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.

Chakwera Says Muluzi Case, MCP Legislators Wasting Resources

Malawi Congress Party President (MCP) and Leader of Opposition Parties in Parliament, Lazarus Chakwera has asked Government to drop all cases answering former President Bakili Muluzi and allow former President Joyce Banda come back home.

Chakwera was speaking when making statement before the adjournment of the National Assembly meeting Sine Die on Friday evening.

MCP, PP Response To SONA Today: Inside MCP Response

Chakwera to respond to Mutharika speech 

Leaders of Opposition Parties will this afternoon respond to State of the National Address (SONA) by President Peter Mutharika delivered on Friday when opening the Budget Meeting for 2016/2017.

With immediate reactions the parties made through media just after Mutharika had finished speaking, expectations are high that both Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Peoples Party (PP) will be full of critics. 

PP acting President, Uladi Mussa described Mutharika’s “Towards Recovery and Sustainable Social Economic Development” titled speech as repetition of old promises of development projects and lacked pertinent issues.

Similarly, honorable Jessie Kabwila, spokesperson for MCP says as their president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is expected to respond this afternoon, MCP believes Mutharika speech was full of concessions that he has failed.

“It was good to hear him concede that growth has not gone according to the way they had said it will grow.” Observed Kabwila, “I think the speech was full of concessions of how life is difficult for the poor Malawian.”

President Mutharika speech admitted that due to bad weather conditions, Malawi economy failed to grow from projected 5.4% and went down to 3.1 in 2015 with inflation remaining high at 21.8 from projected decline of 16.4.

He however, he expressed hope that in 2016/2017 financial year economy is expected to register real GDP growth rate of 5.1% with inflation going down to 19.8%. He added that Malawi economy is slowly stabilizing due to austerity measures and fiscal policies that are in place and was optimistic that Malawi will do better and is gradually weaning itself from donor dependency.

“Where the speech comes short is on solutions.” She added then wondered “What are they planning to do to sort out this mess?”

Kabwila also observed that the State of National Address failed to articulate to their satisfaction on ending hunger in this country and she said that disappoints her party “that believes in the food security.”

“The State of the National Address was very economical with the truth when it came to focus on hunger.  I think it pussyfooted on the issue of hunger, it handled the issue of hunger with kid gloves. Actually, it went to the point of not telling the truth because we know people died of hunger.” She lamented disclosing that “In my own constituency [Salima North West] people had died”

She went on; “When I look at the State of National Address the major gap stands on the issue of hunger. However the leader of Opposition Right Honorable Dr. Lazarus Chakwera shall be responding in full on Monday.”

Honorable Kabwila concluded that in her own analysis, Mutharika speech “was very economical with the truth, it actually grossed over the hunger that we are going through, it grossed over the health crisis that Malawi is facing, the education sector is in a crisis, we know fees have just been introduced the universities are in disarray but he did not focus on that.”

Police Extends Kabwila, Chakhwantha Treason Bail To April 29

MCP supporters at Area 30 during Kabwira arrest 

Police has extended to April 29th, the bail bond for two legislatures from Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha.

Two legislatures were arrested in February following a Whatsapp conversation whose conted was deemed as Treasonous.

Despite confirmation from the two suspects of having been charged with treason, Malawi Police Inspector General, Lexten Kachama informed the Nation that the two were never charged of the said offense.

After their release, both Kabwila and Chakhwantha were told to appear to police on 27th February, 2016 at area 30 Police Headquarters. After appearing on that date, Police informed the two to reappear on March 18th but after going again to check their bail which is this Friday, Police have instructed them to reappear again on 29th April 2016.

Speaking in an interview, Chakhwantha confirmed the bail extension to 29th April but said "They didn’t offer much details and it was too little that we could actually appreciate as to what is going on apart from to extend our bail to 29th April.”

But he did indicate that they have been told that they are free to travel and have confirmed them “as free as before.”

Chakhwantha therefore said this extension dispel claims by Police IG that they were never charged with treason

“They arrested us and charged us. All the processes that they administer over a suspect when they are about to charge or have charged a person before taken to court were administered on us. So we still stand on that conviction that we are under arrest” he said

Kabwila

Honorable Jessie Kabwila also said she is still under arrest up until 29th April 2016 because they are still under bail.

“In other words still as we are walking around we are people who are attempting to overthrow the Government, our names are linked to that.” She said 

She said she has a charge sheet indicating details of her arrest although the Inspector General of Police, Lexten Kachama had recently told the Nation that the two were never charged

She noted that this arrest has negatively impacted her much because, she has been missing some important discussions in the House as she a part from being Salima North-West legislature is also Chairperson for Women Cause in Parliament.

“Just today in Parliament, they were discussing Land Acquision Bill, they were talkig about other issues of land. Ant I think you know very well that land issues for poor people are a problem. In my constituency, the Green Belt Initiative, is an issue that is a big borne of contention because poor people are complaining that they were either poorly compensated or they got nothing at all and this growing season they did not have anywhere to grow. 

