Malawi Digest

Muluzi, Kalaria Tussle Over Companies

2011-05-10T17:38:00.004+02:00

Bakili Muluzi fighting with a Malawian of Asian origin over companies. He has several other cases that he is also answering in the courts of Law including fraud and corruption.

By Rex Chikoko

Former President Bakili Muluzi has dragged his former business partner and manager Pramod Kalaria to court over failure to complete payment for Muluzi’s shares worth K350 million in companies the two jointly owned, Malawi News can reveal.

Kalaria, a Lilongwe-based businessman was Muluzi’s equal partner and manger on several companies including Nationwide Marketing Services Limited, Nthawi Investments Limited, Rocksizer Mining Compant Limited, Rare Earth Mining Company Limited and Chitsime Drilling Company Limited.

Sworn affidavits in case number 3 of 2011 which were filed at Commercial Court in Blantyre, show that Muluzi had asked Kalaria to buy all the shares in all their companies after Kalaria had allegedly failed to account on how the companies were being run on Muluzi’s behalf.

The Court records indicate Muluzi dragged Kalaria to court when the latter stopped paying Muluzi as per agreement of sale of shares which was drawn on May 21, 2010.

The agreement indicates that the payment would be made in 16 months starting from May 21, 2010 to June 30,2011. But the agreement was only signed by Muluzi. Kalaria only agreed and signed to follow the schedule for payment.

“I have agreed with this Agreement and I will sign on Monday 24th May, 2010,” endorsed Kalaria below the schedule of payment and signed.

Kalaria’s main contention in a sworn affidavit is that Muluzi forced him to agree on the buying of the shares. He also argues that Nthawi Investments Limited, whose shares Muluzi claimed to own was already sold to Kalaria’s wife by Muluzi’s late brother Friday Muluzi.

In a case before Justice Michael Mtambo, Nthawi Investments Limited has petitioned Liwonde Properties Limited – owned by Kalaria – to stop it from winding up one company, Malawi Fertilizer Company, in which Nthawi Investments Limited had shares.

Witnesses in the case include Atupele Muluzi who was collecting money from Kalaria, Tiyesi Chigambawho was one of the shareholders of Nthawi Investments Limited, Christos and Dimitri Giannakis, Ishmail Chioko and a Mr. Baisi.

Chioko argues in his affidavit that Kalaria was unable to manage various companies on behalf of Muluzi family. “Kalaria offers to buy shares of companies he failed to account. The initial amount was K750 million, the amount was reduced to K500 million. Dr Muluzi accepted the last offer of K350 million since he was sick and wanted the money for medical bills,” reads the affidavit in part.

But while Kalaria agreed to buy all Muluzi’s shares in all the companies, the two jointly owned, argued that Muluzi’s shares in Nthawi Investments Limited were sold to Pushpa Pramod Patel on July 7,2005 by his late brother, Friday. Muluzi refuses to buy this position and claims that at that time Friday had relinquished his shares to Muluzi.

In his affidavit Kalaria describes the affidavits of Chioko, Muluzi and Baisi as a pathetic attempt to mislead the court into believing that he (Kalaria) is dishonest. He says the affidavits were irrelevant to the issues in the case because they relate to dealings concerning Rocksizer Mining Contractors Limited and Chitsime Drilling Company Limited which have nothing to do with Nthawi Investments Limited.

“Completely false and misguided in so far as they suggest that in 2010 I negotiated or agreed to purchase from Dr Muluzi any shares in Nthawi Investments Limited or any interests of Nthawi Investments Limited, in Nationwide Marketing Services Limited, Liwonde Property Investments Limited and Rare Earth Company Limited.

“Dr Muluzi did not have any direct or indirect interest in Nthawi Investments Limited and the companies in which Nthawi Investments Limited had interest after Mr. Friday Muluzi sold his shares in Nthawi Investments Limited to Pushpa Patel on 7th July, 2005. Dr. Muluzi could not sell what he did not have,” argues Kalaria.

Kalaria further argues the affidavits are of no consequence in so far as they question the adequacy of the consideration by which Pushpa Patel got Friday Muluzi’s shares in NIL. He says the purchase price was freely agreed upon by the parties based on their own valuation of the shares. The affidavit indicates that Kalaria in 2010 purchased 200,000 shares in Rocksizer from the former President Dr. Muluzi at K20 million and 400,000 shares in Chitsime Drilling Company Limited at K50 million from Mrs. Anne Muluzi.

