Eye of the Child hails Prof. Peter Mutharika

Malawi's Justice and Constitution Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi’s leading child rights non-governmental organisation, the Eye of the Child has hailed Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika on the passing of the long-awaited National Registration Bill.

This has been said by the Executive Director for the Eye of the Child, Maxwell Matewere following the National Assembly’s approval of the legislation two weeks ago.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi Digest on Sunday, Matewere said that his organisation congratulates the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for tabling the Bill this time around and having it passed in the August House.

“This is good news to all Malawians of goodwill and the Minister of Justice Professor Peter Mutharika must be applauded for the good job well done,” he said.

On the Bill itself, Matewere said that it’s a welcome development for the country as it will help in the identification of Malawians as true citizens of the country.

“The new Law will help the Malawi government in its efforts to provide material assistance and support to economically disadvantaged families in many areas including housing, education, health and nutrition,” he said.

Matewere, whose organisation champions the rights of children in Malawi, said that the new legislation is also particularly important in that it will help in the safe guarding of the rights of children in the country.

He said that the new law will ensure that priority attention is given to the rights and needs of children in the country.

“In the past we have been having cases of child labour, forced marriages and many other violations on children but it was very difficult to prove them because identification on who was a child was very difficult,” he said.

Matewere said that following the passing of the new law, children can be easily identified and the law will be easily enforced thereby preventing child labour and forced marriages on children.

Following the passing of the Bill on the Registration Bill, the State President is expected to assent it into Law anytime soon after Parliament rises later this week. The new law became a Bill in 2006.

Among many other things on children, the new law is expected to allow the registration of every child born in Malawi and registration of any adopted child in the country-Malawi Digest.

Dr Bingu unveils the World Cup in Malawi

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika smiles with the World Cup trophy in his hands at the Saturday function in Lilongwe. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika on Saturday unveiled the World Cup trophy in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

The hour long ceremony took place at the presidential New State House where the State President spoke highly about football unifying people.

The State President also applauded the Malawi Flames for qualifying for Angola 2010 Nations Cup finals.

The event then changed venues to the Capital City Hotel where thousands upon thousands of people took turns to take a look at the famous trophy and had their pictures taken courtesy of beverage company, Coca Cola.

There were also lots of goodies given out by the same company of course including drinks.

The trophy arrived in Malawi on Friday night and left the country on a charted plane through Kamuzu International Airport for its next destination, Mozambique.

The World Cup trophy is on a world tour as it heads for South Africa where the next tournament is scheduled to take place in June 2010-Malawi Digest.

'Manganya' demanded sex says ex-workmate

Michael 'Manganya' Usi is seen in this picture in acting attire. He is now involved in some sexual controversy at his work place which is contrary to what he educates the Malawian public against getting involved in extra love relationships due to the HIV/Aids pandemic.

By Limbani Moya/The Weekend Times

Celebrated Malawian comedian Michael Usi aka ‘Manganya’ has since last year been at the centre of sexual harassment allegations from one of his production assistants at the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Malawi, the Weekend Times has confirmed.

Documents from the alleged victim, Gladys Phiri, who worked with Usi as assistant communications officer, raise nine forms of sexual harassment among them demanding sex, forcing her to suck Usi’s private parts to stimulate him, and physically checking whether her private parts are shaved.

“He would ask me to undress in his office to take a look at my body”

“He would force me to look at his private parts in his office. On several occasions he has used force to make put his penis in my mouth just to excite him,” Gladys was quoted in a 5th September 2008 letter from her lawyers MC and Company addressed to Usi.

“On several occasions he has been asking me to if my pubic hair is shaved. Sometimes he would force his hand into my underwear just to check.”

Asked how she could put up with such harassment for so long, Gladys said in her lawyer’s report that the matter was reported to the human resources and finance manager who unfortunately reported to Usi who was Adra’s deputy country director.

Usi confirmed he was aware of the allegations, but said he believed Gladys was being used by some individuals who did not wish him well.

“This is the work of the devil. I never harassed her. God is my witness,” said Usi in an interview.

Following the allegations, Adra Malawi sent Usi on an administrative leave to pave way for a commission of inquiry to investigate the matter, country director Emmanuel Dacosta confirmed to The Weekend Times.

“Because of the nature of the allegations, Adra Malawi set up a commission of inquiry after the board met. Both parties were heard. Usi was cleared of the allegations because the allegations could not be proved,” Dacosta said in an interview.

However the commission did not release the findings to neither Gladys nor Usi. “I was verbally communicated that I had been cleared.”

“I have not seen the findings of the commission of inquiry. Both Gladys and I went back to work,” said Usi.

Dacosta said he could not tell whether the commission wrote to Usi about the findings saying: “The commission of inquiry was an internal matter and the findings can only be released with the approval of the board.”

While a commission of inquiry was underway, Usi entered into negotiations with Gladys’ family to resolve the matter outside the court, “Since they were family and Christian friends.”

The negotiations involved Gladys’s uncle the late Douglas Chimombo and staunch Adventist politician Gwanda Chakuamba.

“While we were discussing reconciliation with Chakuamba and Chimombo, I was surprised that I was dragged to Blantyre Police station where after a lengthy of discussion, Gladys and her mother said they had no grudges against me and that I had been very nice to their family.” said Usi.

Chakuamba confirmed having mediated the talks as an Adventist approached by the families.

Usi said he was further surprised that Gladys decided to consult her lawyer who demanded that I settle the matter out of court within seven days.

His lawyer Ralph Kasambara in response advised Gladys’s lawyer to go ahead with the court process. “Our client denies the allegations. You can proceed with the court process and serve us accordingly,” Kasambara was quoted in a 23rd December 2008 response.

Not satisfied with verdict, Gladys resigned from Adra Malawi citing personal grounds.

Coincidentally Adra Malawi has refined and reviewed its workplace sexual harassment policy which Dacosta said was in line with Adra’s global policy- Limbani Moya/The Weekend Times.

Bakili Muluzi planning to escape justice

By Frank Malemia

Former president of the Republic of Malawi and national chairman for the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) Bakili Muluzi is hatching plans on how to escape his high profiled theft and corruption case, Malawi Digest understands.

Muluzi, currently in the United Kingdom on a fully funded government medical trip is reported to be working tirelessly around the clock trying to devise a plan that would see him off the hook.

Our sources closer Muluzi have disclosed to Malawi Digest that the as the days approach December, the month the opposition leader promised to return to Malawi, he is now panicking, afraid of facing a full trial.

Our informer who is currently in the United Kingdom and meets Muluzi regularly has disclosed that the UDF leader is now restless and has been meeting some UK based lawyers to help him escape the course of justice.

Our source disclosed that Muluzi, recently, had a shock of his life when three countries where he applied for asylum turned him down.

The countries are the Libya, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.

The three countries without necessary disclosing reasons turned down Muluzi possibly looking at the high profiled case that the former leader was facing back home in Malawi.

“He was first rejected by Taiwan, then Libya and most recently, UAE,” said the source.

He further disclosed that following the rebuff by the three countries, Muluzi is busy planning to extend his stay in the UK in order to have enough time to devise another plot of escaping justice.

“All the planning to have him stay here further than December has been arranged and that exercise has been entrusted in his son, Machinga Parliamentarian Austin Atupele Muluzi. So just watch what that young man is going to do,” said our source.

When he landed in Malawi from the United Kingdom where his father invited him, the young Muluzi told the local press last week that although his father went through a successful operation, he has suddenly developed another illness.

Atupele Muluzi said that his father has recently developed pain in his spine that has all along bothered his leg only.

The young Muluzi said that as a result, the former Malawi leader would be required to go for continuous physiotherapy.

