I took some days off says Ngwazi Mutharika

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi President His Excellency Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has disclosed that he proceed on holiday soon after attending the recent Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit held in the Egyptian sea resort of Shalma El Sheikh.

Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika was speaking at Chileka International Airport on Thursday soon after landing from his first foreign trip after his May 19th land slide victory.

In his speech, the State President said that like any other employee and human being, he is entitled to some leave every year but due to his busy schedule, he can not take a full holiday.

“As President of Malawi, I am entitled to 36 days of annual leave and these have accumulated to nearly 100 in the last 5 years I have been in power,” disclosed the Ngwazi.

He said each time an opportunity unveils itself, he takes a few days for leave in order to have a breather.

“You know I cannot go away on holiday for 100 days because people will then say I have run away. So every time there is an opening I take leave for two to three days,” said the President who was in a jovial mood after winning the May 19th Presidential and Parliamentary polls.

Thousands upon thousands of people swarmed the Chileka International Airport to welcome their beloved leader.

Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, disclosed this in response to a question from a journalist who wanted to know why the Malawian leader rescheduled his trip from the previously announced date of return of 25th July 2009 to 30th July.

The NAM summit in Egypt was Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika’s first foreign trip after outclassing the opposition MCP/UDF Coalition in the May elections.

In the Presidential race, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika got an overwhelming landslide victory over one John Zenus Ungapake Tembo.

Tembo, also popularly known in Malawi as Puludzu was threatening Malawians that if the MCP/UDF Coalition won the elections, he was going to kill Malawians who supported the Bingu led administration.

His closest ally, Bakili Muluzi of the UDF fell on the way side after he was stopped in his tracks by the Malawi High Court from raping the Malawi Constitution by standing for an unconstitutional third term of office –
Malawi Digest.

Former MSB deputy not saint

Clara Chimbayo, the woman who has three children from three different fathers but claims to be a born-again. Currently dating a Sri Lankan, a Nigerian and a Malawian based in Lilongwe.

By Lucy Liponda

Former deputy Chief Executive Officer of one of Malawi’s leading commercial banks, the Malawi Savings Bank (MSB) Clara Chimbayo is reported to be a sheep in goat’s skin and not a saint and victim of sexual harassment as she has been claiming, Malawi Digest can reveal.

Clara Chimbayo has been feeding information to the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) online propaganda tool, Nyasatimes to damage the reputation of her former boss, Chief Executive Officer Joseph Mwanamvekha.

In a series of articles published by the Bakili Muluzi favoured Nyasatimes, Chimbayo alleges that she was a victim of sexual harassment when she was working under Mwanamvekha.

Nyasatimes, has also gone further to attack the personally and ethnicity of the MSB Chief Executive Officer alleging his is excelling in his job because he is a Lhomwe by tribe.

Interestingly, two of the publishers of Nyasatimes and the alleged sexual victim Clara Chimbayo belong to the same tribe. It is not known if this is by mere coincidence or by design.

Analysts have concluded that the trio has embarked on a programme to be attacking Lhomwe tribe in Malawi including Mr Mwanamvekha as a result of their frustrations because their pay master Bakili Muluzi failed to take part and win the 2009 Presidential polls.

This trio of fabricators is being coached by another frustrated senior UDF party official who resides in Blantyre but also belongs to the same tribe like the trio.

Investigations by Malawi Digest on the alleged victim, Clara N. Chimbayo indicate that she is a worse sex maniac who has no stable family at all.

A source who worked with her at MSB for 3 years says that Chimbayo has no moral ground at all to be claiming she has been a victim of sexual harassment.

According to our source who worked in the same Internal Audit Department with her at MSB, Chimbayo has lust for men such that at one point she had three relationships with men of different nationalities.

“She was dating a top personality in a semi-government organisation in Lilongwe, a Nigerian national and another man of Sri Lankan origin,” said our source who also shared a hostel with Chimbayo in college at the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic in 1992.