“Contrary to the baseless allegations of Messrs Chioko and Muluzi, I did not send the share transfer forms to Dr. Muluzi in South Africa. The share transfer forms were collected by Messrs Chioko and Muluzi from my office on 24th May 20…..and were only returned to me by Atupele Muluzi in an envelope from America, duly signed by
Dr. Muluzi and Mrs Muluzi, respectively,” Kalaria said.

He said he refused to sign the alleged agreement and give a report because the meeting which he was summoned to on My 7,2010 by Dr Muluzi did not make sense because Dr. Muluzi and his family no longer had any interest in some of the entities including Rare Earth Company Limited and Chipiku Stores. He added that at a subsequent meeting on May 21,2010, Dr. Muluzi, Atupele and Chioko demanded that he buys Dr. Muluzi’s interest in several companies including Nthawi Investments Limited and its interest in other companies at K750 million.

This was bizarre because Dr. Muluzi no longer had any direct or indirect interest in Nthawi Investments Limited and there was no basis for setting the price for his or his family’s interest in other companies and I rejected this.

“Muluzi then without any basis lowered the price to K500 million and then K350 million and threatened that I was not going to be released from his house unless I signed the BCA draft agreement which Mr. Chioko drafted there and then. When I insisted that I could not sign the BCA draft agreement, I was detained for seven hours and told that I had to sign the BCA draft agreement and would only be released if I made an immediate payment of K10 million.

“I was also told, and this was confirmed by telephone calls from my office, that Dr. Muluzi’s men, including Mr. Baisi had surrounded my workplace in Lilongwe. They were intimidating my family and workers and threatening to drive away 20 vehicles belonging to Chitsime Drilling Company Limited unless I signed the agreement at Dr. Muluzi’s house.”

“I was only released after my workers in Lilongwe had collected K10 million from daily sales in various businesses and delivered it in cash to Mr. Baisi and I succumbed to the duress and promised to sign the BCA draft agreement by endorsing the schedule to the said agreement” he said.

According to the affidavits, Kalaria did not sign the new agreement because he did not agree with the price of K350 million.

The case is coming before the court on May 19, 2011-Malawi News

Joyce Banda bribes Blantyre Synod

2010-12-02T16:42:00.002+02:00

Malawi Vice President and 2014 Presidential aspirant Joyce Ntila Banda has engaged an extra gear in her quest to rise to the country's top job.

Banda, using her inlaw Rev. Macdonald Kadawati has bribed senior clerks in Malawi's second largest christian church, the Church of Central African Presbyterian.

Kadawati is married to a sister of Vice President Joyce Banda.

Speaker defends MPs on flag modification

2010-07-12T11:02:00.003+02:00

Speaker Henry Chimunthu Banda says there was no fault in the flag bill.

By Suzgo Khunga

The Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda says there was ample debate on the protected names and emblems amendments bill and that all procedures were followed which upon approval has changed the national flag.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Chimunthu Banda said the opposition fully participated in the debate on the bill to modify the flag only that they walked out during voting.

“The contribution from the opposition was there, just not in support of the motion on the floor. They were just absent during voting,” he said. The speaker said it was not the first time for the public to gang up against actions of MPs in Parliament but his feeling was that they were entitled to their opinions.

The final quarter of the last sitting of Parliament was characterized by boycotts from the opposition following the swift passing of the K297 billion budgets but also speedy passing of bills in the House.

MPs completed the committee of supply stage within two half day sessions and would sometimes pass bills in less than two hours which the opposition UDF and MCP protested and boycotted voting in the house. Chimunthu Banda said it was normal for MPs to boycott Parliament proceedings but this should not be encouraged because a full House was necessary to conduct business in Parliament.

On the speedy passing of votes during the committee of supply, which several commentators condemned, Chimunthu Banda said ordinarily, the process was a one day affair but it was taking long in the previous Parliament because opposition was in majority.

“There was nothing extraordinary about it. The committee of supply stage was made to become a one week exercise because of the majority of the opposition in the house,” he said.

Chimunthu Banda, however, declined to comment on other controversies which have characterized Parliament such as the ouster of Abele Kayembe as leader of opposition and reinstatement of John Tembo.

He said absenteeism in Parliament was common in the last sitting because of poor communication between the party whips and the office of the Speaker.

“We would have wanted representation of MPs to be 100 per cent but those who were not in the chamber had valid reasons. The weakness is that whips had no offices so once they occupy those offices, I am optimistic there will be swift communication between these offices,” he said.

