MISA Malawi Ask Pres Mutharika to Re-instate Tembo Back to MBC

MISA Malawi Ask Pres Mutharika to Re-instate Tembo Back to MBC

The Media Institute of Southern Africa – Malawi Chapter (MISA) has called upon the president Peter Mutharika to reverse what it call ‘atrocious decision’ on re-deployment of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General, Dr. Benson Tembo, to the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for position of Technical Advisor.

The news broke last week that Director General of MBC, has been deployed to MACRA as Technical Advisor on digital migration with immediate effect.

According to the national broadcasters online report, Dr. Tembo on Friday bid farewell to Controllers and Directors of MBC where he said the new post is a secondment “I am being seconded to Macra so that means partly I am part of MBC but I will be with Macra where I will be advising on digital migration.”

In a statement Chairperson for MISA-Malawi Thom Khanje said Dr. Tembo has been earmarked for a subordinate position of Technical Advisor. Therefore the statement finds the removal of Dr. Tembo as retrogressive and a sign of continued political interference by the government in the operations of MBC as well as contrary to the promises by President Peter Mutharika in both his inaugural and first State of the Nation Address to Parliament in June and July 2014.

The chairperson says MISA-Malawi is surprised that such a decision concerning an employee of MBC has been made by the executive arm of the government and not the MBC board of directors who are the legal employers of the Director General as stipulated in Section 92, subsection 1 of the Communications Act of 1998 which reads: “The Board of MBC shall appoint a Director General, who shall be the chief executive officer of MBC.”

“MISA-Malawi therefore calls upon the president to reverse this atrocious decision on Dr. Tembo and let the MBC board independently assess his performance for possible re-engagement when his contract expires in April this year” reads the statement

The statement also call upon the president to always make sure that he lives by his words and desist from making decisions that are contrary to his promises.

“We remind the president of his stated commitments that his government “shall ensure that Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) are professional and report to Parliament annually as required by law” (Inaugural Speech, June 2014) and that he “allow the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation operate in an open, free and fair manner, make independent editorial decisions and I don't want my Minister of Information to interfere in their work. This is a promise I make to Malawi. The era of using the Public Broadcaster for Political mileage is gone”(State of the Nation Address, July 2014).”

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MISA-Malawi in the statement re-affirms its standing position on the need for MBC to be freed from political interference by reviewing the Communications Act to turn the corporation into a public service broadcaster which serves the needs of all Malawians regardless of their political affiliation.

UNICEF to Airlift 90 Tones of Relief Supplies to Flood Victims

UNICEF to Airlift 90 Tones of Relief Supplies to Flood Victims

As heavy rains continue to fall in Malawi, UNICEF is stepping up its relief efforts, airlifting an initial 90 tons of supplies, as it seeks to reach those most in need. 

UNICEF in a statement released on Monday 19^th January 2015 says is this week airlifting 90 tons of relief supplies including: essential medicines, tents and tarpaulins, therapeutic food and milk for treating malnutrition, hygiene kits and education and play supplies to aid children’s psychosocial recovery.  

The statement has indicated that UNICEF is working through its teams on the ground in Blantyre and Zomba to deliver life-saving interventions to those in the hardest hit districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe all in the Shire River Basin.  

The response is focused on displaced women and children, the UN Children’s Agency is supporting partners including the Government of Malawi, to provide clean water and temporary sanitation, monitor the nutritional status of children - and treat severe cases - and distribute essential medicines for women and children.   

“After surveying the flooded districts from the air, we know that the scale of flooding is immense, and with the rains still falling, the water is unlikely to recede quickly,” said UNICEF’s Representative in Malawi, Mahimbo Mdoe in the statement.  “UNICEF is focused in this initial phase on ensuring those who have survived the raging waters are supported with their essential needs such as clean water and health care.”

Mdoe said UNICEF will be quick in its response to reach displaced communities with clean water, sanitation and medical supplies because stagnant water and poor sanitation can be deadly for young children.

The Malawi Government is leading the coordination mechanism for response initiatives with UN Agencies and NGOs as co-leads.