The woman whose name we cannot publish for obvious reasons said that Clara Chimbayo has three children from different fathers.

“The dad to the first born was a Chimbayo who died a long time ago and after that Clara has had an escapade from one man to another resulting in the birth of two other fatherless children,” she said.

The source wondered how a woman who has three children from different fathers claim to be a victim of sexual harassment. Our source said says as a matter of cover, the three children continue to use the name of Chimbayo as their father.

“How can she be trusted and believed like this? Is this the way a born-again Christian behaves as she claims to be one?” she said.

Our source also alleged that Clara Chimbayo was promoted to her last position at MSB as Deputy Chief Executive Officer after selling her body to her former boss who preceded Mwanamvekha.

Our source who now works for National Bank said during the time Clara Chimbayo served as Head of the Internal Audit, Head of Finance and Company Secretary for MSB, she failed to produce any accounts or audit reports she claims to have impeccable record in accounting and auditing.

“Actually during her time as deputy MSB was going under and was nearly declared bankrupt until the time Mr Mwanamvekha joined MSB. Chimbayo is a complete failure and non-performer,” she said.

Malawi Digest has also spoken to a close relative of Chimbayo who expressed disappointment at the behaviour of his cousin saying their family is too embarrassed and ashamed to be associated with her because of her questionable character.

“In order to hide her snake behaviour, she continues to use the name of Mrs Chimbayo although the husband died along and we advised her against the use of his name,” said the relative who works for a local NGO is Blantyre.

The relative said that Chimbayo has not secured any job up until now and relies on selling her body to Malawians of Asian origin who were her corporate customers at MSB.

Our sources assured Malawi Digest that if Clara Chimbayo continues to fabricate stories to Nyasatimes they too will be keen to supply this online publication with more information on this woman.

According to information gathered by Malawi Digest Clara Chimbayo was forced out of MSB by the board of management due to poor performance. She is reported to have failed to cope in her top challenging position as Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

As Nyasatimes is busy promoting hate and tribalism, Malawians are busy working together developing Malawi by living together in peace and harmony as sons and daughters of the Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi-Malawi Digest.

Nyasatimes stop lies!!!

We have been forced to write in response to some unfounded allegations by the online opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) propaganda tool, the Nyasatimes.

For the past few weeks now, Nyasatimes, which is very close to opposition UDF chairman and former president of Malawi Bakili Muluzi has been waging war against one, Mr Joseph Mwanamvekha, Chief Executive of one of the leading commercial banks, the Malawi Savings Bank.

Whilst we appreciate that Nyasatimes have got the freedom to write and publish whatever they want and feel, we would like to call upon the publishers of this online publication to exercise some kind of professionalism in their work.

In the articles that they have been writing against Mr Joseph Mwanamvekha, Nyasatimes has been attacking the personality of the above stated individual including targeting the tribe to which Mr Mwanamvekha belongs, the Lhomwe.

The issue of attacking the Lhomwe tribe is the more reason why we have been forced to comment on this matter as to why Nyasatimes thinks tribe has got anything to do with the professionalism of any individual including Mr Mwanamvekha.

It must be mentioned here that Nyasatimes is published by among others two Malawians from a specific tribe that we do not want to mention here.

It is our hope that these two people and others working behind the scenes have no hidden motives against the Lhomwe tribe in Malawi.

Malawians are peace loving people who have for many years lived in harmony and brought even closer through intermarriages.

We now start wondering why these two individuals and their masters are wagging wars against the Lhomwe people in Malawi.

We call upon all Malawians to condemn the behavior of the publishers of Nyasatimes, who are trying to bring hatred amongst Malawians.

Let us also remind Nyasatimes that times have changed and the administration of His Excellency the State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika looks at qualifications, performance and professionalism of individuals before any job is offered.

Unlike in the previous days where Wakumangwetu was the order of the day, times have now changed and jobs under Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika are being given out on merit.

Let us also warn and offer a piece of advice to these two individuals that attacking personalities of public figures and fabricating stories to tarnish peoples images will not help them but only put-off readers from their website.

