Pres. Mutharika Order UNIMA Tuition Fees Reduction By K50,000

President Peter Mutharika has ordered University of Malawi to reduce the tuition fees by K50,000 after meeting with the University of Malawi Students Union (UMSU) at Kamuzu Palace on Thursday.

This is across the board reduction for all students on generic and mature programs at the University. For generic students paying the minimum fees this means a 12.5% reduction while for mature students paying minimum ranges of fees this is a 5.4 % reduction.

Govt Funded CSO's On SDG's Caravan Parade

Luther Mambala reading Statement

Human Rights Activists who organised 'Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) Caravan Parade', admit receiving of funding from Office of the Presidential Adviser on Non-Governmental Organisation's (NGO's).

Jappie Mhango

However, Minister of Information Jappie Mhango has expressed ignorance of the source of funding by the group.

People in Lilongwe on Tuesday afternoon witnessed a group of activists presenting a Statement to Government asking for proper alignment of resources for the implementation of SDG's and were lead by Luther Mambala a workers activists, Philip Kamangira and Fryson Chodzi.

Although the budget for the parade is not yet known, it is estimated that Millions of money's were used amid tough economic time the country is going through.

Mghango receiving the statement

Bamusi receiving the statement

The group of activists calling themselves 'Civil Society and Citizens' has admitted that they got funding from the Presidential office to hold the parade which followed presentation of statement to President Peter Mutharika through Minister of Information Jappie Mhango and the head of the office which has funded the parade, Mr Mabvuto Bamusi.

Luther Mambala

However, the leader of the Group, Luther Mambala a workers activists says see's nothing wrong that they got funding for their parade from such an office

"No! I don't think it is right to say we were sponsored by Government but I think the Office for the Presidential Advisor on NGO's is actually the one that funded the parade" said Mambala when asked to disclose from which pocket financed the Parade

Luther said the parade was meant to sensitize Malawians on the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SGs) and not to counter demonstrations lead by Billy Mayaya one of the Malawi Human Rights Activist who had earlier presented the petition at the same Civic Offices.

"This was an optune time to sensitize Malawians to know SDG's. Malawians have to know what is happening and what is required of them in terms of contributions because they have got a role to play on these SDGs" said Mambala a former president of Malawi Congress of Trade Union

In the statement titled 'SDG's Hope for millions of Malawians; Let Us Unite To Implement Them' is calling all Malawians and Civil Society Organisations to rally behind the SDG's and be involved in implementation and monitoring of SDGs for the country to register remarkable progress towards achieving the SDG's and end poverty.

It further calls NGO's to re-align their programmes to SDG's and timely support from the Development Partners.

"We are optimistic that Government will prioritize the investment in critical and productive sectors such as Agriculture, education, health and trade. The implementation of SDGs must help to create jobs by expanding the skills development programme among the youth such as current Community Technical Colleges." Reads the statement

The petition also noted that women and youth empowerment is key in achieving the SDG's and that Government should create more space for citizen and civil society engagement around the SDG's.

Mayaya Warns Of Civil Disobedience If Govt Service Delivery Remains Sour

Human Rights Defender, Billy Mayaya has presented petition Tuesday morning which is demanding for Good Governance and Improved Service Delivery from Government.

Dyson Milanzi, Director of Administration for Lilongwe City Assembly received the letter on behalf of Lilongwe Chief Executive Officer who declined to come out of his office to receive the petition.

As if that was not enough it took over 45 minutes for the responsible person to come out to receive the petition

In the Petition Mayaya says provision of Service in key sectors like Health, education and energy have declined and yet no visible efforts are being done by government and does not seem concerned.

“Instead of directing meagre resources to improving these key sectors, the Government seems more prepared to direct resources to the rank and file of the party as a way of appeasement” reads the statement

It further noted that instead of implementing austerity measures government continues to misallocate resources to things that are congruent with the needs of Malawians.

