Citizens Forum To Continue Pressure Govt To Address CSO Grievances

The Citizens Forum for the Defence of Good Governance (CFDGG) vows to continue to make demands for concrete solutions on democratic and economic governance issues raised in recent statement by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The newly established group says cabinet Ministers failed to provide concrete answers during a dialogue with CSOs weeks ago.

Early month of October, CSOs issued the statement which also demanded President Peter Mutharika to honorably resign if finds his office too difficult to handle and this prompted the dialogue which was shunned by the petitioner CSOs.

At the inaugural of the CFDGG on Thursday in Lilongwe, a statement was issued tackling similar issues and demands made by CSOs but with call to Government to address those issues with no hesitation.

Spokesperson for the CFDGG, Mr. Timothy Mtambo also one of the signatories to the CSO statement said at the inaugural that, there was never concrete response from Ministers during the dialogue which was facilitated by the Special Advisor to President on NGO’s and Civil Society Mavuto Bamusi and the Economic Advisor Collins Magalasi.

“These issues are being repeated because they were not addressed during the dialogue. We will continue to press for these issues until Government address them.” Said Mtambo and added that attempts made on the issues by the Ministers were general responses

Then Mtambo said the group wants from Government “concrete” and “comprehensive answers” on the issues raised and Government should seriously respond in writing providing action plan and timeframes on how it is addressing issues raised in the CSO statement.

The CDFGG in its statement further accuse Government of using “divide and rule, ambush” approach to dialogue and governance as a response to Civil Society’s statement on political and economic issues.

“Using this approach, Mutharika’s regime has gone as far as using tax payers money to mobilize and organize politically-motivated CSO’s meetings under the guise of dialogue with the petitioner CSO’s never invited.

The recent events in Lilongwe and Blantyre spearheaded by the Special Advisor on NGO’s and Civil Society Mavuto Bamusi and the Economic Advisor Collins Magalasi were not only “childish” but also a clear reflection that the recent calls for dialogue by the current regime are nothing but mere political rhetoric aimed at portraying the false picture that Government is sincerely interested in dialogue with concerned CSOs and that CSOs are shunning dialogue while the actual truth is that Government is playing double standards.” Reads the statement

But the statement says CSOs are always open to constructive contact and dialogue with Government, however, it maintains that such a dialogue must be done in good faith and mutual trust and in the best interest of Malawians and human rights for all.

The CFDGG statement, is also calling Government to publish the names of Malawi delegates to the United Nations General Assembly and the total expenditure of the trip.

“We want to know, who funded who? Because people can speculate that there are others who took their girlfriends but we want Government to be on top of things in terms of giving information to Malawians so that people should not speculate” added CFDGG Chairperson Gift Trapence

Among others, both the Forum and CSO statements wants Government to immediately address current political, human rights, democratic and economic governance problems and on poor service delivery in hospitals and education sector which includes shortage of drugs, exorbitant school fees as well as water and electricity problems in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

But Government has been indicating that it is carrying out reforms in the public service with promise to end some problems in service delivery and an end to economic problems facing the country which are a result of recent plunder of public resources dubbed Cashgate.

Gertrude Mutharika Launching Sanitation Campaign Initiative For Schools

The Malawi First Lady Gertrude Mutharika is this Friday October 30, 2015, expected to launch 'My Clean School my Pride' Campaign aimed at encouraging and enhancing good sanitation practices in schools.

State House statement signed by Chikondi Juma Press Officer at Kamuzu Palace on Thursday, indicates Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika, First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, will be guest of honour at the launch to take place at the Lilongwe Academy Private School in Lilongwe. 

"The campaign is a joint initiative between Beautify Malawi (BEAM) Trust and the Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA) and is aimed at encouraging and enhancing good sanitation practices in schools as well as raising public awareness on appropriate waste disposal management to create a cleaner and healthier nation." Reads the statement 

Madame Mutharika is expected to arrive at the Lilongwe Academy campus at around 9:30 in the morning.

MW CSO’s Forms Forum To Promote Good Governance

Some Malawian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Rights Activists have formed a group 'Citizens Forum for the Defence of Good Governance' that aim to create a broad based social movement to speak with common voice on issues affecting Malawians.