Let them also be aware that Malawians know, what type of individuals and personalities the publishers of Nyasatimes are and if they continue fabricating stories against these noble sons and daughters of Malawi like Mr Mwanamvekha, people may be forced to open and release their can of worms.

We are even angered more with the fact that in their fabricated stories, Nyasatimes are also stealing photographs from the Malawi Digest website in order to spice up their lies. The stolen photographs are not acknowledged which is a very serious and unprofessional conduct. You mean you can’t afford a mare picture Nyasatimes? Please stop this for once if you want to earn readers’ respect.

We call upon Nyasatimes to realize that they are Malawians first and no Malawian in this day and age talks about tribes.

We are aware that Nyasatimes may be pursuing the agenda of failed presidential candidate Bakili Muluzi.

From the word go, Bakili Muluzi told the Weekend Nation that he hates the formation of Mulhako Wa Alhomwe, an organization that Mr Joseph Mwanamvekha chairs.

We are therefore not surprised that Nyasatimes is busy attacking Lhomwes in their fabrications.

However, Nyasatimes be reminded that those that were cheating you that they would take government come May 19th failed miserably in the polls.

Why do you still want to be dancing to the tune of Bakili Muluzi and John Tembo?

Failed leader Bakili Muluzi and John Tembo are finished for ever and will not bounce back in Malawian politics.

Why allow yourselves to be used by a man who even failed to stand for a third term of office in the May polls?

Come on Nyasatimes, you can do better. Give Mr Mwanamvekha a break and let his family enjoy their peace.

Remember that people are used to you Nyasatimes in publishing fabricated stories.

Just to mention a few, do you remember the fake cabinet list you released in June? Is it the same cabinet that came out? Do you remember the lies about the health of His Excellency the State President to which you later apologized? Do you remember the lies about who was chosen as DPP running mate? Was she eventually the one you published?

All were lies, lies and lies and that is Nyasatimes for you.

We are happy that times have changed and that even young democrats can have online publications, that’s the goodness of democracy – Malawi Digest.

Malawi's cabinet list

His Excellency the State President, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, on 15th June, 2009 made the following Ministerial appointments.

By public demand from our esteemed readers, Malawi Digest has been asked to publish the full list of the Ministers and their Deputies.

Long Live Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika! Long Live Genuine Democracy!

THE STATE PRESIDENT - His Excellency Ngwazi
Commander-In-Chief Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika
-Malawi Defence Force
-Malawi Police Service

VICE PRESIDENT - Rt. Hon. Mrs Joyce Banda

GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES

1. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

Minister -His Excellency Ngwazi Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika

Deputy Minister -Hon. Margaret Roka Mauwa, MP

2. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minister -Hon. (Prof) Etta Elizabeth Banda, MP

Deputy Minister -Hon. Augustine Gracewell Mtendere, MP

3. MINISTRY OF FINANCE

Minister -Hon. Ken Edward Kandodo, MP

Deputy Minister -Hon. Frazer Nkhoma Nihorya, MP

4. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Minister –Hon. Dr George Thapatula Chaponda, MP

Deputy Minister –Hon Otria Moyo Jere, MP
(Higher Education Science and Technology)

Deputy Minister –Hon. Victor Sajeni, MP
(Primary and Secondary Education)

5. MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND COOPERATION

Minister –Hon. Abbie Marambika Shaba, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Daniel Symphoriana Liwimbi, MP

6. MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Minister –Hon. Khumbo Hastings Kachali, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Francis Lazalo Kasaila, MP

7. MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Minister –Hon. (Prof) Arthur Peter Mutharika, MP

8. MINISTRY OF IRRIGATION AND WATER DEVELOPMENT

Minister –Hon. Richie Biswick Muheya, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Grenenger Msulira Banda, MP

9. MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Minister –Hon. Goodall Edward Gondwe, MP

Deputy Minister –Hon. McJones Mandala Shaba, MP

10. MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE

Minister –Hon. Eunice Kazembe, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Steven Stafford Kamwendo, MP