The young Muluzi could not explain whether he is back in Malawi to instruct Muluzi’s legal counsel to have his stay in the UK extended.

A senior Malawi High Court official speaking on condition of anonymity told Malawi Digest that the court is keenly watching Muluzi to see if he is to respect the court order expecting him to return by 13th December this year.

Former president Bakili Muluzi left the country in July after reports were rife that he was planning to flee the country following overwhelming evidence by the independent Anti-Corruption Bureau linking him to corruption, theft and misappropriation of over MK1.7 billion meant for the people of Malawi.

The money was traced to have gone into Muluzi’s bank accounts in Blantyre and Zomba and Muluzi has accepted this.

Muluzi’s defence team says that although the money was traced to have gone into Muluzi’s accounts, they will prove that the money belongs to him.

Muluzi was arrested and charged over the matter and granted bail.

Following reports of Muluzi’s plans to flee the country, the Anti-Corruption Bureau obtained a seize order on Muluzi’s property including his mansion at BCA Hill in the commercial city Blantyre as part of the bail bond.

Several of Bakili Muluzi’s vehicles were also seized in the exercise and his bank accounts were also frozen-Malawi Digest.

ESCOM, BWB bosses sacked in 'clean up'

GOOD OLD DAYS: Former Escom CEO Peterson Zembani explaining to State President Dr Bingu wa Mutharika about his company's power generation activities. This was during this year's international trade fair where Escom had a stand. Looking on is Malawi Confederation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairperson Harrison Kalua. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

In what many analysts are describing as a cleaning up exercise for all organisations that provide essential services to the Malawi public, the board management for the country’s sole energy supplier, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has sacked the company’s Chief Executive Peterson Zembani.

Zembani, an electrical engineer by profession, was sacked on Wednesday in the commercial city, Blantyre after lengthy deliberations by the board.

Escom board chairperson Davies Katsonga Phiri told Malawi Digest on Wednesday evening that Zembani had been relieved of his duties as CEO following a number of challenges facing the organisation.

“You know Escom is undergoing difficult times in delivering our services to the public and we, as board, thinks that the company need a person with fresh ideas that can turn around the organisation,” he said.

Asked to explain why they decided to sack Zembani this time around when the company was strategising on the delivery of its services to the public, Katsonga said that it was along that same path of strategising that they thought of firing Zembani, saying the organisation needed change of management.

“It was such a very difficult decision to fire such a dedicated employee who has served Escom so well but we had to do it in order to make some improvements in the organisation,” he said.

According to Katsonga, Zembani was expected to finish his contract next year and that as a result, he is going to be paid off for the remaining period of his agreement with his employers.

When Malawi Digest contacted Peterson Zembani this Thursday morning, he said he was not in a position to comment on his sacking, as he was still digesting what had happened to him.

Before being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2007, Zembani served Escom in different capacities at the energy supplier.

The sacking of the Escom boss comes barely a few days after another Chief Executive Officer for Blantyre Water Board Owen Kankhulungo was shown the exit door by government.

The consumers for both Escom and Blantyre have been complaining of poor delivery of service by the two organisations-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika says no 7 Years, no Third Term

Dr Mutharika has said it today that No Third Term for him or the alleged speculated 7 years term. Pic exclusively by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

MATTER PUT TO REST: Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has dismissed talk that he is going to seek another term of office.

President Mutharika was speaking Wednesday morning at the New State House in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

Featuring in the weekly radio and television programme, Kucheza Ndi a Malawi, Ngwazi Dr Mutharika said that he was disappointed that there were reports suggesting that he was making efforts to change the Malawi Constitution to allow himself stay in power longer than expected.

He said these reports are totally false, incorrect and that they must be treated with a pinch of salt.

“I have always said and I want to repeat it again today that there will be no third term for me or changing the presidential terms to 7 years from the present 5 years,” he said.

He said it was cheap politics on the part of those speculating these rumours and an act of irresponsibility on the part of the journalists pursuing this saying he has never thought of staying in power even a day longer.

“I don’t know where all this is coming from but I can assure all Malawians that come 2014, I am packing my bags and leave for my home in Thyolo,” he said.

State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika blamed some journalists for publishing these fictitious reports without verifying them with him or at least his office.

He said that unlike his predecessor who on several occasions tried change the Malawi Constitution and stay in power indefinitely, he is not going to follow that path.

“Unlike like the other people who have third term hangovers, come 2014 I am quitting because I want to give a chance for Malawi’s democracy to grow,” said the State President who described the presidency as a relay race competition where athletes exchange the baton stick.

The State President said that he has a belief that there is life even after being State President for the Republic of Malawi.

“Other people still feel they can stay in power as long as they want but me, Bingu, believes that there is still life after State House hence my departure from office come 2014,” he said.

The State President disclosed that for over four years now, he has been slowly constructing his retirement house in his home district of Thyolo.

“Let me assure all Malawians that come 2014, I will go to Thyolo and concentrate on farming, I have some fish ponds and many other things to keep me busy after I retire from office. There is still life after State House,” he said.

The explanation by State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika today puts to rests speculations that his critics have been publicising in the last few weeks.

The President has repeatedly told the Malawian public that he will not seek another term of office or change the Malawi Constitution to allow himself stay in power for longer than expected.

However, some of his critics have been twisting stories alleging the State President is planning to stay in power beyond 2014. The speculations have now been dismissed and proved to be false

Before Dr Mutharika came to power in 2004, former president Bakili Muluzi twice tried to rape the Malawi Constitution to seek a third term of office by he failed-Malawi Digest.

Nations Cup Flames to camp in Turkey

By Emmanuel Sobilika

The Malawi national football side, the Flames are expected to leave next month for a training camp in Europe, Malawi Digest understands.

The Flames, recently qualified for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be held in Angola from the 10th of January next year.

The Flames are in Group A playing with the hosts Angola, Mali and Algeria. Group A will be based in the Angolan capital, Luanda.

Speaking to Malawi Digest Monday evening, a senior Football Association of Malawi (FAM) official confirmed that a proposal had been put forward to government for an overseas training camp.

“Denmark and Turkey were mentioned and Turkey has been seen to be a better option,” said the official who did not want to be mentioned as he had not been sanctioned by his superiors to disclose this.

He said an agent hired by FAM is working around the clock to identify top Turkish clubs that may be available to play friendlies when the Flames camp in Turkey.

FAM President Water Nyamirandu Manda disclosed to the press on Monday that they have opted to have a training camp in Europe where there are better training facilities.

He also disclosed that they have proposed to government that Flames mentor Kinnah Phiri be sent on a two week attachment to any top Danish clubs.

The Flames will be appearing at the Nations Cup finals in Angola for the first time in 25 years-Malawi Digest.

Bingu cancels trip to Trinidad & Tobago

By Frank Malemia

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has cancelled his trip to the Islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Malawi Digest understands.

President Dr Mutharika was due to attend the Commonwealth Heads of State Summit in Trinidad and Tobago.

Commonwealth is a global grouping of countries that were once colonised by the British and Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the organisation.

The State President was scheduled to leave the country Monday morning through the Kamuzu International Airport in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

His plane was expected to leave the country at 07:00am but the whole trip has now been cancelled.

In a statement, the Office of President and Cabinet said that Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has cancelled his trip to be exemplary to public officers who were last week directed only to travel abroad six times a year.

The statement said that the State President wanted to lead by example hence his stay at home.

The statement said that Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika wanted to ensure that there is prudent use of public resources in the country.

On Wednesday, in a continuation of showing his strong fiscal discipline skills, Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika ordered that all public officers should travel abroad for a maximum of six trips.