So, during this time I could have participated and contributed but I was there going to show my bail and answering a charge of a treason by Whatsapp” she said

She therefore claimed that the whole arrest was a design to keep her off from participating in the very important matters as she is also Malawi Congress Party spokesperson.

Kabwila, Chakhwantha Bail Bond Extended: Fears Treason Case

Malawi Police have left two Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislatures, Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha in panic after informing them on Friday that their bail bond has been extended to 18th March 2016.

As a condition to their bail, Salima North-west legislature Kabwila and Lilongwe South-West legislature, Chakhwantha on Friday appeared at Area 30 Police Headquarters and were left gob-smacked to hear that their bail has been extended and should appear again to Police on 18th March. 

MCP supporters on Monday evening following
Kabwira arrest

Kabwila, spokesperson for MCP and Chairperson for Women Caucus in Parliament was arrested on Monday on her way to Germany Embassy to seek asylum while Chakhwantha, Chairperson of Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament surrendered himself to Police on Tuesday and were both charged with treason over Whatsapp conversation. However, Inspector General of Police Lexten Kachama on Wednesday clarified that the two were only called for cautioning and were never charged with any offense.

The two legislatures said they are surprised that Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has contradicted Police IG’s earlier statement regarding the arrests by extending their bail.

“We waited there for an hour then we were ushered into the office of the Director of the CID, it is where we got the shock of our lives where they told us that they are going to extend our bail bond to 18th March the very same day this House (National Assembly Meeting) will be rising.” Explains Chakhwantha

Chakhwantha reacted that the extension of this bail is a confirmation that Police would like to pursue Treason case against them

“This is something very strange because we understand that the IG had told the nation that we were never arrested and we are not on any charge so far, so by way of extending the bail bond we take it that legally what he said is has been contradicted by his own junior officers. 

By the extension of this bail bond we deem that we are indeed were formally charged and we are under arrest and as we are, we are suspects” said Chakhwantha waiting to hear what would be the next step by Police on 18th March

On her part, Kabwila expressed concern that these charges are preventing them from attending to important matters in National Assembly citing Friday as an example whereby as they were at Area 30, the House was listening to Minister of Finance presenting Midyear budget statement.

“You hear Police IG stating that there is no case and hear Area 30 Police saying we are extending your bail, so we don’t understand as who is telling the truth.” Reacted Kabwila

Kabwila said the bail extension is Government plan to keep them off from talking about the hunger in this country.

“To tell the truth what this is all about is trying to keep Malawi Congress Party quite because people know that what Malawi Congress Party has been saying that this Government has not handled the hunger that we kept on saying is looming for so long. And it is not by accident that we had to go and do this bail on the day that Minister of Finance was presenting his estimates and we missed that.” She said

The Case will cost public money 

Kabwila warned that their arrests will costs Malawians tax because at the end the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will compensate them just like it is planning to do with the ‘July 20 victim’ families. 

“DPP Government seems to be bent on misusing taxpayer’s money because they are paying people for mistakes they did and now look at what they are doing to us. This is also another self inflicted pain on the state. We don’t have resources, why should we have a Government that is so good at making mistakes and costing the public money, now they are even costing public its legislatures.” Said Kabwila who described DPP government as clueless and the charges are ridiculous 

The two MP's also said their appearance at Area 30 Police Headquarters was violation of assurance of Legislatures immunity and privileges as made in the National Assembly by Leader of House Francis Kasaila that Police will follow procedures that are established as to how they can deal with members of Parliament once found on the other side of the law.

“What is happening now is that, apart from that commitment, the IG also came in the open and said there are no charges. And today behind the back of the speaker, they call his children to Area 30 and extend the bail bonds. This is where we are saying something very fishy is being cooked up and we are saying this Government does not even care whether there would be consequences in terms of monetary compensations at the end of the day as they have already demonstrated that they are now currently paying the 20 July victims with Millions of money’s. So what will happen to us?” asked Chakhwantha 

But Kabwila said their arrests means police are getting orders from politicians and that DPP Government does not believe in independence of institutions

Kabwila Out On Bail: Charged With Treason

Malawi Congress Party MCP top official and Legislature for Salima North West, Jessie Kwabwila has been released on Police bail at Kanengo Police station after spending night at the station over treason charges.

Kabwira is expected to appear before police on 26th February.

The arrest on Monday evening in city centre near Germany embassy happened just after she had attended to the first sitting of the National Assembly meeting.

Kabwila was going to the embassy to seek asylum but this was later after Peter Chakhwantha had successfully entered the embassy premises where he is as asylum seeker to escape arrest following Whatsapp conversation.

