Malawi Congress party president Dr Lazarus Chakwera has taken steps to address the issue that is dividing opinions, that of the potential meeting with President Mutharika. Local Media and social media has been awash with news that Dr Chakwera has agreed to have a one to one meeting with Mutharika. However, it appears that the news has taken many twist and turns with many choosing to interpret the potential meeting to suit their political narratives.
Speaking to the media , Dr Lazarus Chakwera took the initiative to clarify the basis of the whole story. Chakwera said members of the mediating team for Public Affairs Committee came to meet him where the committee asked him if there was anything he can do to help sort out the many problems that the country was facing. At this point Chakwera asked PAC to give him the outcome of what they had discussed with Mutharika. Members of PAC had prior discussions with Mutharika , and they used this opportunity to tell Chakwera what they had discussed with Mutharika
PAC officials then asked Chakwera if he would be willing to meet Mutharika to have a meaningful discussion to help find solutions to the escalating lack of rule of law that Malawi is facing. “ I told PAC officials that i had no problem meeting President Mutharika, Malawians have to be able to talk to each other face to face, this is the only way we can promote peace” said Chakwera.
However the MCP leader highlighted that any potential meeting would not involve any discussion about the ongoing Election Court Case “ We have to respect the judiciary, I know most people are frustrated, others thinking its taking too long, but we have to respect the judiciary and let them do their job at their pace , in the end we will get the justice that every Malawian deserve. We stand for rule of law, the wheels of justice doesn’t necessarily move faster as many people would want to “ said Chakwera
Chakwera made it clear that his party is open for meaning negotiations that will be of benefit for Malawians but that any meeting should not involve discussions over the ongoing Constitutional court case . “ This is why MCP as party would rather wait until the election case first, As a leader i speak policy . I speak contact and dialogue but as i have told PAC officials, it has to be at an appropriate time.
The Constitutional court has announced that Malawians should expect ruling on the election case any day from December 21. Chakwera took opportunity to remind Malawians of the need to maintain peace during the time of the court ruling. “ I am the only leader at the moment who has called on Malawians to maintain peace during this time” He challenged the other political leaders to follow suit.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has turned down the invitation by Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Symon Vuwa Kaunda to discuss land-related issues saying all they want is the ministry to resolve the matter.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) under HRDC banner Tuesday gave government five days to reverse sale of school land, failing which the CSOs will lead Malawians to a wave of protests.
Timothy Mtambo and Gift Trapence
There have been revelations that Livimbo, Chimutu, New Shire, Chilambula and Magwero have been encroached on by developers in deals that are allegedly dubious.
Minister of Lands Symon Vuwa Kaunda invited HRDC to a roundtable saying he wanted the rights defenders to appreciate what the ministry is doing since the issues of sale of public land came out.
According to the letter of invitation Malawi News has seen, signed by Sosten Chinkonda, Ministry of Lands wants HRDC officials, Ministry of Education officials and the claimant of Livimbo School’s land to meet, go to the site and resolve the issues.
“We would like extend the invitation to you to witness the verification exercise of the boundaries when Surveyor General will be retracing the boundaries of the land for Livimbo School on Monday November 25, you may wish to note that the problem of encroachments on the land for public institutions is so huge and it is therefore my plea that we should work together to arrest the problem.” reads part of the letter.
However, in a separate interview, Vuwa Kaunda disclosed that his ministry has withdrawn documents relating to land in question for further scrutiny at the ministry.
According to the minister, this is to comply with HRDC’s demand.
HRDC press conference yesterday focused on the alleged sale of land in some public schools and push for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah among others.
Mtambo warned people that are allegedly plotting to infiltrate and end the grouping that they will not succeed because God will not let it happen.
HRDC has meanwhile endorsed truck drivers’ strike scheduled for November 3 2019.
The coalition has also announced new wave of anti-Jane Ansah demonstrations on December 10.
HRDC has been organising nationwide demonstrations to push for Ansah’s resignation for allegedly mismanaging May 21 Tripartite Elections which Malawi Congress Party and UTM are challenging in court.
Malawian legal scholar based at the at South Africa’s Cape Town University, Professor Danwood Chirwa has stated that the testimony by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) IT expert and witness in the on-going elections case, Daud Suleman, on Friday was “hugely devastating”.
Professor Danwood Chirwa: Suleman managed to turn the case on its head at this point Suleman: IT expert who has given ‘devastating’ testimony
He said Suleman’s simulation in court on how Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) computerised election result management system (RMS) was allegedly breached by a ‘ghost’ operator to change the results of the presidential elections in favour of incumbent Peter Mutharika “managed to turn the case on its head at this point” saying “the burden [to prove] has now shifted”.
IT Guru – Daud Suleman
Said Chirwa: “He so powerfully delivered his testimony with the aid of simulation and demonstration, that he left the judges with a clear understanding of what happened.”
Chirwa said Suleman had demonstrated that the IT system which the commission used was “insecure, was manipulatable and was, in fact, manipulated.”
He pointed out that Suleman demonstrated his expertise by arranging and explaining the simulations and their application so effortlessly.
“He is mega credible,” Chirwa said a witness to second petitioner Lazarus Chakwera.
Suleman further provided evidence to back a theory that the results were not credible.
The law professor said Suleman has shown that the IT system which the electoral body used was insecure, manipulatable and was in fact manipulated.
“Reliance on it to pronounce the results, he labored to show, affected the integrity of the entire electoral process and final outcome.
“Expert evidence is a unique piece of evidence. The court has to accept it in its totality unless the opposing party produces its own expert to impeach it,” pointed out Chirwa.
Attorney General Kalekeni Kaphale, who is representing MEC, said MEC’s legal team said the public will hear its response when cross examination starts this Monday afternoon.
But Chirwa said the witness has set “a very high bar” for the respondent’s expert, who has to prove that the IT system the commission used was impregnable and that it was not in fact breeched.
He said it is always a tough job cross examining expert witnesses.
The law professor said if MEC decide to take Suleman head on, the cross examination could bolster his claims as it can allow him further opportunities to explain the problems with the MEC’s system.
“The wise thing could be to cut the cross short and let MEC’s own expert counter the witness later if they have an equally credible and knowledgeable expert,” he said.
Chirwa said there has been objective material evidence so far as the petitioners have labored to paint the picture that a considerable number of tally sheets at streams and polling stations were altered, that some were not signed by monitors, that duplicates were used. And that they have shown that the IT platform from which the results were declared lacked integrity.
“Much of the response to the first line of the petitioners’ case has been to concede that these irregularities happened. What those of us outside court can’t work out is what these irregularities translate to in terms of their impact on the result. The commission has practically admitted all these irregularities but has been trying to explain them away by trying to argue that the altered or duplicate sheets were signed by monitors or that their results match other data, or shifting the blame to monitors..” he noted.
Chakwera’s lead lawyer Modecai Msisha said Suleman, who returns to the witness stand this Monday, had demonstrated clearly how the elections were manipulated, saying the demonstration was “very firm and specific” on its evidence.
The United States on Friday suspended imports of all tobacco and tobacco products from Malawi for alleged forced labor practices — including child labor.Customs and Border Protection, which holds the authority to detain imports, has recently ramped up its efforts to hold companies and suppliers accountable for forced labor practices.
Children working in tobacco farms in Malawi
The agency issued a “Withhold Release Order” on tobacco from Malawi on Friday, allowing it to detain goods believed to have been produced with forced labor.”Malawi tobacco is one of those areas where we are trying to send a message,” CBP Office Of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith told CNN.Forced labor in Malawi has been well documented. Despite some advancement in preventing child labor, children in Malawi are still engaged in the worst forms of child labor, including in the harvesting of tobacco and in commercial sexual exploitation, according to the US Department of Labor.
Children working with tobacco risk illness from nicotine absorption, including “green tobacco sickness,” the Labor Department states. They are also exposed to pesticides, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions.This type of enforcement is rare for the US, but has significantly increased over the past few years.The detainment order against Malawi tobacco is the seventh this year, the most the US has issued since the early 1990s when a number were issued against Chinese companies.
The US has had a prohibition on the import of goods produced using forced labor since the early 1930s, but enforcement was extremely sparse. A 2016 change in the law ending exceptions, along with increased awareness and a push by then-CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske spurred the agency to use its authorities more aggressively, an agency officials said.In 2018, CBP received funding for 140 new positions, some of which went to establish the Forced Labor Division and training. “We have been able to build out a program,” using CBP’s law enforcement capabilities,” said the official. “It is still a work in progress.”When halting imports, there’s a balance between holding companies accountable and potentially causing more harm by damaging local economies.”One of the things we learned early on is, naming and shaming is a tool you want to use very carefully,” said the official, pointing out that there are business reputations at stake and potential economic and diplomatic repercussions.
