Consult Mzimba Chiefs On Customary Land Bill-Nyalonje

Mzimba North constituency legislature, Agnes Nyalonje has tipped the National Assembly to consider inclusion of Chiefs from Mzimba district in the list of stakeholders that are to appear before four committees tasked to scrutinize Customary Land Bill. 

The bill was referred to Committees on Legal Affairs, Natural Resources, Women’s Caucus, and Agriculture for thorough scrutiny with expertise from stakeholders well versed in customary land issues.

Before the bill was referred to the committees on Friday, Honorable Nyalonje told the National Assembly that most of new areas highlighted in the bill as areas for improvement are not new among Chiefs of Mzimba. 

She said Mzimba chiefs have a robust system of Customary land management which is still practiced now and therefore considering significance of the bill, Chiefs in Mzimba are relevant stakeholders who can give their point of view to enable the new legislation to incorporate the customary systems that are already in practice.

“What stands out is that the way Mzimba Chiefs have managed the land for generations is very different to the way land has been managed in other parts of the country and that their system works.” Noted Nyalonje later in an interview

She emphasized that in the search for a improvement it is good that the consultations should not lose sight of those things that are already working now.

Nyalonje also disclosed that Mzimba Chiefs are also concerned with some provisions in the new bill particularly on huge powers given to Minister. 

She mentioned that the recent meeting Chiefs had with number of stakeholders including Mzimba Heritage Association, MPs and academics, Chiefs said putting so much power into Minister allows fertile ground for corruption and they further expressed their wish of having their input heard before the proposed bill gets implementation.

“Chiefs are saying involve us because for us to feel that we own these pieces of legislations we must feel that they are addressing our challenges. Because the areas where the legislation is seeking to improve may already be there but on the other hand there might be other areas that have been left out that as far as they see should be included in order to strengthen the legislation.” She said 

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.

Former VP Kachali, Kamlepo, Makowa Mwale Questions Put On Hold Until President Avail In The House

The Malawi former Vice President, Khumbo Kachale, Kamlepo Kalua and Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale have joined opposition leader, Lazarus Chakwera by reserving their questions until President Peter Mutharika finds time to avail himself in the House to answer their questions.

Questions directed to President from both Kachali legislature for Mzimba South-West and Kamlepo for Rumphi East are on status of food situation in the country while question from Makowa Mwale for Nkhotakota-South East is on progress to identify a cash crop that replaces tobacco.

Minister of Agriculture, Allan Chiyembekeza was delegated to answer the questions although they were seeking direct reply from the President in the House.

Before reserving his question on Friday afternoon just before the House moved the motion to adjourn Sine Die, former vice president Khumbo Kachali sought guidance of Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya if the President act to delegate Minister was not contravening Standing Order of 2013 (201) "Where the President is required to respond to questions in accordance with the provision of section 89 (3C) of the constitution he or she may not delegate such functions to a member of Cabinet." 

However, Speaker guided Kachali that the cited section of Constitution provision, chapter 89 .3 further indicates that the President shall respond to questions only when he is addressing the House each year before the consideration of the official budget where he report on the future policies of Government and the policies of the previous year.

“That is what in Parliamentary language is termed as State of the National Address. And during that time the President shall not delegate questions." He said, "Under any other provision, whether the House does request the president to come through resolution or would like the president to come at any point to answer a question not related to provision 89 .3, he is allowed to delegate the questions.” Clarified the Speaker

Accepting the ruling by the speaker, Khumbo said "I will reserve my question until when I see the President in this Honorable House. I know he is a busy person but he will find time"

Kalua: President not to Minister 

When time came for Kamlepo Kalua to ask his question, he  stood to say; "My question is to ask the President not a Minister, to explain to the Nation, the President not the Minister, through this House about the food situation in this country. The President, not the Minister." He said, "And I will go with the decision of the other two speakers that it will be a waste of time for me to ask the Minister when I said the President... this question is directed to the President..."

Nkhotakota South East, Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale also opted to chose the decision made by Kachali and Kaua.

“What Nkhotakota-South East was looking for is HE's perspective" he said, "If the Minister replies, there will be some supplementary questions that honorable ministers will be in a position to consult the President to get his perspective on those supplementary questions so I therefore I would like to pend my question until the President avail himself to answer it"

On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition, Lazarus Chakwera also reserved his question to President on the same reason that he would rather wait until such a time the President avail himself in the House to answer the question. 

