Government Commends Media For Being Professional In the Year 2014…

Promises Better Environment in 2015

Nankhumwa: Media did the nation proud in 2014

Government says in 2014 media did the nation proud through courageous and professional reporting of numerous issues a spirit which must be continued so that people benefit in their day to day lives through such noble service.

In a special New Year message to the media from Minister of Information Tourism and Culture hon. Kondwani Nankhumwa said during this period the media “did the nation proud and were the envy of the world” when it reported courageously and professionally during Malawi’s first ever Tripartite General Elections in May 2014 and also when it courageously helped to expose Cashgate (the systematic syphoning of money from Capital Hill).

Mkwezalamba Says HRCC, Anti-NAC Gate CSOs Gave Him Go Ahead To Represent CSOs When BEAM Well Wishers Refunded K5m to NAC

Mkwezalamba Says HRCC, Anti-NAC Gate CSOs Gave Him Go Ahead To Represent CSOs When BEAM Well Wishers Refunded K5m to NAC

A human rights activists and Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) executive director Robert Mkwezalamba says had a go ahead from his institution and from some of the Anti-NAC Gate CSOs to represent CSOs when concerned business person ‘well wishers of First Lady’s Beautify Malawi Trust (BAM) asked for his presence at an event of returning K5 million to NAC.

Five Anti-NAC Gate CSOs demanding refund of NAC money dubiously accessed by BEAM and Mulhakho Wa Alhomwe, recently disowned Mkwezalamba and Billy Mayaya as their preventatives at the event saying the two were present on their personal capacity as they are not part and parcel of the fight to see BEAM and Mulhakho to refund NAC money adding that even their presence at the event was not justifiable.

“We have learnt with great shock the recent acts of two activists Mr Billy Mayaya and Mr Robert Mkwezalamba who masqueraded as our representatives (ANTI-NACGATE CSOs representatives) at a BEAM/ DPP regime’s orchestrated “public display” of K5, 000,000.00 under the guise of “well-wishers”.  The two have never been, and are not part and parcel of this ANTI-NACGATE struggle being championed by CHRR, Cedep, MANERELA, MANET + and MHEN on behalf of aggrieved Malawians who are desperately waiting for the return of the money meant for HIV and AIDS activities.” Reads the communication from Makhumbo Munthali a Human Rights Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation Coordinator for Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR)

The communication added “As such, we would like to categorically dissociate ourselves from any act indulged by the two earlier this week, and that whatever they did was not representative of us.” Said Munthali adding “It was out of their own personal interest, -or perhaps under the influence of a “hidden big hand” to manipulate public’s opinion or trap us.”

But speaking in an interview Mkwezalamba says he made consultation before attending the event and is surprised that CSOs have changed the tune but said if they find fault in his presence at the event then the best way to raise the matter would have been using proper procedure than attacking personalities.

 “Basically as HRCC is a network organization of over 90 civil society organizations on various rights of individuals including some of the organizations that are demanding BEAM and Mulhakho to return NAC money, so when we were informed by Mr. Chinsinga (Barnett Chinsinga leader of concerned business persons) who contacted my office and said they want to do something for BEAM, I consulted my office and said it was in order. Then I shared the information with some of the five CSOs that are advocating for BEAM to refund the money and this is CEDEP and MHEN through their executive directors Gift Trapence and Martha Kwataine (respectively) they all accepted and said this is good news and we are going to attend the function.” He explained

“On the day, they called me in the morning they said due to security reason for fear that DPP supporters would be present, they are not ready to attend the function but they gave me a go ahead to proceed to sit to preside over the function and I did on that behalf on that basis.”

But reacting to disowning remarks Mkwezalamba said “I think as a leader and as a mature civil society activists, human rights activist, I wouldn’t want us to start fighting over this.”

“The issue should be about BEAM. Has the money been paid back? Are they satisfied or not? Are they proceeding or not? Those should be the issues, but as to why I was there or whether it was right or not wrong for me to be there, as HRCC we have our own internal structures that they can raise those issues for now we came in as HRCC to assist in the process.”

               

He added that he would want to see BEAM and Anti-NAC Gate CSOs sitting around the table and settle differences if any to the interest of Malawians and but put aside disowning issues and attacking personalities.

According to the communication from Munthali says Mkwezalamba and Mayaya presence that the event was not justifiable and claim that “there is more than what can meet the eye, and it would be naïve of us to completely rule out the possibility of the two being part of the BEAM/DPP’s regime orchestrated network of cadres who are hell-bent at thwarting the public crusade aimed at coming to the bottom of NACGATE. Their actions are suspicious.”

Currently CSOs maintains that neither Mulhakho Wa Alhomwe nor BEAM trust has refunded the money, as such demonstrations to press for their refund of money remain intact on 13^th January 2015, in all cities and in some selected number of districts across the country.

LL Police Shot Dead 4 Armed Robbers, 1 At large

Police assure residence of maximum security

Armed robbers from Malawi and Mozambique have died after being shot by Police in Lilongwe on Monday evening. Two Malawians died on spot and the other two Mozambican nationals were arrested and later died at Kamuzu Central Hospital but one Mozambican national is on loose.