11. MINISTRY OF LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Minister –Hon. (Prof) Peter Nelson Mwanza, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Trasizio Thomie Gowelo, MP

12. MINISTRY OF GENDER, CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Minister –Hon. Patricia Anne Kaliati, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, MP

13. MINISTRY OF TOURISM, WILDLIFE AND CULTURE

Minister –Hon. Anna Namathanga Kachikho, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Shadreck Jonas, MP

14. MINISTRY OF LABOUR

Minister –Hon. Yunnus Mussa, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. John Bande, MP

15. MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS

Minister –Hon. Dr Lucious Grandson Kanyumba, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Billie Kaunde, MP

16. MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Minister –Hon. (Prof) Moses Charuwananga Chirambo, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Theresa Gloria Mwale, MP

17. MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC SECURITY

Minister –Hon. Aaron Sangala, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Anne Lemani, MP

18. MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

Minister –Hon. Mohammed Sidik Mia, MP

19. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION

Minister –Hon. Leckford Mwanza Thotho, MP

Deputy Minister –Hon. Kingsley Sostins Namakhwa, MP

20. MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Minister –Hon. Grain Wyson Malunga, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Ephraim Mganda Chiume, MP

21. MINISTRY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND THE ELDERLY

Minister –Hon. Rene Bessie Kachere, MP
Deputy Minister –Hon. Felton Mulli, MP - Malawi Digest.

National budget approved

Malawi's excited and more relieved Finance Minister Ken Kandodo. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawians are this afternoon breathing a sign of relief and in celebration mood after the country’s National Assembly on Tuesday morning approved the 2009/2010 financial budget.

Finance Minister Ken Kandodo tabled the Appropriation Bill in the chamber on Tuesday morning before it was approved by an overwhelming vote.

This is the first time in 4 years that the country’s national budget has been approved without any political attachments.

During the last 5 years former president of Malawi Bakili Muluzi and his opposition counterpart John Tembo instructed opposition Members of Parliament not to approve the national budget.

The two leaders were using the then opposition large numbers in order to derail all government development works including the national budget.

Both Muluzi and Tembo, were working very closely to unseat State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika during his first 5- year term of office.

They however, failed to achieve their mission even during the recent Presidential and Parliamentary elections held in May this year. Both Muluzi and Tembo got defeated and were put in their right holes.

Speaking to Malawi Digest after the approval of the budget on Tuesday, Finance Minister Ken Kandodo said he was pleased and excited that government had now been given the mandate to start spending from the national coffers.

“There are a lot of good plans by His Excellency Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika for the people of Malawi and that can only be achieved through this budget that has been approved,” he said.

The minister thanked Members of Parliament for debating the national budget in a more responsible and mature manner.

On the same Tuesday afternoon, Kandodo tabled the Taxation Bill that is also related to this year’s financial budget.

The Taxation Bill includes new tax regulations as introduced in the 2009/2010 financial budget

This was Malawi’s first financial budget after the May 19th General Elections and Kandodo’s first financial document after his appointment as Finance Minister nearly two months ago– Malawi Digest.

Newly weds cautioned

By Emmanuel Sobilika

The Malawi’s National Road Safety Council (NRSC) has warned wedding celebrants to enjoy their auspicious moments is a more responsible manner to avoid causing road accidents in Malawi.

This was disclosed by NRSC acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Thupi in an interview with Malawi Digest.

Speaking to Malawi Digest in Malawi’s administrative capital, Lilongwe, Thupi said that the NRSC had learnt with sadness that wedding celebrants in Malawi especially those in urban centres were making long convoys which were disturbing other road users.

“To make matters worse, we have noted that some vehicles on these wedding convoys drive in a winding way. This is more dangerous as this may lead to serious road accidents,” said Thupi.

According to the acting CEO, it is against the laws of Malawi to be making long convoys that take both sides of the roads.