These reactions prompted Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume to ask Speaker if the House would prefer the President to write response then read in the House by the Minister and if the House feels that the Ministers are too general to answer questions.

Responding to the first question the speaker's said, that will be another form of delegating question.

But the Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe also stood to express point that it would not dignify the President to come in the House to answer questions because there would be some follow up questions that may just be asked to humiliate the President.

Mutharika Asks Huawei Mobile To Bring Knowledge To Malawi

Mutharika with Mr. Wan Wei

Malawi President Professor Peter Mutharika yesterday asked one of the largest smart phone companies, Huawei Technologies to start training Malawians to assemble some of its gadgets particularly phones.

Mutharika made the call when he visited Huawei pavilion during the launch of the Buy Malawi Strategy in Lilongwe.

Huawei was one of the sponsors for the event held at Bingu International Conference Centre.

When he visited the pavilion Mutharika asked Mr. Wan Wei, Managing Director for the company in Malawi ‘’You assemble them here?’’ then he asked ‘’I encourage you to train local people to bring the knowledge and technology in order to create jobs and exports’’

This is pictorial focus of the Launch of Buy Malawi Strategy

Mutharika lift Buy Malawi Strategy booklet

Honara dance 

Mutharika visits Fadet pavilion 

Mutharika interacting with Ministry of Industry and Trade
officials  

Mutharika speaking to Mtalimanja Holdings Limited

Vimbuza dance

House Adjouns Sine Die: Each Side Accuse Another Of Ochestrating Misconduct

The National Assembly rises Sine Die today with each side of the House accusing another for misconduct during the transaction of the business of the House.

The meeting was widely convened to discuss the Midyear Review of 2015/2016 Budget which started on Monday 22 February 2016 and has ended today Friday, 18th March 2016.

Chakwera

Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera described the second meeting of 46th Session as ending "with mixed bag."

He elaborated in his speech that the meeting comes to an end at the time the country is facing severe food shortage country wide despite assurances that all is well yet ADMARC depots have become residences of women and children a development which he described as “indignity experience”.

He was equally concerned that the House conducted the business in the context of the depressing macroeconomic indicators despite promises that Government policies are working.

He also mentioned that the business was conducted with police intimidation, a reference to the arrest of his two legislatures, Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha. But said despite all these challenges the opposition remained unshaken as this did not demoralize the intended target.

“We have reviewed and subsequently passed a revised budget amidst assurances of fiscal discipline despite reluctance to  critically look at fundamental monetary direction.

For us in the Opposition, particularly the Malawi Congress Party, our honorable members were treated dishonorably through irregular charges and as we rise we are still traumatized by the sudden demise of one of us whose body was laid to rest on Tuesday." said Chakwera

"Despite all of these we have conducted business with rare level headedness in serving Malawians who sent us to this August House to represent them.” he added

The Malawi Congress Party Leader, Chakwera, said to demonstrate desire to strengthen institutions that fight corruption the opposition during the Meeting, they brought some substantive legislative amendment through Private Members Bill, but said was disappointed that the Government side shot down their motion.

“What we have deliberated in the various sittings of this Midyear Budget Meeting, has clearly revealed the depth of the sickness that needs a strong remedy: A revert to a drawing board of Malawi that we want for our youth, the elderly and the vulnerable groups. We must go back to the drawing board because the gap between the Haves and the Have nots is widening each passing day due to inequalities everywhere and our like of exhibiting strong moral standing in favor of what I would call Belly Politics." He said

"We have honorables who have shown that they put their Kwachas over the fundamentals of running an efficient corrupt free Government. This August House will continue to face challenges in its duties if one Arm of Government fails in its mandate to reconcile all developmental policies for the common good of Malawi. We need that big picture blueprint yesterday.

As opposition we shall continue to push for a comprehensive enactment of legislation that executive has sat on from 2007-2008 Law Commission recommendations to the more recent electoral reform recommendations so that all Malawians can win and have a better future. We shall not give in to despair nor discouragement. We shall fight on until genuine transformation development, democracy and dignity are entrenched tenets in our country.” vows Chakwera who commended members of House who uphold and continue to fight for Malawi that is progressive, non corruptive and morally secure

Kasaila

When moving a motion for adjournment of the House Sine Die, Leader of the House, Francis Kasaila also accused the opposition for their incessant use of hatred speeches.