CBP needs information that reasonably, but not conclusively, indicates that merchandise being imported had used forced labor for it to be banned. Investigations can be triggered in several ways, including through news reports and tips from the public or trade community, according to the agency.
Malawi’s Vice President Everton Chimulirenji on Thursday assured victims of the inferno that gutted down part of Blantyre market of full Government support, after touring the charred section of the market and interacting with the vendors.
The Veep said President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was “deeply saddened with the loss of merchandise and knows its effects on their households.”
“I have been delegated to convey a message from President Mutharika. As President for all Malawians he says he will not leave you alone, as you grieve for the lost merchandise he grieves with you,” he said.
Chimulirenji speaking to BT market fire victims
The VP added: “This is the more reason we have come with officials from Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (Medef) to assess the impact of the financial loss and to appraise those who can get soft loans from the organisation to restart their businesses.”
The fire coincides with a statement released by government earlier this month alleging that HRDC and opposition members were planning to torch markets in the country.
The Vice President said it is the wish of the Mutharika administration that Malawians should be economically self reliant hence Government’s prompt intervention to the fire accident.
He said: “The current administration under the leadership of President Mutharika seeks to ensure that the citizenry is self reliant economically. For this reason we will come again to monitor the impact of the support you will receive.”
Chimulirenji disclosed that Government will provide 200 bags of rice to the 120 victims of the fire accident.
Blantyre City Council is yet to establish the total loss of merchandise and part of the market infrastructure.
Representatives of the vendors Konley Kamnonyere said vending brings food on their table and the damage caused by fire has left them devasatated.
Vice President Everton Chimulirenji has condoled the family of late Usumani Imedi – a police officer who was stoned to death in the line of duty at Msundwe in Lilongwe on Tuesday this week.
Speaking when he visited the bereaved family at Chilinda village Traditional Authority Makanjira in Mangochi, Chimulirenji said government was shocked to learn of the demise of the officer while on duty.
The Vice President said the manner in which Superitendent Imedi died was tragic and painful not just to the family but government as a whole.
“It is unbelievable that today we could gather here and address Superitendent Usumani as ‘late’ when two days ago he was full of life and ready to serve his nation as usual” lamented the Vice President.
He took advantage of the occasion to assure the gathering that government will hunt down the assailants and bring them to book.
“We will do everything to have perpetrators face the wrath of the law. It is sad that some people think they are more important than others – why taking away other people’s lives. Whether they did it on their own or influenced by others…we will come after them. This is unacceptable. We will protect the legacy of this country as a peace loving one” said Chimulirenji.
Chimulirenji, who said had been delegated by President Peter Mutharika, condoled the family with K1.5 million; K1 million to the wife and K500,000 to the parents.
President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika Tuesday afternoon began his speech with a minute silence in respect of the Police Officer killed in the disturbances at Msundwe earlier this morning.
Speaking at Kamuzu Institute of Sports, after successfully launching the construction of 250 secondary schools at Kawale Community Day Secondary School in Lilongwe, the President said his administration will make sure all corners of the country recieve equal development and treatment regardless of whether they voted for him or not adding that he is president of all Malawians adding that he will make sure there is unity of purpose.
The President also called on the public to desist from violence and vandalism of public infrastructure that is aimed at developing this nation.
Early in the day, a police officer was stoned to death at Msundwe trading centre as people were demonstrating against Mutharika holding a meeting at Kamuzu institute for Youth.
President Arthur Peter Mutharika has for the third time strongly refuted assertions that the May 21st Presidential election was rigged.
President Mutharika said this during a half an hour program on one of the reputable media organization in the world, Aljazeera.
President Mutharika who responded to the questions calmly and composed reiterated that the 2019 elections were free, fair and credible as was declared by six election observers namely European Union, African Union, Commonwealth among others.
The half an hour program, centered much on most critical issues affecting the country including the alleged election fraud, good governance, corruption among others.
On Presidential election outcome, in which the opposition parties are challenging in court, President Mutharika said the election was free fair and credible and repeatedly said the way Malawi’s elections were conducted should set an example to the rest of Africa and the world.
When asked if the current demonstrations being perpetrated by HRDC and the opposition political parties have affected his ability to run the country’s affairs this is what the Malawi leader had to say: “It does not affect my programmes. All the programmes we promise during the campaign, we are doing them.”
On the same, President Mutharika said he is not against the demonstrations but is against violent demonstrations. He said no right is superior than the other and he has since challenged the demonstrators to stop because they don’t have a point.
Mutharika on aljazeera
Professor Mutharika said he is not surprised with the post-election violence being championed by HRDC’S Timothy Mtambo and MCP’s Lazarus Chakwera because they already planned for this in February following a leaked conversation between the two that they would not accept the election outcome not in MCP’s favor.
“Under the constitution, peaceful demonstrations are allowed, and I support that. I am one of the drafters of the constitution, Am a Comparative Constitutional Lawyer myself. What has happened is that, these demonstrations are becoming violent, property has been destroyed- what the attorney general did was to go to court and get an injunction to stop violent demonstrations until the rganisers of the demonstrations can prove to the court that they are able to conduct peaceful demonstrations. I swear to protect the people, and also to protect the country and that’s what the attorney general was doing,” said the Malawi leader.
Asked whether he was grooming someone to take over from him after 2024, this was what Mutharika said: “There are many young people in the Government. In my cabinet, half the cabinet is under 40. We even have a 23 year old parliamentarian. I don’t think it is necessary to groom somebody. This is a democracy. This is not a monarchy and I cannot anoint anybody. The DPP will decide in 2023 at the convention on who should be the leader of the party and therefore the presidential candidate.”
The program also highlighted Malawi’s commitment on climate change and bilateral relations with countries like China and Japan among other important issues affecting Malawi and beyond. This is not the first time for the President to speak to the media after May 2019 post-election matters. Professor Mutharika also recently had an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation-BBC.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) officials Thursday described the third day of the demonstrations as successful and peaceful.
The demonstrations that have been taking place in Lilongwe since Tuesday, are expected to end today.
Speaking after Thursday’s protests, HRDC Vice Chairperson, Gift Trapence, thanked the protesters for patronising the demonstrations.
He urged them to maintain peace and order, especially today.
HRDC Chairperson, Timothy Mtambo, said if members of Parliament confirm Mwapasa as Malawi Police Service Inspector General, they would hold demonstrations against Mwapasa.
“If you dare confirm Mwapasa, we are ready to hold demonstrations against Parliament’s decision. We will put Mwapasa as the second person on our list of people who are not supposed to hold public offices,” Mtambo said.
HRDC has been organising demonstrations to force Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah and all commissioners to resign for allegedly messing up the May 21 presidential elections.
Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara has slapped two legislators with two days ban each for causing disorder in the House on Wednesday and yesterday.
The Speaker yesterday announced the suspension of Dowa East member of Parliament (MP) Richard Chimwendo Banda (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) and Blantyre City South East MP Sameer Suleman (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) following a heated debate on disorder.
In her ruling, Hara, whom the government side accused of exercising leniency on errant opposition legislators, used Standing Order 105 (3) on Sanctions Against Disorderly Conduct which says that if a member is named, the Speaker may direct that he or she be suspended from the National Assembly for two sitting days from the time of suspension.
Speaker: Gotani Hara
She said: “The member for Dowa East has conceded that he did something wrong. The difference is that Standing Order 105 was not used. That is where the difference was and why the sergeant at arms did not come to take the member out [of the chamber].
“Today [yesterday], I did specifically order the member out. But since the member has conceded he did wrong, I, therefore, order Dowa East to be suspended just like Blantyre City South East for two days.”
Suleman provoked the wrath of the Speaker when he stood on a point of order to contribute to a question Lilongwe City South East legislator Ulemu Msungama (MCP) asked on what government planned to do with the 7 000 metric tonnes of maize that got rotten under the watch of State produce trader Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc).
Suleman, who is also chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Irrigation, stated that the question Msungama had asked was already addressed in his committee’s report yet to be presented in the House. He, therefore, asked Msungama to wait for the same and then proceeded to provide recommendations made by his committee.
The Speaker found Suleman’s conduct disorderly.
Despite the Speaker’s intervention, Suleman continued making his point, a development that prompted Hara to stand so that the legislator, as per parliamentary protocol, could take his seat. However, Suleman did not take his seat.