The Petition among others, demands availability of medical supplies to all hospitals and increased resource allocation.

“We demand that top Government Officials be sent to local hospitals instead of flying abroad so that they can appreciate the state of local health service delivery.” Demands the statement

It further demands increased allocation to education sector, transparency and accountability in running state affairs and non-partisan in pursuing cashgate cases.

He has given government an ultimatum of 30 days and if not satisfied with the response Mayaya said people shall continue crusade of civil disobedience that will include sit-ins, vigils, boycotts, stay away and demonstrations until demands are met.

Malawi CSO's Confirm Plans For Demonstration Against Mutharika Administration

CSOs

Civil Society Organisations says plans are underway to hold demonstrations in the country against what they call "loss of leadership and direction" by President Peter Mutharika administration.

Various CSO leaders said on Wednesday evening that there is leadership crisis as president Mutharika has failed to take charge of this country as evidenced in number of challenges people are facing.

Confirming the development on Wednesday evening, Human Rights Activists, Billy Mayaya, Robert Mkwezalamba, Gift Trapence and Timothy Mtambo said the citizens of this country have asked CSOs to resort for demonstrations as president has lost legitimacy and direction.

Timothy Mtambo

“People have been asking for demonstration, citizens have spoken, citizens have approached us to say; we are tired of this mess. So people are tired and we as the civil society leaders we will not hesitate to take leadership of the citizens to mobilize them to express their anger through a demonstration which is a constitutional right.” Said Mtambo

“At the mean time we have not decided the date but we are planning” confirmed Mtambo who also appealed to the president to take charge desist from making statements which may further demotivate Malawians.

He hinted that the Malawians who are the “employers of the president”, are angered by President Mutharika’s defensive approached on matters of accountability

“We were crying to say this president left this country with hundreds of people at the moment the country is suffering in unemployment, problems in the health sector, education sector and many other”

Going to the meeting was not bad, he was representing us, but he took hundreds of people. When employers of this president asked him to account which is tenant of democracy and good governance to be transparent in the manner he held this issue, he became emotional, he shouted at everyone. He told the nation that when he came here he was a millionaire. We don’t care about his millions, but what we care is him to take us forward.” Explains Mtambo

While stating that people are tired of the president who can shout at them, Mtambo said president actions are not only signs of arrogance but also shows has lost the control of this country.

“Who is supposed to be angry, who is supposed to shout at the other, the person who is making us a failed country or the people who are suffering?” query Mtambo then said “When someone becomes emotional, banging tables and calling everyone garbage and threatening the media, is a clear sign that somebody has lost direction and has lost his legitimacy. This is why we are asking if the president feels that this office is too heavy for him to handle then he should honorably resign” he said

He also pointed out that the president has contradicted himself all over and that Muthatika has failed to walk the talk and in most cases contradicting himself both in his statements and actions

“He tells the donors to help on the looming hunger the same day he leaves to New York with hundreds of people. He tells the country that a’m challenging you am not going to stop hiring the jet, the same tomorrow he says as a country we are broke.

He challenges the civil servants that we are broke and we are not going to raise the salaries yet he raises school fees for the children. So, where are the suffering people of this country going to get the money to pay for such school fees? So it is clear loss of direction and loss of leadership.” Emphasized Mtambo

Malawi CSOs, Parliamentarians Plan For Injunction On MSB Sale

Leaders for the last week Friday 15th May demonstrations against government decision to sale Malawi Savings Bank (MSB), says they will soon seek another alternative of halting the ongoing sale process.

Billy Mayaya a human rights activist says members of Civil Society Organisations together with some Members of Parliament are planning to obtain an injunction restraining government from proceeding with sale of MSB until Malawians understands what is happening on the matter.

He said the injunction will help to stop government from continuing with selling plans and their injunction shall add to last week stay order which others took in Blantyre.

Mayaya has further warned that if all avenues fail to stop government from continuing with the process of selling the bank, people will continue with vigils and demonstrations across the country.