The Chairperson for the group Gift Trapence told Journalists Thursday morning in Lilongwe that the group is a movement of likeminded and patriotic CSOs, networks, Concerned Malawians, Academia and many others including those in diaspora.

He said the group will be tackling issues of good governance, transparency, and accountability, rule of law and constitutionalism, and respect of human rights.

He emphasized that Citizens Forum for the Defence of Good Governance will have a voice of Malawians and speak on behalf of Malawians. As well, he said the grassroots will be reached with the activities of the forum which will be objective but not politically driven. 

"This forum is for Malawians and not for CSOs only. We want likeminded CSOs, networks, Trade Unionists, Members of Parliament even Faith Based Organisations to be part of this forum" said Trapence

"This forum will go to the grassroots, they will be the members of this forum because we want to give Malawians platform to voice out issues." Said Trapence and emphasized that the group is people centered

"We will have regional and district structures across the country but we want likeminded people who can speak objectively" he said then added; "This association is not there to overthrow the government, but actually to support it"

Trapence observed that the current administration has already began showing signs of bad governance and therefore formation of the Forum is one effort to bring a common man in the debate to defend human rights and engage relevant actors to adhere to basic tenets of democracy and respect of human rights.

"The purpose of this forum is to create a social accountability movement which will stand up to safeguard democratic and good governance principles and observance and respect for all human rights as well as adherence to the rule of law." said Timothy Mtambo spokesperson of the Forum

"The Objectives of this forum are that; we would like to create a critical mass of members of the general public that will be able to claim their rights to hold leaders accountable and guard against tendencies that undermine democracy, good governance and rule of law.

The Forum will facilitate dialogue with different stakeholders including the Government on issues affecting Malawians. We will strengthen, collaboration and voice of Malawian citizens to able to seize their democratic space and hold their duty bearers accountable" said Mtambo

He added that the group will also strengthen CSOs collaboration for effective engagement with duty bearers on democratic and human rights issues.

He then made it clear that the group will dispel suspicious members or anyone whose actions are political and are not conforming to the group's objectives.

The group has also made a statement on what it call 'Crisis State of Public Service Delivery, Economic Governance, Transparency, Accountability, Rule of Law and Human Rights.'

The group says these problems continue to stagnate the progress of this country and further, eroding the public trust in the current administration.

The Group noted challenges that includes; Water and Electricity challenges in all main cities, Security lapse and poor working conditions of police officers, shortage of drugs in hospitals and poor health service delivery as well as delayed salaries among health workers and teachers.

The group has therefore demanded for the immediate effort to address these challenges and not making empty promises.

The newly formed forum has a motto "Promoting good governance, human rights and democracy in Malawi", "A better Malawi is possible, people power"

Cashgate Case: High Court To Rule Wyson Soko 'Appeal' On Conviction, Sentence

Wyson Dzinyemba Soko serving his seven and half years imprisonment was back in court on Wednesday morning, appeared before presiding judge, Justice Lloyd Muhara for appeal hearing against his conviction and sentence.

The former Deputy Youth Director for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was on 28th January this year handed a prison sentence after being found guilty of siphoning K40.9 million from Ministry of Tourism through his Wymbaso General Dealers on charges of theft and money laundering.

On conviction Soko through his lawyer Robert Kadzakumanja said there is no evidence to support the conviction of theft and money laundering charges.

"Evidence given was insufficient to warrant conviction" said Kadzakumanja while on sentence, he argued that it is excessive and it must be reduced assuming that the conviction will be sustained.

Early this year, when Soko was being sentenced by Senior Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa, the Magistrate in its Judgement directed that the two sentences should run consecutively. But Mr. Soko's argument in his appeal is that would like two sentences run concurrently.

However, Prosecution lead by Enoch Chibwana argued that the conviction on both counts (theft and money laundering) is safe because there is sufficient evidence.

Among others the State said Soko's bank account statement indicates that he received Cheque from Government through his company Wymbaso General Dealers yet  rendered no service and that he admitted of the transaction.