The Speaker unleashed Standing Order 105 on the member to leave the House. But Suleman refused, arguing that the previous day Chimwendo Banda also ignored the Speaker’s command.
In reaction to the Speaker’s order against Suleman, the government side in the House, including Cabinet ministers, stood up in protest and challenged the sergeant at arms to a fist fight if he dared move the MP out. Suleman was seen taking off his jacket in protest to the order.
Business in the House ground to a halt for about 30 minutes before the Speaker adjourned Parliament 20 minutes earlier for lunch break normally taken at 12.30 hours.
Before being suspended, Chimwendo Banda defended himself, saying he did not go out of the House on Wednesday because First Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo did not use Standing Order 105 which was used on Suleman.
Chimwendo Banda said he was ready to go out if he was ordered to do so by the Speaker using the relevant Standing Order 105.
On Wednesday afternoon, tempers flared in the House after Leader of the House Kondwani Nankhumwa moved a motion to waive relevant Standing Orders to allow for the printing of a Supplementary Order Paper.
The revised schedule was meant to allow the House to handle the business of confirming two public officers, namely Auditor General-designate Joseph Nangantani and acting Inspector General (IG) of Police Duncan Mwapasa as IG.
However, the motion was shot down by the opposition through a voice vote. This forced the government side to push for division which was granted, but chaos erupted after ringing the bell for five minutes so that all members who were not in the chamber should get in. In an interview on Wednesday, Nankhumwa said they were not satisfied with Kazombo’s ruling that there was disorder in the House because the unfolding events were normal in Parliament, especially when sticky issues are on the floor.
The Constitutional Court on Wednesday rebuffed a notice by lawyer representing President Peter Mutharika to use a Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) checklist of electoral materials in cross-examination.
The court, which is hearing a petition seeking nullification of presidential election results, has since adjourned proceedings to Friday this week.
It advised Frank Mbeta, lawyer representing Mutharika as the first respondent, to make a formal application to use the MEC checklist.
The court’s position followed its ruling on September 25 that documents would be accepted in the case by way of application and not through notices.
Mbeta told the court he would make a formal application to allow him use the document and should he succeed, Richard Chapweteka, witness for the second petitioner and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera, would be recalled for cross-examination.
When proceedings commenced on Wednesday, Mbeta hinted that he wanted to refer to MEC’s checklist of materials printed and brought into Malawi from Dubai which Chapweteka had referred to during earlier cross-examination.
But Modecai Msisha, one of the lawyers representing Chakwera, objected to the request, saying Mbeta could not be allowed to use it.
To which, Mbeta and Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) lead lawyer Tamando Chokotho counter-argued and made reference to various pieces of law on how the court should allow them to use the checklist.
Msisha stood his ground, stressing it was the court’s order that documents should be introduced by way of application and not notices.
He also accused MEC of appearing to discuss a lot of issues with the first respondent’s lawyers, saying the electoral body was supposed to be independent.
When Msisha closed re-examination of Chapweteka, the court expected him to proceed with an application to allow other witnesses for Chakwera, namely Peter Lackson and Anthony Bendulo, to make some changes in their sworn statements. But Msisha said he needed to reorganise the sworn statements.
The court was not amused with Msisha’s request, with Judge Ivy Kamanga saying that would affect progress of the case and Judge Redson Kapindu urging Msisha and his team to be diligent as these were their own documents
Power outages are back to haunt Malawians as Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has revived a six-hour rolling loadshedding due to reduced supply and generation from Electricity Generation Company (Egenco).
In a statement dated October 1 2019, Escom attributed inadequate availability of power to failure of two of Egenco’s generation machines at Kapichira Hydro Power Station in Chikwawa and 20 megawatts (MW) diesel-powered generators at Mapanga in Blantyre.
Reads Escom’s statement in part: “Currently, Aggreko diesel generators are online, but our main power supplier Egenco is experiencing restrictions to supply Escom due to failure of their two machines at Kapichira and also failure of 20MW diesel generators at Mapanga. This, combined with further decline in water flow, has resulted in reduction of available power by 86.48MW.
“As such, Escom has been forced to implement a six-hour rolling power rationing from 5am. Customers have been divided into three groups, A, B and C, with one group starting from 5am to 11am, followed by a 10am to 2pm group and the last load shedding period is from 3pm to 9pm”.
Escom public relations manager Innocent Chitosi indicated in an interview last evening that as of Tuesday, the power supplier had 263MW at peak hour against a demand of 303.1MW. This represents a 40MW deficit.
In a written response last evening, Egenco spokesperson Moses Gwaza confirmed that Kapichira units 1 and 2 are on emergency outage to replace obsolete and worn-out excitation systems.
He attributed the persistent breakage of the plant to the old equipment at the site. The development has taken 64.8MW from Kapichira I Hydro Power Station off the national grid.
Gwaza said Egenco plans to complete maintenance works by October 12.
Reacting to the resurfacing of power outages, Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) executive director John Kapito expressed anger over the introduction of six-hour load shedding.
He described it as “disheartening” as power outages affect the economy of the country.
Kapito stressed the need for the country to find a lasting solution on issues to do with electricity generation, adding that Escom cannot supply what is not being generated.
He said: “I am very surprised to hear that the same plant we were told about a week ago that power has come back is down.
“But now to be told again that it is down is very unfortunate and this is costing a lot of money to the economy. They are also bringing a lot of inconveniences to households. It is something we would have loved to find a lasting solution to these problems of power outages”.
Malawi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) is on record as having said load shedding cost negatively impacts the economy as it slows down economic growth.
Last year, captains of industry reported shrinking production attributed to power outages. Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development was also compelled to revise downwards economic growth rate due to power outages.
During the launch of the 55MW capacity diesel generators to boost power supply at the height of loadshedding which hit a record 25 hours a day in January 2018, President Peter Mutharika said government planned to increase power generation.
He said: “Within five years, we will be able to generate over 1 400MW of coal-fired, about 700MW of hydro-power and 70MW of solar energy.
“We will do that in the next two to three years.”
Mutharika also said by this year, 2019, his administration was determined to add an extra 300MW of electricity to the national grid “more than the 351MW we have had for the past 53 years”.
In its 2017 Malawi Business Climate Survey, MCCCI highlighted electricity as the most problematic sector.
Malawi continues to face power supply challenges from the national grid despite several independent power producers (IPPs) being licensed.
Most of the licensed IPPs are yet to rollout. Some of them, including one each in Dedza and Salima, were expected to take off by August this year but are yet to add their power to the grid.
Escom has set a target of 2022 as the time when power supply will meet demand.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president, Lazarus Chakwera, who is the second petitioner in the elections case, Monday finished the cross-examination process.
Chakwera was cross-examined by President Peter Mutharika’s counsel Frank Mbeta and then re-examined by MCP lawyer Mordecai Msisha.
Dr Lazarus Chakwera
The Constitutional Court sitting in Lilongwe made an order limiting cross-examination time to ensure that the elections case concludes in time.
The court has ordered that the first respondent —Mutharika’s—lawyer should cross-examine the second petitioner for one court day only and that the second petitioner (Mec) counsel shall have the right to re-examine Chakwera for a maximum of three hours.
The court also ordered that other witnesses should be cross- examined for a maximum of two hours.
The case resumed Monday after a seven-day break with Mbeta cross-examining Chakwera.
Among other things, Mbeta questioned why Chakwera had taken an oath for a parliamentary seat when he is challenging May 21 tripartite elections results.
In his response, Chakwera said he was challenging presidential results and not parliamentary results.
Mbeta finalised cross-examining Chakwera in the afternoon. Msisha then started re-examining the MCP party president.
Msisha asked Chakwera why he thought it necessary to petition the court regarding the case at hand.
In response, Chakwera said such is the case because his team noted that some results sheets were not matching with the results given at the main tally centre.
“This is because the information I gathered from my monitors is that they observed that results at the main tally centre and those results sheets that came from some of the voting stations were not matching. They also discovered that there were a lot of tippe-xed results sheets,” Chakwera said.
Msisha finalised re-examining Chakwera at around 3:40pm
In an interview, Msisha said he was happy that Chakwera has done a good job.
On his part, Mbeta said they were satisfied that Chakwera had told the court what they wanted to establish.
There was a heated debate among members of Parliament (MPs) from Blantyre District on Friday on where to construct seven community day secondary schools.
Blantyre District Council secretariat, through the office of the district education manager, identified areas where to construct the schools.
However, tempers rose during a full council meeting when some MPs questioned why some constituencies were allocated two or three schools while others had none.
Mikaya
Blantyre City West MP Steven Mikaya said it was unfair to allocate more than one school to one constituency.
