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Official Documents Debunk K485 Million Payment Allegation Against Gospel Kazako, Chakhaza and others

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By Wadza Botomani



BLANTYRE, Malawi – A widely circulated social media claim alleging that four individuals personally received K500 million from a government media contract is false, according to an examination of official procurement documents.

The allegations specifically named Gospel Kazako, Joab Chakhaza, Luke Tembo, and Gabriel Kamlomo. However, records show the contract was awarded through an open and competitive process managed by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA).

Gospel Kazako



Contract Awarded to Company, Not Individuals

The successful bidder was CG Communications, a company established in 1999. Its bid of K485 million was the lowest submitted, with several competing bids exceeding K1 billion. The contract was for producing documentaries, jingles, and promotional materials on water and sanitation.

Furthermore, a significant majority of the contract value—K402 million, or 83 percent—was earmarked for airtime payments to be made directly to various radio stations and national broadcasters. Officials confirmed that only a 30 percent advance has been paid, and the full contract value remains unsettled.

Named Individuals Listed as Proposed Experts

The four men were named in the company’s technical proposal as proposed experts for their respective fields, such as media policy and scriptwriting. This is described as a standard and mandatory requirement in public tender processes and does not equate to a payment to those individuals.

A review of all related documents, including the contract and payment vouchers, found no evidence that any of the named individuals received the K500 million or any similar sum.

Sources suggest the smear campaign is being driven by disappointed bidders and political actors aiming to tarnish the reputations of the professionals involved. The investigation concludes that the procurement was transparent and lawful, with the only irregularity being the fabricated allegations themselves.

Dr. Kamata Reassigned to Mpemba Staff Training College as Sports Council Reshuffles Leadership

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By Rahim Abdul

The National Sports Council of Malawi has made significant changes to its leadership structure, with Executive Secretary Dr. Henry Kamata set to take up a new role as a lecturer at Mpemba Staff Training College.

The development was confirmed by Secretary for Youth and Sports, Justin Saidi,said that the decision follows internal realignments meant to strengthen both institutions.

On Monday afternoon shortly after returning from official duties in Cameroon, Dr. Kamata said he received the communication with a calm spirit.

“I have no bitterness because I believe my life is in God’s hands,”
Dr. Henry Kamata

Kamata



Dr. Kamata, who joined the Sports Council on 1 February 2024, expressed pride in his contribution to grassroots sports development.

He said one of his greatest joys has been seeing large numbers of primary and secondary school learners attending holiday sports camps, where they are introduced to different sporting disciplines.

He added that by 2032, many of these youngsters will likely emerge as national sports icons if they continue receiving proper support and training.

Meanwhile, Ivy Chinangwa, the Council’s Director of Sports, is currently serving as Acting Executive Secretary.

She said that the institution remains committed to fulfilling its mission despite the leadership adjustments.“I am optimistic that the Council’s vision will be achieved if we continue working hand in hand with our colleagues,”
Chinangwa explained.

LUANAR to Host 3rd Research Dissemination Conference Focused On Advancing Malawi’s Agricultural Innovation

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By Wilfred Golden

The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) will host its 3rd Research Dissemination Conference from 25-28 November in Lilongwe.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the LUANAR Vice Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Kaunda emphasized on the institution’s commitment to advancing research for national development.

“This conference demonstrates LUANAR’s unwavering dedication to generating and sharing knowledge
that transforms
communities,” he said.

Kaunda

“Our researchers are producing evidence that is not only shaping agricultural policy but also directly improving the lives of farmers, youth and households
across Malawi. We believe that
collaboration between academia, government, development partners and the private sector is the engine that will drive Malawi’s agricultural transformation.”

He said this is an event that will provide a national platform to share cutting-edge
findings, showcase success stories from LUANAR and its partners, and stimulate cross-sector
collaboration.

The event will feature scientific presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions and
impact stories, which continue to contribute significantly to food security, nutrition, climate resilience and household incomes.

This national event will also bring together researchers,
policymakers, development partners, private sector players, civil society organisations, farmers, students, youth innovators and the media to share knowledge, scientific evidence and
agricultural innovations that are shaping Malawi’s development agenda.

The conference is being held in partnership with the Malawi Government, Royal Norwegian
Embassy, NCA–DCA, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Plan Malawi, Flanders,
Africa Centre of Excellence in
Agricultural Policy Analysis (APA), The Sustainable Food Systems for Rural Resilience and Transformation (TRANSFORM) Project.

CDEDI holds press conference in Blantyre, calls for government accountability on tax and plane crash investigations

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By Burnett Munthali

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) held a press conference in Blantyre where its officials addressed various national issues.

Before outlining the objectives of the meeting, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa urged Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha to carefully consider the concerns being raised by the public regarding taxation measures outlined in the recently presented economic plan.

Namiwa



Namiwa emphasized that citizens are closely watching how the government handles issues related to tax policy and expect transparency and fairness in implementation.

He also called on other government leaders to respond proactively to public concerns and to demonstrate accountability in their respective sectors.

Additionally, Namiwa highlighted that Malawians are keenly awaiting updates and a thorough investigation into the recent plane crash incident, stressing the need for timely and credible information.

The press conference reflected CDEDI’s commitment to ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people and that national policies are implemented in the interest of all citizens.

Through such engagements, the organization aims to strengthen democratic processes and promote economic development by fostering open dialogue between citizens and policymakers.

CDEDI’s officials concluded by encouraging the public to remain informed and actively participate in discussions surrounding government decisions that impact their lives.

Political Analyst responds to Laura Miti: Tasila Lungu’s parliamentary absence under scrutiny



By Burnett Munthali

Political commentator  has responded to recent remarks by Laura Miti, who argued that “there is no justifiable reason for Tasila Lungu to stay away from Parliament.”

The analyst observed that while Miti’s statement reflects a common expectation that elected officials should attend parliamentary sessions, it is important to consider the broader context surrounding Lungu’s absence.

Tasila Lungu



They noted that parliamentary attendance is a constitutional duty, but public officials may have legitimate reasons, including health, diplomatic obligations, or constituency work, that sometimes prevent them from being physically present.

However, the analyst emphasized that continuous absence without clear communication undermines public confidence and raises questions about accountability and representation.

In this case, the lack of a detailed explanation from Tasila Lungu has fueled debates among political observers and the general public regarding his commitment to parliamentary responsibilities.

The commentator further suggested that political figures have a responsibility to be transparent about their reasons for missing sessions to maintain credibility and trust with their constituents.

They also warned that ignoring parliamentary duties could set a dangerous precedent if left unchecked, potentially eroding the effectiveness of legislative oversight.

Ultimately, the analyst concluded that while Miti’s call for Lungu’s attendance is understandable, it should be balanced with an understanding of any legitimate obligations that may require temporary absence.

The response highlights ongoing tensions in Zambian politics regarding the balance between accountability, transparency, and the practical demands placed on public officials.

As the debate continues, citizens and political analysts alike are calling for clear communication from all leaders to ensure that parliamentary duties are taken seriously while addressing broader national responsibilities.