PDC Colors Kaliati’s SADC Gender Award

Nankhumwa presenting gift to Kaliati

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Patriotic Cadets (known as PDC), celebrates with Honorable Patricia Kaliati for her outstanding achievement of winning SADC Gender Protocol Award.

Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati won an award of excellence for her involvement in the acceleration of gender protocols in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.

Kaliati posing with other members (left Cecilia
Chazama)

To show their happiness, PDC members organized a special party for hon Kalitati landmark recognition in the SADC region.

The event which took place in Lilongwe on Sunday, included gift presentation to hon Kaliati.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Kondwani Nankhumwa said Kaliati deserve such an award because of her efforts in mainstreaming gender issues in the country.

He said, receiving an award from SADC is a clear testimony of her great achievements

"You haven't achieved this on silver platter, but it also took your listening ear to advices from President Mutharika" added Nankhumwa

Hon Nankhumwa further asked hon. Kaliati to continue working hard in promoting issues of gender.

Speaking earlier, chairperson for the organizing committee for the event, Andrew Chapola also commended hon Patricia Kaliati for her relentless efforts in promotion of gender in the country especially on making sure that women are not looked down in society.

"We are very proud of you!" said Chapola, "you have done us proud and you are a role model" he added

The event brought together PDC members from all regions across the country including, Principle Secretary for the Presidential Initiative on Safe Motherhood, Chimwemwe Chipungu, Deputy Secretary General for DPP, Hon Cecilia Chazama and Special Assistant to President, Dr. Ben Phiri.

Gidani International Gets Lottery Operation License in Malawi

(Pic by LEVEL ART_Francesco
Jnr)

The National Lotteries Board has awarded license to a South African based company, Gidani International Limited to operate the Malawian National Lottery.

In a colorful event held Wednesday morning at Umodzi Park, Bingu International Conference Centre, Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Honorable Kondwani Nankhumwa handed over the license to Chairman for Gidani International, Professor Bongani Aug Khumalo.

Hon Nankhumwa Left handing over
License to Prof. Khumalo
(Pic ByLEVEL ART_Francesco Jnr)

Hon Nankhumwa asked the company to deliver its promise to professionally run the lottery in the country within the terms of the license.

Speaking at the event, Professor Bongani Khumalo, Chairperson for Gidani International Limited and Vice President for Africa Lottery Association, made commitment that the Malawi subsidiary shall work within the provisions of the license and will bring very exciting games.

Prof Khumalo (Pic by LEVEL ART_Francesco Jnr)

He indicated that the company is set to employ more Malawians and offer business opportunity to local retailers through profitable sales of Gidani game products.

Prof. Khumalo said, the company will among others train and prepare its local staff by expatriates team to enable them take over the reins through skills transfer program.

The company has also indicated that it will make investments in Malawi, bring state of art technology for lottery and channel its proceeds for good cause to enable more Malawians benefit from the company.

Prof Khumalo (Pic by LEVEL ART_Francesco Jnr)

Gidani International Chairman who announced the first ticket sale on 21st November 2015 and the first draw on Saturday 28th November 2015, said “the first jackpot will be a life changing” as the winner will walk away with K100 million.

Before Professor Khumalo delivered his speech, BA LLB Director and Shareholder of Gidani International, Jai Banda assured that Gidani International will not only ensure that the lottery is professionally run beyond reproach but will also make significant difference in Malawi, sentiments which were equally share by Chairman for National Lotteries Board Mr. Billy Banda.

Jai Banda (Pic by LEVEL ART_Francesco Jnr)

Jai Banda said “We the local partners have a meaningful relationship with the international company that will bring poverty alleviation, create wealth and job opportunities.” 

“As local shareholders we will be actively involved in the management of the company. We will be part of the process to identify and train personnel” he said while adding that the local shareholders shall also ensure that the company operates national lottery in compliance with the law and that all the National Lottery Board’s obligations are fulfilled.

Master Maliro (Pic by LEVEL ART_Francesco Jnr)

Earlier, Cheif Executove Officer at National Lotteries Board Mr. Master Maliro indicated that Gilani International Limited has been awarded the 5 year contract license after its application was successful among the three companies that expressed interest to operate in Malawi.

Maliro also said the Gidani application went through thorough scrutiny before being awarded the license and the Board is convinced that Gidani is going to work effectively since it has a good background in other African countries for 7 years.

Gidani will launch its operations later in November this year.

Malawi has previously experienced intermittent operations from Lottery companies. Several companies ended their operations before end of the license term.

First Malawi 5Star Hotel

Umodzi Park 5 Star Hotel 

The Umodzi Park precinct in the heart of Malawi's capital of Lilongwe officially opened Friday 1 May 2015.

President Mutharika presided over the opening of the complex includes the world class Bingu Was Mutharika Internal Conference Centre the Presidential Villas and the 5 star President Walmont hotel which is the only Malawi's first five-star hotel.