“We need to rework this; otherwise, we will not accept that one MP should have more schools when some of us have none,” he said.
Blantyre Rural East MP Fidson Chisesele and Blantyre South West legislator Keneddy Kachingwe agreed with Mikaya.
“This is a national cake and let everyone benefit from it. We need to share projects because we all represent people of the same district,” said Chisesele.
But this did not please Blantyre North legislator Francis Phiso, a cabinet minister, who said the schools were not meant for MPs to show that they were implementing development projects in their respective areas.
“Let us run away from politics here. I have been allocated two secondary schools but if it pleases members to take away the schools, so much the better because we all belong to Blantyre,” he said.
Meanwhile, the MPs have agreed to propose areas where the schools will be constructed. Blantyre Rural has eight constituencies.
The leader of Malawi
Congress Party Diaspora Wing Lucy
Chitembeya has criticized the DPP machinery on its handling
of protests that were taking place in
Blantyre today . The protests which were aimed
at delivering a petition to the ongoing SADC summit at Mount Soche asking for Jane Ansah to
resign as MEC chair were met with
violence . it is reported that some well known DPP cadet started hurling stones
at the protesters.
Among the injured, HRDC official Billy Mayaya sustained deep cuts to the head and had to seek Medical help. The events have prompted angry reactions from a cross section of Malawians .
Diaspora MCP leader :Lucy Chitembeya
Chitembeya speaking
from her base in USA said Malawians In Diaspora and the international
community are shocked to learn of the conduct
of the so called DPP Cadets ”We , Malawians in Diaspora are saddened by
this development. DPP continues to use its thugs to intimidate Malawians and
this is not necessary. Malawi is a democratic state and we will not allow this
sort of behaviour to continue”, Chitembeya went to say what the cadets and DPP leadership are doing
is a threat to democracy and human rights “ everyone has the right to protest
without getting intimidated , harassed or beaten up by anybody.
Chitembeya questioned the motivation for attacking the
protesters arguing that this only legitimizes the assertion that DPP is not the
legitimate government and they don’t have the genuine mandate to be in power. “
why are they at the forefront of protecting Jane Ansah when at the end of the
day , the protesters were having a peaceful protest? Wondered Chitembeya.
Several top opposition party Officials were seen among the protesters today, notably UTM’s Michael Usi , Bon Kalindo and Allan Ngumuya who offered the opening prayer before the protesters started their journey heading to Mount Soche Hotel, where they were scheduled to deliver a petition to SADC leaders in their quest to push for Jane Ansah resignation
Injured Billy Mayaya
It is also alleged the Police fired Teargass at patients at Queens Hospital , a situation described by Chitembeya and pathetic and worthy of international crimes against humanity
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Bright Msaka has cautioned candidates who challenge electoral results, saying the act could minimise their chances of winning future elections.
Speaking yesterday at the official opening of the 21st Annual Electoral Commissions Forum for the Southern African Development Community (ECF Sadc) conference in Blantyre, the minister warned that people who take electoral issues to court may lose the support of the people.
Said Msaka: “This, I believe, is a passing phase. Our region is rapidly changing. A time will soon come when it will no longer be fashionable to challenge clear and obvious election results.
“A time is soon coming when challenging clear and obvious results will be the recipe for losing voter confidence. A time is soon coming when challenging clear and obvious results will be the surest way to lose the next election.
“A time is soon coming when the voters will expect candidates to respect the voters’ verdict more than the verdict of any other entity.”
Ironically, the minister’s remarks come at a time the country is witnessing a series of electoral results related litigation where some candidates are challenging results of the last elections in court.
Currently, there are 28 pending petitions across the four registries of the High Court of Malawi challenging parliamentary and local government elections results of the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections.
The number was reduced to 28 after 16 cases were completed from the initial list of 44 filed in Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
Msaka
A panel of five High Court of Malawi judges sitting as the Constitutional Court is currently hearing a landmark presidential results case where UTM leader Saulos Chilima and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera petitioned the court for the nullification of the presidential results.
But Msaka’s remarks were faulted by Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) executive director Rafik Hajat who, in an interview yesterday, said the minister’s remarks were not only misleading but destructive.
“In my view, the minister is trying to address the current view, but unfortunately from a very myopic perspective. I am actually surprised that this is coming from a minister let alone, of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“The courts provide an opportunity for justice to be administered where concerns in this case on electoral issues are raised. The fact is the country does not have laws that give enough time for people to present their genuine concerns before swearing of winning candidates. That problem is manifested in the number of complaints registered in an election,” he said.
During the results management process after the May 21 polls, Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Jane Ansah announced that the electoral body had registered 147 complaints from various candidates.
Malawi’s Vice President Everton Chimulirenji on Monday commended Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for its significant contribution in strengthening democracy in the country for the past 20 years.
The Vice-President expressed his gratitude when he officially opened the Electoral Commissions Forum of Southern Africa Development Community (ECF SADC) countries at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.
“MEC has, for the time of its existence, administered credible elections. This has helped to promote democracy in the country which is still growing strong,” said Chimulirenji.
Vice President Chimulirenji and Mec Chair Ansah
The Vice-President, therefore, gave an assurance to MEC that government will continue giving the electoral body the support it needs to operate and also remain an effective and active member of the ECF SADC.
“We do make an undertaking to continue with the support so that the commission should continue to remain a professional, impartial and independent body in order to serve Malawians in safeguarding their will,” said Chimulirenji.
He said government will also continue to observe the provision where the commission is to operate independently and not take directions from any authority regarding the discharge of its duties as stated in the Constitution.
MEC’s Chairperson and ECF SADC President, Justice Jane Ansah said the commission was honoured to hold the conference at a time when it was celebrating its 20 years anniversary.
Ansah said the conference was of benefit to the country as it will continue to learn from other bodies to improve election management in the country.
“ECF SADC serves as a platform whereby as electoral management bodies, we share knowledge and skills as well as pointing out the shortcomings on a number of elections’ thematic areas with the view to improve the delivery of elections in our various jurisdictions,” said Ansah.
The conference, involving 14 SADC countries, is running under the theme ‘Enhancing the credibility of elections through observation’ and has been scheduled to take place up to September 27, 2019.
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (Icam) lakeshore conference wound up on a high note on Saturday in Mangochi, with Kenya’s renowned motivational speaker Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba challenging leaders in Africa, including Malawi, to have a sense of urgency in implementing development plans.
In his speech titled Harmonising Africa’s Resources for Africa’s Development: From Third World to First, Lumumba, who once served as Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Commission director, cited among others, Africa’s founding fathers such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere for their unified agenda and a sense of urgency to develop their countries and the African continent.
Prof Lumumba at the conference
To fast-track economic development, he observed that time has come for African countries to harness technology, saying: “We can’t continue to practise agriculture of our forefathers by using a hoe and a plough. Agriculture is one of the areas we must focus on.”
In his thought-provoking speech listened to by over 1 000 delegates, including chief executive officers, Lumumba zeroed in on Malawi and praised former president Bingu wa Mutharika for ensuring that there was maize surplus within a short period.
“The soil didn’t change, it is the same people and the same land. If it can be done, it must be done. If it is not done, then we are done,” he said.
Lumumba challenged that Malawi can be the fulcrum of 16-country trade bloc South Africa Development Community (Sadc) by marketing what he called the “cleanest lake on the earth”—Lake Malawi.
He bluntly said: “Have you marketed the chambo fish? McDonalds [an American fast food company] markets mere potatoes and it is famous for that. Why is chambo not famous?”
Lumumba said development hinges on leadership at all levels; hence, no need to look for leadership elsewhere, observing that there is need to focus on things that work.
Turning to chartered accountants, he said: “If you speak with one voice, President [Peter] Mutharika will one day summon you to guide him as intelligent men.”
Speaking on the broader African continent, he said Africa is a home to an abundance of natural resources that include diamonds, gold, oil, natural gas, uranium, platinum and copper.
It also has human resource which includes skills, intelligence and knowledge and has to use technology to transform a natural resource into usable and valuable things.
He said Africa can and will be great, stressing that he has seen beauty in the gloom.
In an interview after Lumumba’s speech, FDH Financial Holdings chief executive officer Thom Mpinganjira, who described the speech as powerful, said he has listened to him a number of times, but had to be there to see him speak in person.
“It is true that leadership is what is critical in the development of any country. We think a leader is someone else. All of us are leaders.
“If we all come together, Malawi will rise. It does not require herd mentality. You don’t have to follow somebody,” he said, adding that the underlying point is to change the way of doing things.