In a press statement from the Office of President and Cabinet, the State President’s directive is aimed at all cabinet ministers and their deputies, civil servants, public servants, employees of statutory corporations and government agencies and employees of institutions that draw their salaries from the consolidated fund.

According to the statement, the move taken by Dr Mutharika is aimed at assuring that there is prudent use of public resources.

The statement said that the State President has also ordered that for those that have been allowed to travel, they will stay outside the country for periods not more than two weeks.

The statement said that he hopes that the call from the State President will be adhered to in making sure that government resources are put to better use.

Since taking over power in 2004 from the nearly collapsed economy under Bakili Muluzi, President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has won himself respect both locally and internationally for his strict and tough fiscal discipline measures-Malawi Digest.

Professor Mutharika to address global CJs

Professor Peter Mutharika proudly displaying to the press his Charles Nagel Award from the Washington University. He has since then moved on to achieve more as he addresses this forth coming global conference. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Frank Malemia

He has done it once again, Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has been invited as a ‘Special Guest’ to address the 10th International Conference of Chief Justices from all over the world.

The international conference is scheduled to take place between the 11th and 14th of December, 2009 in India and Professor Peter Mutharika will be speaking in front of all Chief Justices of the world, North to South East to West.

According to an invitation letter sent to Professor Peter Mutharika by the convener of the conference Dr Jagdish Gandhi, the Honourable Minister is being invited to address the conference because of his high level of experience at Law in order to share with the global judges.

“Having noted your undisputable achievements, which by far cannot be compared to many, we have decided to request you Sir to address the gathering so they benefit from your knowledge,” say Gandhi in invitation letter.

Gandhi says that as a highly learnt lawyer, Professor Mutharika has vast knowledge that the judges from different countries world wide can learn from through his presentation at the conference.

According to Gandhi, in the past conferences over 300 judges from around the world have attended and it is expected that this year’s gathering will surpass the past figures.

Meanwhile, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has gladly accepted to address the conference in December.

“I am very humbled that conveners for such an international gathering of eminent judges have decided to pick me to address the conference,” says Professor Mutharika.

“It’s an honour to me and all Malawians because each time a Malawian is recognised like this, it also means that our country is also being recognised internationally,” said the Minister in an exclusive interview with
Malawi Digest.

Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is one of Malawi’s most highly educated international lawyers with different international accolades to his name.

Before being appointed Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Member of Parliament for Thyolo East, Professor Mutharika was lecture of Law at the Washington University in the United States of America.

He was also Malawi Presidential Advisor on Constitution, Legal and International Affairs.

Apart from writing several books on Law, Professor Peter Mutharika is currently serving as advisor to the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law initiative.

He was recently installed by Washington University of Law as the Charles Nagel Professor of International & Comparative Law becoming the first African person to be granted this honour.

In 2008, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika received the International Jurist Award in India.

He was the first African to receive this international jurist award-Malawi Digest.

Bingu flies to Trinidad & Tobago on Monday

President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is expected to inspect a Presidential Guard of Honour before flying out to Trinidad and Tobago. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika leaves the country on Monday for the Islands of Trinidad and Tobago to attend this year’s Commonwealth Summit, Malawi Digest understands.

According to information gathered by Malawi Digest from the presidential State House in the administrative capital, Lilongwe, the State President will depart from the Kamuzu International Airport at 07:00 am.

The departure for Trinidad and Tobago brings to shame speculations by former President Bakili Muluzi funded machinery that the State President was back in Malawi for good to solve some unnamed ‘crisis’.

The Muluzi funded machinery had also been lying that the State President was proceeding from Italy, to Spain and then the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

However, Malawi Digest has just learnt that the Muluzi funded boys had mistaken the Port of Spain into being Spain the country.

The Port of Spain is in fact the capital city for the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. When one flies into Trinidad and Tobago, they land in Port of Spain which is the capital city where the main international airport is situated.

President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, arrived back on Wednesday night from Rome, Italy where he attended the United Nations World Food Summit.

Whilst in Rome, the State President made a moving speech to global leaders appealing for more help to the agricultural sector in poor countries.

The Malawian leader said that it was wrong for richer countries and organisations to be providing food aid to poor countries whenever there is a crisis without empowering and improving their agriculture base-Malawi Digest.

Analysts say Flames drawn in fairer group

Malawi Flames, Angola here we come! pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi football fanatics have expressed happiness at their country being drawn into the same group with some of Africa’s greatest footballing nations, Malawi Digest understands.

The Malawi Flames were on Friday night drawn in Group A of the 27th Africa Cup of Nations where they will feature against the hosts Angola, Mali and Algeria.

The Flames battle it out first against the Algerians before meeting the hosts Angola and finish their group matches against Mali.

All the three opponents for the Flames have made regular appearances at the recent Nations Cup tournaments whilst the Flames will be going there after a 25 years absence.

Soccer pundits who were watching the draw live on SuperSport Television of Friday night from the Angolan capital, Luanda have predicted better results for the Flames.

Self-styled Flames fan number one, Raphael Nasimba told Malawi Digest that instead of getting worried, people must be thanking God for giving this southern African country a fairer group.

“We could not have asked anything better than this,” said Nasimba.

He predicted that with opponents like Angola, Mali and Algeria, everything was possible for the Flames and that he can see them proceeding to the next round or even reaching the quarter finals.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Lilongwe based sports analyst, Christopher Guta who said that Malawians should not get scared but rather celebrate.

“On our way to Angola we beat Nations Cup defending champions Egypt, the DRC and Guinea so what is Angola, Mali and Algeria to the Flames,” he said.

Another Blantyre based soccer analyst George Maruwo said that whilst he welcomes the Flames being drawn in Group B, he had a word of caution for Flames coach Kinnah Phiri.

“Our friends Angola, Mali and Algeria have been regulars at the Nations Cup finals whilst us have been on recess for over 20 years, we need to work hard in our preparations,” he said.

Apart from Angola who had a chance of making an appearance at the last World Cup finals, Algeria have also just qualified for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

Algeria beat their north African rivals, Egypt in a tough encounter in Sudan this week.

The two teams were at level last weekend after Egypt beat Algeria 2-0 in Cairo.

Malawi was represented at the Nations Cup draw in Luanda by Flames mentor, Kinnah Phiri

All the people that Malawi Digest has spoken to, have called on the Malawi Government and the Football Association of Malawi to make through preparations for the Flames before the team departs for Angola next year.

The tournament kicks-off in the Angolan capital, Luanda when the hosts face Mali in their Group A match marking the official opening of the championship.

Groups

Group A: Angola, Algeria, Malawi and Mali, their base will be the capital, Luanda.

Group B: Ivory Coast, Ghana; Burkina Faso and Togo they will be based in Cabinda.

Group C: Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique and Benin they will play their matches in Benguela.

Group D: Cameroon, Gabon, Zambia and Tunisia to show their skills in Lubango-Malawi Digest.

Bingu gets tough, only six trips a year

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika wants to ensure there is fiscal discipline in government. No more petty trips. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Our Reporter

In a continuation of showing his strong fiscal discipline skills, Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has ordered that all public officers should travel abroad for a maximum of six trips, the Office of President and Cabinet has announced.

In a press statement issued by the Office of President and Cabinet in the administrative capital, Lilongwe, the State President’s directive is aimed at all cabinet ministers and their deputies, civil servants, public servants, employees of statutory corporations and government agencies and employees of institutions that draw their salaries from the consolidated fund.

According to the statement, the move taken by Dr Mutharika is aimed at assuring that there is prudent use of public resources.

The statement says that the State President has also ordered that for those that have been allowed to travel, they will stay outside the country for periods not more than two weeks.

The directive further said that government hopes that the call from the State President will be adhered to in making sure that government resources are put to better use.