The two have been hunted by police following Whatsapp conversation allegedly bearing their phone numbers and of some MCP officials discussing ways to oust Peter Mutharika Government. However, police on Sunday failed to arrest them because they were nowhere to be seen. But they successfully managed to arrest Ulemu Msungama who is now on police bail over similar charges. 

MPC legislatures and supporters went to Kanengo Police station to demand the release of Kabwila however, police granted her bail last night but was released this Tuesday morning at 06:00 hours.

Gustave Kaliwo, MCP secretary General said he was disappointed with Police that after being assured not to arrest the two until the end of ongoing meeting of National Assembly they went ahead with plans to arrest the two.

Below is part of the Whatsapp conversation

27/01/2016, 21:25 –+265 998 58 24 45: What are we doing as MCP to deal with this stupid DPP administration and its president? In the last dpp regime, things were bad but we made Malawians to fight back. This time we seem to be normativising these deadly failures.

29/01/2016, 03:26 –+265 999 54 44 70: Kaya aMalawi kupusaku kunachokera pati eish! The DPP is messing up big time and we all seem Ok

27/01/2016, 21:59 –+44 7963 139218: I presume Diaspora movement should kick start it then the Nation will follow but it’s not easy for MCP as a party to start something, I know the consequences but let the masses do the job, they just need a starting point. Then everyone else will be ok board, these people are suffering and can react so quick.

29/01/2016, 04:18 –+1 (404) 617-9530: APM can be taken down, just using The Mubarrack Egypt style nkupita ku nyumba yathu, Kamuzu Palace osachoka iyayi, atha kukomokera momo ataona kalikiliki panja anthu atalusa ndithu

27/01/2016, 22:02 –+44 7754 944607: Does not opposition have youths who are fearless to tackle the issue head on?

27/01/2016, 22:08 –+265 998 58 24 45: We have youth, pp also has them . I think it 7th a matter of structuring, defining exactly what has to be done, well timed, not reactive, apologetic or too careful, logical etc. Rather, some organised chaos chipping at the elephant from all corners till it falls, all hands on Dec

27/01/2016, 22:09 –+44 7963 139218: We have the youth in opposition but legally any uprising started by opposition result in treason cases, let’s use the people. I believe if Malawians start it, MCP is ready to take care of them, there might be differences but even those starting this know the potential and opportunities that lies ahead.

29/01/2016, 01:48 –+1 (404) 617-9530: Pita ndiofunikatu kukamuchotsaku ku Kamuzu Palace yathu. Nyumba yathu imeneyi ngati anspangira Mubarrack in Egypt

29/01/2016, 06:14 –+44 7969 216335: But if a small group can pull out a campaign kunena Kuti sitichoka ku city centre till atatulapansi udindo I’m sure people can join in.

29/01/2016, 06:17 –+265 999 54 44 70: As MCP we were supposed to take advantage of all this mess and play it from the background

28/01/2016, 22:00 –+265 996 24 30 27: I entirely agree with you, me too wonder- why we are not ticking and get necessary backing. Few of us had/have careers elsewhere but opted to join liberation movement. Alas its business as usual. Ask JK and myself. Even in parliament, we don’t get the support we need to get this DPP down

29/01/2016, 06:43 –+265 998 58 24 45: I used to think joining politics would give me a chance to be more active, use my activistvoice with those of others but what I have seen is speaking out, walking in the streets has earned me the title waphuma ameneuja,the bulk of those I stand with prefer apologetic so called calculated politics. I’m an activist and do not apologise for my belief in people power. I must say, I’m reaching a point where it seems I belong more to my classroom where my phuma led in defeating bingu, it gets frustrating to be in a party everyone wantsand is looked up but it is afraid of its own power, I feel like a person dying of thirst when I’m in a river. Me and my phuma seem to belong elsewhere.

29/01/2016, 06:44 –+265 999 54 44 70: Zimatopetsadi JK

Kabwila Arrested: To Spend Night At Kanengo Police As Chakhwantha Seek Asylum At Germany Embassy

MCP supporters and MPs at
Area 30 Police Headquarters 

MPs discussing next move \after
Overpowering police 

Member of Parliament and top official from opposition Malawi Congress Party Jessie Kabwila has been arrested by Police while another parliamentarian and top member of the party Peter Chakhwantha is to spend nights at Germany Embassy where he is as an asylum seeker.

Police vehicle was seen
hidden parked
outsidParliament building after clashes with MPs

Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in hiding following reports alleging the two together with other members of MCP were involved in Whatsapp conversation strategising ways to overthrow Peter Mutharik Governmnet.

Police mounted roadblock at parliament building after reports spread that the two are out from their hiding and were inside attending the National Assembly deliberations.

Both Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in the day attending the first day National Assembly deliberations meeting which have began on Monday afternoon.

Kabwila was attempting to enter Germany Embassy when Police intercepted her at Tourism offices in City Centre just steps away to the Germany Embassy. Her arrest came few minutes after Chakhwantha had successfully entered the embassy house.