Last Friday, Mayaya led Concerned Malawians to the National Assembly with petition asking legislature to stop government from continuing with MSB sale. However, parliament has recently failed to stop government on the matter through motion passed in February which restrain the sale of MSB pending Budget and Finance Committee to scrutinize the matter and make recommendations.

But, Mayaya says the petition to the National Assembly was a first step in demanding transparency and accountability.

Malawians Say ‘No’ to MSB Sale In Petition to Parliament, Finance Minister

• Petition was sent to Parliament and Minister of Finance asking government to stop plans to sell MSB

• Warns of series of national wide demonstrations and call for early elections if demands are not met in 60 days 

Petitioners (Bright Kampaundi in front)

Malawians against the sale of Malawi Savings Bank (MSB) have asked government to halt the ongoing process of selling the bank pending input from ordinary Malawians through National Assembly.

Government is insisting to sale MSB for financial problems the bank is going through and that it has debt amounting to K6 billion.

Rhino Chiphiko listening petitioners 

The petition from concerned Malawians has been presented Friday afternoon to the National Assembly then to Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Treasury.

The letter has warned that once the demands never met in 60 days people shall have no choice but continue with series of civil disobedience events that shall include; holding vigils at all MSB Branches and at Parliament building. 

Hon Chiphiko receiving petition
From Billy Mayaya

The petition also says people shall call for fresh elections to usher in a crop of new leaders who will serve people’s interests as citizens of Malawi.

When reading out petition, Billy Mayaya said Malawians are against the sale of MSB which they own because its assists them well since it has branches across the country.

Petitioners singing before petition
was handed to Parliament 

“We, people of Malawi, have come here to deliver the strong message to members of Parliament that Malawians say ‘No’ to the sale of Malawi Savings Bank (MSB)” he said

He mentioned that the plan to sale the bank without consulting Malawians is bleach of trust people placed in government because that is contravention to Constitutional fundamental principles which states that all powers of the state come from the people and that all people responsible for the exercise of power do so based on the trust of the people of Malawi through open, accountable and transparent government.

“The decision to sale MSB is ill conceived because we the people of Malawi have not been consulted on the matter. Malawi Savings Bank runs on our hard earned taxpayer money and yet our voices are being silenced.” Said Mayaya and asked government to halt any process to sell the bank pending the National Assembly to fully discuss the matter on people’s behalf in a transparent and accountable manner.

While the petition is claiming that plan to sale MSB is tantamount to Cashgate it also indicates that it is government move to push burden to taxpayer to pay off loans that businessmen with political connections owes the bank citing Muli Brothers who owe the bank up to K4 billion.

The petition demands that National Assembly debates and approve the recapitalization of MSB as well as summon Minister of Finance, Secretary to the Treasury and Public Private Partnership.

Petitioners at Civic Offices 

It further asks the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate the matter and that all politicians and businessmen who took the loans repay them failing which their assets must be seized forthwith.

At parliament Building, Chairperson for Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament, Honorable Rhino Chiphiko received the petition on behalf of Speaker while at Lilongwe Civic Offices, spokesperson for the ministry of Finance, Mr. Nations Msowoya received the letter on behalf of the Minister and Secretary to Treasury.

Nations Msowoya (right)

In his remarks, Hon Rhino Chiphiko welcomed the decision to present the petition to the National Assembly “Your coming here, shows that parliament is very important and has jurisdiction of these matter.”

Chiphiko said next week his committee is to be present the report in the house on the same issue following the 26th February 2015, motion moved by Dowa West legislature which placed Budget and Finance Committee to oversee the matter and make recommendations.

Fryson Chodzi reading out names of businessmen
who owe MSB

A total of five human rights activists have signed the petition namely; Gift Trapence of Centre for the Development of People (Cedep), Timothy Mtambo of Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Billy Mayaya a Human Rights Defender, Fryson Chodzi of Forum for National Development (FND) and Bright Kampaundi of Youth and Childrens Rights Shield (YCRS).