Heavy rains this season, has left over 50 people dead and government estimate 27,000 households (approx 135,000 people) to have been displaced since the floods hit the country. Reports are indicating that some families are still trapped in areas surrounded by water, waiting for air or water rescue by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF). Displaced communities are being housed in schools or ad hoc camps, with a shortage of decent shelter and sanitation facilities.

On Tuesday 13^th January 2015, in accordance with powers conferred upon him by Section 32(1) of the Disaster Preparedness and Relief Act, President Professor Peter Mutharika declared all the districts that have been affected by floods Disaster Areas, with immediate effect.

Due to the increasing number of affected people making relief requirements also to increase, President Mutharika also appealed for humanitarian assistance, from the International donor community, the relevant United Nations agencies, the Non Governmental Organisations, the local private sector as well as all fellow citizens of goodwills as additional resources are required to provide assistance to all the affected people.

Woman Arrested for Attempt to Sell Daughter

Woman Arrested for Attempt to Sell Daughter 

A 23 year old mother earning a living through prostitution is expected to appear before Salima First Grade Magistrate Court for allegedly attempting to sell her biological daughter Salima police has confirmed.

Sergeant Gift Chitowe Salima Police Public Relations Officer says the suspect Miriam Kapindira was arrested by Salima police as she attempted to sell her 3 year old daughter to an unknown business lady from Lilongwe.

Chitowe said police on 15^th January received a tipoff that the suspect had a tryst at Kamuzu road trading centre with an unknown business lady from Lilongwe making negotiations on the illegal business.

But when police arrived at the scene they only found the suspect pocketing cash amounting to K100, 000, half of agreed payment of K200, 000. And the unknown business lady managed to escape arrest.

However, Sgt Chitowe said the woman currently in police custody still denies that she wanted to sell her daughter but wants her friend (unknown business lady) to raise the child. The suspect also told police that the money received from her friend was just a token of appreciation for being trusted as a right person to raise the child.

“According to our investigations we are convinced that this woman wanted to sell her daughter. Her explanation that the money received from her friend was only a token of appreciation, is not truthful, such cannot happen.” Said Chitowe

Sergeant Chitowe said the woman has already been charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

Miriam Kapindira comes from Maplot area in T/A Maganda in Salima district and may appear before Salima First Grade Magistrate Court starting on Monday 19^th January 2014.

Bishop Zuza

Who Was He?

Late Bishop Zuza: his
death is a great shock

Thursday 15 January 2015 am on holiday, its John Chilembwe day. I cannot remember the exact time by now, but I’m convinced must be around 16:00hrs when my former colleague at Radio Maria Malawi met me somewhere at Area 18 in the Capital Lilongwe. In simple and straightforward but hard to believe “Akuti ambuye Zuza amwalira pangozi” (Bishop Zuza has died in an accident)

I got my phone and call Acting Secretary for Episcopal Conference of Malawi Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo because I knew his response will be authentic.

“Yes, His Lordship Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza was involved in an accident and was taken to hospital some few hours ago.” He responded “And has passed on” he said in his second sentence and said he is sending me an email announcing the death of the Bishop I have known for a very long time.

4:46 PM email Subject: Death Announcement - Bishop Zuza

Dear brethren,

Find attached sad news from the ECM.

Please help us inform Christians and all people who should know

                                Death Announcement

                     BISHOP JOSEPH MUKASA ZUZA

The Catholic Secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi regrets to announce the tragic death of Rite Reverend Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza, who was bishop of Mzuzu Diocese and Chairman for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).

According to report, Bishop Zuza was involved in a road accident and has passed on while being attended in Mzuzu.

More information and details shall follow later.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE

____________________________________________

                                  UTHENGA WACHISONI

                      AMBUYE JOSEPH MUKASA ZUZA

Bungwe la Maepiskopi a Mpingo Wa Katolika - Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) – ili ndi chisoni kukudziwitsani za imfa ya Olemekezeka Ambuye Joseph Mukasa ZUZA amene anali episkopi wa Dayosizi ya Mzuzu komanso Wapampando wa Bungwe la Maepiskopi aKatolika m’Malawi (ECM).