According to Lilongwe Police Station Public Relations Officer Sub Inspector Kingsley Dandaula the armed robbers exchanged gun-shots with police where two Malawian nationals died on spot and two Mozambican nationals were arrested but had shot wounds.

Dandaula said the police followed tip that some robbers camping somewhere at Biwi near Kalikuti hotel were in the day planning to carryout robbery in the capital city Lilongwe targeting filling stations, banks and some shops.

He said police had the suspects on surveillance and rounded them up at a newly constructed Lilongwe West By-pass road roundabout and Gateway Mall “When our officers identified the criminals they started to exchange gunshots and two Malawian criminals were killed on spot and the other two who are Mozambican nationals died at Kamuzu Central Hospital”

Dandaula mentioned that the deceased criminals were armed with an AK 47 with 18 rounds of live ammunition, an axe, valium drugs, but said the investigations are underway.

Sub Inspector Dandaula further said police identified one Mozambican criminal to be responsible in one of the murder that took place in Dedza and that the other Malawian suspect had criminal record of stealing vehicles.

Currently in Lilongwe cases of armed robbery are happening daily during the day and night.

But the Lilongwe Police PRO has assured Lilongwe City Residence of their security “We want to assure Lilongwe city residence that as police, we will work together with them in ensuring maximum security in the city. We know people have begun to say that there is security lapse in Lilongwe but we would like to assure them that we are doing all that we can to arrest these criminals but I would like to urge members of general public to share us information of any suspects.”

LL Police Shot Dead 1 And Arrest 2 Suspected Armed Robbers

LL Police Shot Dead 1 And Arrest 2 Suspected Armed Robbers

Police in Lilongwe over the weekend shot dead one suspect and arrested two armed robbers. The three were interrupted by police following a tip that some criminals were planning to carryout robbery between area 3 and 9.

According to Lilongwe police station public relations officers Sub Inspector Kingsley Dandaula Area 36 police followed the tip and found the three suspects at one place in area 36.

He said upon noticing the police presence one suspect began to run but police started a chase. He said after several warning shots fired in the air failed to stop the suspect they shot the suspect in the back and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kamuzu Central Hospital.

“Police shot the suspect accidentally in trying to stop him” said Sub Inspector Dandaula

He said one of the two arrested suspects was found with two live ammunition and torch and the investigations also found that one suspect Lameck Chidina also known as ‘Gaba’ was released on Court bail at Limbe Darton Principle Resident Magistrate Court on 25^th April this year answering a case of being found in possession of breaking instrument without lawful excuse.

He added that these suspects were involved in several crimes that took place in Lilongwe of which some cases their friends are serving jail sentences.

“We have found out that these suspects have been attacking area 3 and area 9 in several occasions. In area 3 they attacked a certain business person and tried to abduct his wife who was rescued by our 990 police officers when rushed to the scene.” He said

“These suspects are very dangerous and we are still going on with our investigations” he said saying the investigations will involve finding out the other suspect who may have a gun which would have been used for two live ammunition found by the arrested suspects.

The two suspects have been identified as Lameck Chidina aged 29 from Nsomba village T/A Bibikulunda in Salima and Patrick Phiri Swale aged 36 from Mwakula village T/A Malengachanzi in Nkhotakota district.

Concerned Businesspersons Deposit NAC Money Through Chief Secretary

Asks Anti-NAC Gate CSOs to Cancel Demonstrations 

The concerned Business persons finally return K5 Million Kwacha to National Aids Commission (NAC) through Chief Secretary on 24^th December 2014. The returned money is a pay back on behalf of First Laday’s initiative Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) following demands from Civil Society Organizations asking BEAM and Mulhakho Wa Lhomwe to return the money which they accessed from NAC through dubious means.

Barnett Chinsinga the leader of 10 business persons that contributed the funds confirmed to FM 101 Power that the group handed over the money through Chief Secretary George Mkondiwa and were accompanied by rights activist Robert Mkwezalamba of Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) who signed the document with Chief Secretary.

Receipt Document

He said business people hope that following this development the planned demonstrations by Anti-NAC Gate CSOs who are demanding the return of the money to be canceled adding that if they don’t then they are having a hidden agenda.

“Yes we did that,” confirmed Chinsinga  “as of now what we know is that Robert Mkwezalamba is the one responsible for that, we went together with him” but declined to comment why they failed to accompany with five CSOs that are demanding the return of the money.

But he said “What I can add on issue about people who are not wishing well for Malawi, they should stop what they have prepared. They have been murmuring all these days that they want to do their demonstrations because of the money we have returned. So our appeal is to stop their demonstrations, if they will continue that means it was another issue may be they were doing such a thing because of political issues.”

He added that there is nothing which can make CSOs continue for demonstrations and urged Malawians to avoid resorting demonstrations saying demonstrators often became wild to the extent of destroying businesses.

HRCC executive director Robert Mkwezalamba confirmed of his presence and signing of the document indicating that the money has reached government. He said what remain is BEAM to officially write NAC explaining reasons for returning the money as required by NAC.