Mpinganjira mentioned Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, who he said despite being criticised for stifling democracy, has turned his country into one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
The keynote speaker at the conference was High Court judge at Zomba District Registry Zione Ntaba, who spoke on Thursday evening.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition has announced that they will hold protests against ECF-SADC for Electoral Commission currently under way at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on Wednesday.
Making the announcement, HRDC states that they want the SADC meeting cancelled. The Summit was opened by Malawi electoral commission chair Jane Ansah of whom HRDC has been at the forefront calling for her to resign.
Ansah who attended a meeting of the Electoral Commissions Forum for SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) at the hotel today has for the past three months defied calls to step down.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe today, HRDC member Billy Mayaya said they have already sent a letter of notification to the district council and Police in Blantyre for the demonstrations which will be held from Wednesday to Friday.
Mayaya added that ECF-SADC has challenged Malawians by recognizing Ansah as its president despite some Malawians rejecting her due to irregularities in the May 21 elections.
“We are therefore calling on Malawians of goodwill to join and demand the electoral justice, we are saying that protestors will not leave Mount Soche premises until MEC chair resigns,” he explained.
HRDC has been organising nationwide demonstrations demanding Ansah’s resignation.
The organisation as well as the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM accuse Ansah and MEC of failing to deliver credible presidential elections in May.
The last demonstrations which were conducted in Mzuzu, Lilongwe, and Blantyre among other districts ended in violence as some journalists were harassed by protesters.
Meanwhile, at the Hotel where the ECF-SAD conference is taking place, there is heavy security with police officers deployed at the gates.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in South Africa, with their four-month-old son Archie, for their first official tour as a family.
Prince Harry will also travel alone to Malawi, Botswana and Angola, where he will pay tribute to his mother Princess Diana’s anti-landmine campaign.
Prince Harry and Meghan
The 10-day visit, that began on Monday, will see the couple celebrate the people and culture of southern Africa.
They are visiting a township in Cape Town on the first stop of the visit.
Other highlights of the tour will include a visit to another township near Johannesburg, where Prince Harry and Meghan will learn about a project tackling rising unemployment.
The royals will be in Africa until 2 October. While the duchess and Archie are scheduled to spend the duration in South Africa, Prince Harry will also tour Angola, Malawi and Botswana before being reunited with his family in Johannesburg
On Friday the duke is due to visit Angola where he will mark the legacy of his mother, the Princess of Wales, by paying homage to her 1997 campaign to outlaw landmines.
In Malawi Prince Harry will pay tribute to a British soldier killed by an elephant during anti-poaching operations. His visit will also focus on efforts to protect endangered animals.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: “The Duke of Sussex’s love for Africa is well known; he first visited the continent at the age of 13, and more than two decades later the people, culture, wildlife and resilient communities continue to inspire and motivate him every day.”
On Tuesday the UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati stressed it out to the people that the Party is prepared and ready in a situation where the high court sitting as constitutional court in the ongoing presidential election case rules in favor of the party which is also a first petitioner to the case, seconded by Malawi Congress Party (MCP)
Answering on how the party managed to penetrate into communities to the point of becoming a household name within the shortest period of ten months, Kaliati said that it happened because of the visionary leadership of UTM and of course with the help of Malawians who believe in UTM manifesto and those with the love of their country.
“UTM party is not a personal institution; it is like a train that carry all the people’s dreams of eating thrice a day, having good education and health systems into reality. The party has large support and is willing to serve Malawians when voted into power ,” replied Kaliati.
Following the court’s decision that saw the cases of these two parties merged, there has been a visible relationship between the two parties as MCP leader Lazarus Chakwera has been present at the court when the first petitioner who is also UTM president was being cross checked by MEC lawyers.
Patricia Kaliyati
When asked whether the party intends to continue the relationship it has with MCP in the case of a rerun, Kaliati said that they have not yet met as a party to discuss on that and she emphasized that it is too early to talk about that and it would not be proper for her to speak on behalf of the two parties on whether they are to hold hands in case of a fresh election.
Speaking on the leadership of UTM and when asked if UTM is ready to govern this country with the minimal number of MPs it has, Kaliati said that UTM is more than ready and none ion the party is discouraged with the number of MPs that do not reflect original elections results considering the general revelation that the pas elections have had many irregularities.
“We cannot dwell on the number of MPs as what really UTM scored for the fact that many UTM MPs even forwarded their concerns to the courts , only that the party had mainly sort to petition the court on presidential results .
“We should bear in mind that so far our leader is Dr Saulos Chilima and Malawians has trusted him as the leader who will bring the long awaited change they have been waiting for. We are not going back as the party but continuing and fighting for the good course of this country and we shall keep sharing our promises until Malawi is served,” said Kaliati.
Kaliati was speaking to Carol Whayo in a facebook interview that was streamed live from the United Kingdom where she went for personal and party purposes. She is also expected to have meetings with UTM – Diaspora, UK wing in the scheduled days to come.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president, Lazarus Chakwera, Thursday told the Constitutional Court sitting in Lilongwe that his petition against May 21 tripartite elections results is not out of desperation for the State presidency but quest for justice.
Chakwera said this when Attorney General (AG) Kalekeni Kaphale, representing Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec), referred Chakwera’s candidature in the elections as his last chance to contest under MCP ticket.
“Being your last opportunity, you understand the temptation maybe there to get the post no matter what,” Kaphale asked.
“I do not succumb to temptations,” Chakwera responded.
Kaphale kept on pressing to the MCP leader on his character but Chakwera insisted that he was at the court to seek justice.
During cross-examination, Kaphale took Chakwera through the roles of monitors and their significance at a polling station.
Kaphale questioned why Chakwera had chosen not to use monitors that were on ground to challenge the validity of results.
“We have witnesses that can represent their cases without necessarily involving them,” Chakwera said.
Kaphale insisted that, without the sworn statements of the monitors on the ground, the evidence of the other witnesses would be secondary.
But Chakwera said, if such were the case, even those working at Mec would speculate the validity of results that were recorded and sent.
Kaphale also asked Chakwera whether the issue of barcodes was provided for in the law.
The AG’s line of questioning on whether Mec was scanning the barcodes at polling centres led to an objection from MCP lawyer Mordecai Msisha, who argued that Chakwera would not know since it was Mec that introduced the features and their significance.
“The witness could not know the significance of the barcodes, it is only Mec that would be in the know [and] not the witness,” he said.
Kaphale argued against overprotection of the witnesses, a development which did not go down well with judges considering that they had given Kaphale just a day out of three days he requested for cross-examination.
Kaphale withdrew the statement.
Chakwera, the second respondent and UTM leader Saulos Chilima, are seeking nullification of the presidential election results, arguing that they were marred by irregularities.
Since its April world premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian International Festival, Buddha in Africa—a documentary telling the story of a Malawian orphan torn between his roots and his Chinese upbringing—is yet to be screened in Malawi.
The film has been to film festivals in Australia, South Africa and, only last Saturday, it enjoyed acclaim at its European premiere in Milan, Italy.
Buddha in Africa
Further, as the documentary is going places, it is bagging awards. Last July, it won best Southern African documentary at the 40th Durban International Film Festival, to add to the Backsberg Encounters Audience Award it scooped at the Encounters Audience Award held in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. Even before its release, the film bagged Most Promising Documentary.
Buddha in Africa brings out the plight of an orphan from Chiradzulu, Enock Alu, with dreams of becoming a Malawian version of Jackie Chan, Jet Li and other martial arts of international repute. His hopes are heightened when the Amitofo Care Centre (ACC) in Blantyre takes him under its fold.
Under the tutelage of ACC principal Master Hui Liu, Alu slowly masters martial arts and travels the world over in Amitofo fundraising endeavours. This takes him to Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand, Australia, USA and South America.
His kung-fu coach Xiao Bei said of him: “He was lovely and also the youngest in the group; so he was very eye-catching. When it was Alu’s turn to go on stage, people kept on calling Alu! Alu.”
In a review, a South African site, The City Press, says even from the onset, Lui told Alu and other children that going into Amitofo meant they were to follow the Buddhist commandment and their ways as that was the only way to continue getting funding. This was the beginning of a life of waking up at the crack of dawn for rigorous temple sessions, gruelling kung-fu lessons after they were given Chinese names and made to worship Chinese gods.
However, Lui said would the children later choose to quit if they didn’t ‘like this way and don’t want the opportunity to study abroad. When you don’t want to learn civilisation and the advanced thoughts of the world. You prefer to go back to your tribes’.
Alu—torn between repudiating his Christian upbringing and embracing the Buddhist way of life—makes the decision to quit in his final year.