“This is an offence punishable by law as it is only the State President, the Vice President and other specified high ranking officials that are allowed to have such convoys,” he said.

Thupi appealed to people having wedding celebrations on the roads to do this in a very responsible manner to avoid causing road accidents.

In recent months, some wedding processions especially in the main urban centres of Malawi have been seen holding traffic because some drivers opt to cover both sides of the road and others spending times circulating on the round-abouts as video for the newly weds is being shot – Malawi Digest.

Malawi's budget adopted

By Lucy Liponda

The Malawi National Assembly currently meeting in the capital, Lilongwe on Monday adopted the 2009/10 financial budget.

The adoption is only a few steps away from having the financial document approved before government to starts spending from the national coffers.

This Tuesday, Finance Minister Ken Kandodo is expected to table two bills which if passed are going to signify the approval of the budget.

The minister is expected to table the Appropriation Bill and Taxation Bill both of which are related to this year’s financial budget.

On Monday, the Malawi Parliament passed all the 55 votes in the national budget without any amendments.

The passing of the remaining 9 votes completed a process that is called, committee of supply, in which legislatures discuss financial allocations to government ministries, departments and subvented organisations.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Malawi Digest on Monday soon after Parliament adopted the 2009/2010 budget, Finance Minister Ken Kandodo said that he was impressed in the way the House handled this year’s financial budget.

“Unlike in the past, both sides of the House discussed the national budget in a more mature and responsible manner and passed all the votes without any amendments. This is good for the country,” he said.

Political analysts and international observers have hailed the Malawi National Assembly for rising above partisan politics to discuss the country’s financial matters with sober minds.

Previously, the country’s National Budget approval was being derailed by the opposition dominated house on instructions from opposition leaders, Bakili Muluzi and his counterpart, John Tembo

However, that is no longer the case because government has the numbers following the May 19th landslide victory by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and His Excellency the State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika – Malawi Digest.

Ngwazi lands Thursday

His Excellency the State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi President His Excellency Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika arrives home next Thursday after nearly two weeks out of the country, Malawi Digest understands.

Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, left Malawi on Monday 13th July for Shalma El Sheikh, Egypt when he was attending, heads of state summit for members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

According to statement from the State House, official residence for the State President, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is expected to arrive at Chileka International Airport in Malawi’s commercial city Blantyre on Thursday, 30th July, 2009 at around 11:00am.

This is the first foreign trip undertaken by His Excellency Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika after winning with a land slide victory, the May 19th Presidential polls.

His ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also got an overwhelming number of Members of Parliament in the National Assembly.

In the May 19th General Elections, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika outclassed, the opposition MCP/UDF Alliance presidential candidate John Tembo by nearly 3 million votes against 1.5 million.

This was the first time in Malawi’s history that a Presidential candidate had polled nearly 3 million votes in one election.

The overwhelming Presidential and Parliamentary result by Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and the DPP sent shock waves on the country’s opposition including former president Bakili Muluzi who had no option but forced to accept defeat and congratulated Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika almost immediately.

However, defeated Malawi Congress Party president John Tembo also well known in Malawi as Puludzu did not accept and concede but took the matter to court claiming his vote was stolen.
Last week, the High Court in Lilongwe threw out of the window Tembo’s claims saying he had no tangle evidence to prove his case.

This was probably Tembo’s last chance to contest in an election in Malawi as age is catching up with him and he has tried the presidency enough times to hand over the mantle to others.

Many Malawians believe John Tembo was behind the killings and murder of thousands upon thousands of people during the single party autocratic rule under late dictator Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Former president Bakili Muluzi during his 10 years in power told Malawians that he had overwhelming evidence that John Tembo killed former cabinet ministers and one MP in the late Gadama, Matenje, Sangala and Chiwanga – Malawi Digest.

MBC & TVM funded

By Lucy Liponda

Two of Malawi’s state owned public broadcasters, Malawi Television (TVM) and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) on Thursday breathed a sigh of relief when the Malawi National Assembly approved their annual financial allocation after two years of dry coffers.