The speaker also disclosed that the National Assembly would give laptops to each MP within the financial year but they would start with training of MPs on the use of ICTs-Daily Times.

Bakili Muluzi happy with top award

2010-07-12T10:39:00.003+02:00

Former president Bakili Muluzi says he is happy to have been honoured.

By Mc Donald Chapalapata

Former President Bakili Muluzi has said he is elated by the highest national award of Most Excellent Grand Commander of the Malawi Order of National Achievement conferred upon him during independence cerebrations on Tuesday.

Muluzi said in a telephone interview from Cape Town, South Africa where he is getting medical attention that he was happy with the honour.

“I feel greatly honoured. When I received communication from the Secretary to the President Bright Msaka on Sunday informing me of the honour, I was naturally very happy,” said Muluzi who sounded jovial.

“I want to thank the President and Government for recognizing me with this honour. I will cherish this for the rest of my life,” added Muluzi.

The former President said he feels that the honour is a ‘collective achievement’ for the attainment of multiparty democracy in the country.

“The fight against one party rule was not a one man show. Millions supported me and the late Chakufwa Chihana. We should also not forget the Catholic Bishops and other religious organizations that helped us to fight for change. It is as collective honour but one man had to get it and it was me,” he said.

Muluzi missed out on the awards during their inception last year. His son Atupele received the award on his behalf-The Daily Times.

CCAP's Livingstonia Synod joins politics

2010-07-07T17:39:00.003+02:00

By Diana Liabuba

The Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP says it will support formation of any party that would champion the views it is propagating and use the region as its base.

This comes in the wake of reports that some politicians from the region are planning to register a political party.

“As a synod, we will always talk of politics. We are here to monitor issues affecting people and would advocate any ideas that would enhance political development in any form be it formulation of a new party,” said the synod’s general secretary Rev. Maurice Munthali.

He said that the synod would only play an advisory role to those forming the new party.

Munthali said the church sees no problem with the party having its base in the northern region, adding that this does not mean that the party is regional.

He said problems would arise if the new party was made personal as the aim of those political platforms is to represent people that follow it not serve individuals.

“I am actually happy that people have noticed how much we are putting efforts in issues affecting northern region. It is not being regionalistic but rather domestic because there is no way we can start speaking of regions when we know that charity begins at home,” said Munthali

“We are only beginning here because we are the type of people that vote for any party without looking at its base,” he said

Attempts to have a party with a strong following in the northern region come at the time that the Alliance for Democracy (Aford), which in the early 1990s commanded a huge following in the region, has been losing ground.

Recently there have been numerous attempts to mobilize people in the North to rally one political grouping but such have not yet borne the much needed fruits.

Some people in the region believe that northern region needs a strong political party and the Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP has expressed willingness to help formation of such a party-The Daily Times.

Thyolo man kills girlfriend over affair

2010-07-07T17:33:00.002+02:00

By Eliah Nthara

Police in Thyolo have arrested a man for allegedly assaulting his wife to death after she discovered that he had an affair with another woman.

Thyolo Police spokesperson, Edith Msesa , comfirmed the arrest of Wellosi Wanja, 36, ofNkhuna Village, T/A Liwonde in Machinga, who allegedly killedhis wife, Violet, 32, of Mbelula Village, T/A Mchilamwela in Thyolo.

According to Msesa, the incident happened last Friday when the deceased, who has been married to Wanja for 14 years, discover that her husband was in a love affair with another woman from the same village.

This angered the wife who confronted the suspected girlfriend. In the heat of things, the two women started fighting.

The news of the fight reached the husband who rushed to his girlfriend’s house and beat his wife severely,” said Msesa.

She said because of the beating, the woman collapsed.

According to Msesa, the deceased was taken to Thyolo District Hosipital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Post-mortem results indicated that the woman died due to serious injuries,” she said.
Msesa said are looking for the girlfriend who is on the run.

Wanja has been charged with murder-The Nation

Opposition UDF party dragged to court

2010-07-07T14:44:00.005+02:00

By Wezzie Nkhoma-Somba

The United Democratic Front (UDF) Blantyre Urban Committee has dragged the former ruling party to High Court for dissolving the committee and imposing K2, 000 nomination fee for the candidates in the party’s forthcoming district elections without approval the National Executive Committee.

According to court documents dated July 1, 2010, the committee through Watson Malindi, is asking the court to order and declare whether the party’s national working committee had the powers to dissolve the Blantyre UDF Urban District Committee or merely to make its recommendations to NEC and whether the defendants were justified in dissolving the said committee under article 32 of UDF’s Constitution.