Mutharika Promise Media Freedom

Journalists at World Press Freedom in Mzuzu

As the Media celebrates the World Press Freedom Day, which comes 3rd May, the State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika joins the local media fraternity in celebrating the day and reiterate his administration

commitment to safeguard the enjoyment of the twin freedoms of speech and of the press for they are part of the axis that anchors democracy.

President Mutharika 

In a statement signed by Government spokesperson hon. Kondwani Nankhumwa says President Mutharika recognise the important work that the media plays in Malawi and, thus, reaffirms his commitment to let journalism thrive because it is an enabler for achieving social economic development, good governance and the rule of law.

President and his Government welcome the theme of this year’s celebrations: “Let journalism thrive: towards better reporting, gender equality, media safety in the digital age and access to information.” It is a theme that rhymes with the principles of the Mutharika administration. Says the statement 

Mutharika has also promised that Government remains committed to creating an environment in which quality journalism can be achieved.

Mutharika further encourages media houses to complement  efforts in promoting gender balance by allowing more women journalists to reach

decision-making positions.

In the statement, Nankhumwa says Government will always play its part to bring about the reforms that encourages the media to freely use Digital technology as a useful tool for

bettering the lives of the people including reviewing all pieces of legislation that impede on their work.

Recognizing that access to information feeds into the wider development objective of empowering people, the statement says the processes of concluding the Acess to Information Bill are being expedited so that it is enacted into law as soon as possible.

AU Donates US$100 Thousand Towards Disaster Response Programme

Symbolic cheque 

The African Union Commission (AU) has assisted Malawi government with a contribution of US$100,000 (US$100 thousand) to help alleviate the impact of the floods on the people of Malawi.

His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Ambassador of Egypt to the AU and Ethiopia, made the symbolic presentation of the donation through Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa on Thursday evening in the Capital, Lilongwe.

The ambassador Mohamed Fathi Edrees is leading the delegation from the AU Permanent Representative Committee (PRC) Sub-Committee on Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons. The delegation composed of three persons were on a four day Humanitarian Assessment and Support Mission, following up on the consequences of the floods that occurred in January and resulted in displacement of thousands of Malawians. 

The team toured affected areas of Phalombe, Chikwawa and Nsanje districts after meetings with government officials and groups involved in humanitarian assistance to the recent floods.

“One important thing that we wanted to tell all our brothers and sisters here is that you are not alone.” Said Ambassador Mohamed Edresees while making assurance that African family will continue render support to Malawi in addressing some of the problems the floods have brought to the victims.

Ambassador Mohamed Edrees

“We also wanted not to stay at our offices and receive reports and just read and hear. Definitely seeing is not like hearing or reading. So it was important that we have this first hand encounter with the officials, peoples at the sites and different humanitarian actors and to have some sort of a more elaborate and comprehensive understanding of the situation.”

Receiving the donation, Hon Kondwani Nankhumwa said Malawi government is grateful of the kind gesture from the AU saying it will go a long way in the ongoing translocation and rehabilitation process. 

Hon Nankhumwa said the situation is now improving in the flood affected areas and that people will be relocated very soon. He also indicated that in some areas people have begun returning to their homes. 

However, Nankhumwa said currently, government is involved in the process of doing assessment of the damage caused by the floods and the report will be out very soon which will inform the financial resources, materials and technical support needed for the reconstruction and rehabilitation process.

Nkankhumwa has therefore asked governments and organizations to come in and assist Malawi as it is conducting reconstruction and rehabilitation process.

Mutharika Brands 2013 Arrest and Detention “Abuse of Power”;

Thanks Cadets, Police Judiciary as He Walks Down Memory Lane

Mutharika 

President Professor Peter Mutharika has described his arrest in March 11, 2013 as ‘abuse of power’ and ‘irresponsible behavior’ of the Joyce Banda administration. Mutharika has for the third time also called the treason charges leveled against him as ‘stupid case’

The Malawi leader was speaking on Wednesday in the Capital Lilongwe at a commemoration of second anniversary of his arrest together with eleven other Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials.

Mutharika with fellow detainees
 (Photo by State House)

Peter Mutharika was arrested on treason charges following the findings and recommendations of Commission of Inquiry into the death of his brother former president late Professor Bingu Wa Mutharika, a commission instituted by Joyce Banda Administration. The Commission findings lead to suspect that Mutharika and other officials plotted bar of then vice president Joyce Banda from being Malawi president, in the course committing treason offense and insight mutiny for allegedly asking then Malawi Defense Force Commander General Henry Odilo to take over the government.

Mutharika speaking at Lumbadzi Police
(Photo by State House)

But speaking of his arrest at Mtunthama State Lodge Mutharika said “I think the arrest of me and the other ten was a typical example of irresponsible behavior and abuse of power”

“That’s why I have said all this time, and I will say it again that it was a stupid treason case” said President Mutharika while challenging that he is not afraid of media critics for reiterating the word “stupid treason case”

Mutharika in Lumbadzi
police cell with Other detainees
(Photo by State House)

Last year, similar remarks attracted mixed reacts on Mutharika’s choice of diction and credibility of his arrest when he uttered the words at Mjamba in commercial city of Blantyre and Masintha ground in the Capital city Lilongwe during rallies of thanking party supporters for voting him to presidency.