The arrest came just after Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security had assured the House that legislatures should not be afraid of the roadblocks mounted outside the parliament building when speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya asked the minister to assure the House that members will not be intimidated and arrested when coming and leaving the building.

The speaker requested the assurance from the Minister following a concern from Lilongwe Msodzi South legislature, Hon Vitus Dzoole Mwale who informed the House that “We are under siege”

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jean Kalirani said “What I am aware is that there is visibility of police around the country and is very important. I would like to assure you Honorable Speaker Sir, that there is nothing to fear if you have done nothing wrong.”

Immediately when the deliberations were adjourned to Tuesday, angry opposition MPs led by MCP members wrestled with Police outside the Parliament Building and successfully dismantled their roadblock. 

Legislatures then were seen in discussions and agreed to go to Area 30 Police Headquarters upon hearing rumors that Kabwila was there.

At Area 30, opposition MPs together with Malawi Congress Party supporters held protests outside the gate of the Police headquarters. They prevented any vehicle from entering or leaving the place and a driver suspected to be one of the senior police officers was about to be manhandled by the angry party supporters when he attempted to drive his vehicle and pass the through the gate.

Gustave Kaliwo

30 minutes later, the protesters left the place for Kanengo Police Station when Police informed MCP Secretary General, Gustave Kaliwo that  Kabwila was being detained there.

The two have been hunted by police following Whatsapp conversation allegedly bearing their phone numbers and of some MCP officials discussing ways to oust Peter Mutharika Government. However, police on Sunday failed to arrest them because they were nowhere to be seen. But they successfully managed to arrest Ulemu Msungama who is now on police bail over similar charges. 

Gustave Kaliwo, MCP secretary General said was disappointed with police that after being assured not to arrest the two until the 2nd Meeting Of 46th Session of National Assembly was over had went on with plans to arrest the two.

He described Kabwila arrest as political.

National Assembly Resolution Stoping Secondary, University Fees Hike Ends In Legal Dilema

The National Assembly on Thursday moved a motion stopping the new fees regime in Secondary Schools and Universities.

However, it remains uncertain if the decision is likely to take effect due to legality of the action and its acceptance by the Government Executive.

Salima Central legislature, Felix Jumbe made proposal that the House resolves postponement of recently announced fees hike in Secondary schools and Universities since the majority in rural areas cannot afford them due to current economic problems. 

"Considering that the majority, especially those in the rural areas are facing economic hardships responding to the poor macro-economic situation, the House resolves that school fees hike for both Secondary and Universities be postponed until Government endeavors to improve the income per capita of the people”  said Jumbe when moving the motion.

Several members who contributed on the floor from opposition side including Jessie Kabwila said the hiking of fees is likely to undermine girls education. She said it was wrong to introduce such fees in the year people are facing hunger. She therefore maintained that this will encourage prostitution among girls from poor families and early pregnancies, increase in school dropouts.

Kabwila further said this fruastrates government efforts of promoting girl child education and empowerment because most of the rural households cannot afford current exorbitant of fees.

Machinga East legislature Esther Jolobala described the hiking of fees at this time as “most horrible Christmas package” and that government was blind when making the decision.

Jolobala "blind government" remarks were withdrawn when the Speaker considered them as unparliamentary even if she used them figuratively. Her remarks also stunned government bench where the independent legislature is seats. However, in her introductory remarks had indicated that she was going to speak what is good for Malawians and not because of which side in the House she belongs to.

Later the house made a resolution that there be postponement of the hiking of fees but with much opposition by Government bench.

In an interview, Salima Central legislature, Felix Jumbe said the decision means Government will have to postpone the hiking of fees at this time being a year the country is facing numerous problems.

“We are not saying that the Government should not increase but for this year they need to postpone until the economic situation of the people has improved." He said 

"Poverty is ruling this country, there is dire poverty which is visible everywhere you go. Majority of household have no means to make money, it is difficult even to get K5 thousand. People are struggling even to get maize from ADMARC depots.

In my constituency for example at Mtonga Market, I found a queue of people with small plates in their hands waiting to buy maize and this maize they are waiting to buy is only a 2kg. and these are people buying 2kg they are six in their family but they don’t have money. And now can we say pay school fees? That would be like we are bringing second colonialism to these people and this colonialism by fellow African. And that is why we are saying please postpone the hike of school fees.” Said Jumbe

However, this is different from how Government views the decision. 

Leader of House, Francis Kasaila maintains the debate was unlawful as the House in its resolution has decided to override laws that are outside it mandate.


He said to say that the House has postponed the fees regime will "depends" on ones interpretations on that. "The question are that, does the House have mandate to decide how much for example the Catholic University supposed to be charging? Do they have their own mandate which guides that? Similarly we have a lot of private schools in the country, Kamuzu Academy for example. Can the Assembly decide how much Kamuzu Academy should be charging? These are questions that have to be answered.