Malinga ndi uthenga umene talandira, Ambuye Zuza anachita ngozi ya galimoto ndipo amwalira pamene anali kulandira hithandizo kuchipatala ku Mzuzu.

Fr Andrew KAUFA

COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY – ECM

That was the exact content of the message

This was a shocking message, at 16:24 George Mkondiwa, Chief Secretary to the Government, responded “Fr., Received with immense sadness.”

Later, 19:25 hrs another email from government

H.E CONDOLENCE MESSAGE  ON DEATH OF BISHOP ZUZA

His Excellency the President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has learnt with deep shock at the untimely death of the Right Reverend Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza, of Mzuzu Diocese of the Catholic Church and current Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi who died in a tragic car accident on Thursday, 15^th January 2015.

The President joins all Malawians in expressing condolences and great sympathy to the family, the Catholic Church and the greater Malawi on the loss of a patriotic and development conscious Church Leader who was a partner of Government. The President is greatly saddened by this loss and joins all Malawians in mourning the passing of one the finest sons of the Nation.

The Government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Catholic Church and all Malawians during this difficult moment for our country.

May His Soul Rest in Peace

KONDWANI NANKHUMWA, MP

MINISTER OF INFORMATION, TOURISM & CULTURE

GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

15^TH JANUARY 2015

The death of Bishop Zuza is a great shock to both Catholics and non Catholics. He was a great Bishop who at an appropriate time could bravely speak against every wrong doing by government without fear or favour. Could applaud government when indeed the church saw it necessary to do so. He always ensured that there is justice.

Late Bishop Zuza
(pic by ECM)

The Late Zuza made Catholic faithful in Malawi Proud mid 2014 when Malawi hosted AMECEA plenary! The list of Late Bishop Zuza’s achievements is endless.

According to ECM Communication Officer Mr. Prince Henderson Rt. Rev Bishop Zuza was driving to his base, Mzuzu, from visiting his home village, Mhlafuta in Embangeni Mzimba “The Bishop's car registration number,MZ 6022 rear tyre burst causing the vehicle to swerve and get out of his control. His Lordship was in the process forced out of the car. This took place at Nthungwa, in the Chikangawa forest Reserve.”

In an updated death announcement Catholic Secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) His Lordship Joseph Mukasa Zuza, Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu and Chairman for ECM. Bishop Zuza passed on at Saint John Hospital on 15th January 2015.

According to ECM Information Officer In 2010 Bishop Zuza's diocese was split, partly out of a desire to ease transportation problems in the area.

Mr. Henderson’s information pertaining to the life of Bishop Zuza indicates that when the Diocese of Karonga was erected that year from territory of the Mzuzu diocese, Bishop Zuza said the split was "necessary, because it is quite taxing to travel to some places from headquarters." He described difficult travel on poor roads in all-terrain vehicles to parishes as far as 250 miles away.

He said in addition to having been Bishop of Mzuzu, in Malawi's north, Bishop Zuza was, until his death, president of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, since 2011.

He pointed out that Bishop Zuza participated in the extraordinary Synod on Family that concluded last October, where he spoke up for Catholic teaching on family sought to uphold the sanctity of the Sacrament of marriage. A conservative and promoter of culture and traditions, the African prelate had expressed concerns over Western influence affecting African culture, particularly on the issues of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

He also mention that during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mzuzu Diocese, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, then Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, lauded Bishop Zuza's pastoral initiatives for the faithful, saying that "during these years of visiting Mzuzu, the diocese has been very well managed and very well organized."

The Prefecture Apostolic of Northern Malawi was erected in 1947, and was elevated to the status of the Diocese of Mzuzu in 1961. It currently holds a Catholic population of 400,000.

In addition ECM has also pointed number of positions Bishop Zuza’s has held in the Church on local and regional (AMECEA) level.