Malindi is also asking the court to declare whether the said district committee could be dissolved without being accorded the rules of natural justice under article 32 of the UDF constitution by the district committee and whether UDF’s national working committee has power if any to dissolve the Blantyre Urban Committee in the absence of proof of any contraventions of the UDF constitution.

The Blantyre district committee is also asking the court to declare whether UDF, s National working committee has the power to impose K2, 000.00 fee for candidates in UDF District Elections without approval of NEC.

UDF Secretary General Kennedy Makwangwala confirmed to The Nation early last week about the K2,000 nomination fee, saying it is enshrined in the UDF constitution and that the money will not go into the party coffers but rather will be given back to district for the day to day running of the structures.

However, UDF Task Force National coordinator Ken Msonda said that the issue of nomination fee was discriminatory and retrogressive and that it may be a political move aimed at frustrating other aspirants within the party.

UDF spokesperson Rob Jamieson wondered where Malindi was coming from saying he does not appear anywhere as a member of UDF.

Jamieson explained that UDF NEC has mandate to make any decisions on behalf of the party.

Commenting on the issue of dissolving district committees UDF Secretary General Kennedy Makwangwala said that it is a positive move that will help in rebuilding the party as it tries to reclaim its the lost glory. He further said that this development is long overdue as the party has gone a long time without holding elections.

Meanwhile, in a statement Makwangwala has stressed that the party has sections within its constitution that provide for collection of nomination fees from its members particularly those that voluntarily elect to take part in a leadership contest.

“The nomination fees that are subject of the statement are meant to help the party undertake logistical preparations to facilitate the holding of the elections of office-bearers of the districts committees and such other committees. Suffice to indicate that the remainder of the money collected shall be allocated to the incoming district committees as a starter-pack with which to kick-start their political operations,” he said.

Makwangwala added: “The present modus operandi is such that the National Headquarters or senior members of the NEC provide financial assistance to districts committee to meet the cost of funerals, treatment of sick members, payment of various donations or, indeed, for holding party meetings. This practice is becoming unattainable during these difficult economic times as the party has a large membership. The party has to break with some practices of the past that are difficult to sustain.”

He said the issue of nomination fee is provided for in the UDF constitution as amended in 2008 and the subject has been thoroughly discussed with members.

Makwangwala explained that to remove discrimination that might arise due to some serious contenders’ failure to secure nomination fees.“The party has included a proviso that allows eligible leaders proven without means to ask for exemption where individuals are not able to source nomination fees to take part in the electoral process,” he said in a statement dated July 2-The Daily Times

Mutharika donates equipment to Mzuni

2010-06-24T12:55:00.005+02:00

Prof.Peter Mutharika: Put the equipment to good use

By Edwin Nyirongo

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Professor Peter Mutharika on Saturday turned savior for the Mzuzu University (Mzuni) when he donated a set of printers and photocopier to the institution.

The donation came against the background of strike by students of the college who last week boycotted classes and damaged property over allegations that management was dragging its feet in repairing malfunctioning printers and photocopies at the campus.

Mutharika made the donation during a public lecture he held at the university.

“I have given you these machines not from the Ministry of Justice but from my personal account. Share them between the students and staff and use them properly,” he said amid protests from students after he mentioned the staff.

Mutharika, who arrived over thirty minutes later than the scheduled time of 6pm, received a standing ovation from other dignitaries who included Cabinet ministers Goodall Gondwe, Abbie Shaba, Ken Kandodo and some deputy ministers.

Some students wore T-shirts emblazoned with Mutharika’s face. The T-shirts also had words: ‘Our democratic Constitution: Some reflections 15 years later, 19th June 2010,” inscribed at the back.

But the lecture was not without controversies, especially after the students were asked to send questions in advance for scrutiny. Some students feared dean of students Chrispine Mphande would remove some critical questions.

And when Mphande started calling names of students to ask questions, there was a protest from those who demanded that everyone should ask questions freely. This forced Mphande to give in and allow students to ask questions freely.

Then came the time when deputy Vice Chancellor Orton Msiska took the floor. Students were not happy with him and started calling: “Nthawi [Time] less than a minute after he began speaking.

Questions ranged from why there are so many constitutional amendments and if DPP would not abuse its majority in Parliament.

The most famous question came from Charles Namalele who wondered why the Justice and Constitional Affairs Minister did not include the role of the in his lecture.

Said Namalele:“The police came to our campus and manhandled us left, right and centre. Is that their role?”