Since taking over power in 2004 from the nearly collapsed economy under Bakili Muluzi, President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has won himself respect both locally and internationally for his strict and tough fiscal discipline measures.

Unlike Muluzi who relied on giving out hands outs to poor Malawians at public rallies, Dr Mutharika has appealed to the population to work hard in their respective jobs and businesses in order to develop the country.

The respected international economist Dr Mutharika has been rated to be one of Africa’s top leaders whose leadership skills is being admired by many world wide.
This has won him several international awards.

Earlier this year, the United Kingdom based independent Intelligence Economic Unit rated Malawi as the second fastest growing economy for the year 2009 world wide coming after the oil rich Qatar.

During the 10 year rule under former President Bakili Muluzi, there was lack of proper accountability in public resources and all government money was prone to abusive by Muluzi and his close associates.

In the 10 year decade under Muluzi, he became one of the richest presidents on the continent of Africa.

Many people attributed his riches to abuse theft, abuse of public resources and high level corruption.

Soon after quitting power in 2004, most of Bakili Muluzi’s companies and businesses collapsed as they were established on shaky grounds and their lifeline depended upon the time he was in power as president of the Republic of Malawi.

Bakili Muluzi is currently answering several high level cases of abuse of public resources and corruption-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika back home from Rome, Italy

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is back home after a successful trip to Rome, Italy.

The State President and his entourage arrived home through the Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday evening.

According to live coverage monitored on the state owned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), the president’s plane landed at the KIA at 19:15 pm and he was met upon arrival by Vice President Joyce Banda, Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda, head of the army Marko Chidziko, head of the Police Peter Mukhitho, members of the diplomatic corps, cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament among many others.

The State President left the country on Sunday for Rome, Italy where he attended the United Nation’s World Food Summit organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Addressing the summit, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika called upon developed countries and international organisations to help poor countries with modern farming technologies other than making food donations.

The President added that food aid to countries would only be a short term solution and that offering these countries help that would help then enhance their agriculture production would go a long way in reducing or completely eradicating hunger.

Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika said that Malawi was ready to share with the rest of the world on how this southern African country managed to have successful bumper yields in the last four growing seasons.

“We have successfully managed hunger in the last four years and Malawi is ready to share its secrets with the rest of the world,” he said

President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has been honoured by different international organisations for on his successful fight against hunger and poverty in Malawi.

His immediate predecessor Bakili Muluzi was letting Malawians live on empty stomachs and many people died during his term due to regular hunger situations that characterised his 10-year rule-Malawi Digest.

Tembo trounced at Opposition post

Opposition Malawi Congress Party leader John Tembo now has lost the Leader of Opposition post. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President John Tembo had a rude awakening today, Tuesday when he got defeated by a less known parliamentarian for Dowa Abel Ephrain Kayembe for the Leader of Opposition in the Malawi national assembly.

There was singing, dancing and jubilation when the Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda announced the result of the vote.

The whole Malawi national assembly took part in the voting to elect Leader of Opposition after amending the standing orders following recommendations from the Legal Affairs committee.

Legal Affairs Committee chairperson Henry Phoya read out to the house recommendations on what the committee agreed.

Speaking before the actual voting took place, Phoya said that the committee agreed to allow the whole House choose the next Leader of Opposition.

The post fell vacant after the May Presidential and Parliamentary elections where John Tembo lost miserably to the incumbent Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

Phoya gave the House three options for the election of the Leader of Opposition; that the whole House votes on the leader, that the largest opposition party identifies a candidate that the whole House should vote for and that he be chosen by the largest opposition party in the House.

Phoya argued this was done after checking with other countries on how they were voting for Leader of the Opposition within Southern Africa and other big nations beyond Africa.

When voting came, Tembo was nowhere near the House but he was paired against Alfred Mwechumu of the UDF and Abel Kayembe of the MCP.

In the vote, Tembo got 8 votes, Mwechumu 23 and Kayembe 117.

Immediately the announcement was made, the house exploded into singing and chanting in praise of Kayembe.

The new Leader of Opposition comes from Dzoole Village in T/A Dzoole in the central region district of Dowa.

He is a University of Malawi graduate with a Bachelors degree in Hydrology and Geology-Malawi Digest.

UDF terror, 20 families suffer in Machinga

Bakili Muluzi, his sponsored village headmen are chasing away innocent people who support Dr Mutharika and the ruling DPP.

By Emmanuel Muwamba/Nation on Sunday

The 2009 Parliamentary and Presidential Elections are behind us but 20 households from Nampinga Village in Senior Chief Kawinga in Machinga District the elections revoke bitter memories.

The families claim they supported President Bingu wa Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and allege they were, as a result, forcibly evicted from their land, leaving behind food and non-food items.

They have relocated to T/A Mlomba, a distance of about 10 km.

Machinga District Commissioner (DC) James Kanyangalazi confirmed a village from Group Village Headman (GVH) Chilala in Senior Chief Kawinga has relocated to T/A Mlomba over political differences in the area.

“The issue is complicated. I got information from the OC (Officer-In-Charge) that some people went to Ntaja Police Unit to complain that they have been chased because they supported DPP,” Kanyangalazi said.

The villagers whom Nation on Sunday visited their new location alleged GVH Chilala on several occasions summoned them over political issues before and after the elections.

“After the May 19th elections, we were summoned again. We were accused of supporting DPP in the area. We were warned that if we continued supporting DPP, we would face the consequences. A day later we were told to stop working on our gardens and that the village headman would communicate to us on our fate.

“In July, we were advised to look for alternative land. That is how we found ourselves at this location,” said Patrick Amosi who said the group settled on Mgodi Estate, an estate of late Hastings Kamuzu Banda which has been encroached on by other villagers.

Amosi said the group decided to leave the jurisdiction of GVH Chilala because they did not want to compromise their conscience nor security. Amosi alleged GVH Chilala ordered them to support UDF which claimed all parliamentary seats in the district.

Machinga is the home village of former president and leader of the opposition UDF party Bakili Muluzi.

GVH Chilala confirmed some people under his jurisdiction left but refused to comment on whether he forced them.

“I know they left but why did they not report me to Senior Chief Kawinga if I chased them?” he questioned. “I am surprised with their conduct because other people in village headman Nampinga remained behind. I think they have scores to settle against me.”

The decision of the 20 families to relocate has, however, ignited over water, food, land and proper housing.

“Water is a big concern here. We wake up early to queue for water at a well which is about 1.5 km from here. But to access the water is very difficult because the flow is slow and there are too many of us in need of it,” said Esnath Bernard a mother of seven.

She also complained that most of the families left their crops in the field which has put them at risk of hunger.

“We depend on crops for our survival but we left the plants in the field because they were not mature then. We cannot go back. We are mocked and laughed at whenever we visit the area. We also fear the wrath of the group village headman Chilala,” said Bernard.

Rosemary Chipa, 44, has eight children. They are all living in makeshift houses made from grass.

“We used to live in a good house although it was grass-thatched. We are now living in shacks as if we were refugees. The shacks we have built pose a danger to our lives because sometimes snakes crawl in and we always sleep in fear,” she said.

Another issue dogging families is land. After their arrival on September 18, they were allocated land to cultivate but their toil has been put to a halt because they have occupied the land illegally.

The land is under dispute between some villagers and a great niece of the Kamuzu Banda family. The family representative Jane Dzanjalimodzi has obtained an injunction at the Lilongwe High Court restraining all occupants on the vast 1 472.5 hectares estate.

On Friday, Goodson Panje, an adviser to Group Village Headman Lambulila, was in Blantyre seeking legal services to challenge and vacate the injunction in the interest of the villagers concerned-Nation on Sunday.