“Yes I was there, actually there was a document which we developed together with Chief Secretary” a document which he said himself together with Chief Secretary signed and Mr. Chinsinga signed on behalf of business people as a witness.

“NAC falls under the Office of President and Cabinet” he justified deposit of the funds with Chief Secretary on behalf of government adding that NAC officials were on Christmas and New Year holiday when the business grouping wanted to refund the money.

“The idea is to have the money sent to NAC and by the time we had wanted to give the money NAC said they are on holiday till fifth of January. So if you are looking at the process where after the fifth of January we can go back and get the money and pay to NAC or using government system that the Chief Secretary is just going to transfer the funds in the normal system to NAC, but at the end of the day we only want to see the outcome whether the funds have gone to NAC or not and that can be confirmed after holiday” he said

Meanwhile Anti-NAC Gate CSOs led by five institutions CHRR, Cedep, MANERELA, MANET + and MHEN maintains that neither Mulhakho Wa Alhomwe nor BEAM trust has refunded the money, as such demonstrations to press for their refund of money remain intact on 13^th January 2015.

CSOs Disowns Mayaya, Mkwezalamba On Anti-NAC Gate Involvement Claims

CSOs Disowns Mayaya, Mkwezalamba On Anti-NAC Gate Involvement Claims

Five Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the banner ‘Anti-NAC Gate’ have openly distanced themselves from two activists Mr Billy Mayaya and Mr Robert Mkwezalamba claims that they are part of CSO pressure group demanding First Lady’s Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) and Lhomwe cultural grouping Mulhakho Wa Lhomwe to refund money dubiously accessed from National Aids Commission (NAC).

On Tuesday 22^nd December 2014 at press conference when concerned business persons lead by Burnet Chinsinga were trying to return BEAM’s K5 Million to NAC in order to appease Anti-NAC Gate CSOs to call off their planned January 13^th 2015 National Wide Demonstrations, Human rights activists Robert Mkwezalamba of Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) and chairperson of the Right to Food Network, Billy Mayaya, availed themselves as CSO representatives.

According to communication from Anti- NAC Gate CSOs through Makhumbo Munthali a Human Rights Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation Coordinator for Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) apparently has rejected the two by saying Anti-NAC Gate CSOs had no representative at the event.

“We have learnt with great shock the recent acts of two activists Mr Billy Mayaya and Mr Robert Mkwezalamba who masqueraded as our representatives (ANTI-NACGATE CSOs representatives) at a BEAM/ DPP regime’s orchestrated “public display” of K5, 000,000.00 under the guise of “well-wishers”.  The two have never been, and are not part and parcel of this ANTI-NACGATE struggle being championed by CHRR, Cedep, MANERELA, MANET + and MHEN on behalf of aggrieved Malawians who are desperately waiting for the return of the money meant for HIV and AIDS activities.”

“As such, we would like to categorically dissociate ourselves from any act indulged by the two earlier this week, and that whatever they did was not representative of us.” Said Munthali adding “It was out of their own personal interest, -or perhaps under the influence of a “hidden big hand” to manipulate public’s opinion or trap us.”

According to the communication from Munthali says Mkwezalamba and Mayaya presence that the event was not justifiable and claim that “there is more than what can meet the eye, and it would be naïve of us to completely rule out the possibility of the two being part of the BEAM/DPP’s regime orchestrated network of cadres who are hell-bent at thwarting the public crusade aimed at coming to the bottom of NACGATE. Their actions are suspicious.”

Munthali said CSOs status quo remains that neither Mulhakho Wa Alhomwe nor BEAM trust has refunded the money, as such demonstrations to press for their refund of money remain intact, “we remain vigilant to fight to the very end till the money is returned back in the best interest of human rights for all and people living with HIV and AIDS.” 

He also said the date for the nationwide demonstrations over NACGATE and the prevailing political, economic, administrative and governance woes remains 13^th January 2015, and apart from the cities of Zomba, Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, the demonstrations will also be staged in a selected number of districts across the country and that preparations are underway.

Three Die In Salima Gemstone Mine When the Upper Cavity Collapsed

A 2 year old girl was killed together with two miners but her mother survived from the accident

A two year old girl and two men aged 24 and 25 were killed on a Christmas day when upper cavity of a tunnel they were in, searching precious stones collapsed and fell on them.

The tragic accident that took place at Sadzu village along Lilongwe river bank in Salima District has also left the mother of the girl and another man in serious injuries and are currently admitted at Salima District hospital.

Salima Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Gift Chitowe confirmed that the three died in a 2 metre deep hole and mom of the girl and a man, survived with serious injuries.

He said the little girl was just following her mom and miners digging closer to the collapsed hole carried rescue operation but found the three already dead.

“These people stay at Sadzu village and they went to a mining area located in the same village. They were all in the same hole mining gemstones and suddenly the upper cavity of the tunnel collapsed and fell on them.”

Police have identified the deceased as Adams Mwale aged 24 from Mpaliro village of T/A Chatoloma in Kasungu, Juston Bajesi aged 25 of Sangwa village T/A Khombeza in Salima and a 2 year old girl Linda Jakamusi whose mother Susan Chimbalanga from Katole village T/A Khombedza survived the accident together with Mbuli John aged 21 from Mwamadi village T/A Kambwiri Salima.