Mutharika said the police are a service and not a force and that if anything bad happened, it might have been due to poor judgment on the part of the law enforcers.

In his lecture, Mutharika said he felt embarrassed that he was involved in the drafting of the Constitution, saying it is long and contradictory. He described it as one of the most amended constitutions on earth.

He also said while he supports the return of the Recall Provision, it is not easy to prove that constituents have lost confidence in their MP.

He also backed Section 65 of the Constitution [on crossing the floor] which he said safeguards political morality although it infringes of freedom of association.

Mutharika also said while it is good to have a presidential limit, the principle should also apply to MPs-The Nation.

Mutharika inspires Mzuni students

2010-06-22T12:23:00.007+02:00

Prof. Peter Mutharika is an international decorated lawyer.

By Sarah Munthali

Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Professor Peter Mutharika says his ministry values inputs and recommendations it gets from the general public saying this ensures that the Malawi Constitution remains an important tool in the country.

Professor Mutharika was speaking at Mzuzu University on Saturday night during a public lecture entitled “Our democratic constitution, some reflections 15 years later’ organised by the state owned, Malawi Television (TVM).

“A good constitution can bring good changes in a country and a poorly drafted and structured constitution can bring confusion and misunderstanding, hence the need for a properly drafted constitution,” he said.

He told the jam-packed university hall that during the 2006 constitutional review conference, the Malawi Law Commission made recommendations which should be debated and looked into.

“Some of the inputs which people suggested were interesting and controversial for example, the repealed Section 64 which enabled constituents to recall the Members of Parliament. This provision can give the people their democratic right to recall their MP but at the same time, the provision could be abused.”

He said for instance, an aspiring MP who lost an election could mobilise subjects, sometimes even bribing them, and write a petition to the speaker to have the incumbent parliamentarian removed out of petty jealously and frustration.

Other areas included Section 65 of the constitution which entails the Speaker to declare vacant the seat of any member of the National Assembly who was, at the time of his or her election, a member of one political party represented in the National Assembly, other than by that member alone but who has voluntarily ceased to be a member of that party and has joined another political party represented in the National Assembly.

“Section 65 contradicts with Section 32 which says every person shall have the right to freedom of association, which shall include the freedom to form associations, saying these sections should be deliberated thoroughly to avoid contradictions,’’ explained the highly read international lawyer.

He also encouraged people to look into issues of witchcraft and issues of whether Malawians in diaspora should be allowed vote.

The public lecture organised by Malawi Television, was second after another one held at Chancellor College in Zomba two months ago.

President of the Mzuzu University Students Council, Charles Kajoloweka commended Professor Mutharika for sharing his ideas and knowledge through the public lecture, saying the lecture inspired students and would leave an indelible mark in the history of the university.

The public lecture moderated by Local Government Minister, Goodall Gondwe, was attended by a cross section of people which included cabinet ministers, senior government officials, Members of Parliament, students at the university, civil servants and the general public-Malawi Digest.

First Lady donates MK1 million to Chewas

2010-06-22T11:41:00.009+02:00

The First Lady Madame Callista Mutharika says let's all be proud of our culture.

By Our Correspondent

The First Lady, Madame Callista Mutharika Saturday pledged to give K 1 million to the Chewa Heritage Foundation to help in the promotion of the Chewa tradition and culture.

The First Lady made the pledge at Civo Stadium in the administrative capital, Lilongwe during a Chewa Cultural Day which was organised by the Chewa Heritage Foundation with an aim of fundraising and displaying different Chewa dances.

Chairperson of the Organising Committee for Chewa Cultural Day, Mark Zilirakhasu said the money realised at the fundraising event would be used to cater for transport and accommodation expenses for chiefs and delegates attending this year’s Kulamba ceremony for Chewas at Kalonga Gawa Undi headquarters in Zambia.

Madame Mutharika appealed to all the Chewas to wisely use the money realised so that people attend the Kulamba ceremony every time it has been organised to pass the Chewa tradition from one generation to the other.

She also said she was very proud to be a Chewa and appealed to all Chewas to be proud of who they are following the function’s poor patronage.

“I’m not happy with the way Chewas have patronised this function. I’m therefore, appealing to everyone who belongs to this tribe to be forthcoming when functions like these are organised,” she said.

Concurring with the First Lady, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, Anna Kachikho said this is a great day for Chewas as it is a time when they would see where they are coming from and reflect on where they are going.