It is a film that exposes the contrasting worlds of Enock’s traditional African culture and the strict discipline of the Confucian, Buddhist value system of the Chinese. Coming in Mandarin Chinese and Chichewa with English subtitles, the work is a result of five years of filming by co-producers Swede David Herdies of Momento Film and South African Nicole Schafer, who owns Thinking Strings.
In spite of its worldwide exploits, the film is yet to be screened in Malawi. Schafer, who also wrote, directed and shot parts of the film, says arrangements are on the cards to beam it here.
“We will definitely show the film in Malawi. I just need to get in touch with my film contacts and figure out a plan. The film provides insight into the complex situation affecting vulnerable children in Malawi, but also the challenges of trying to improve the situation,” says Schafer.
She says she first came to know about ACC on a Reuters’ magazine programme African Journal.
“I was working on a story on orphans in Malawi at a time Madonna was adopting her second child [from Malawi] Mercy James in 2009. I was actually surprised during that period of research that there were a number of different orphanages promoting different cultural practices from the Dutch Reformed Church institutions to Islamic Turkish ones. Madonna subsequently set up her own Kabbalist institution,” says Schafer.
Locally, the project engaged broadcaster Mercy Simbi, theologian Takuze Chitsulo, cameraman Peter Mazunda and actress Dipo Katimba. It also engaged photographer Arjen van de Merwe and cinematographer Shannon Milojkovic whose works in Malawi have left marks.
Simbi says it was exciting working on the set. “We look forward to its screening here. It was great working with the team and the people at Amitofo. What I found most exciting is how it all ends when Enock quits,” says Simbi.
Sometime last year, there was a music award event in Blantyre at Comesa Hall—the Nyasa Music Awards (NMAs).
Being an urban themed event, the awards brought together almost all the top names that matter in the local entertainment industry. And to top the bill, the presenter of the awards was none other than South African TV personality and socialite SomiziMhlongo.
Even the list of performers on the evening, who included hip-hop stars Gwamba, Tay Grin, Macelba, afro-pop singer Theo Thomson, Zani Challe, Great Angels Choir and Zathu Band, gave out a huge impression even on paper.
Code Sangala
As the days of the event drew nearer, organisers made a surprise announcement of the inclusion of one more local artist. It was a name nobody would have guessed in a million attempts.
Forgotten local music darling Thomas Chibade was to grace the show as the throwback artist of all time. Nobody saw that coming. And even after that announcement, when one considered his discipline issues which have undermined his status as an artist, one was tempted to cast doubt on his availability on the day.
But the day came, the carpets rolled, the lights were glittering and the flashy dressing meant to suit such a highly colourful and dominantly youthful event was the order of the day. It was almost a platform where everyone wanted to showcase their fashion sense.
For all the impressions that everyone tried to make on the evening through their dressing and performances, little did people know that the person who would offer the most loved moment of the event was tucked at some little corner in the hall, almost unrecognised.
Co-host Judie Emcee came on stage to announce the next act on the line-up. From the sound system which was feeding the huge hall, came the name of Thomas Chibade. What was to follow was a huge roar of approval.
Then appeared the pint-sized artist. From his dressing you got the sense that he was just there to fulfil his obligations of the night—sing and go home. Not to impress anybody in whatever way.
He held the microphone and without wasting any second he introduced his first song, A.E. I. O. U (Mau Anga). This was a tune that endeared him to music lovers over a decade ago, when he had just arrived on the scene with his Zatukusira album.
Before everyone realised, the small area which was designated to act as a stage was flooded by patrons and for lack of space, all others were up on their feet singing along to his songs as some were chanting his name.
Such is the love that local music lovers have for the boy. The way he left the stage left people shrouded in a feeling of nostalgia. Malawians still need a little of Chibade. Everyone prays that the artist will organise and bring himself back on the path that made him a darling to his fans.
Now fellow artist Lulu, has come in by dangling another offer. He has offered to record him free of charge at his Mathumela Records. So far, nothing on the table to show for as he has remained incommunicado.
But his latest single, Banja, is already topping the charts in local radio stations. It shows the boy still has his magic.
From his latest offering it is hoped that the artist will do some soul-searching and realise how much Malawians need his music.
He should count himself luck. Let him remember that no single person has the monopoly of luck and goodwill. One day he will wish these opportunities came again.
Seventy-six Malawians have been repatriated from South
Africa. They arrived at Kwacha in Blantyre, via Mwanza border on Thursday, 19th
September 2019, at 1:00am.
Malawians coming from RSA
The returnees, of which 14 are children under the age of 18,
were provided with shelter, food, toiletries and underwent immigration and
medical screening. They have been supported with travel logistics to their
various destinations.
Speaking when he officially welcomed the repatriated
Malawians, Secretary to the Vice President and Commissioner for Disaster
Management Affairs Wilson Moleni assured them that Government will do
everything within its means to ensure that they reach their various
destinations in Malawi.
Said Moleni: “Feel free, you are most welcome back home.
Government, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with various
partners such as the Malawi Red Cross Society, worked tirelessly to facilitate
your repatriation, we will continue to work together to ensure that you reach
your destinations in the country.”
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Kenius Banda commended
government and its partners for their efforts.
“We have been provided with all basic needs since our
displacement in South Africa up to Malawi, including funds to carter for our
transport expenses as we travel to our various destinations” said Banda.
President Peter Mutharika yesterday left for the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (Unga74) with a message that Malawi is on the right track in eradicating poverty and empowering women.
Mutharika leaving for UNGA
Speaking on departure to the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America, Mutharika said this year’s theme, Galvanising Multilateral Efforts for Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Climate Change and Inclusion, is in line with Malawi’s Growth Development Strategy (MGDS) III and that he will present what the country has achieved so far and also learn from others.
He said: “We will engage and listen to our friends on empowerment of women and youth, most of the things that will be discussed at the meeting are already in our Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III. We will go there to learn what other countries have done and how it will help us. We will continue to eradicate poverty and women empowerment.”
Every year in September, all 193 UN member States meet for this forum in New York for the General Assembly session, whose official opening will be held on September 24.
The assembly discusses a wide array of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations, such as development, peace and security and international law.
Unga74 will run from September 17 to 30.
As the President left, Human Rights Defenders Coalition had just resumed their demonstrations to demand the resignantion of Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Jane Ansah.
Lilongwe Magistrate Court on Wednesday started hearing the criminal case invoving Prophet Chimwemwe Sabao of Agelic gathering for Christ Church (AGAC) in alleged forgery, altering of false documents and theft. Prophet Sabao and his accomplices have since denied the charges.
Grades Masina who owns Gralle Stationers Enterprise leaves court
State prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Isaac Kadawayula started by amending the charges saying the first charge sheet contained the name of Sabao only but included his accomplice and these include Alinafe Katoma and Nomsa Plaighnnie aged 31 and aged 23 respectively.
After the three pleaded not guilty to the charges, Prosecutor Kadawayula paraded two witnesses.
The first witness was Grades Masina who owns Gralle Stationers Enterprise.
However, in her sworn statement, Masina testified that he knows Sabao as her son-in-law who married her late daughter.
She said she was informed that her cheque was with some people who wanted to cash on it.
In an interview Sabao’s lawyer Innocent Kubwalo said so far the defence is not satisfied with the evidence.
The case has since been adjourned to 19 September 2019, to allow the state parade additional witnesses.
Sabao was arrested while administering church service in Lilongwe.
According to the charge sheet, Prophet Sabao successfully cashed in seven cheques from a single account which is being maintained at Standard Bank for Glalle Stationers.
These dubious activity happened from 18 June, 2019 to 10 August, 2019.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition has presented a petition to parliament in its ongoing attempt to have the Malawi Election Commission (MEC) resign or fired.
Chairperson of the Coalition, Timothy Mtambo, said they have lost hope with Capitol Hill where they previously delivered the petition in June this year, saying they hope parliamentarians will help them in their calls.
Timothy Mtambo
“On behalf of Malawians of good will in whose behalf you represent in this August House, we surrender this petition believing that their voice shall form substratum of your discussions on the topical issues of national interest.
“We thank you and believe that our petition will be given the attention and priority it deserves,” he said.
In Lilongwe, demonstrators marched from Community Ground to Capitol Hill then back to Parliament where they presented the petition which has some amendments from the previous one.
In the seven paged petition, the Coalition wants parliament to intervene in their calls for the resignation of MEC Chairperson, Justice Dr. Jane Ansah and the entire Commission on allegations that they mismanaged the May 21 elections.