The two organisations were denied funding by the then opposition dominated parliament in the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 budget sessions.

The opposition Members of Parliament got instructions from former president Bakili Muluzi and the then Leader of Opposition, John Tembo to deny the two national broadcasters their annual allocations on what they two failed leaders claimed was biased reporting.

The decision by Muluzi and Tembo to deny TVM and MBC funding resulted in the suffering of hundreds of families and members of staff for the two organisations.

Unlike in the past when the opposition abused their huge numbers in Parliament, the case was different on Thursday when Finance Minister Ken Kandodo rose to request the House to approve Vote 275- Subvented Organisation to which both TVM and MBC belong.

Opposition MP for Salima North Kaphamtengo Yona surprised the House when he asked for an increase in the allocations given to the two organisations.

However, this was turned down by Finance Minister Ken Kandodo who said that the funding was adequate for both TVM and MBC saying the two organisations had commercial departments to beef up their revenue.

The total amount of money allocated for all subvented organisations was MK12, 292, 141, 672 from where MBC got MK300 million and TVM MK120 million – Malawi Digest.

Malawians have confidence in Bingu

The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education Kingsley Namakhwa says that the May 19th landslide victory by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is a clear testimony that Malawians have confidence and trust in the wise and dynamic leadership of His Excellency the State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

Namakhwa was speaking in an exclusive interview to Malawi Digest in Malawi commercial capital, Blantyre where he was on a civic education tour in Blantyre City Central Constituency.

Speaking soon after addressing a civic education rally at Ndirande Community Centre Hall, Namakhwa said that the outcome of this year’s Presidential and Parliamentary polls speaks volumes of how much Malawians love and trust their leader, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

“The DPP won parliamentary seats in all the regions of the country and the presidential vote result for our beloved Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika was just overwhelming,” said the deputy minister.

The youthful minister said that following the DPP victory and that of Ngwazi Dr Mutharika, the country is assured of better developments for the next 5 years.

“Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has got a great vision for the people of this country that will see us moving increasingly from poverty to prosperity,” he said.

Speaking during the civic education rally he addressed in Blantyre City Central Constituency, Kingsley Namakhwa appealed to people in the area to conduct the by-elections in a peaceful atmosphere.

He told the huge crowd that turned up at Ndirande Community Centre Hall that time for politics of violence and castigation is over.

“As a Ministry of Information and Civic Education, our role is to encourage you the people of Ndirande to emulate what Malawians did on May 19th by campaigning and voting in a more peaceful and responsible manner,” said the deputy minister.

He said that time for hate speeches is over and that Malawians should now look at issues when it comes to elections.

“Let your aspiring candidates and you supporters co-exist peacefully for the sake of our good mother, Malawi,” he said.

According to Namakhwa, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has embarked of an intensive civic education campaign in the two constituencies of Blantyre City Central and Zomba-Malosa where by-elections are scheduled to take place on August 14th.

He said the role of the ministry is to make sure that people in the two areas know the voting procedures and take part in the by-elections in a peaceful manner.

The ruling DPP aspiring parliamentary candidate in Blantyre City Central is Themba Mkandawire who many analysts have predicated is going to carry the day on 14th August – Malawi Digest.

Diplomats happy with Mutharika

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Augustine Mtendere says Malawi Diplomats are very happy with Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawian diplomats working in foreign missions are reported to be very happy with the administration of His Excellency Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, Malawi Digest has learnt.

This was disclosed by Malawi’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Augustine Mtendere in an exclusive interview with Malawi Digest at Parliament buildings in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

Speaking on the sidelines of this year’s budget session, Mtendere said that the Bingu administration has given tremendous support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in helping to improve the living conditions of Malawian Diplomats working abroad.

“As I am talking now, the Bingu administration has increased Foreign Service Allowance that our diplomats get in our missions abroad and this has impressed most of our foreign workers,” he said.