Sergeant Chitowe says the mining activities that have just emerged in the area for the past two months by people from the districts of Dedza, Lilongwe, Dowa, and Nkhotakota are extracting red and white Galanite gemstones. He said such activities are being done without license and protective materials like proper mining clothing. He also said the owners of the collapsed mine had no license too.

“As Police we are advising members of the general public to take proper measures whenever they are mining in order to prevent these incidences in future. They need to follow the right channels whenever they are doing this job” he advised, he added “They must realize that it is dangerous to do mining, they need to have protective wears and must follow right procedures from relevant authorities and get registered with government.”

Currently Malawi government is in the process of formalizing the mining subsector Artisanal and Small Scale Miners (ASM) by registering everyone involved in these activities in order to end numerous challenges the subsector is facing. The subsector is not well regulated, has no proper markets and access to financial support and equipments for their job is difficult

Through the recent ASM Policy Consultation Symposium urged all miners to get registered and both government and private sector were challenged to provide necessary support to ASM in areas of financial literacy and access to loans, necessary tools and access to markets.

Over 20 Thousand people in the country are employed in Artisanal and Small Scale Mining activities and proper formalization of the subsector by putting proper regulations and monitoring of such activities will not only increase 10% the mining sector contributes to the Malawi GDP or provide better markets for ASM but will also help to provide necessary resources that may help the miners to carry out their mining activities in a safe environment.

This year similar incident occurred in Dowa district where three women suffocated to death and one was left with sustained serious injuries when an upper cavity of a tunnel they were in to extract clay soil collapsed and fell on them on 23^rd April. The incident took place at Bimphi village T/A Chiwere where four women were inside the tunnel extracting clay soil which they wanted to use in smearing their houses for decoration.

CSOs Won’t Cancel Demonstrations If Only One Institution Return NAC Funds

CSOs Won’t Cancel Demonstrations If Only One Institution Return NAC Funds 

Plans to hold national wide demonstrations demanding Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) and Mulhako Wa Alhomwe to refund money accessed from National Aids Commission (NAC) can never be cancelled if only one institution refunds the money.

Burnett Chinsinga who represented ten Business persons from Blantyre and Lilongwe, on Tuesday refunded K5 million that BEAM got from NAC. Chinsinga said by raising the money hoped that CSOs will cancel their planned January 13^th demonstrations because business people are concerned that such demonstrations may affect their businesses.

Chinsinga was in the company of chairperson of the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), Robert Mkwezalamba, the Health Rights and Education Programme (HREP) Executive Director, Maziko Matemba, and chairperson of the Right to Food Network, Billy Mayaya,

However NAC has rejected the money saying the businesspersons did not follow procedure of returning the money which is writing NAC and send the money through Treasury.

Trapence: We will cancel demonstrations if all institutions
return the funds to NAC

Centre for Development of People (CEDEP) one of five civil society organisations planning for the Anti-Nac gate demonstrations says CSOs shall cancel demonstrations only if ‘all’ institutions return the money before 13 January 2015.

CEDEP executive director Gift Trapence in his reaction to the attempts being made by concerned business persons said even if the group successfully returns the money on behalf of BEAM, still demonstrations will be on as planned because CSOs will be asking Mulhako to return the money.

“What we want to see is all the institutions returning the money to NAC” he said. “Because we want that money used for impact based activities”

While welcoming gesture by concerned business persons and encourage Mulhako to do the same, Trapence mentioned that had business person’s return the money to NAC for BEAM, CSOs would still have demanded a receipt indicating that NAC has received the returned money.

Trapence however said CSOs will be meeting on the incident to make official stand.

Meanwhile BEAM has maintained stand that they will never return the money because it was not given out as cash. BEAM said had the business persons consulted BEAM then BEAM could have instructed them not to refund the money.

2 Killed After Thrown From Bed of Truck

2 Killed After Thrown From Bed of Truck

Two men were killed in Dowa district after they were thrown from an open back of the truck as it sped uncontrollably at a steep slope road when it developed brake failure.

According to Dowa Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Richard Kaponda the fatal accident occurred on Tuesday involving a TATA lorry registration number DZ 3893, and 10 other passengers had serious injuries.

Sgt Kaponda: Others were rushed to KCH

“The Driver was on his way to Kachigamba from Dowa Boma with 12 passengers riding in a bed of the truck containing some building materials. Upon reaching Chimvu primary school as he was descending a slope the vehicle lost control due to brake failure.” Said Kaponda, “and it started to descend with a greater speed, passengers were thrown in the process then it stopped when it hit the wall in a verge”

Sgt Kaponda says police identified the driver as Noel Kachule aged 32 from Sapita village of T/A Chauma in Dedza. And the two deceased persons are Sinoa Yassin aged not known from M’bango village T/A Mkukula and Richard Charles aged 19 from Chinyama village T/A Chiwere both from Dowa district.

Sgt Kaponda said Sinoa died at the scene while Richard died upon arrival at Dowa district hospital.