Activists hail Kamlepo, Makande punishments

Opposition MDP leader Kamlepo Kalua making one of his seditious speeches that have landed him in jail. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Prominent Malawi human rights activists and political commentators have hailed the independent judiciary in Malawi for jailing violence perpetrators, opposition UDF deputy Secretary General Hophmally Makande and MDP leader, Kamlepo Kalua.

Both Makande and Kalua were given a 20 months jail sentence by the Zomba Magistrate Court for proposing violence and making seditious remarks earlier this year.

The two convicts have now spent one week in jail suffering on behalf of former president and opposition UDF national chairperson Bakili Muluzi who is now enjoying a full government paid for vacation in the United Kingdom.

The two are suffering in jail for Muluzi because when they committed the offence that has seen them in jail they were doing so in trying to drum up support for Bakili Muluzi ahead of the May 19th Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

A prominent political scientist from the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College said that the conviction of the two politicians should send as a strong warning to people who speak carelessly in public.

“People especially those in public positions should learn to speak with caution when given a platform otherwise they will follow the route that Makande and Kalua have gone through,” he said.

Head of the political think tank, the Institute for Policy Interaction Rafik Hajat said that the conviction of both Makande and Kalua has shown that no human being has absolute right to speech without observing the limits.

“People need no observe limits when making speeches at podiums. The truth is that Malawians are tired of hate speeches at political rallies,” said Hajat.

Political scientist from the University of Mzuzu Noel Mbowela said that Kamlepo Kalua and Hophmally Makande have been convicted for not respecting the country’s laws.

“Both Kalua and Makande have broken the Law and if the magistrate was convinced beyond reasonable doubt then I have no problems with that,” he said.

A week ago, the Zomba acting Chief Resident Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa Usiwa sentenced the duo to 20 months imprisonment for making seditious remarks and proposing violence.

The magistrate said that the statements uttering by the two at a political rally addressed by Bakili Muluzi were emotive considering that they were also spoken in the Eastern region of the country where political violence was also common.

Usiwa Usiwa said that the statements could have caused people to go violent or getting angry with the incumbent President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

Amongst other words that Makande uttered at the rally included, chichitike chichitike, ali ndi mwana agwiritse, mumva zothaitha.

Makande also told the rally that governments in Pakistan, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Kenya changed not through the courts but through acts of violence by the people.

On his part, Kalua appealed to the people at the same rally not to fear limbani mtima and also warned the Malawi Police officers that they have children and relatives and went on further to say tingaope Police? Tingaope Bingu?

In his ruling, the acting chief resident magistrate said that the words uttered by the two could have incited people to violence and cause physical harm to others.

The magistrate said that Makande’s words making references to other world countries that experienced violence were meant to plunge Malawi into lawlessness.

The magistrate warned that although there was freedom of expression in this country, there was need to correct any errors in governance and economic management and not the way the two political leaders conducted themselves.

On March 31st this year, Kamlepo Kalua and Hophmally Makande incited the public to rise against any decision by the independent Malawi Electoral Commission to bar former president Bakili Muluzi from taking part in the May 19th polls.

Muluzi was barred by the Malawi Constitution to seek another unconstitutional third term of office.

Both Kalua and Makande are believed to have been sent by Muluzi to incite the public to rise up against the government on his behalf.

Although Muluzi was present in person at Mangochi Old Airport where the offence was committed, the UDF national leader did not condemn what the two speakers said before Muluzi himself took to the podium.

Former president Bakili Muluzi has on three occasions tried to rape the Malawi Constitution by seeking an unconstitutional third term of office and on all those three occasions, he has failed miserably-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika in Rome for FAO's food summit

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika left the country on Sunday for the World Food summit in Rome, Italy.

The event is organised by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The president, left through the Kamuzu International Airport in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

He was seen off at the airport by Malawi Vice President Joyce Banda, Army Commander Marko Chidziko and Inspector General of Police Peter Mukhitho among other high ranking officials.

Speaking to journalists before departure, President Dr Mutharika said that he was going to the summit to discuss with fellow leaders on how best the world can get rid of hunger.

“It is our wish that the whole world should have no country that is facing acute food shortages,” he said.

Ngwazi Dr Mutharika said that he was pleased that Malawi had become a model country that has successfully fought hunger.

The President disclosed that from Rome, he will proceed to the Islands of Trinidad and Tobago for this year’s Commonwealth Summit.

Commonwealth is a grouping countries formally colonised by the British and Queen Elizabeth the second is the head of the organisation.

Joked the president: “So if I delay coming back home, don’t say I have run away, from Rome I will be going to this Commonwealth Summit.”

It was a pride for every Malawian to see the president travel in the brand new presidential jet decorated in Malawian colours.

The new presidential jet has been inscribed with ‘Republic of Malawi’ on both sides and the Malawian flag at its tail.

It also has the Malawi presidential standard bearer on its door-Malawi Digest.

TVM's Chimenya remanded further

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi Television (TVM) news anchor Oris Chimenya on Friday pleaded not guilty to two charges of defilement and indecent assault but was reminded further custody.

The Blantyre Magistrate Court, denied Chimenya bail giving the Police more time to conduct investigations on the alleged offences.

Principal Resident Magistrate Mzonde Mvula read out the charges to Chimenya that between January and August 2009, the suspect in Ndirande Newlines in the City of Blantyre on three different occasions had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13.

Chimenya responded to the magistrate by pleading not guilty.

His lawyer Patrick Mpaka requested the court on Chimenya’s behalf that he be granted bail.

The lawyer argued that Chimenya has family responsibilities that if granted bail, he would not flee the country.

The lawyer also mentioned that under Malawians Laws, Chimenya is assumed innocent until proven guilty such that he has a right for bail.

However, the State which was represented by prosecutor Dickens Mwambazi prayed to the court not to grant Chimenya bail saying investigations on the case were still on going.

Mwambazi argued that Chimenya knew the witnesses in the case and that he would interfere with the investigations if let out.

Principal Resident Magistrate Mzonde Mvula then ruled in favour of the State and granted the Police a further three day custody to conclude their investigations.

Chimenya was then reminded to Chichiri Prison in the commercial city, Blantyre.

Chimenya was arrested last Wednesday at his house in Blantyre after the Police received a complaint on an alleged defilement on a 10-year old girl based in Ndirande township.

Chimenya, 31, a Polytechnic journalism graduate is a news and sports presenter at the state owned, Malawi Television.

Before joining the national broadcaster, Chimenya worked as sports reporter at the Nations Publications Limited.

Meanwhile, the Blantyre Magistrate Court has set tomorrow Tuesday for hearing on the matter-Malawi Digest.

Congrants! Mw Flames reach 2010 finals

The Malawi Flames, Angola 2010 Nations Cup finals here we come. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

After 25 years of absence at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Malawi has today made it to Africa’s top football tournament to be held in Angola.

The Flames have booked their place in Angola out of their own hard work as well as some significant help from Ivory Coast.

The Ivorians humbled their West African neighbours, Guinea by 3 goals to nil denying them an outright chance to be in Angola 2010.

However, the Flames showed some zeal to be amongst the 16 top teams in Africa to be in Angola.

Although the Flames were this afternoon beaten by Burkina Faso 1-0 away in Ouagadougou, what matters more is that the Flames will be among the 16 top football nations that will battle it out in Angola next year.

In today’s match, Malawi conceded a goal in the first minute of the second half after a defensive error.

Malawi tried to come back into the match with some show of good football but the team was not just lucky to score.

In the same second half of the game, Malawi conceded a penalty after a Burkina Faso player was brought down in the penalty box.