Probably lawyers will do their work to   and decide whether this is enforceable or not” said Kasaila

Although Kasaila said the resolution will be considered by the President and its cabinet after thorough consultation but said could not determine what would be a likely decision.


He even questioned legality of brining the motion in the House

“All the standing orders were violated. It is very clear that a motion according to standing orders, was supposed to be debated by the Business Committee first before it is presented in the House. That was not done.

I don’t believe the speaker has powers to vary any of our standing orders own his own. That was supposed to be done in the Chamber. A motion should have been put to say we want to vary this because it did not meet this requirement that was not done but they decided to proceed. 

What was done was all irregular” Said Kasaila

“Unfortunately we know, because of politics people want to be seen that they stand for the poor " He added

This matter faced rejection by Government MP’s and several attempts to bar the motion already appearing on the Order Paper from being discussed were made by the Leader of House, Francis Kasaila who insisted that the matter was brought illegally and was never authorized by the Business Committee of the House.

To the contrary, the matter was well received by two major opposition parties in the House PP and MCP who insisted to debate although it was brought with immediate notice since it was a matter of urgency.

Ealier to end the matter, Second Deputy Speaker Clement Chiwaya resolved that Business Committee of the House should meet and suspended proceedings.

Back from the emergency meeting, Kasaila insisted before Speaker Richard Msowoya that Government was against the debate on the motion citing that apart from irregularities over how the issue was brought, the Houses was also not mandated to decide on school fees for private institutions as the motion did not specific that the matter was for only Public schools.

Although the speaker to ruled that the matter be discussed but Justice and Constitution Affairs Minister Samuel Tembenu did indicate and insisted that the matter was outside constitutional mandate of the House to debate on the issue which was clear that the authority to decide on school fees vests in the bodies of the schools as stipulated in the Act and regulations that govern the Schools.

Malata, Cement Subsidy Programme To Reach 15,000 Houses By April

Atupele Muluzi

Government expects to reach a record of Fifteen Thousand , Four Hundred and Forty houses by April next year through the decent and affordable housing programme.

Atupele Muluzi, Minister of Lands and Housing said during his ministerial statement in the National Assembly on the Decent and Affordable Housing: Cement and Malata Subsidy Programe that 6900 houses are at different levels of construction across the country 

“And as am speaking the number is growing up each and every day” he added

Speaking about some details of the programme, Muluzi said Government is in the process of capturing data to enable proper identification of the location of each beneficiary and that the data base will be ready by this month.

Hon. Atupele indicated that as the first phase of the project is near completion by the month of April in 2015 the Minister said he anticipate the number to reach 15, 440 houses.

Muluzi greeting beneficiary before interview 

His statement was brought in the update legislatures on what has been achieved, explain to Malawians what the programme seeks to do so as to end some understanding that people have pertaining the programme as well as dispel some misleading statements. 

Muluzi also pledge to present additional data to the house of all houses to be constructed under the programme in order to comply to achieve transparency and accountability.

Muluzi who brought beneficiary families to the Parliament from M’bwatalika in Lilongwe, said the Programe is also changing people’s lives.

However the statement was welcomed with mixed views especially from the opposition parties. Among them was Salima West Legislature, Jessie Kabwila, who expressed dissatisfaction with the information from the minister for lacking transparency and accountability on the names of the contractors working in the supply of the materials for the programme.

“The minister instead of him telling us the status of subsidy transparently, expose who are the people getting the contracts there who is trading. Because we all know there is set of people, we hear names like the Mulli’s and whoever is there.” He said 

He said the programme is not benefiting all Malawians and bringing to parliament five families was cheep politics.

“People are suffering in this country. Instead of coming when you know that this programme is being used to politicize this country and siphon government money to be used for the political party purposes, you come here and said I have brought five people the programme is working, No!”

“We are saying tell us how many people have benefited, and tell us who is trading? Because we want is that there should be equity.”

He said the programme is happening in her constituency but people in her area says would rather have had a much more constituency wide response to housing.

He also said the figures of the subsidy beneficiaries they don’t agree with calculations that they should have reached this far.

“So we would like to know what is happening to part of the money you already received. So it’s an issue of fiscal discipline. Remember we are in the country that is where it is especially because of Cahsgate 

What we want to make sure is that we don’t have this cashgate going on and then we wake up five years from today.” She said

Girls Work Hard In School To Achieve Your Dreams- National Assembly

Chambo girls pose with Speaker and Legislatures

The National Assembly asks girls to remain in school and work hard in their education to achieve their dreams.

The message was said on Tuesday when 94 girls from Chambo Girls Private Secondary School in Mzimba had a rare opportunity at Parliament Building of interacting with Speaker, some cabinet Ministers and female legislatures.