“Never again should this country allow that kind of abuse of power and there is nothing worse than abuse of power” he continued as began to express word of thanks to those that rallied behind him as he walked through agony from 11 march 2013 until the time he made it to presidency in May 2014. 

Mutharika writes his name on the wall
Of Lumbadzi police cell
(Photo by State House)

On this, Mutharika has thanked youth cadets for offering him protection from three suspected doctors who came to his police cell at Lumbadzi. He said one of them was identified as Head of Criminal Investigations Department were trying to enter into Mutharika’s cell claiming Peter Mutharika required medical attention and were there to help. When the men tried to force themselves in to the cell further raising suspicions, youth cadets thwarted their mission by beating them.

DPP Youth Cadets at Mtunthama
State Lodge: Protected their leader

Here, Mutharika said, had it not been for the protection of youth cadets he would by now have been “buried six feet under the ground.”

“Anything could have happened,” said Mutharika as he also expresses thanks to police for the defense and professionalism exercised throughout the time he was detained at Lumbadzi Police station.

He further, commended Judiciary for handling treason case professionally “I want to thank the judiciary for their real professionalism, and I want Judiciary to continue with this tradition because judiciary must stand between the abuse of power and helpless individuals. The judges are supposed to stand between that to protect innocent people, so am very grateful”

To all Malawians and DPP followers support Mutharika said “May be you don’t know what it is like when you are there, you are there and you have the whole force of government against you! It’s not easy there is humiliation as well! So myself and fellow prison graduates we say thank you!”

Women and all Malawians hailed for
Support

President Mutharika who was them interim President for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and other ten party officials were arrested and charged with treason.

Necton Mhura was detained with Mutharika
(Photo by State House)

The other ten are; Goodall Gondwe, Bright Msaka, Vuwa Kaunda, Dr. Jean Kalirani, Patricia Kaliati, Kondwani Nankhumwa, Henry Mussa, Necton Mhura, Nicholas Dausi and Unus Mussa.

Mutharika Walks Down Memory Lane of 2013 Arrest and Detention; Recounts His Time In Detention

Donates Various Items to Lumbadzi Police Station, Maula Prison

Mutharika

The State President Professor Peter Mutharika on Wednesday walks down memory lane of March 2013 arrest and detention following Treason  accusations leveled against him together with eleven Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials.

Mutharika visited cells of his detention at Lumbadzi Police station and later visited Maula Prison a place he denied to stay for he argued with officials that he could not stay there for he was not yet convicted of the alleged accusations. 

Speaking at Lumbadzi Police marking commemoration of 2nd anniversary of  his arrest in 2013, Mutharika immediately after visiting the cells he said "Henry Mussa was our pastor we used to pray every night." And added "Being in Police cell is not a joke, that's a place you notice that you are in an isolation world".

"The day we arrived here" he continued, "In the middle of night the Inspector General of Police Dzonzi (Loti Dzonzi former Inspector General of Police who was serving Joyce Banda administration) received information right away from the president. He was told that Professor requires medical attention and am sending medical doctors."

"But that was a total lie" he said

"When the three men came here, Bright Msaka (who were together with Mutharika in the cell) told them that Professor is fine and does not seek any medical attention." He said, then continued with  recounts of how those men were beaten by angry party supporters when the men forced themselves into the cells further sending suspicions of their presence and mission.

Mutharika revealed that the doctors were fake as one of them is being identified as a Head of Criminal Investigations Department and said " I have a signed affidavit by Inspector General of Police (refering to Former IG Loti Dzonzi) I have it myself at the right time I will use that Affidavit" 

Mutharika was in a company of some of the officials who were arrested with him; Goodall Gondwe, Nicholas Dausi, Bright Msaka, Vuwa Kaunda, Kondwani Nankhumwa and Henry Mussa.

He announced that he has donated 15 chairs for the police at Lumbadzi, 8 solar lamps and blankets.

Later, he visited Maula Prison where he also donated food and non food items worth millions.

The items includes three tones of laundry soap, 200 litres of cooking oil, 250 bags of maize flour, 500 bails of sugar, 400 litres of chlorine and 40 bags of beans.

He also went to Mtunthama State Lodge to honor several Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials with medals for their endurance during such a trial times the party and its leadership went through.

President Mutharika Walks Down Memory Lane of 2013

Visits and Paint His Detention Cells at Lumbadzi and Maula Prison In Commemoration of 2nd Anniversary of His Arrest in March 2013

Pres. Mutharika

The State President Arthur Peter Mutharika is this Wednesday March 11, 2015 commemorating 2nd anniversary of  his arrest in 2013.

President Mutharika programme includes a trip down memory lane to see the prison cell in which he was once detained in 2013 that is in Lumbadzi and Maula Prison cells.