The other passengers were rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) for sustained serious injuries.

Salima District Police Promises Tourists Tight Security

Already netted 22 men, 11 women

Police in Salima district says they have tightened security in the district in order to make tourists walk freely when enjoying Christmas and New Year festivities along Lake Malawi.

Sergeant Gift Chitowe Salima District Public Relations Officer confirmed that both uniformed and civilian police officers have already met owners of bars, security companies and lodges as well as members of community policing in the district on how they can work together during this festive season in order to reduce crime.

“We have also engaged with members of the general public on the importance of reporting all suspected persons and all crime related incidences to police” he added. He said police will be quick in responding to any given tip.

“I would like to assure any person whether in Malawi or outside the country who wants to spend their holiday in our district that security is tight and be assured of their safety.” He said

As matter of showing how serious with security issue police in the district have, he said they have already over the weekend arrested 33 people on rogue and vagabond and earning a living through prostitution offences.

Sgt Chitowe said 22 are men and 11 are women and were arrested during a sweeping exercise operation in all trading centre’s within Salima district

Pres. Mutharika Release 197 Prisoners for Christmas

"a symbol of forgiveness as the country commemorates its Christmas and New Year Celebrations"

President Professor Peter Mutharika has pardoned 197 inmates for Christmas festivities.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security wishes to to announce that it has pleased His Excellency the President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to Pardon 197 prisoners.” Reads press statement dated 23^rd December 2014

The statement says 197 prisoners who have been pardoned are those who have served at least half of their prison sentences, with good behaviour and were not convicted of serious offences.

“The Pardon of the 197 prisoners is a symbol of forgiveness as the country commemorates its Christmas and New Year Celebrations.”

Farm Input Subsidy Distribution Ending Without Irregularities

Farm Input Subsidy Distribution Ending Without Irregularities

The Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) distribution exercise from main warehouses to ADMARC depot across the country is expected to end by month end of December which is in few days time.

As of Monday 22^nd December, 2014 the programe had reached 90.6% of distribution of this year’s 150,000 Metric Tons of Urea and NPK fertilizers from Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) Depots to all unit markets.

Deputy National Coordinator for FISP Mr. Osborne Tsoka said the distribution exercise comes to an end in few days time without cases in relation to siphoning of fertilizer bags, mixing fertilizer with sand or other challenges the programme experienced in previous years.

Tsoka attributed to the success of this year’s programme which was implemented in a short period of time due to various efforts that Ministry of Agriculture has put in place, “In previous years we could have cases of diversion of fertilizer bags, this year, what we have done is that every vehicle living the three major warehouses of SFFRFM of Chilimba Kanengo and Luwinga is being accompanied by armed police officers at the same time we have satellite tracking.”

He added that this tracking system has also prevented cases of mixing fertilizer with sand. He also mentioned that influx of fake coupons has been controlled by strengthening of security features of the FISP coupons.

He said currently the programme has also included a village buying arrangement system to reduce congestions in ADMARC depots which had in previous years resulted in fights among farmers when trying to access fertilizer.

This arrangement system has proven to be effective in some depots that were visited by the media on Monday afternoon. Officials from Mponela and Madisi ADMARC depots praised the system saying it has reduced congestion as farmers comes to buy the inputs only on the day that was specifically set for their group village head.

In 2014/2015 national budget allocated K50.4 billion for FISP targeting 1.5 million vulnerable farmers.

CSOs Angered By Pres. Mutharika Defensive Remarks at Children Christmas Party

CSOs Angered By Pres. Mutharika Defensive Remarks at Children Christmas Party

The five Civil Society Organissations (CSOs) Manet+Manelera+ MEHEN, CEDEP and CHRR are not at ease with President Professor Peter Mutharika’s recent remarks that rebuke his critics who may attempt to probe where he outsourced money used for hosting First Couples Christmas party with children from around Lilongwe on Wednesday 17^th December 2014 at Kamuzu Palace.

In a quest to inform the nation that he hosted the children Christmas party using his own together with first lady and well wishers money, President Peter Mutharika is on record cautioning any attempt to find fault from the party particularly probe where the money was sourced and make some protests out of it.

CSOs view this as direct attack to human rights activists that have vehemently vow to go on with plans for national demonstrations demanding (organizations not strategically placed in national HIV and AIDS response) First Lady’s initiative Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) and his tribe grouping Mulhako Wa Alhomwe to repay back the national HIV and AIDS response funds they access through dubious means from National Aids Commission (NAC).

In their statement confirming steady to go on with January 13^th 2015 demonstrations presented to the media over the weekend, CSOs have questioned motive of President Peter Mutharika’s defensive remarks on accountability of his money used for hosting the party and any attempt to make demonstrations.