However, South Africa based goalkeeper Swadick Sanudi saved Malawi from further trouble when he brilliantly saved the penalty.

Goal poacher, Chiukepo Msowoya who was in the starting line up was substituted in the second half for Esau Kanyenda, Jacob Ngwira paved way for Dave Banda, Russel Mwafulirwa giving space for Peter Wadabwa.

Meanwhile, there are wild celebrations in Malawi’s main urban centres including the cities of Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu.

It has taken the Flames 25 years to appear again at Africa’s biggest soccer fiesta.

Malawi Digest and its entire management congratulate His Excellency the State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, the national football team, the Flames and the entire Malawi nation for making it to Angola 2010.

We wish the Flames well as they appear at the 2010 CAN finals in January next year-Malawi Digest.

Flames to break 25-yr old Nations Cup jinx

Kinnah Phiri: Our mission is to win this crucial encounter. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

All hearts for Malawians will this afternoon be in Ouagadougou the capital city of Burkina Faso where the Malawi Flames confront their hosts, the Stallions in their final 2010 Nations Cup final qualifier decider.

It has taken the Flames 25-years for them to reach so close to a Nations Cup final place.

The last time the Flames qualified for a National Cup tournament final was 25 years ago.

A win or a draw will book the Flames of a place at the Angola 2010 Nations Cup final.

That is not enough, the Flames may also depend on the results between Ivory Coast and Guinea where the West Africans will also be battling it out in another decider.

A win by Ivory Coast will seal Malawi’s journey to Angola next year no matter of the result in Ouagadougou.

But depending on the Ivory Coast and Guinea result may be suicidal on the part of the Malawi Flames. They have to win their encounter against Burkina Faso at whatever cost to be assured of a place.

Flames Coach Kinnah Phiri told journalist before departure that his charges are determined to make history by qualifying for the Nations Cup finals by winning away in Ouagadougou.

“Our mission is to win this crucial encounter,” he told reporters before departure.

The Flames mentor said he was confided for a win because their loss in Blantyre to Burkina Faso was just a fluke.

“We were not supposed to lose that match, so we will revenge in this final game,” he declared.

The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) have left no stone unturned as they have sought services of a man of God in Bishop Mark Kambalazaza and Malawi’s College of Medicine Psychologist Dr Gus Banda.

The two respected men in their fields are on the trip to Ouagadougou encouraging the players through prayers and counselling.

Fam has also paid in advance all the players their travel allowances to avoid any excuses.

Meanwhile, the Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika administration has promised each player MK100, 000.00 for a win.

As part of the motivation factor, Malawi Sports and Youth Development Minister Dr Lucious Kanyumba has joined the team in Ouagadougou.

Apart from the Minister, all senior Fam officials including President Walter Nyamirandu Manda and General Secretary Charles Nyirenda have also travelled with the team.

The Malawi Flames, have performed wonders in recent years and on their way to reach this far, the beat some of Africa’s most respected teams like African Champions Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The match is Ouagadougou will be played at the National Stadium and kicks-off exactly 6:00pm Malawian time.

Malawi Digest will keep you posted as events unfold in Burkina Faso. Watch this site.

Starting line up: Swadick Sanudi, Peter Mponda (Captain), James Sangala, Allan Kamanga, Moses Chavula, Jacob Ngwira, Hellings Mwakasungula, Peter Wadabwa, Russel Mwafulirwa, Chiukepo Msowoya and Joseph Kwamwendo.

Substitutes: Maupo Msowoya, Dave Banda, Robert Ng’ambi, Esau Kanyenda and Victor Nyirenda-Malawi Digest.

They are now known as Bingu Tigresses

The Bingu Tigresses pose with their new sponsor, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika. Pic by Emmanuel Simpolokolwe, Guardian Newspapers.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika on Friday surprised many sports loving Malawians when he announced he was now the official sponsor of the cash-strapped Tigresses netball team.

Following the President’s announcement, Tigga, as the netball team is popularly known in Malawi, announced they would now be known as Bingu Tigresses.

The team, has been without sponsorship for over three years now following the withdraw of sponsorship by the Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc).

The team got a surprise invitation from the State President on Thursday to visit him at the New State House in the administrative capital, Lilongwe on Friday. The Tiggas are based in the commercial city, Blantyre.

Friday morning, the Tigresses were there smartly dressed in their cream blouses and black trousers.

They were accompanied by their chairperson Hellen Mpinganjira and their coach player, Peace Chawinga.

They went into a two honour private discussions with the State President and we, members of the press, were left out from the closed door discussions.

After the discussions, they emerged with anxiety waiting what was in store for them from the State President.

The news was not rushed; they were invited to a VVIP luncheon with the State President.

They ate with Malawi’s citizen number one and as they were expecting a dissert after the meal, they were told to hold on.

There was a big dissert waiting for them.

A member of staff for State Residences brought an envelope to the State President who calmly opened it before bringing out the surprise.

State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika announced he was now the official sponsor of Tigresses.

To show his strength as a new sponsor, he brought from the envelope a MK10 million cheque donation to Tigresses, gave the team a brand new bus for use by the club and each player was given MK100, 000.00 cash.

The female players did not hesitate but explode into a chorus of a religious song, Taliwona dzanja la Ambuye, Taliwona dzanja la Ambuye.

Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika joined the netballers in singing.

Speeches were made, where the State President said that he was doing this because during this year’s independence celebrations, he was impressed in the way Tigresses played.

He said he was however, shocked to hear that the team that had so much talent had no sponsorship and that it was at the verge of extinct, hence the Presidential rescue.

The team’s official Hellen Mpinganjira was over the moon and in her vote of thanks to the State President, she announced to the nation; “From today onwards, we will be known as ''Bingu Tigresses.”

They cheered and ululated and went outside the magnificent New State House building for pictures with their new sponsor.

After the picture shoots, they broke into another chorus of Ingoma dance where the State President joined the dance joyfully.

That marked the end poverty for Tigresses who are now Bingu Tigresses. They had within hours changed from a cash-strapped netball club into one of the richest in Malawi-Malawi Digest.

TVM news presenter held on sex charges

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Police in Malawi’s commercial city, Blantyre on Wednesday night arrested Malawi Television (TVM) news presenter Oris Chimenya for allegedly defiling a 10 year old girl.

Chimenya was taken to Ndirande Police Station where he was being held as of Thursday evening.

Southern Region Police Headquarters deputy spokesperson Edna Ligowe told Malawi Digest on Thursday night that Chimenya, 31, of Mulemba Village, TA Machinjiri in Blantyre was picked by Police at his house on Wednesday at around 9pm.

“He is being held for allegedly defiling a minor,” she said.

The Police publicist said that investigations on Chimenya’s matter are at an advanced stage.

“He will appear in court very soon where he will be formally charged,” she said.

According to information gathered by Malawi Digest, the TVM news and sports presenter allegedly defiled a 10 year old girl of Mr and Mrs Mijoya family in the high density township of Ndirande in Blantyre.

Reports allege that Chimenya had been defiling the young girl on several occasions.

According to Law, we cannot name the girl at this stage as she is a minor.

Following the revelations of the alleged offence, the Mijoya family reported Chimenya to their church, Agape Family Church.

Both the Chimenya and the Mijoya families belong to the same denomination and were neighbours at Ndirande Newlines when the alleged offence took place.

Senior church clerks at Agape failed to conclude the issue after Chimenya vehemently denied that he defiled the said girl.

The church resolved that the issue be left in the hands of God in order to avoid bringing believer families and the image of the church into disrepute.

This did not please the Mijoya family who decided to report the issue to Police after Chimenya decided to change houses at the end of October.

Chimenya, a Polytechnic Journalism graduate joined Malawi Television about two years ago.