Kachikho said she is also proud as a Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, to note that the Big Dance popularly known as Gule wa Mkulu is one of the dances that is recognised world wide, according to a declaration made by United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Senior Chief Mazengera said it is sad to note that most Malawians are not proud of who they are and that is why most if them follow what other people do in foreign countries.

Chairperson for Chewa Heritage Foundation and the country’s former vice president, Justine Malewezi appealed to all Malawians to be living in unity and harmony by not looking at their differences in culture and traditions.

“I also appeal to government to come with a day when all tribes from the country can come together and display their dances and traditions,” added Malewezi.

The First Lady advised chiefs to conduct initiation ceremonies for children during holidays so that their education should not be disturbed.

“Let me warn all chiefs who interfere with the school calendar by taking children to initiation camps that whoever will be found doing this malpractice, will be dealt with accordingly. This is in line with what His Excellency, Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika and Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi have been saying that children should be going to school at the same time knowing their traditions and culture,” she said.

The First lady thanked all companies, organisations and well wishers who had donated to the Foundation either in cash or kind.

The Kulamba ceremony takes place every year in commemoration of all the Chewa chiefs that have been there ever since. It takes place in Zambia and it is patronised by all the Chewas from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique-Malawi Digest.

Ngwazi says Malawians must dream in colour

2010-06-21T16:36:00.006+02:00

Prof. Mutharika, thanks to Mulli Brothers, Malawi is back on the international map for tea.

By Patrick Bande

Malawi President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika on Saturday urged local business captains to dream in colour if they are to succeed.

Professor Mutharika made the remarks during a press conference held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe when he saw off the President of Kosovo Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu.

Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu was flying back to Kosovo after a three day official visit to Malawi where among other things he held bilateral talks with president Mutharika and addressed the National Assembly to thank the people of Malawi especially President Bingu wa Mutharika for recognising the independence of Kosovo which took place on 17th February, 2008.

On Friday the two leaders visited Small holder Tea Company (Steco) in Mulanje which is owned by local entrepreneurs Mulli Brothers Limited.

The factory which was formally known as Malawi Tea Company (Mateco) Limited, a government parastatal then, almost collapsed a couple of years ago, thanks to Mulli Brothers Limited which bought and revived it.

“A few years ago that company was going somewhere and I refused that it should be sold to foreign investors until Mulli Brothers bought the company and revamped it now its back on its feet and running,” said Mutharika.

“The lesson from this is simple and straight forward. We must learn to dream in colour. Malawi tea was known the world over and when this company was going down we were removed from the map as a tea producer, thanks to Mulli brothers we are back on the map” added Mutharika.

The Malawi leader also thanked his Kosovo counterpart for coming all the way from Kosovo to visit the country. He said there is a lot the two countries have in common and can share.

Giving an example he said, Kosovo is rich in minerals and Malawi can learn mineral technology for the research institute to be opened in Karonga.

"We discussed a lot of things including: increasing trade between the two countries. First, its political relations and from there, the business community from the two countries can link up to learn from each other. Kosovo buys a lot of tea from other countries and they can buy that from us. We have also agreed to support each other,” Mutharika said.

On his part Sejdiu said he was delighted to be in Malawi and was happy with how he was received in the country. He said he saw optimism in the eyes of Malawians believing tomorrow will be a brighter day every where he visited in the country.

“I feel at home here and next time I will come, I will only use my passport to check in at a hotel. I’m grateful for the huge support that Malawi gave for our freedom and our independence,” he said.

The Kosovo president also announced that he has invited President Mutharika to visit Kosovo as soon as possible to see for himself how free people are in that country. He then asked president Mutharika who is also chairman of the African union to provide information about Kosovo to other nations that know little about the country.

Kosovo is an independent state with a population of about 2 million people and is supervised by the international community following the conclusion of the political process to determine Kosovo final status envisaged in United Nations Security Council resolution.

It lies in the southern east part of Europe and shares boundaries with Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania and its economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining and micro enterprises.

Upon arrival in the country on Thursday Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu was met by president Mutharika and was hosted at a state banquet at the State House before visiting Steco factory in Mulanje on Friday and he addressed members of the National Assembly later on Friday-Mana.

Sarkozy praises Africa, condemns Europe

2010-06-01T17:03:00.004+02:00

By Adack Pafupi in Nice, France

French President, Nicolas Sarkozy has asked developed countries and organisations to honour commitments which they make during international conferences.

The French leader has also asked business people who are working on the sidelines of the 25th France and Africa Summit to produce practical results, otherwise international conferences will lose all their credibility.