In the manner the president presented the caution, CSOs suspect that the president had a hand in the recent NAC incident. CSOs are also accusing President Mutharika’s silence and failure to condemn the incident or calling for a swift investigations, “For no doubt the President’s “silence” on the matter is making a lot of noise, and to a greater extent his silence may be implied as consent to the malpractice.” Said Timoty Mtambo CHRR executive director who was together with Gift Trapence Executve director for Cedep, representing other three CSOs

 “Why is it that the DPP’s regime seemed to be more concerned or angry with the saga than even the implicated BEAM Trust and Mulhakho Wa Alhomwe?” asked Mtambo

“Why the panic? Is there something the DPP’ regime is hiding to the country on its possible role in NACGATE? If the whole of the President can stand up and say “I don’t want mawa somebody nkumati fwee fwee fwee ndipanga demonstrations and so forth there is no government money here involved”, in front of children,” Mtambo said adding that even such words were not palatable for the children at the event

“For any possible intentions by his critics to poke their nose into the source of funds for the children’s party in a context or a background of NACGATE and that the only demonstrations being talked about which are as a result of misuse of public funds are the ones related to NACGATE, then we should all be suspicious and question why the President is uttering such and his possible link to NACGATE saga? Why the guilt and anger?” said CHRR executive director

Taking his turn Cedep executive director Gift Trapence also expressed CSOs dismay on “worrisome” arguments being advanced by some executive board members of BEAM Trust who in support of NAC gesture in releasing funds to Beatify Malawi Trust (BEAM) and their position that BEAM cannot return the money are also contradicting with clarification made by NAC.

Trapence also query Mr. Maxwell Matewere a Vice Chairperson of CONGOMA and board member of First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s BEAM Trust, if his arguments supporting NAC gesture and calling nationwide demonstrations ‘a rushed one’ were spoken on behalf of CONGOMA as a result of consultative process with members or a board member of BEAM.

Similarly, the statement by CSOs, also accuse Malawi Interfaith and Aids Alliance (MIAA) Robert Ngaiyaye for making a sweeping argument for reasons not known.

It further accuses Mr. Mavuto Bamusi (President Peter Mutharika’s Advisor on NGOs and board member of First Lady’s BEAM Trust) for alleging that CSOs are jealousy of BEAM trust and are politically motivated therefore BEAM cannot refund the money, and the CSOs should go ahead with the planned demonstrations. CSOs statement maintains that Mr. Bamusi was supposed to advise the President on the negative implications of using HIV and AIDS funds for unrelated activities.

Anti-NAC Gate Demonstrations Ready-CSO’s

'if restitution is made within the period, demonstrations will be called off' Anti-NAC Gate CSO’s

Five Civil Society Organisations demanding First Lady’s BEAM Trust and Mulhakho Wa Lhomwe to refund National Aids Commission (NAC) funds says their planned national wide demonstrations are ready on 13 January 2015, but can call them off once the involved institutions return the money before actual day of demonstrations.

BEAM Trust and Mulhakho Wa Lhomwe whose work is not directly involved in fight against HIV and AIDS are reported to have accessed NAC funds up to MK5 Million and MK9.4 Million respectively through dubious means.

However NAC maintains stand that it did not grant any money to Beautify Malawi but rather participated in the Beautify Malawi launch activities through buying dinner tables for stakeholders and advertising during the launch. And as a cultural grouping, Muhlakho wa Ahlomwe was supported through high level advocacy activities for HIV and AIDS issues.

It also set record straight that “the existing sub granting procedures provide for multiple channels of financing that include both solicited grant recipient organizations as well as demand driven applications.”

Board members for BEAM Trust have also accused CSOs for making demands on the matter out of jealousy.

But Manet+, Manelera+, Malawi Health Equity Network (MEHN), Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR0 and Centre for Development of People (CEDEP) in a statement released on Friday confirm that the day to hold demonstration is set and preparations are underway.

The joint letter bearing signatures of executive directors Safari Mbewe (MANET+), Martha Kwataine (MHEN), MacDonald Sembereka (MANERELA+), Gift Trapence (CEDEP) and Timothy Mtambo (CHRR) gives condition that if these institutions repay the money within the period, demonstrations will be called off because intention is not to do the demonstrations but making sure that the funds are paid back to NAC.

CSOs insist that “government and its agents” used their power to influence NAC to release the money while holding its dagger. They also believe that NAC clarification on this abuse of funds is a “big joke” but an attempt to shield the involved institutions from the scandal “NAC statement did not manage to address any of our concerns, if truth be told” maintains CSOs in the statement

“It is in light of the foregoing that the CSOs under the anti Nac-gate banner have stuck to our plans to stage nationwide protests on 13the January, 2014. The CSOs are more determined than ever to offer the public the platform to exercise their freedom of assembly and expression in demanding the two institutions in question to refund the NAC money, and also call for the current regime address the prevailing economic and political woes which are inhibiting Malawians from fully enjoying their human rights” reads the statement

Timothy Mtambo (CHRR0 and Gift Trapence (Cedep) told journalists in Lilongwe Friday evening that their petition is being worked on and it sets time frame of every demand and vows not to rest until restitution in full amount of the money is made.

Timothy Mtambo: We are making progress 

CHRR executive Director Timothy Mtambo said the demonstrations progress are making strides and come that day people will hold demonstrations in exercising their rights.

Gift Trapence: We will use other avenues if
our petition demands are not ment

Cedep Executive Director said “We have started the announcements, we just want to remind Malawians that this is a national demonstrations but as well that will have subsequent announcements of designated routs and districts where demonstrations will be.”