In an interview, Kasaila said throughout the business of the House the opposition have tried ways of to bring problems in the House.

He specifically pointed out at the way Opposition attempted to proceed with Private Members business. He said there was clear evidence that the opposition had ill motive to pass a proposed amendment on Corrupt Practices Act on the Authority to appoint Anti Corruption Bureau Director General and his Deputy. He said the opposition failed attempt to curtail debate just after two members had contributed was undemocratic because they wanted to ambush Government side who at that particular time were very few.

"Bills needs more views and consultatins. But they did not want that" said Kasaila

He also said rejection of some of the budget votes during the Committee of Supply was not of the best interest to Malawians.

However, Kasala was quick to describe the meeting on the outset as “generally been a success” and thanked all members for their hard work and dedication.

He said the business was transacted as planned.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya said he was happy to note some improvements in the transaction of the business in the House and for cooperation and constributions

Highlights of the Meeting 

The meeting began on February 22, 2016 with Ministerial Statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development on Food Situation in the Country. Other statements discussed during the Meeting were Statement on Drugs and Food situation in the Hospitals on 23 February, 2016 and Statement on Youth Development Initiative in Malawi on 23 February, 2016 but was concluded on 16th March 2016. But the meeting failed to discuss Ministerial Statement from Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare on Rising Cases of Violence against Older Persons in Malawi.

Minister of Finance delivered 2015-2016 Midyear Budget Review Statement on Friday 26 February 2016 and the House debate began on 29th February 2016 to 7th March 2016 after which the revised Midyear Budget estimates were considered by the Committee of Supply from Monday 7th March 2016 to Friday 11 March 2016 where all the votes were passed. Ultimately the House passed 2015-2016 Midyear Revised Budget with total sum of K902 billion.

A total of 39 out of 132 questions submitted to various Government Ministries were responded to by responsible Ministers. Some questions to the President were not taken by relevant Cabinet Ministers  who were delegated by the President as the legislatures demanded the President himself to respond to those questions.

On Bills, the House passed Metrology bill on 14th March 2016 and Appropriation Amendment which was passed on 14th March 2016. But Communications Bill is at Committee Stage.

Land bill, Physical Planning bill, Land Survey bill and Customary Land bill have been referred to Committees of Women Caucus, Legal Affairs, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Due to limited time the following bills failed to be tabled.

1. Electronic Transactions (Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communications to present a Report on the Bill.)
2. Payment Systems (The Budget Committee in the day already presented a report on the bill)
3. Access to Information
4. Forestry (Amendment)
5. Malawi Housing Corporation (Amendment N.2)
6. Registered Land (Amendment)
7. Public Roads (Amendment)
8. Land Acquisition
9. Local Government (Amendment)
10. International Fund for Agricultural Development (Programme for Rural Irrigation Development) Loan (Authorisation)

House Adopts Motion To Fund Scaling Up Of Fruit Production

The Malawi National Assembly on Thursday evening, adopted motion which is asking Government to begin considering the horticulture as one of the priority areas for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Wster Development.

This followed the motion under Private Member’s Business where the Lilongwe Central legislature, Lobin Lowe moved “That, considering that there is low production of fruits which in turn promotes high importation of fruits, and considering the importance of fruits at household level regarding source of income, food security and nutritional value, this House resolves that Government should put fruit production processing on the priority list of projects where funding is concerned for Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development.”

Honorable Lowe said success realised in the past interventions when Government prioritised funding for scaling up of cotton and legumes production among others has proven that prioritising also Fruit Production, Malawi will stop importing fruits from neigboring countries.

“While appreciating these efforts, we should accept, as a nation, that by sidelining fruit production for so long, our forex is being wasted through importation of apples, peaches, oranges, and several other fruits our farmers can produce if enough support is provided.” he said

He said it is very worrisome development that almost every type of fruit in local super markets and other markets are importated and said this should serve as a wakeup call that Malawi needs to invest in fruit production which will as well benefit future generation.

“It is unfortunate that our super markets are full of imported fruits and fruit juices which drain our scarce forex. What has become more painful over the recent past is that we have now started eating imported bananas from Tanzania because we have neglected ours for a long period of time until our banana is wiped by deadly banana bunchy top virus. Nobody seems to care. 

