

“I will tell you: Using their power and positions, they get thousands of bags of weed passing illegally on roadblocks and borders when a common man like you and me get our hundred bags burned just to paint a rosy picture that they are doing something on it,” said Judah.

Ras Judah: Yeah man, legalise Cannabis

He was commenting in reaction to the burning of confiscated Indian hemp in Balaka district.

The Rastafarians argue that smoking the drug locally known as ‘chamba’ is part of their religious doctrine which must be respected and upheld.

But Cannabis is illegal in Malawi and police are sparing no one, Rasta or non-Rasta, in their crackdown on suspects.

The movement claims they are also Malawians who participate in the development of the country and should be treated equally.

He condemned the burning of Indian hemp which he said was the work of the devil, didn’t provide proof of his claims that Malawi officials deal in cannabis.

But he went on: “You see, I can challenge you, these people know the importance of [Chamba] and most of these high ranking officials are in this business.”

Malawi’s Chamba is said to be highly potent and fetches top dollar on that black market oversees.

“I must bring to your attention that Jah who is King of Kings gave us this plant. When Solomon asked for wisdom, Jah thought of something through which to impart that wisdom to him and that’s when he created weed,” he said.

Another controversial issue the Rastas want is to allow their children to attend classes in dreadlocks.

But Minister of Education Eunice Kazembe has said they can’t allow the practice, saying doing so would send a wrong message to other pupils.

She said Malawi school rules and regulations do not allow children to have plaited hair or dreadlocks.

Ras Judah said dreadlocks are a component of their religion and thus their children have a right to enroll in government schools, saying they will seek an audience with President Joyce Banda “so that we should be assisted.”

He said: “Yeah man, Rasta like any citizen has a right to education. Why discriminate against our children”

Rastafarians sought the intervention from the ministry of education after authorities at a school in Thyolo booted out Rasta children from school because they wore dreads.

Ras Judah said the late president Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika had instructed school heads in his home area- Thyolo- to allow Rasta children in government schools.

He said the continued ban of their children from school is depriving them of a right to education, contravening the UN charter on the rights of children.

The much-maligned sect also wants the Head of State to extend presidential appointments to members of Rastafarian community who may be equally competent and qualified for such positions.

Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Juliana Mphande on Thursday announced that United Democratic Front (UDF) is a separate entity in the House.

Making the announcement in Parliament, Second Deputy Speaker said this has been done because UDF is now seating on opposition side.

“I want to make this announcement from the speaker following the business meeting that was held on Thursday morning they have discussed and agreed that UDF is separate entity since they are now seating on opposition side,” said Mphande.

She added that the party would be having a spokesperson in the house who will be speaking on behalf of the party in any issues in the house.

Atupele Muluzi: UDF president and leader in Parliament

Therefore, Atupele Muluzi is Leader of UDF in the house, Deputy Leader Mahmudu Lali, Chief Whip Clement Chiwaya, while Ernest Yahaya is the Deputy Chief Whip.

When Peoples Party (PP) took over Government, the UDF party was seating on Government side. But after Atupele Muluzi was elected President of UDF he resigned as Minister of Economic Planning and Development.