“We have a petition that we have written that we want to submit to government to make sure that they are able to comply to the demands of that petition.” He said

He made it clear that if it happens that government fail to comply to the demands by not forcing its agents (BEAM and Mulhako) to repay the money, CSOs will use other avenues “One is to do more demonstrations, but as well we will also use courts to make sure that these institutions have paid back the money.”

He noted that though court staff are on strike but once are open CSOs will “mobilize Malawians” to sue such institutions as well as NAC Board for flouting procedure of accessing NAC funds, “Even if at our local level in terms of courts system we are not helped we have so many international instruments that we can use to force these institutions to pay back the money.”

At first CSOs issued a seven day line for NIB, BEAM and Mlhakho wa Alhomwe  to repay back the money which they did not honor and upon expiry the CSOs announced January 13^th 2015 as a day to hold peaceful demonstrations. In light of these CSOs says they have still given the said institutions “so many days” to repay the money. 

Public Service Reform Commission Recommends 13 Actions to Get To Efficient Civil Service

Public Service Reform Commission Recommends 13 Actions to Get To Efficient Civil Service

After six months of study, getting views from public and learn from other countries, jut to find solutions halting Civil Service, the appointed seven member Public Service Reform Commission chaired by Vice President Saulos Chilima has come up with 13 recommended actions that the commission says will end inefficiencies in public service.

Vice President Saulos Chilima announced yesterday in Lilongwe that President Mutharika has approved all the proposed reforms.

He said the commission will make submission of its final report in January but on 11 February 2015 government will launch the report together with other recommended actions that were in existence but need to be reinvigorated like Reform Programme, National Plan to guide development initiative; Vision 2020 and Organisation Performance Assessment.

Some recommendations gives President authority to chair and champion some reforms just to raise their profile, however other reforms have stripped off some OPC functions by moving other initiatives to relevant ministries so that OPC remains with its core function of Managing Civil Service.

The Commission in its preliminary report which the final report will be made available in January 2015, recommends and propose issues of restructuring, decentralization of services, instill discipline in civil service, continued partnerships with private sector and quick enactment of up to 16 outstanding legislations that have an effect in effective implementation of the reforms.

Presenting the recommendations Vice President of Republic of Malawi Saulos Chilima says the recommendations will be implemented because are necessary and nothing will stop government.

He noted that other recommendations have already been implemented.

Some recommended actions will involve crucial decisions particularly on resizing civil service to maintain current 40% vacancy rate following Mutharika decision to have a 20 Cabinet members led to reduction of government ministries.

According to Chilima the Commission recommends and an exercise that reduce number of Principle Secretaries by 56 from current 96 to 40, through a consultative process that is transparent in order to ensure fairness and credibility.

He said irrelevant portfolios will be deleted, some PSs will be deployed outside civil service and exiting those that may not be required, but with a decent one-off package, and similar exercise will be done in entire civil service in order to come up with “lean and vibrant organization.”

But on constitutional reforms the Commission recommends that “number of government Ministries should not exceed twenty and the size of cabinet should not exceed 25 including the president and the vice president”

Furthermore the commission proposes ten public positions to follow presidential tenure of office in order to prevent ongoing perceptions of political appointments and termination of contracts when new regime is ushered in. And National Vision be legislated to make it legally binding and avoid tendency by Ministries, Department and Agencies deviating from the countries plan and strategies so to keep such visions stand the test of time including any change of government.

Other recommendations include restructuring of Ministry of finance, establishment of School that train government workers, development of individual, Institutional performance contracts and strengthen Green Belt Initiative  by moving it from OPC and establish Green Belt Authority so that it brings to reality Malawi dream of becoming a producing and export nation.

The commission has selected 8 ministries and departments to pioneer the implementation of these reforms and promote service delivery and accountability in some areas. In addition it has also recommended that a permanent Reform Commission be created.

Four Northern Region Youth Groups says Malawi in Economic and Governance Crisis

Asks Pres. Mutharika to Come Out In ‘Hiding’ And Facilitate Dialogue To End The Crisis.  

The four human rights groups on Youth issues from Mzuzu have bemoaned with what they describe ‘the present depressing economic and governance crisis’ in Mutharika’s government and expressed dismay with the silence from presidency on the ongoing matters.

The four organizations; Youth and Society (YAS), Mzuzu Youth Association (MYA), Child Development and Support Organisation (CHIDESO), and Centre for Youth Development (CYD) has issued a statement dated 18^th December and is signed by Charles Kajoloweka Executive Director For YAS.

In their statement the organizations said silence of Mutharika administration is prompting citizens to feel abandoned by their elected government.

They mentioned government tardiness to deal with ongoing industrial strikes happening in Judiciary, at Anti-Corruption Bureau, Universities leading to closure of the institutions, economic crisis, fiscal indiscipline as evidenced by looting at the National Aids Commission (NAC), recent exposed salary increase for elected officers as well as recent ‘militia’ attacks of the DPP youth wing as spotted in some parts of the country are some of the major challenges that Mutharika is failing to handle.