Sarkozy, made the appeals when he officially opened the 25th France and Africa Summit in Nice city in France on Monday.

Opening the summit, Sarkozy said he was worried that developed countries and organisations are not fast at honouring their pledges to African countries.

“I’m talking about honouring pledges to African countries made at international conferences like the Copenhagen. These need to be fully honoured otherwise international conferences will lose all their credibility,” he said.

He said it was this reason that his country decided to organise a meeting of business people to run alongside the summit.

“The fact that we decided to have business people meet here as well was not of course by coincidence. These business people did not wait for us to start working together but we are expecting them to produce practical results for this summit to endorse,” said the host leader.

The French President said that the France-Africa Summit is important because the two parties have a special relation in that they have things which they need to achieve together and that these can be discussed at these meetings.

“I am convicted that it is no longer possible to deal with major world issues without involving Africa,” he said, adding, “the failure of Africa would be a tragedy for Europe.”

The French President said that he wants a new France – Africa relation to have no complexes.

He also discouraged the cases of having big countries on one side and smaller ones on the other.

Sarkoy encouraged a relationship of trust where all issues should be open for discussion with interests to defend and views to put across, based on equal and forward looking relationship.

He also said that if European countries call themselves friends of Africa, they must be ready to give Africa a role in global governance.

“There can be no double speak, there can be no hypocrisy. We cannot say that we need to closely involve Africa in major issues affecting peace, security and a balanced world but then do nothing about it,” he stressed.

The French president said that the African continent should take it rightful place in bodies dealing with such issues which he said is not the case today.

President Sarkozy said that the United Nations Security Council has to be reformed because it is not right that Africa is not a permanent member of the Security Council.

“We can no longer manage the 21st century world with 20th century institutions,” he said.

He also praised the African Union because he said outside interventions on the African continent have nearly come to an end.

“I would like to pay tribute to the role played by the African Union (AU), represented here by its Chairperson and Chairperson of its Commission, whom I commend greatly,” he said.

Malawi President and AU chairperson Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika is attending the summit which is expected to end this Tuesday afternoon.

After the summit, the two leaders are expected to host a join press conference-Malawi News Agency.

DPP 2014 presidential campaign turns nasty

2010-05-31T15:19:00.009+02:00

Professor Peter Mutharika at one of his rallies in his home village of Thyolo East constituency. His popularity is reported to be giving sleepless nights to Vice President Joyce Banda and Speaker Henry Chimunthu Banda.

By Lucy Liponda

Campaign for a successor to incumbent Malawi President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has gone vicious with some of the aspiring candidates going a mile further to damage the reputation of other rival unconfirmed presidential aspirants.

Our sources have revealed that so far three camps have emerged in the ruling party and these are of incumbent country Vice President Joyce Banda, Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda and that of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Peter Mutharika.

Mutharika is a lawyer by training and younger brother to President Bingu wa Mutharika, the other competitor Joyce Banda is a long time women entrepreneurship campaigner whilst Chimunthu Banda is a trained secondary school teacher.

Peter Mutharika has a doctorate degree at international law, Joyce Banda has a first degree in women adolescence and Chimunthu Banda has a diploma in education.

Our informants in the ruling party disclose that the two Bandas though working in isolation are spending all their efforts in fighting the president’s brother who they feel has an upper hand in the competition.

“In fact they feel allowing a clean campaign to take place, they fear Peter Mutharika would walk away victorious,” said our source who is also a member of the ruling DPP’s National Governing Council.

The source disclosed that there was a lot of infighting which has just turned nasty with all sorts of stories being prepared to tarnish the image of the strong candidate, Peter Mutharika.

“You have heard of stories about his American citizenship, you have heard about these allegations of him being homosexual just because he is a widower, you have heard stories of him alleging he holds too much power in both government and the party and there will be a lot more stories to come all targeted at Professor Peter Mutharika,” he said.

Our source disclosed that all these campaigns being propagated by Vice President Joyce Banda and Speaker Henry Chimunthu Banda are aimed at weakening Peter Mutharika who they think can relent the competition.

“There is a lot of underground work being carried out to weaken the young Mutharika but I don’t think this may yield anything at the end of the day because he is such a force to recon with both locally and internationally,” said the source.

A political scientist at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College in Zomba has cautioned the ruling party’s aspiring presidential candidates to resist from conducting a malicious campaign saying the party stands to be the biggest loser at the end of the day.

“It is easier to smear mud on a vehicle but removing it it’s not that easy. The character assassination campaigns being propagated by Chimunthu Banda and Joyce Banda on Professor Peter Mutharika if proven may only play badly for the ruling party in the long run,” said the analyst who pleaded for anonymity.