Before that, Chimeny worked as a sports reporter at one of Malawi’s leading dailies, The Nation.

Although these allegations have been levelled against Chimenya, he remains innocent until the court proves otherwise-Malawi Digest.

Shoprite catches fire, electricity blamed

The Chichiri Shopping Mall part of which houses Shoprite that caught fire on Thursday. Pic by Malawi Digest.

Lucy Liponda

As the most unfortunate day for Game Stores chain of stores at Chichiri Shopping Mall was coming to an end after a day of a workers strike, their next door neighbour, Shoprite was also unlucky as part of the shop caught fire.

The fire is suspected to have originated from an electrical fault, is reported to have started from the shop’s bakery.

Customers who were doing their knock-off shopping in the famous shop were advised to evacuate from the building once smoke was noticed coming out of the bakery.

An alarm bell was raised and the Blantyre City Fire Brigade who are often times criticised for arriving at a fire scene late or even without water, was this time around prompt to arrive and helped put out the fire quickly.

Apart from the City Assembly fire engines used in stopping the inferno, fire extinguishers placed in the shop’s strategic positions were also used to reduce damage.

The shop’s branch manager a Mr Debwe told Malawi Digest he could not immediately explain how much damage was done to the shop.

“We are not able to enter the shop now with the smoke that is coming out so it’s difficult to know how much damage has been done,” he said.

He however, confirmed that preliminary findings indicate that no person was injured in the period the people were fleeing from the blaze.

Shoprite is one of South Africa’s chain of stores present in a number of African countries.

It has two branches in Malawi, the one in Blantyre and another in the administrative capital, Lilongwe-Malawi Digest.

Malawi Games Stores workers on strike

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Staff for Malawi branch for one of Africa’s main chain of stores, Game Stores have this Thursday gone on strike demanding better packages and poor working conditions.

The striking workers are also demanding the immediate removal for personnel officer, Henry Kanyandula.

To make management feel the impact of this sit-in, staff decided to stage their demonstration on Thursday, a day Game Stores starts its weekly four day-merchandise promotions.

Customers looking for the much reduced merchandise promoted in Wednesday’s daily papers were surprised to see the shop not open but found junior staff standing outside the shop singing songs of solidarity and holding up placards spelling their demands.

Top management at Game Stores were forced into an impromptu meeting trying to look into the employees demands.

Malawi Digest was not able to speak to Game Stores management as they were attending this meeting.

However, some of the employees interviewed at random indicated that there were three key issues that were on high demand on the strike.

A better take home package, removal of personnel officer Kanyandula and better working conditions like confirmation staff that have overstayed in their positions as temporary employees.

According to our source at Game Stores, the shop has 15 full-time employees and 80 employed on temporary basis.

The source said that most of the temporary employees have been with the organisation for over two year the time Game Stores was opened in Malawi.

On Kanyandula, the employees say that the officer has been ill-treating them and often times blocks them when they want to present their problems to top management which is mainly comprised of expatriates.

They allege, Kanyandula behaves like a foreign when in fact is a Malawian national.

They alleged a temporary employee gets MK2, 000.00 a week translating into MK8, 000.00 a month.

They say that they believe Games Stores pays better packages in other countries but those in Malawi are paid way less because some of the local managers influenced this.

The employees say that efforts by the workers union to have their grievances addressed have hit a blank wall hence the strike.

The strike by Game Stores employees comes barely a month after another strike by employees of another chain of stores, Shoprite.

Both Game Stores and Shoprite are South African companies and share the Chichiri Shopping Mall complex in the commercial city, Blantyre.

The strike by Shoprite employees was quickly resolved after Malawi Labour Minister Yunus Mussa moved in swiftly and brought the two sides to a negotiation table

According to information gathered by Malawi Digest, Game Stores has 88 shops in the whole of Africa and the shops spread in the countries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mauritius, Uganda, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and South Africa-Malawi Digest.

Mwanamvekha appointed Malawi's ST

Malawi's newly appointed Secretary to the Treasury, Joseph Mwanamvekha. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

One of Malawi’s most respected bankers, Joseph Mwanamvekha has been appointed Malawi’s Secretary to the Treasury, Malawi Digest understands.

A letter of his appointment by Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika was written on 5th November, 2009 by the Chief Secretary, Bright Msaka offering Mwanamvekha the new job.

A head of the treasury, Mwanamvekha replaces Radson Mwadiwa who has since been re-deployed to the Office of President and Cabinet.

Speaking to Malawi Digest soon after news about his appointment first broke out on Tuesday, Mwanamvekha said that he was humbled and privileged to serve his beloved country in such a big and challenging position.

“It’s a great honour for me to be considered for this important job in our beloved country,” he told Malawi Digest in an exclusive interview.

On his vision in his new post, Mwanamvekha said that he was still trying to come to terms with the news about his appointment.

“I am still excited about my new position and I feel it’s a great honour for me. However, we will see where to start from. As an experienced banker, surely being ST cannot be a strange job for me,” said the smiling Mwanamvekha.

Before his appointment as ST, Mwanamvekha was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for one of Malawi’s leading commercial banks, the Malawi Savings Bank (MSB).

During his time as CEO for MSB, this seasoned banker managed to transform the bank into one of the biggest banks on the Malawian market.

He also managed to open several new branches for the bank throughout Malawi, a clear testimony that MSB was doing well in the banking business.

According to information gathered by Malawi Digest from the Office of President and Cabinet, Mwanamvekha has a Master of Arts Degree in Economics that he obtained in 1994.

He also has a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Malawi (1990) majoring in Economics.

Soon after graduating from the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College, Mwanamvekha joined the Reserve Bank of Malawi before moving on for greener pastures at the Finance Corporation of Malawi now Nedbank as Treasury Manager.

In 1998, Mwanamvekha moved on to become Head of Operations at the then newly established Continental Discount House. He was later made the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer in 2002.

Two years later, Mwanamvekha was appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Malawi Savings Bank replacing Ian Bonongwe who is now working for the African Development Bank.

Apart from the above mentioned qualifications and experience, Mwanamvekha has other professional qualifications including an Advanced negotiations Certificate, Harvard University, Boston, USA; Leadership and Management Skills, University of Virginia, Darden, Virginia, USA; Leadership and Management Skills, Mandel Training Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe; Asset and Liability Management, Euro-money; Treasury Management, Citibank; Securities Trading, Intrados Group, Washington, D.C., USA; Advanced Money, Capital Markets and Foreign Exchange Management, Reuters International, Kenya; Computer Programming and Modeling, African Economic Research Consortium, Kenya and International Capital Markets, Egypt among many other professional qualifications.

Findings by Malawi Digest reveal that Joseph Mwanamvekha was born on 19th October 1964 and is married and is currently blessed with three children, a boy and two girls-Malawi Digest.

Kamlepo, Makande handed 20 months IHL

UDF deputy secretary general Hophmally Makande now in the cooler for inciting violence.

By Lucy Liponda

Opposition Malawi Democratic Party (MDP) leader Kamlepo Kalua and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) deputy secretary general are tonight spending their second night at the Zomba Maximum Prison in the former colonial capital, Zomba.

This, after the acting Chief Resident Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa Usiwa sentenced the duo on Monday to 20 months imprisonment for making seditious remarks and proposing violence respectively.

Although the two were suffering for the UDF leader Bakili Muluzi and his party, former Finance Minister Friday Jumbe was the only high ranking UDF official present when the two were being sentenced.

Jumbe offered the two, words of encouragement, whilst the other handful opposition supporters looked on helplessly.

Delivering the judgement in court, Usiwa Usiwa said the two had intention to achieve something bad as their messages were transmitted instantly through Joy Radio.