“We wish to strongly bemoan the present depressing economic and governance crisis in Malawi owing to leadership failure at all levels of government. It is notably clear that the presidency is completely absent and government is increasingly losing control over national affairs; and citizens understandably feel abandoned by their elected government have the reason to worry.” Reads the statement

“We painfully observe that despite the unfolding precarious economic and governance crisis the country is facing, President Prof. Peter Mutharika has been implausibly silent and continues be so, suggesting lack of concern and cluelessness in dealing with the crisis. The leadership is probably absent in the crisis and citizen frustrations are growing. This is strange and unheard of any leadership.” Claims the statement

The organizations have therefore called President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika and his government to open up and embark on an inclusive national dialogue in resolving the current crisis saying Mutharika has many options including convening an emergency Parliament.

Expeditious resolving of the ongoing strikes , re-open of the closed academic institutions and have also called upon the leader of opposition in Parliament Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party (MCP), and leaders of all political parties to provide pro-active constitutional oversight responsibility as expected.

In their recommendations the youth grouping have expressed rally behind of some CSOs calling for nationwide demonstrations on the current issues “We unreservedly endorse the call to defend our present and future. We will participate.” Reads the statement

President Professor Peter Mutharika’s government is continuing getting pressure from CSO’s and opposition parties over several economic related issues. Among them is the ailing economy, failure to resolve numerous industrial strikes demanding salary increment and the recent revelation that Mutharikas wife initiative BEAM Trust, National Intelligence Bureau and Mutharika’s ethinic grouping Mulhako wa Alhomwe asked and received HIV response funding from National Aids Commission (NAC) yet the three institutions work outside HIV response.

Salima, Kasungu Police In Joint Search For Kidnapper

The Farm Estate Owner Enticed the Boy To Work At His Farm Together With A Man He Knew

Unknown estate owner in Kasungu kidnaps a 15 year old Chinsinsi Benson in Salima district.

Police in Salima district are hunting for the unidentified man when parents of the boy reported of his missing at Salima Police station.

Sergeant Gift Chitowe Public Relations Officer for Salima district said the kidnapper also took with the boy a man being identified as Malindi after the two were enticed to work as tenants at his estate in Kasungu district.

“Currently the man is not known but the man arrived at Chimbalanga village which is in T/A Kambwiri in Salima district. He coaxed Mr. Malindi who is an older man and the boy Chisomo Benson to employ them and work in his farm in Kasungu. But the issue is that the man did not consult the parents of the boy hence the reporting of the matter to police.” explained Sgt Chitowe

Killer hacked Private Parts and Cut Open Victims Stomach in Salima District

Villagers at Steven Village T/A Karonga in Salima district were early hours of 16th December shocked when they discovered in their drinking water Well, floating unidentified man.

According to Police Public Relations Officer for Salima district Sergeant Gift Chitowe police suppose the dead man to be in 40’s.

The corpse was discovered inside a drinking water Well when villagers noticed some spots of blood leading into it, indicated the officer. Sgt. Chitowe said when the body was removed from the well, they found him had private parts hacked and his stomach wide open through a cut.

Mw Gender Campaigners Targets 15% Reduction Of Sexual Violence by 2017

Players in Gender Sector in Malawi have jointly launched a three year campaign initiative to end sexual violence against women girls and children ‘Malawi Unite to Act Campaign’ which its main goal is to reduce the current rate at 25% by 15%.

The new campaign has been launched on Tuesday in Lilongwe and will run up to 2017 where it is set to invigorate people and institutions in Malawi to unite and act until women and girls in the country are safe and free from violence.

CHRR, CEDEP Order DPP Regime To Stop Political Terror

Trapence  Left and Mtambo Right

Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Centre for Development of People (Cedep) have warned Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime to stop what the two human rights bodies called ‘act of political terror’ reported recently in the media.

Recent media reports have indicated that DPP members have assaulted an innocent citizen in Mzuzu; attempted to disrupt Peoples Party (PP) political rally in Chitipa and damaging business property of citizens perceived to be supporters of opposition political parties in Limbe, Blantyre.

Mw HIV Bill in Advanced Stage

Mw HIV Bill in Advanced Stage

The Malawi Government says it is making strides in formulation of laws that protect rights of those infected and affected with HIV pandemic.

Malawi has no proper policy that protects people with HIV or those that were affected because of the virus.

Secretary for Nutrition and HIV/AIDS in the Office of President and Cabinet Edith Mkawa said her office is among others speeding up the process of finalizing the HIV Bill so that everyone infected or affected with the virus should have their rights observed.

She said the bill is in its final stage and hopes to submit it to the cabinet soon so that it goes to the next sitting of parliament for it to be passed. She said the bill among others seek to help those that were infected with the virus get medical assistance without being questioned on how they got the virus or any form of violation of their rights.

“What we are working on right now is the HIV Bill. We have been working with partners including legal firms to come up with HIV Bill, what is remaining now is to take the bill to Cabinet Committee and once it gets there we will see the way forward.” She said

“And we are hoping that with that bill it will help people with rights issues so that everyone at least has their right observed.”