Kaliati speaks to the girls

In their encounter, Chambo girls were offered some motivation talks on how to pursue and achieve their dreams and some female legislatures made recounts of how they defeated challenges in their lives to become what they are today. One legislature said her family could not provide her with school fees for the belief that it could be a waste of time educating a girl who will possibly get married to rich men in future. Others narrated how in the face of financial challenges but worked hard to pursue education.

Msowoya 

Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya, Minister of Gender, Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Sports, Grace Chiumia, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and Jessie Kabwila were among number of legislatures who inspired girls with words of encouragement on self confidence and hard work in school for them to become future leaders.

Kabwila, Msowoya, Nyalonje 

The girls were brought by Mzimba North Legislature hon Agnes Makonda Nyalonje who wanted to offer Chambo girls a platform where they can meet with role models to get some words of motivation on how they can pursue and achieve their dreams.

Agnes Nyalonje said organized the visit to expose the girls to number of role models so that they learn from them how they managed to become leaders in their society.

Mzimba North Legislature while encouraging Malawian girls to work hard in school, offered hope that National Assembly and female parliamentarians as well as education committees in particular, are working hard to ensure that education system is improved to enable girls to access to quality education.

“We are also fighting for the girls hostels, because we know that when girls have to walk 10 kilometers or even longer sometimes to go to school, there is no way we can expect them to stay focused when they get to school and there is no way we can expect them to attend school all the times” said Nyalonje

She also noted the recently passed Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations bill which safeguards welfare of girls as one way the National Assembly is protecting and ensuring that girls remain at school.

“There are programmes being undertaken by Government and NGO’s that empower girls and encourage them to stay in school including bursaries.” She added

Then she offered a word of encouragement to girls “My message to girls is focus on education, push those around you to give you opportunity. Sometimes it is not always about waiting to be given it but girls too have to take initiative and they have to believe in their selves, and they have to have confidence, to claim that which is theirs and never give up” encouraged Njalonje

Rachel Vachi

“When I came here I was so much encouraged by the speeches that we need to have self confidence and that we can do anything but we should not be flirting with boys but love school first.” Said one student Rachel Vachi

She added “Watching deliberations in the Chamber I got encouraged by the courage that female parliamentarians have. They speak boldly on issues of national importance in the face of men.”

Wendie Chimbayo

Another student Wendie Chimbayo said “As the parliamentarians have told us that the sky is the limit, I would like to encourage girls that we have to work hard in school because doing so we can achieve anything. We also need to stay focused no matter how big are challenges that we are facing, lets aim to achieve our goals.”

Women Caucus Wants Government To Sack Teachers Who Abuse Girls

Hon Jessie Kabwila making comments

Women Caucus of Parliament has urged government authorities in Education sector to sack all teachers found guilty of sexual abuse of girls and stop transferring them elsewhere.

The Caucus was reacting after watching Mwayi Wotsiriza (Last Chance) movie screened at parliament building on Wednesday evening.

“When a teacher has been found guilty of molesting and sexually abusing a girl child, the punishment that they get is to be moved somewhere else. There is need to stop transfer offenders because there are laws which punish those offenders and that we shouldn’t transfer those teachers.” Said Honorable Jessie Kabwila, Chairperson for Women Caucus

“As Women Caucus we want to make it clear, there should be no Last Chances for Teachers who abuse girl children. Once they do this there is need for strong punitive measures that will make people stop.” She added

However, through discussions that took place after watching the movie, female parliamentarians also expressed their disappointment over the absence of Ministry of Education officials at the screening although invitation was sent to them.

The Caucus noted number of areas in education sector exposed in the film which they would have wanted the Ministry of Education officials to see and answer their questions on how it is addressing those problems and on various problems which the Caucus feel may hinder girl child education.

Hon Patricia Shanil making omments

The Caucus mentioned recently introduced Secondary and College fees and how it neatly link to how long a girl child stays in school. The group emphasized that it was wrong to introduce or hike fees when there is looming hunger. They argued that there is ample proof that for the girl child, fees can be the very reason that teachers can use to abuse underprivileged girls.

It was also noted that there is poor working conditions which includes; poor salaries, bad housing, and late salaries of teachers a problem which has led to underperformance of teachers and increased sexual abuse of girls in schools. All these were supposed to be answered by the Ministry.

However Kabwila has said the Caucus will issue to the ministry a document that will highlight and "makes it very clear" that teaching service in Malawi has no place for a teacher who abuses the girl child.

“We will also make a strong case of the linkage between fees payment at Secondary Schools how that is going to increase child marriages and dropout rates in schools if nothing is done to assist the parents who cannot afford  to take their children to school.” Said Kabwila

Efforts to find out from the Ministry of Education officials on their failure  to show up at the parliament did not yield as the Spokesperson for the ministry was not picking up the phone call.