South Africa Xenophobia: Malawians Issue 48 Hours for South African Govt to End Xenophobic Violence Or Face Boycott of Products and Businesses

March Begins at the National Assembly Premisses

The largest crowd has marched in Malawi on Tuesday morning from outside National Assembly building to Kang'ombe House in the city centre of the Capital, Lilongwe where the South African embassy is based to give petition which is calling South African Government to immediately halt the ongoing Xenophobic attacks against foreign African nationals.

 The demonstration organized by a group of human rights activists was joined by legislatures Honorable Bon Kalindo,  and other dignitaries including Mr Dalitso Kubalasa of MEJN, Martha Kwataine (MHEN), Hon. Rev. Malani Mtonga (PP), and The Presidential Advisor on NGOs Mavuto Bamusi, and others. 

Hon Bon Kalindo carrying Malawi Flag

Hundreds of Malawians took to the streets while dressed in black attires, some demonstrators were in T-shirts having face of President Jacob Zuma and others for Mandela while another man was seen putting on Ngoni costume.

Songs of expressing anger with South African government and calling President Jacob Zuma to end these attacks were chanted throughout the way to South African High Commission office.

Man put on Jacob Zuma T-Shirt

The protesters have presented the petition to South African High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Cassandra Mbuyane Mokone who has since told those who gathered outside the embassy office that she was sending the petition immediately to Pretoria and thanked the demonstrators.

Cassandra Mbuyane Mokone receiving petition

The petition signed by Malawi Human Rights activists, Billy Mayaya, Gift Trapence, Robert Mkwezalamba, Lucky Mbewe and Timothy Mtambo on behalf of concerned citizens of Malawi is asking South African Government to address the worsening violence within 48 hours, else face boycott to all South African products, businesses including ban of South African airlines from operating or landing in Malawi airports.

Ambassador Cassandra Mbuyane Mokone listening attentively

The South African Government is urged to take a proactive action in protecting rights of all people living in South Africa, in line with provisions in their constitution and international legal obligations and address the cause of xenophobia.

Part of the crowd

The letter is further calling for thorough investigation of these ongoing violence and hold those responsible accountable so that they face justice. Similarly, the petition while accusing Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, Edward Zuma and Small Businesses Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu for their alleged remarks which are fueling the attacks against foreign African nationals it asks south African Human Rights Commission to investigate such xenophobia comments and take appropriate action.

However, the petition noted with disappointment that perpetrators of 2008 xenophobic violence were not held accountable for the killings of more than 60 people.

Though not addressed in the petition, human rights activist Timothy Mtambo says they want compensation to Malawi victims.

The ongoing violence in South Africa against foreign African nationals is premised on alleged  crowding of South African jobs by immigrants and lender the citizens jobless.

But the petition says "We call upon the Government of South Africa to urgently remove the structural inequalities that are rooted in apartheid and white privilege. We believe these are main causes of worsening economic inequality and marginalization. 

Timothy Mtambo

These inequalities were not instituted by migrants and will not automatically disappear if the migrant population decreases."

The petition adds "The most sustainable way to address the economic frustrations felt by many South Africans is to adopt policies that reduce the inequalities and create programmes that empower ordinary South Africans."

The petition also reminds South African Government of how other African countries including Zimbabwe, sacrificed their socio-economic and political resources in solidarity with South African liberation movements to bring to an end to evil apartheid. 

"In solidarity of these extreme sacrifices by African people, we expect the South African authorities and its citizens to reciprocate the solidarity through Ubuntu and shunning of Xenophobia."

Billy Mayaya posing with one of the demonstrators

Billy Mayaya one of the organizers for the demonstration said it is possible to boycott South African businesses and products if Malawians agrees to.

South African businesses including Game shop, Shoprite and Standard Bank have large customers in Malawi.