Joy Radio is owned by former president and UDF leader Bakili Muluzi.

The magistrate said that the statements uttering by the two at a political rally addressed by Bakili Muluzi were emotive considering that they were also spoken in the Eastern region of the country where political violence was also common.

Usiwa Usiwa said that the statements could have caused people to go violent or getting angry with the incumbent President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

Amongst other words that Makande uttered at the rally included, chichitike chichitike, ali ndi mwana agwiritse, mumva zotha itha.

Makande also told the rally that governments in Pakistan, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Kenya changed not through the courts but through acts of violence by the people.

On his part, Kalua appealed to the people at the same rally not to fear limbani mtima and also warned the Malawi Police officers that they have children and relatives and went on further to say tingaope Police? Tingaope Bingu?

In his ruling, the acting chief resident magistrate said that the words uttered by the two could have incited people to violence and cause physical harm to others.

The magistrate said that Makande’s words making references to other world countries that experienced violence were meant to plunge Malawi into lawlessness.

The magistrate warned that although there was freedom of expression in this country, there was need to correct any errors in governance and economic management and not the way the two political leaders conducted themselves.

On March 31st this year, Kamlepo Kalua and Hophmally Makande incited the public to rise against any decision by the independent Malawi Electoral Commission to bar former president Bakili Muluzi from taking part in the May 19th polls.

Muluzi was barred by the Malawi Constitution to seek another unconstitutional third term of office.

Both Kalua and Makande are believed to have been sent by Muluzi to incite the public to rise up against the government on his behalf.

Although Muluzi was present in person at Mangochi Old Airport where the offence was committed, the UDF national leader did not condemn what the two speakers said before Muluzi himself took to the podium.

Former president Bakili Muluzi has on three occasions tried to rape the Malawi Constitution by seeking an unconstitutional third term of office and on all those three occasions, he has failed miserably.

As Hophmally Makande and Kamlepo Kalua are serving their sentence in prison, the master who sent them to utter the said words Bakili Muluzi is enjoying a government funded medical trip in the United Kingdom. Bakili Muluzi has spent over 5 months in the UK now-Malawi Digest.

Fire burns Star Radio, electricity blamed

Malawi's Information and Civic Education Minister Leckford Thotho says government thoughts are with Star Radio. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

One of Malawi’s leading privately owned independent radio stations, the Star Radio went up in flames last night burning the whole station into ashes.

The fire is reported to have started at around mid-night on Monday.

According to Police authorities, the fire that gutted the radio station, housed in Agma House at Maselema, near Chichiri, in the commercial city, Blantyre is suspected to have emanated from an electrical fault within the building or the surrounding areas.

Station Manager Dennis Kautsi was at loss of words when contacted by Malawi Digest for details about the mishap. He referred this reporter to the owner and Managing Director for the station Bishop Richard Lutwama.

Lutwama, who looked devastated with what had happened only said that he is shocked and disappointed that the station had caught fire at a time when it was strategising to widen up it’s listeners’ base.

“We had very good plans for the station but now we are back to square one,” he said.

He appealed to both Police, Escom and the Blantyre City Fire department to expedite investigations to find the cause of the accident which has led to loss millions worth of property.

According to findings by the Malawi Digest, Star Radio was being run as a family business between Bishop Lutwama, a Ugandan and his Malawians wife, June.

June Lutwama Lamba is a former journalist now lecturing media studies at the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic in Blantyre.

According to Station Manager Dennis Kautsi, Station was established in 2005 and had just recently concluded a ‘Win a Car’ text competition where 5 lucky winners went away with Toyota Corollas.

The competition was concluded over two weeks ago at a function where the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Leckford Thotho was the guest of honour.

Speaking to Malawi Digest soon after hearing news about the incident, Thotho described the accident as a set back to the development of the media profession in Malawi.

“Only a few days ago, I was with them attending this function where these magnificent vehicles were given away to lucky winner only to hear today that their station is gone. Our thoughts are with them in these trying moments,” said the Minister.

According to Kautsi, Star Radio had just re-branded its colours and slogan from “better information and today’s best music” to “Star yokoma zedi.”

He said the real re-branding exercise was expected to run for 21 days starting on the 22nd of November, 2009.

He said Star Radio was expected to spend MK1.8 million in the exercise that was to include the changing of the company’s logo and printing of t-shirts from their old official colour of purple to red and black-Malawi Digest.

Justice Minister heaps praise on civil servants

Malawi's Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Our Reporter

Malawi’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Professor Peter Mutharika has commended department’s in his Ministry for performing well despite facing numerous challenges in their day-to-day operations.

Professor Mutharika was speaking in the commercial city, Blantyre during a familiarization tour on some establishments under his Ministry.

On Monday alone, the Minister visited the Ministry’s Chief State Advocate department, the department for Legal Aid, the Administrator General’s offices and the Registrar General’s department all situated in the city of Blantyre.

Professor Mutharika who was accompanied by the Attorney General Dr Jane Ansah and Solicitor General Anthony Kamanga among many other senior Ministry of Justice officials, heaped praise on members of staff working in the ministry.

In his address to the staff after touring these establishments, Professor Mutharika said it was pleasing to note that the departments were making remarkable progress in their operations despite facing numerous financial and inadequate staff challenges.

“I would like to commend you all for what you are doing in serving your government with dedication and the people of this country wholeheartedly without complaining. I would like to assure you that this current administration is development-oriented hence the need to have a hard working and dedicated civil service,” he said.

The minister added that government would do everything possible to address some of the problems raised by different departments during the tour.

Speaking earlier at the Legal Aid Department, Chief Legal Aid Advocate Arthur Nanthulu hailed the Bingu wa Mutharika government for dedicating its time to appreciate what his department was doing.

He said his department was working tirelessly in assisting people who seek free legal advice and representation due to lack of resources.

“My department here in Blantyre has got only six legal practitioners but although this is the case, our team is very dedicated,” he said.

Nanthulu disclosed to Professor Mutharika that following the team work that the Legal Aid department has, it has managed to handle over 20,000 criminal and civil cases in this year alone.

“The rural masses are the ones that flock to our department in large numbers seeking legal advice and representation,” he said.

He, however, cited inadequate personnel to capture data for processing cases and lack of legal practitioners as some of the Legal Aid’s major challenges arguing there were only 14 legal practitioners throughout Malawi working in Legal Aid department.

In his response, Professor Mutharika said government would create a special package that would attract lawyers to join the department. He admitted that most legal practitioners do not want to work in government due to the fact that they were looking searching for greener pastures in private practice and other avenues.

Taking his turn, the Administrator General Gaston Mwenelupembe, applauded the Bingu wa Mutharika administration for its commitment in improving the department’s working condition through the Minister’s visit.

He said it was only through the visit that government would be able to take note and appreciate the department’s challenges and suggest possible solutions on them.

Mwenelupembe said as at October 30, 2009, the Administrator General’s office had dealt with 5,820 deceased estates, a development he described as an improvement for its past performance.

He said currently the department was negotiating with Malawi Savings and NBS banks so that deceased estate beneficiaries should be paid electronically to avoid unnecessary errors.

Mwenelupembe asked government to fill the 100 vacant positions existing in the department saying currently there were only 57 employees across the country.

Professor Mutharika assured Mwenelupembe that government would look into the problem by recruiting more staff to work in the department

According to a senior official in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Minister’s familiarization tours will take him to Nsanje, Neno and many other places throughout Malawi.

The official who did not want to be mentioned disclosed to Malawi Digest that Professor Peter Mutharika was unable to conduct familiarization tours soon after being appointed into cabinet in June due the Budget Session of Parliament and other pressing government issues thereafter-Malawi Digest.