Mwayi Wotsiriza by Theatre International is a film about sexual abuse of girls and working conditions of teachers in rural primary schools. In the film, a frustrated teacher ‘propositions’ a daughter of an economically vulnerable rural woman and impregnates her. The system, already baffled by inadequacy of teaching staff, has to find a way of disciplining him.

Opposition Parties Differ on 90 Days Suspension For Blantyre City Central Legislature:

MCP Opted Stiffer Penalty while PP, UDF Satisfied

The suspension of Blantyre City Central Constituency Legislature, Hon. Themba Mkandawire from participating any Parliamentary and all Committee Meetings for a period of 90 days has received mixed reactions among major political parties represented in the National Assembly.

On Friday, Speaker of National Assembly Richard Msowoya announced a 3 months suspension for hon. Mkandawire following Tuesday assault of a Parliamentary Head of Usher, Jones Sabola.

The legislature manhandled the Usher for refusing to give an extra 2015 Parliament calendar being distributed as the House was suspended for a lunch break.

Though all political parties agree and condemn the unparliamentarily act by hon. Themba, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is categorically opposing the speakers ruling by calling it "Slap on the Wrist" while Peoples Party (PP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) says the 90 days suspension is a deserving one.

“To me that sounds almost a slap on the wrist” reacted Salima North West Legislature Jessie Kabwira, MCP spokesperson who also speaks for the party on matters of women in Parliament.

“We are talking about a relationship of power relations here, between staff and members of parliament. There is a reason why we are called Honorables, what he (Hon. Mkandawire) did is uncalled for and I think we needed to give him a sentence that sends a message that you never do such kind of a thing.”

“As a person from opposition am now worried if I say something which Themba Mkadawire or the ruling party doesn’t like" she said, "What is to stop him? Is 90 days going to stop him from doing what he did?”

“I think he needed a stiffer punishment"

She went on “Themba Mkandawire is not just from any other party, he is from the ruling party so what example are they giving us. Are they telling us that now when a Parliamentary Staff is giving us calendars they should be shaking because there is a ruling party Parliamentarian in this House? And added that the ruling party (Democratic Progressive Party DPP) should come open to make an apology for the embarrassing action done by its member.

Unlike MCP reaction, PP Leader in the House, hon. Uladi Mussa a Salima South Parliamentarian said “Am satisfied with the punishment given” though he said “His conduct is totally out of order and uncalled-for we didn't expect a member of parliament beating a parliamentary worker, this is a savage way of living”

“He was not supposed to beahave as if he is at a beer hall” said Mussa

Balaka North parliamentarian and Leader of UDF, Lucius Banda made similar sentiments of Hon. Mussa “It’s quite unfortunate that an honorable member of parliament could not contain the emotions, I think the most important thing for we politicians need to do is to learn to contain our emotions. Everybody gets angry but to go that far to a person who has lesser power standing in the society I think it will be seen as one is taking advantage of his position to do bad things. So I believe in the interest of sanity and disciplining the speaker’s sentence deserves and I hope it will never happen again”

Hon. Themba Mkandawire's conduct has been condemned by many other parliamentarians whom others have described the assault as "Criminal act"

However, the assaulted Usher was not available to comment on what he makes of Speaker's ruling.

MSB Not For Sale

Parliament Block the Sale Until Committee Give a Go Ahead

The National Assembly has passed a motion restraining government from continuing with plans to sale Malawi Savings Bank (MSB) until determination is made by a relevant Committee if the sale of the bank is a necessary move.

On Thursday, Dowa West Parliamentarian Hon Dzonzi Kusamba brought in the House a motion during Private Members Motion where he moved that the House should resolve that the Sale of Malawi Savings Bank Limited be pended for the time being and that the matter be referred to the relevant Committee of Parliament (Budget Committee) for it to consult with stakeholders and report to the House.

When moving the motion, Dzonzi said the noble objectives of Post Office Savings Bank now Malawi Savings Bank Limited (MSB) established in 1910 by the colonial government are intact and yet to be achieved.

“But how can we achieve them if the Bank runs into private hands whose objective will be pure “profiteering”. Inquired hon. Kusamba who alleged the sale of Malawi Saving Bank Limited is propagated by few selfish individuals

Malawi government is planning to sale MSB for Conditionality of World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF), that Malawi Government should not be running businesses such as bank and that MSB Ltd does not meet the requirement of BASEL II instituted by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (a framework that has been put in place to assist banks manage financial risks well by maintaining a certain level of capital, currently a minimum capital for banks at an equivalent of US$5million) 

Dowa West Legislature has argued that WB and IMF condition is “fraudulent” and achaic type of reasoning which denies Government to ably discharge its duties of providing social-economic services to the rural communities which may appear unprofitable in the eyes of private hands. 

On BASEL II, he said MSB meets the minimum capital requirement but slightly falls short to meet the optimum capital requirement in order to meet the prescribed liquidity and capital adequacy ratios. He even indicated that Malawi can do without implementation of BASEL II just like neighboring economies that are stronger and better than Malawi’s economy.