The protesters also plead with the August House to reject Duncan Mwapasa as Inspector General of Police on allegation of incompetence.
They say Mwapasa was implicated in the police food ration scam, saying he needs to pave way for investigation.
They also reiterated their stand for parliamentarians to block allocation of funds for construction of two stadia for Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers football clubs.
The Coalition has also resurrected the tabling of electoral reform bill in parliament.
Dowa East Member of Parliament, Richard Chimwendo Banda, received the petition and promised the protesters that Business Committee of the House will table it in the House.
The demonstration did not, however, run short of ugly scenes as some protesters attacked two journalists; Golden Mationga of the Nation Publications Limited and Gladys Nthenda of Kulinji.
They went away with phones and some cash, leaving Nthenda with torn clothes.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) – Malawi has condemned physical and indecent assault of two journalists; Golden Matonga of Nation Publications Limited and Gladys Nthenda of kulinji.com by some demonstrators during protests organized by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) on Wednesday.
MISA –Malawi Chairperson, Teresa Ndanga
MISA –Malawi Chairperson, Teresa Ndanga, says in a statement that is very unfortunate that the assault on the two did not stop even after they duly displayed their professional identity cards.
“MISA Malawi, which is also a human rights advocacy body, believes that all human freedoms and rights, including the right to demonstrate, should be exercised with responsibility.
“We therefore expect demonstrators to exercise their right to demonstrate while recognizing the existence of other rights and freedoms such as media freedom, which is enshrined in the Republican Constitution and nobody has the right to take the same away from journalists. Both Matonga and Nthenda were left traumatized and were unable to complete their duties,” she said.
Ndanga called on organizers of these demonstrations to decisively deal with such barbaric acts while commending soldiers of the Malawi Defense Force for intervening to calm the situation.
During the anti—Jane Ansah demonstrations on Wednesday, the demonstrators tore Nthenda’s clothes and also stole a mobile phone and a wallet belonging to Matonga, accusing the two journalists of being government spies
Euthini Secondary School student died on Sunday when bags of rice from a truck he was travelling in to school, fell on him.
Euthini Secondary School
Euthini Secondary School head teacher, Elias James, said in an interview that Hastings Chiziba, 19, and in form 2, boarded a truck carrying bags of rice, on his way to Euthini Secondary School where he was a boarder.
‘’The deceased was travelling from his home, Luvwele to Euthini in a truck full of bags of rice.
‘’ When the truck reached Kabwafu, the bags collapsed and forced him onto the ground. Some of the bags fell on top of him,’’ said James.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Symon Vuwa Kaunda Monday bemoaned that he lost precious time defending his 21 May, 2019 parliamentary election victory which Peoples Party’s (PP) candidate Ralph Mhone contested in court.
Kaunda said since Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declared him winner for Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, he has spent almost four months in and out of the Mzuzu High Court defending his seat from his challenger.
Victory for Simon Vuwa Kaunda
Speaking after High Court Judge Thomson Ligowe sustained him as the legitimate winner in the polls, Kaunda said he has been failing to attend to crucial cabinet and parliamentary meetings because of the court case.
“I am happy that finally the truth has come out clearly now. I hope that it is now time for me to seriously go down into business of developing both my constituency as well as my country.
“I have been failing to concentrate on these because of this court case,” Kaunda said.
The minister said, for instance, currently, parliament is in session in Lilongwe but he has been failing to attend adequately because he was required to defend himself in court.
“I just thank God that today this case has ended and my conscience has been made clear now. “It is now just time for me as well as the other party to work together in initiating development in the constituency,” he said.
Kaunda expressed hope that Mhone’s side will accept that they lost and focus on work to develop the constituency.
“It was good that Honourable Mhone shook my hand and congratulated me after the judge pronounced his judgment. “To me, this meant a new era for both of us and I am made to believe he did that in good faith,” Kaunda said.
However, Kaunda expressed concern over losing candidates’ tendency to rush to courts even when they know that they really did not do well in the elections.
“This is bad. And I need to stress that, in my case, this has been happening each time I am declared winner in the constituency. “People deliberately choose not to accept the poll results, which derails development,” Kaunda said.
Mhone refused to give any media interview on the outcome of the case
President Peter Mutharika has described the late Robert Mugabe as a man who stood for independence of Africa; politically and economically.
Mutharika said this on Saturday in Lilongwe when he was arriving from Harare where he paid his last respect to the former Zimbabwe’s president who died last week Friday.
“I think he stood for Africa to be economic sufficient and self-sustaining and not to depend on assistance from outside. I think that’s what he tried to do; he faced all difficulties but I think he stood for the right thing to do for Africa. Mutharika said the continent should strive for Mugabe’s ethos he wanted for Africa to be together.
Mutharika , paying last respects to Mugabe
“We are doing that; in trade, education and sustainable development. That’s what he left,” he said.
President Mutharika said the funeral ceremony was evidence that Mugabe was the great son of Africa who stood for the continent.
“The ceremony was so touching. I was so glad to see Kenneth Kaunda [former Zambia’s President] was there.He is the only one left standing of the great African leaders emancipating the African continent; he is about 95. It was very satisfying,” said Mutharika.
The complex remembrance process for the longtime Zimbabwean president continued Saturday with a state funeral.
Mugabe, who was ousted in a 2017 military coup, led Zimbabwe for 37 years and died at a Singapore hospital.
Senior Chief Kachindamoto of Dedza District has fired 16 chiefs under her jurisdiction for treating early marriages with kid’s gloves.
In an interview on Wednesday, Kachindamoto said some chiefs in the area are allowing young girls to enter early marriages instead of remaining in school; a development which is against bylaws the area put in place.
Kachindamoto has further called upon lawmakers to consider reviewing marriage age for girls from 18 to 21.
According to the chief, through Go Back to School Initiative which was established in the community, a number of girls have returned to school. She also said she managed to put to sleep other cultural practices which are dangerous to girls.
Meanwhile, District Coordinator for Malawi Girl Guide Association in Dedza, Mr. James Chisale, has said the association has trained some girls in the community to work as role models in a bid to impress upon young girls to remain in school.
In recent years, Senior Chief Kachindamoto has gained international recognisation for being a champion of anti early marriages for girls.
The historic elections petition case at the Constitutional Court in Lilongwe took a dramatic turn yesterday with the immediate past vice-president Saulos Chilima withdrawing all his 34 remaining witnesses.
The decision, coming after only four out of 38 witnesses have been paraded for Chilima, who is the first petitioner in the case, has attracted different views, with one legal pundit Justin Dzonzi describing it as a double-edged sword which may have advantages or disadvantages.
But one of lawyers representing Chilima, Chikosa Silungwe, who made the announcement about the withdrawal of the witnesses, said in an interview later that their case was premised on two pillars; irregularities and fraud.
He said having assessed their case, they were convinced that they have proved that correction fluid Tippex was used, fake documents and duplicates were used and presiding officers, in some instances, did not sign result sheets and log books, which was contrary to the law.
“It was the wish of the court to have an expedited trial, and we did not see why we should continue parading witnesses who will come to court and repeat same things other witnesses have said.
“It will be up to the second respondent, [Malawi Electoral Commission-MEC], to show that they managed the elections according to the law,” Silungwe said, adding there is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential hopeful Lazarus Chakwera, the second petitioner, to come to court and tell his story.
Tamando Chokotho, hired by MEC as lead lawyer, dismissed demands by lawyers for the first petitioner that it would be up to the electoral body to prove that it conducted the elections according to the law, arguing the burden of proof lies in them.
He said: “For us, we will show that they did not manage to prove allegations they raised. From the witnesses we cross-examined, no witness proved allegations of bribery, intimidation, [among others].
“From our cross-examination, and for those that have followed the case, they would agree with us we managed to discredit their evidence. Let’s see what happens, our position is we don’t comment on ongoing court issues in the media, but this was to answer their claim that they have proved their case.”
But Dzonzi in an interview said there are many reasons a petitioner may withdraw witnesses, including case assessment that the value of the expected testimony was going to be minimal.
He said: “As lawyers, they may have a strategy, and if they believe the story told so far, and evidence tendered, is enough to prove their case, they may decide so and hope for the best.
“They may also realise that the respondents were taking time with witnesses, and as they wanted an expedited hearing, they may decide to sacrifice part of their evidence for quick results.
“Or they may have realised that based on evidence available, the witnesses may face cross-examination that may damage their case. So as I said, there are advantages and disadvantages in every decision we make.”
The withdrawal of the witnesses compelled lawyers representing President Peter Mutharika, the first respondent, and MEC to demand costs from Chilima, arguing they invested in research and prepared for the case based on sworn statements the withdrawn witnesses filed.