On local level, he once served as Vice Chairman of ECM; Chairman for Justice and Peace Commission (CCJP); Chairman for Education Commission; Chairman for the Mixed Commission. On regional level he once served as Malawi Delegate in the AMECEA Executive Board; Chairman of AMECEA Staffing Committee (2008 – 2011); As Chairman for ECM Right Rev. Joseph Mukasa Zuza has died while serving as Chancelor of the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA). On Saturday, 10th January, Bishop Zuza inaugurated the Jubilee Year for Kachebere Major Seminary.

Requiem Mass

Requiem mass for his repose shall be held on Monday, 19th January 2015, at St Peters Cathedral in Mzuzu, starting from 10.00 AM. Burial shall be held at Katoto, near the bishop’s house.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend Archbishop Julio Murat, The Apostolic Nuncio for Malawi and Zambia will preside the Requiem mass.

Right Reverend Zuza was born on 22 October 1955 at Malembo Village, T.A. Chief Mbelwa, Mzimba District; ordained priest on 25 July 1982; appointed Bishop of Mzuzu on 9th March 1995 by Saint. John Paul II and consecrated on 6th May 1995.

“The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) shall remember him as a Bishop who waskind-hearted, cheerful and always available to everyone.” Reads the announcement signed by Fr Emmanuel Chimombo Acting Secretary General

May the Soul of Right Rev. Joseph Mukasa Zuza Rest in Eternal Peace.

ITPC Call for Action for the HIV Response in Ebola Affected Countries

ITPC Call for Action for the HIV Response in Ebola Affected Countries

An international organisation The International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC), together with the Network of HIV Positives in Sierra-Leone (NETHIPS), the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives contre le Sida (SOLTHIS), and National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) has sent an urgent call on regional development partners and international Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in HIV responses to support People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and women & children networks in Sierra Leone.

In ITPC statement dated 13^th January 2015 international observe that the combination of Ebola and HIV is becoming deadly hence the need for both international and regional CSOs involved in HIV response to quickly join the local organisations to combat the deadly combination of HIV and Ebola.

According to the statement the main help is needed to trace and reconnect those PLHIV who have been lost to follow-up due to the Ebola outbreak, address the stigma and discrimination towards HIV and Ebola survivors, conduct HIV and Ebola co-infection survival research to understand the documented variance in morbidity rates and document community responses to the Ebola outbreak.

“We call on partners and civil society to act now to combat this deadly combination!” reads the statement.

Many public health experts say that containing the virus is only part of a wider health crisis facing West Africa, a region where most childhood deaths are caused by treatable and preventable diseases like HIV/AIDS or curable ones like malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia.

Since the Ebola outbreak, civil society has yet to lend its voice in support to PLHIV in affected countries.

ITPC West Africa Regional Director Mr. Sylvère B. Bukiki believes that civil society coalitions, including regional and international PLVIH networks, should be more committed in supporting the ongoing work of local partners to ensure the continuity of treatment, care and support for PLHIV during this period of the Ebola outbreak.

NETHIPS National Coordinator Mr. Idrissa Songo adds that the experiences of PLHIV organizations and networks can contribute meaningfully to address other health issues beyond HIV, including Ebola. Such coalitions have marketed experience and expertise in community mobilization and behavioural change strategies that can help fight the transmission of Ebola in communities. “For example, ITPC West Africa is currently undertaking the Stock Out Project, supported by the German International Cooperation (GIZ), to document the impact of Ebola on ARV stock outs.” He said

In order to address the crisis of EVD, especially among people living with HIV, the statement also calls communities in Ebola affected countries to be at the centre of the response.

According to the statement Ebola virus disease (EVD) has killed over 7,000 people in four West African countries, spreading from Guinea to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria — in what the World Health Organization called an outbreak “unparalleled in modern times.” The sudden outbreak of the EVD has complicated the already weak, underfunded, and understaffed health systems in affected countries in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone.

ITPC also indicates that data from the National Ebola Response Centre in Sierra-Leone recorded 2,630 confirmed deaths out of 7,696 confirmed cases since the first reported case in May 2014.