The deputy minister who is also Member of Parliament for Kasungu North East Constituency also paid tribute the Mutharika administration for taking care of government infrastructure abroad.

“Under the wise and dynamic leadership of His Excellency the State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, government has also provided funds for maintenance and rehabilitation of diplomatic residences at Missions where the Malawi government owns property,” said the junior minister.

According to Mtendere government has provided funding for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the High Commission and the Malawi Consulate General’s Office in Pretoria and Johannesburg and the Malawi Embassy in Brussels.

The deputy minister also disclosed that the Bingu administration has provided funds for the construction of Chanceries in Addis Ababa and Lusaka, procurement of Chancery in London, procurement of official residence in Washington and the rehabilitation of the Chancery in Washington which was gutted down by fire some three years ago.

“All this has been possible due to improved economic environment which continues to translate into increasing availability of resources,” he said.

He said all this underscores President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika’s government commitment in improving the performance of Malawi’s Diplomatic Missions and Malawi’s image abroad – Malawi Digest.

UDF loses candidate in Ndirande

Bakili Muluzi will have to think about his ill-ness and more trouble for his UDF party back home.

By Lucy Liponda

Former president of Malawi and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) chairman, Bakili Muluzi who is receiving medical attention in the United Kingdom (UK) will have to do a lot of thinking apart from his ill-ness as his party’s Parliamentary candidate for the forth coming by-elections in Blantyre City Central has withdrawn, Malawi Digest understands.

By-elections in Blantyre City Central and Zomba Malosa Constituencies are scheduled to take place on August, 14, 2009.

The opposition UDF was being represented in the race by Blantyre businessman, Ernest Maganga who has since pledged to work with the government of President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

Speaking to Malawi Digest on Tuesday afternoon from his base in Blantyre, Maganga said that he decided to withdraw from the race because the people of Blantyre Central Constituency voted for President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika in the May 19th Presidential polls.

“If the people voted for Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika on May 19th, who am I to contest against a DPP candidate in Ndirande? I am ready to work together with the DPP candidate for him to excel in the by-elections,” said Maganga.

Maganga also disclosed that he has quit the opposition UDF of former president Bakili Muluzi describing it as a party that has no future and lacks proper direction.

“I don’t want to be associated with a party whose agenda is to frustrate government’s efforts to develop Malawi as has been with the UDF in the last 5 years,” he said.

People from Blantyre City Central Constituency did not vote for their Parliamentarian on May 19th because a candidate for the New Rainbow Coalition of Loveness Gondwe died a few weeks before the polls.

Meanwhile, following the pulling out of Maganga from the race, the contest remains for nine other aspirant candidates that include Themba Mkandawire for the ruling DPP.

A survey by Malawi Digest in Ndirande Township has revealed that the DPP candidate, Mkandawire will carry the day in the by-elections.

Malawi Digest was not able to get a comment from the independent Malawi Electoral Commission as its spokesperson Fegus Lipenga was reported to be in a meeting.

It is not known if the opposition UDF will be given another chance to choose another candidate to take part in the race replacing Maganga.

If the UDF has no candidate in these by-elections, it will not be the first time for them to do so.

In May this year, the party that ruled Malawi for 10 years for the first time went to the polls without a Presidential candidate after their leader Bakili Muluzi was stopped in his tracks by the courts when he wanted to rape the Malawi Constitution by seeking an unconstitutional third term of office.

Following Muluzi’s failure to take part in the presidential race, he supported John Tembo of the Malawi Congress Party who also failed miserably on the presidency.

Former president Muluzi, has always described John Tembo as a killer and a murder with blood stains in his hands. It is however, not known why the two decided to work together in the May polls- Malawi Digest.

Parliament passes 15 votes

Finance Minister Ken Kandodo says he is so far impressed with the progress on the national budget. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

The Malawi National Assembly currently meeting in the administrative capital, Lilongwe discussing the 2009/2010 national budget on Tuesday went into the committee of supply almost instantly approving 15 votes pertaining to government ministries, departments and organisations.