Parties involved, Frank Mbeta for Mutharika and Chokotho for MEC, on one side, and Silungwe on the other, submitted to the court on why their clients should be paid costs or why they should not be ordered to pay costs.
Chokotho, during the court session that lasted a few minutes, said the respondents spent money travelling across all regions, conducting interviews with the withdrawn witnesses and prepared their cross-examination based on their sworn statements.
He further said the issue of the expedited trial was on both petitioners, arguing lawyers for the first petitioner would have considered [much earlier] that the number of witnesses [they decided to have] would delay the case.
“Counsel for first respondent are not disputing that the respondents have spent, and further considering that the second petitioner [MEC] is a State entity, taxpayers may be made to foot [this bill], it is not right that [MEC] should bear the costs on this,” Chokotho argued.
But Silungwe, in court, argued that since the withdrawal of the witness was made in the interest of saving time, which is also backed by Civil Procedures, costs be in the cause, meaning the issue of costs be decided at a later stage, be it along the way or at end of the case.
But Mbeta argued that since the sworn statements are being withdrawn, everything ended there and it was only appropriate at that stage for the court to order that the first petitioner be made to foot the costs.
“Everything ends now, and it is not proper that costs be in the cause. These statements will not be there when this case ends. We had to travel all over the country to rebut allegations those statements withdrawn made,” he said.
Chair of the five-judge panel, Healey Potani, before he adjourned the case to Tuesday next week, announced the court would make its ruling on the issue of costs at a later stage.
The court was ready to start hearing the second petitioner’s testimony, Chakwera, but the parties, with endorsement of the court, collectively agreed that the case be adjourned to Tuesday to give them ample time to prepare.
As the case was set to begin yesterday morning, Silungwe said they were ready to proceed, but on further review of the sworn statements of witnesses, the first petitioner had taken a position not to call them.
This meant closure of Chilima’s case, having paraded only four witnesses, of whom his UTM Party deputy director of elections Bright Kawaga was the last witness to testify on Wednesday.
Silungwe made the formal announcement of the withdrawal in the open court after the issue was already discussed in chamber.
Potani said the sworn statements of the withdrawn witnesses would not be used in court and were no longer part of the court record.
The petitioners contend that Mutharika “won a fraudulent May 21 2019 Presidential Election” fraught with irregularities, including alleged tampering with election results sheets with Tippex and want the court to nullify the results and order a re-run.
The Southern Region ThumbsUp Premier Division league heated up on Friday with thrilling matches in the Round of 8.
Ekhaya FC dominated Mwanza Stars, securing a convincing 4-1 victory. Safton Chimtokoma led the charge with a brace, while Hadji James, Samson Zakeyu, and Bonnex Chigaya each scored a goal.
In a closely contested match, Red Lions FC edged out Ndirande Stars 1-0. Mathews Simbeye scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute, securing the win for Red Lions FC.
The results have shuffled the log standing, with Ekhaya FC and Red Lions FC solidifying their positions.
The Southern Region ThumbsUp Premier Division league is intensifying, with teams battling for a spot in the TNM Super League 2025 season.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Lilongwe has arrested a dental therapist at Kamuzu Central Hospital for allegedly seeking a bribe from a patient.
According to sources, Dingiswayo Moyo, the medical officer in question, demanded a sum of K50,000 from a patient in exchange for dental surgery.
Dental services in Malawi
The patient, a victim of the Kabaza accident, reportedly tipped off the ACB about the doctor’s illicit demand, leading to Moyo’s arrest. The suspect is currently being held at Area 3 police in Lilongwe, awaiting appearance in court.
This incident raises serious concerns about corruption in Malawi’s healthcare system. It is unacceptable that medical professionals, who are sworn to provide care and relief to patients, would exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
The ACB’s swift action in arresting Moyo sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Malawi.
The bureau’s efforts to root out corruption in all sectors, including healthcare, are commendable.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential that the ACB and relevant authorities ensure that Moyo is held accountable for his actions.
The victim, who has already suffered physical and emotional trauma from the Kabaza accident, deserves justice.
This incident also highlights the need for increased transparency and accountability in Malawi’s healthcare system.
Patients have the right to receive medical care without being exploited or coerced into paying bribes.
In a study on knowledge and practice of clients with dental problems at Kamuzu Central Hospital, it was revealed that there is a general lack of information about dental health among many people.
This lack of awareness can make patients more vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous medical professionals.
As Malawi continues to grapple with corruption in all sectors, it is essential that citizens remain vigilant and report any instances of corruption to the relevant authorities.
The ACB’s toll-free line and online reporting platform provide convenient channels for citizens to report corruption.
The arrest of Dingiswayo Moyo for alleged bribery is a welcome development in the fight against corruption in Malawi.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential that justice is served, and the victim receives the compensation they deserve.
The ACB’s efforts to root out corruption in all sectors, including healthcare, are commendable, and citizens must continue to support these efforts by reporting any instances of corruption.
A defamation lawsuit has been filed against Hon. Sameer Suleman, Member of Parliament for Blantyre City South East Constituency, by Hon. Baba Steve Malondera, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe South East Constituency. Malondera is demanding MK300 million in compensation for alleged defamatory remarks made by Suleman in a video interview.
According to a letter from Jivason and Company, the law firm representing Malondera, Suleman alleged in the video interview that Malondera, along with two other senior members of the Malawi Congress Party, was involved in a plot to harm or assassinate him.
Suleman
The letter states that Suleman claimed to have been informed by Hon. Kenneth Ndovi of Karonga that he was being tracked by a white Toyota Prado motor vehicle, which blocked his vehicle and two armed bouncers emerged, searching for Suleman.
Malondera’s lawyers argue that these allegations have severely damaged their client’s reputation and lowered his status in the eyes of reasonable people, both locally and internationally. They claim that Malondera has never planned to harm or cause Suleman’s death and that the video containing the defamatory remarks has been widely circulated on social media.
The letter demands that Suleman pay MK300 million to Malondera within seven days from the date of the letter.
Failure to comply with this demand will result in immediate court action, according to the lawyers.
This development has sparked interest in the ongoing debate about freedom of speech and defamation in Malawi.
While some argue that individuals have the right to express their opinions freely, others contend that this right must be balanced against the need to protect individuals’ reputations from false and damaging allegations.
As this case unfolds, it is likely to attract significant attention from the public, media, and legal experts. The outcome of this lawsuit will have implications for the interpretation of defamation laws in Malawi and the balance between freedom of speech and individual reputations.
In related news, there have been several high-profile defamation cases in Malawi in recent years, highlighting the need for clarity on the country’s defamation laws.
As the media and public continue to follow this case, it is essential to remember that defamation laws are in place to protect individuals’ reputations and that freedom of speech must be exercised responsibly.
President of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Atupele Muluzi has been named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans for 2025.
This honor is a testament to Muluzi’s exceptional leadership and commitment to making a positive impact on the continent.
Writing on his Facebook page,Muluzi has expressed his humility and gratitude for being included on the list, alongside other inspiring and impactful leaders, changemakers, and visionaries from across Africa.
Atupele Muluzi
He says:”The recognition is particularly noteworthy given the rigorous process involved in compiling the list, which includes comprehensive forensic research to ensure that only scandal-free individuals are considered.”
Muluzi says the achievement not only reflects his personal dedication but also the hard work and support of his team and colleagues.
As President of the UDF, Muluzi has been instrumental in driving positive change and promoting excellence in Malawi and beyond.
The 100 Most Reputable Africans list is an annual recognition of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the continent. Past recipients of this honor include notable figures such as Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, and Agnes Matilda Kalibata, a Rwandan agricultural scientist and policymaker.
Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola says the fuel scarcity in the country is expected to ease soon, thanks to a vessel carrying 51 million liters of petroleum products from Tanga, Tanzania.
Matola made the announcement on Friday after inspecting the vessel, stating that the shipment will significantly alleviate the fuel crisis.
Ibrahim Matola
The minister commended President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to adopt a government-to-government procurement arrangement, which facilitated the purchase of the 51 million liters of fuel.
According to Matola, all necessary processes have been finalized, and the transfer of the products will commence on Saturday, with the fuel expected to arrive in Malawi by Thursday.
On his part, Deputy CEO of the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), Meklas Reuben,assured that his organization will ensure smooth operations as the appointed agent for managing the government-to-government arrangement.
In Malawi,the fuel crisis has led to long queues in cities and the emergence of black markets, where fuel is sold at inflated prices.