“The question on the same is this “why was BASEL I jumped from implementation? Why is Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) forcing local banks to comply with BASEL II without an opportunity of orientation BASEL I would have offered.”

Hon. Kusamba also named “Accumulated Bad Debts” as major reasons that is eroding the bank’s Capital. With certainty he pointed “bulk of the bank’s non-performing loans” belong to Mulli Brothers Limited. 

He said the remedy is that Government should intervene by having Mulli Brothers Ltd repay the debt and that the Bank should take over the assets against which Mulli Brothers Limited loan was taken on.

 “It is an open secret, that the Mulli Brothers Ltd was granted the Loan in question when DPP was in power and now that DPP is in power again, the Government wants the Bank sold, Really?” queried the parliamentarian while concluding that there is no need for Malawians lose a National Treasure just because Government “completely lacks any political will” to mitigate on this questionable sale.

When debating the motion, Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe clarified that it is not true that only Muli owe the bank as alleged by the member. He also promised an update of what is happening on that matter.

Goondwe irked members in the House when he mentioned that the matter of selling the bank at this time can only best be handled by lawyers and not National Assembly. “This is a legal matter it is not as easy as you think” 

Without delay, Salima South Parliamentarian hon. Uladi Mussa rise on point of order “The statement from the minister to say parliament is useless leaves a lot to be desired” he said, “Does the Minister know that parliament can impeach president? What is Malawi Savings Bank?”

Surprisingly, Leader of House Hon. Francis Kasaila also registered his support against sale of the bank “We in the business Committee of the house agreed that we need to bring this issue in the House so that the sale of the bank is done in transparent process.” He added that People from his Constituency are also against the sale of the bank.

Other parliamentarians including Salima North West, Jessie Kabwira and Salima Central, Felix Jumbe, in support of the motion as moved by Dowa West, said Malawi has been ranked one of the poorest countries because of such poor decisions which robe citizens “greatest treasure”. 

Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Bill Receives Overwhelming Response: Passed Without Amendment

Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Bill Receives Overwhelming Response: Passed Without Amendment 

The much awaited bill Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Bill has received irresistible positive reaction from members of National Assembly.

The Bill was presented on Thursday afternoon by Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare hon. Patricia Kaliati. She told the house that the bill seek among others raise the marriage age from 15 to 18 years in order to promote wellbeing of children especially girls who are being married at tender age.

“The bill adds value to the promotion of education and empowerment of children especially the girl child.”

She said girls are continuously facing gender based violence and that Malawi is among 10 countries with the highest child marriage levels in the world currently estimated at 52% which she called the “sad note”

She said this development is ruining the future of girls because of fistula due to teen pregnancies and school dropouts.

Responding to the bill party spokes persons hailed the bill saying it will assist alleviating challenges that women and girls are facing in the country in absence of this legislation.

Malawi Congress Party Spokes person on Gender issues in the National Assembly hon. Jessie Kabwira in her remarks said “It is a longer awaited bill” adding “It declares Malawi’s fight in ending gender violence and early marriages”

She said early marriages are creating a cycle of poverty in the country and it denies girls right to heath, education and on behalf of MCP Kabwira urged all parliamentarians to support this bill in order to make people from their constituencies (those who voted them) to live better life.

Peoples Party Spokes Person hon. Patricia Kainga Nangozo said “PP supports this Bill because it will help this country to ably define who the child is in our own understanding” she added that this will help girls to stay in school and be mature before getting married a development which will help them contribute effectively to the economy.

She also hailed that the bill will protect women during divorce and added “This is a bill to benefit both men and women”

United Democratic Front (UDF) Chief Whip and Spokes Person on gender issues in Parliament hon. Lillian Patel said the party supports the bill.

She said the early child marriages are worse in her constituency “Over 21 girls aged 11 years dropped out of school in a single term at one school. I hope that problem is not only in my constituency, this might as well happen in other constituencies. We have to support this bill”

But she bemoaned that the fees contained in the bill are mean and urged the ministry to change. 

However male MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the level of debate of the bill because no male MP was given an opportunity to hold the floor and very few female MPs spoke on the bill. During the tea break male MPs were heard on top of their voices over dissatisfaction on how the bill has been debated.

The development saw leader of the Opposition in Parliament hon. Dr. Lazarus Chakwera immediately after tea break expressed his dissatisfaction over lack of men’s voice in the chamber.

“I am concerned over procedure of the debate which has been curtailed without men contributing on the bill.” He said “It should have been better to let men to speak on the bill because this is not women issue”

But the bill was passed without amendment. Immediately after the bill was passed the Leader of House Honorable Francis Kasaila thanked all parliamentarians for passing the Bill and announced that the house be adjourned immediately (That time was 16:30 hours) which was 30 minutes earlier to the official adjournment time at 17:00 hours.

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