The committee of supply is the stage in the budget deliberations where members of the national assembly consider and approve monetary allocations to ministries, departments and organisations that get government subventions.

Those that had their votes approved on the very first day of the committee of supply were the Office of President and Cabinet, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Development Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of National Defence and the Malawi Defence Force, the National Audit Office, the Public Service Commission, Directorate of Public Procurement, National Statistical Office, Department of Human Resource Management, the Local Government Committee, the Judiciary, Department for Nutrition, HIV/Aids and the National Aids Commission.

The approval and allocation of this money to the above stated ministries, departments and organisations is to complete departure from the behaviour of opposition MPs in the last four years where they almost derailed proceedings in the house.

The opposition MPs, who were then in majority were receiving orders from former president Bakili Muluzi and Malawi Congress Party leader John Tembo not to approve and pass the national budget which is mean for every Malawian including the rural poor.

The two, Muluzi and Tembo wanted to unseat Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika from the presidency within his term of office but they failed in their evil plans.

Muluzi and Tembo used their MPs in the national assembly to try and cripple government operations but they also failed.

Muluzi and Tembo also went into an electoral alliance during the May 19th Presidential and Parliamentary polls but they got defeated together.

Speaking in an exclusive interview to Malawi Digest on the progress of the budget session especially on the committee of supply, Finance Minister Ken Kandodo said that unlike in the past when the opposition did not wish Malawians well, he was impressed with the current crop of MPs.

“With DPP in majority, MPs are putting Malawi first which is a clear testimony of a sense of patriotism,” he said.

Parliament continues sitting Wednesday afternoon at 2:00pm and Malawi Digest will keep you informed- Malawi Digest.

Chafukira apologies for MCP, UDF opposition

His Excellency Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika praised for spreading development in Malawi more evenly. Pic: By Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Deflated opposition Malawi Congress Party parliamentarian, Ishmael Chafukira on Monday afternoon showed a sign of maturity when he apologised in the Malawi National Assembly for the opposition’s past mistakes.

Making his contribution to the 2009/10 financial budget statement ably tabled in the House by Finance Minister Ken Kandodo on 3rd July, Chafukira said that the opposition in Malawi owed Malawians an apology for behaving irresponsibly in the last 5 years.

“Some important government bills were either delayed or rejected by the then opposition. That was not good for the people of Malawi,” he said, to a round of applause from members of parliament mostly from the government side and a better part of the opposition as well.

Chafukira said that as a result of this poor behaviour by the opposition, there was need to apologise to Malawians.

“On behalf of that opposition then to which I was part and the Malawi Congress Party, I do apologise that we will not do that again,” he said.

Chafukira went on further to lecturer fellow parliamentarians on the role of the opposition and the legislature in general.

“Our role is to do what the public expects from us and we in the opposition criticising constructively,” he said.

He promised that time for working against government was now over.

“This is a new dawn for the opposition in Malawi and I want to assure the House that time for arm twisting is over,” he said.

Apart from applauding government on its development works, Chafukira appealed for a listening ear.

“We know that the opposition is small and thin, but what matters to us is not the numbers but ideas coming from this side. We hope government will take then on board,” he said.

Chafukira thanked the Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika administration for spreading development in the country more evenly.

He also praised President Dr Mutharika for developing the central region and mentioning the construction of Lilongwe-Kasiya road, the Kamuzu Mausoleum, the construction of a 5-star hotel in Lilongwe and the new National Assembly chamber taking shape as positive things that Malawians need.

In the last five years, the opposition Malawi Congress Party under failed presidential candidate John Tembo and another opposition the United Democratic Front of former president Bakili Muluzi tried all their level best to frustrate the Malawi government's agenda to develop the country, however their evil works failed.

The MCP/UDF marriage of inconvenience failed to unseat the government of Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika in the May19th Presidential and Parliamentary polls.

The two parties were trounced by the mighty Democractic Progressive Party under the able leadership of Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

The ruling party and the president won the elections with a landslide victory – Malawi Digest.