"The state is contented that the conviction on theft was appropriate and justified. With regard to conviction of money laundering the applicant received money with full knowledge that it was proceeds of crime. His actions to proceed to deal with the money accounts to money laundering which is under section 35 subsection 1 of subsection C of Money Laundering Proceeds of Serious Crimes and Terrorist Financing Act... The applicant is correctly convicted of money laundering." Argued the state

On the issue of sentence, State argued that the sentence "is not excessive and is reasonable" considering the reasons the lower court gave when passing the sentence which includes the economic problems and interrupted services from Government following his participation in the looting of public money.

The state further said "there is nothing wrong in the magistrate giving him consecutive sentences because that is acceptable at law as long as the court gives reasons" which the magistrate gave reasons why he opted for consecutive sentences.

"Our appeal therefore is that this appeal hearing should be dismissed in its entirety and costs be awarded to State" pleaded the state

In his application, Soko is also asking court to consider his dettoriating health which the state said there is no sufficient evidence.

Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned for judgement to a date to be fixed by the court.

Wyson Soko was charged and convicted of two counts of Theft and Money Laundering; on theft he was given four years while for money laundering he was handed three and half years.

Wyson Soko pleaded not guilty to all two charges of Theft and Money Laundering and he  become a third convict to get a prison sentence since the commencement of prosecution of Cash gate cases.

During his trial, Soko named Godfrey Banda as the person who deposited the cheques to Wymbaso General Suppliers but was coy to reveal more details of that person

Govt Funded CSO's On SDG's Caravan Parade

Luther Mambala reading Statement

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

Jappie Mhango

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

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

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

Mghango receiving the statement

Bamusi receiving the statement

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

Luther Mambala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mayaya Warns Of Civil Disobedience If Govt Service Delivery Remains Sour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CELOM Pleads For Better Pension, Improved Living Conditions For War Veterans

The Commonwealth Ex-Service League of Malawi (CELOM) has expressed its concern over lack of Government commitment to provide enough support to World War Veterans.

The Chairperson for the CELOM, Retired Major General Namwali in his remarks during the inauguration of the 2015 Poppy Day noted lack of Government commitment to support War Veterans in the country.

Namwali made an appeal to President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe that Government ought to consider revising upwards the pensions given to the veterans and ensure that they live in good conditions.

“Pensions must be revisited otherwise we are left in dark. Due poor support our numbers of War Veterans are decreasing due to death which is a result of old age coupled with lack of proper support from government.” He said

Asked in an interview to highlight more, Major General Namwali (Rt) said only War veterans who stayed longer in the war are getting financial support of K2, 500 per month but those who joined late are getting “nothing.” He proposed that the pension be revised to K5, 000 per month because current support is too little.

Namwali, also highlighted that due to lack of proper care coupled with old age, this year alone CELOM has recorded 31 deaths of veterans living in both memorial homes and in their villages. He added that the War veterans for example at Zomba Memorial home are living in poor conditions; in houses which have poor facilities including on sanitation, and with no electricity.

During the meeting with President Mutharika CELOM also appeal for food supplements on maize commodity, inclusion for 2015-2016 Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP), logistical support on the ongoing identification exercise of the veteran solders and inclusion of energetic retired officers into peace keeping missions.

In his response, president Mutharika promised that as Commander In-Chief of Malawi Defense Force, will look into all the concerns and provide the necessary support.

“I have heard what you said about the assistance and some of the things that you have mentioned I am aware of them. We will try our best in my capacity as minister of defense and my deputy, we will do our best to look at the issues that you have mentioned; the issues of FISP, vehicles, pensions and other issues that you have mentioned.” Assured President Mutharika

“I know you are facing a lot of challenges, but it is our obligation to do something for veterans who risked their lives to save us. I would like to invite members of communities to do all they can to contribute, to assist some with assistance whether in form of money and in kind.” He said

At the ceremony, President Peter Mutharika bought a Poppy flower at a value of K1.5 million as one way of supporting the World War Veterans in the country and also appealed to Malawians to support the veterans.

CELOM estimates, indicates up to 500 World War Veterans are still alive in the country as results from its ongoing national wide identification exercise has identified 210 veterans in addition to already known 194 veterans. The exercise expects to identify 150 more veterans in the remaining districts. At the moment there are 15 World War Veterans living in Memorial homes at Cobbe Barracks in Zomba.