The International Treatment Preparedness Coalition is a global network of community organisations, local NGOs, researchers, and activists dedicated to effective, affordable, and quality treatment and health care for people living with HIV. Founded in 2003, ITPC is network solely devoted to scaling up access to HIV-related treatment.

AU Promises Humanitarian Assistance to Flood Victims in Malawi

AU Promises Humanitarian Assistance to Flood Victims in Malawi

The African Union (AU) has expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Malawi in the face of a floods that have hit the country.

The statement from Addis Ababa dated 16 January 2015 says the AU Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has received with shock, the tragic news of devastating floods which struck Malawi with serious adverse effects on the country’s population.

“The Chairperson commiserates with the President of the Republic of Malawi H.E. Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika and the people of Malawi. This unfortunate calamity has killed about 48 people, destroyed thousands of houses destroyed across many districts and leaving thousands of people internally displaced.”

In the statement Dr Dlamini Zuma assures the government and people of Malawi that the AU will give the “highest priority” to providing modest humanitarian assistance to the government as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.

“This assistance will be availed to the government as soon as possible.” Reads the statement

Malawi Floods Latest Figures 27,000 Households Displaced

Malawi Floods Latest Figures 27,000 Households Displaced

 

Malawi Government estimates 27,000 households (approx 135,000 people) to have been displaced since the floods hit the country.

The most affected districts are Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe.

Floods status report as of 17^th January 2015 from Office of the Vice President, search and rescue operations are ongoing in Nsanje and Chikwawa, where additional 100 people were evacuated to camps in Nsanje on 16^th January 2015 and more households are arriving at the camps that have been established to accommodate people that have been evacuated from the affected areas in Chikwawa and Nsanje as water in some parts is subsiding.

“The Department of Disaster Management Affairs and other organizations are continuing to distribute food and non food items to the affected. More dispatches are being made now as some of the areas are becoming accessible with relief items. Airlifting of relief items to Mlolo area in Nsanje is ongoing and also the evacuation of vulnerable groups from the area to Bangula Camps to medical and other services.” reads the statement

The information further indicates that additional helicopters are being arranged with the Republic of South Africa.

Following the declaration of a state of disaster by the State President, a number of organizations are coming forward to donate assistance to the affected population.

According to the statement, Kamponji Estates have donated 150 metric tons of maize flour “The flour will be collected daily on average of 50 metric tons and will be distributed on need basis across the affected areas. 14 metric tons are now being loaded on the MDF trucks to be delivered to Nsanje District.” It adds “Kamponji Estates have also donated 2000 blankets and will provide eggs to meet nutritional needs of the affected people.”

The list indicates Nyasa Manufacturing has donated 20 maize flour and 1000 blankets; First Merchant Bank has made a cash donation of MK20 million; CDH Bank has donated MK1 million; Mr Milward Nyangulu from Mchinji has donated 350- 25 kg bags of maize; and Motal Engil has offered for free use its road construction and maintenance equipment for maintenance of roads in all affected areas across the country.

“The consolidation of a comprehensive response plan is underway. The plan will highlight the needs of the different sectors and resource requirements. A number of Development Partners have pledged support once the response plan has been finalized.” Reads the statement

The statement also indicates that a team from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has arrived in the country to assist in the response coordination efforts. The United Nations (UN) team and DoDMA officials also undertook a flyover on Saturday over flood affected areas in Mangochi, Phalombe, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Machinga, Zomba and Mulanje to appreciate the damage caused by the floods and the report will be released.

The statement also note that since 16th January 2015, some Mozambican Nationals affected by floods have crossed over into Nsanje District.

“The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has indicated that a moderate tropical storm in the Mozambique Channel continues to shift further eastwards towards Madagascar thereby reducing moisture inflow into southern Malawi. Congo air mass is however expected to remain dominant over central and northern areas of Malawi. Therefore, less rains over southern Malawi over the weekend hence the chance to enhance the ongoing response operations.” Indicated the statement

The office of Vice President further reminds Malawians that since the rains are expected to continue, people living in low lying areas in flood disaster prone districts must move to upland and avoid crossing fast flowing streams and rivers in order to avoid losing lives as a result of the floods.