In these days, where everyone talks about climate-smart agriculture, fruit trees can no longer be ignored.”  He said while urging both Government and goodwill organization to allocate resources for fruit production

He underlined that fruit production can bring numerous benefits to farmers. He said fruit farming can serve as farmers pension, help in food security and that with good management, the industry can as well serve as alternative forex earner. He therefore, emphasized that farmers must be assisted financially to help them purchase the fruit seedlings as well as imparting them with skills and knowledge on how they can manage orchards.

Lilongwe Central legislature hinted that Malawi can take advantage of existing struggling fruit production industry as good foundation to begin supporting fruit production.

On this, he among others mentioned citrus industry in Mwanza which its production is drastically declined because of poor management of the old trees and the many mango trees that are avilable in the country.

He further mentioned number of projects that the country can as well take advantage of including Chinese Agricultural Technical Mission which imported Asian, species of fruits, PROSCARP and GTZ promotion of horticulture through Farmers Association (NAFTINA) and currently ICRAF which is assisting with nursery inspection and certification as well as Private owned Malawi Mangoes project in Salima which is growing and processing mangoes and bananas at a large scale.

“There are a lot of food security oriented NGO’s which distributes fruit trees at small scale. All these are opportunities indicating that there is good foundation already laid, such that the Government can start building on” he added

In an interview Lowe said after this motion he will try to follow up with the Ministry to find out what they will do from now on 

“If they come up with strategy I will very much appreciate” he said

During the debate on this motion in the chamber, both Government and opposition sides agreed with the legislature and there was almost consensus emphasizing the need to invest in the production of fruit production.

It was noted during the debate that in late 90’s where there were less than 6 qualified horticulturists in the country, Malawi was able to produce enough fruits for domestic consumption as well processing for example Mulanje fruit canning factory which is no more.

But Minister of Industry and Trade, Joseph Mwanamvekha said during the debate that this idea is part of what Malawi is doing and it is part of Buy Malawi Strategy to be launched this Friday by President Peter Mutharika. Equally Minister of agriculture hailed the legislature for coming up with the motion but emphasized that private sector must take a big stake in production of fruits.

ATI Tabling Fail Again; Information Minister Rushed To Hospital

Mhango: Sick 

Minister of Information rushed to the hospital and fails to present the much awaited and promised Access to Information bill.

Leader of House Francis Kasaila informed the House this Friday morning when the House resumed sitting after health break to continue debate on prioritized bills that the Minister responsible to deliver the bill was sick and has been taken to hospital.

Minister who was expected to deliver the bill is Jappie Mhango Minister of Information.

Kasaila said there was nobody to present the bill on his behalf and therefore asked the House to continue with other bills and business of the House.

However, Kasaila did not disclose the seriousness of his sickness. But said this means the bill will come in the House in May Meeting

Kasaila on Wednesday and Thursday did promise that the bill will by all means be presented between Thursday and Friday.

uptdate

When asked in an interview of how seriously ill is Mhango, Kasaila replied “That’s the information that I have, that he is not feeling oky today.

The information that I have is that the minister was coming to the House but on his way he felt that he was not feeling Oky and he had to go to the hospital so we were hoping that may be he will be here after visiting the hospital but it did not happen that way.”

Asked why they failed to allow Justice Minister or to delegate other ministers to present the bill, Kasaila explained that the Government side got report of Jappies illness during the healthy break and therefore there was no other cabinet Minister who was ready to present and answer question pertaining to the bill. He added that it was also difficult to that time to request for the bill and delegate other cabinet members.

He hoped that the bill will be back in the House in May meeting of the National Assembly

Richard Chimwendo: There was commitment 

Through several assurances Government made to have the bill tabled in the House between Thursday and today, hopes were build in the hearts of many Malawians including Legislatures themselves that the bill will by all means be tabled.

Such hopes, prompted Dowa East legislature Richard Chimwendo Banda to stand as the House was about to adjourn Sine Die to ask Speaker to get clarification why the House is about to adjourn yet the much awaited bill is not coming.

"There was commitment that the bill will come in this House" he reminded the House and made emphasis that under situation at hand Government should have used collective responsibility by delegating a cabinet minister to present the bill.