When contacted for comment, Professor Peter Mutharika said that he is not aspiring for any other position apart from concentrating on his job as Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister and Member of Parliament for his Thyolo East constituency.

Vice President Joyce Banda’s spokesperson Ruth Govati refused to speak on her bosses political ambitions saying she only responds to issues related to her office as Vice President of the country.

Speaker Henry Chimunthu Banda’s number could not be picked the five times we called his two mobile phone numbers.

DPP Secretary General Binton Kuntsaira said that his office has not sanctioned any campaign for presidential aspiring candidates in the ruling DPP saying 2014 is such a long way to go.

“Nobody is campaigning for the presidency in our party and if there are any then it’s not to my knowledge after all 2014 is too far,” he said.

President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika’s second 5 year term of office comes to and end in 2014 when he would have finished his constitutionally required 10 years in power-Malawi Digest.

Mutharika in Nice for France-Africa summit

2010-05-31T09:53:00.004+02:00

President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika arriving at a Nice airport with his entourage. Pic by Adack Pafupi, Malawi News Agency.

By Adack Pafupi in Nice, France.

Malawi State President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika arrived in Nice-France on Sunday afternoon to attend the 25th France and Africa which begins on Monday.

The Malawian leader who is also chairperson for the continental grouping, the African Union left the country on Sunday morning using a presidential jet.

Accompanied by his wife, the First Lady Madame Callista Mutharika, the first couple and their delegation were welcomed at the Cote d’Azur Airport in Nice City by Head of Administration in Nice City, Falille Christophie and senior Malawia government officials who went ahead of the State President.

Ngwazi Professor Mutharika was then escorted to Sheraton Elysee Palace where the State President got a briefing from senior cabinet ministers on the trip and government officials led by the Chief Secretary Bright Msaka.

This morning, President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika had a breakfast meeting with the Word Bank President, Robert Zoellick.

The AU chairperson is also expected to have other working breakfast meetings with African of heads of state and government attending the summit.

President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika is in Nice, France to attend the France-Africa Summit an initiative by the French government.

The summit is expected to be opened by the French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Nice Acropolis Convention Centre, venue for the international conference-Malawi News Agency/Malawi Digest.

President Mutharika pardons gay couple

2010-05-30T20:38:00.005+02:00

State President Ngwazi Prof.Bingu wa Mutharika with the UN Secretary General BanKi-Moon in Malawi's presidential residence, the New State House in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

By Our Reporter

President Mutharika told a press conference Saturday soon after holding private talks with United Nations Secretary General Mr.Ban Ki-Moon, who was on a two day official visit to Malawi, that he has pardoned the gays purely on humanitarian grounds.

He said the two were wrong according to the country’s tradition, and that they also violated the country’s laws under which they were tried and convicted.

“I would like to take this advantage to make this announcement to the media. The issue of gays has caused a lot of stress to the nation and Government. What the two boys did, created a situation which was unheard of in this country,” he said.

The President said Tiwonge and Steven were not only wrong against tradition and culture, but were also wrong on religious grounds, saying religions in the country do not allow same sex marriages.

“What they did was wrong against our culture and tradition, and it was against our penal code under which they were tried and convicted. However, I would like to make this announcement that, with my powers as President of this country, the two have been pardoned on humanitarian grounds.” said Mutharika.

Mr. Ban Ki-moon hailed President Mutharika for making what he described as ‘a bold and courageous decision.’

“I know that each country has its laws and traditions which need to be respected, but it is a pity that some countries still have laws that discriminate against people with certain sexual orientations, and this is against international human rights,” he said.

Mr. Ban, who was expected to address members of parliament later Saturday afternoon, said he was going to propose a reform of Malawi’s laws that seem to be violating human rights.

However, President Mutharika insisted that the two have been pardoned solely on humanitarian grounds, and warned against similar acts of moral decay in the country.

The pardon has come amidst pressure from international and the donor community, condemning the arrest and sentencing of the couple.

The two conducted a public engagement ceremony in Blantyre in December last year, and were subsequently arrested, and convicted.

Malawian laws do not allow same sex marriages and the offence attracts a maximum of 14 years imprisonment.

Marjorie Ngaunje battling for life

2010-05-30T20:17:00.003+02:00

By Our Reporter

One of the workers at the rehabilitation centre who pleaded for anonymity said, there has been an improvement in her condition as compared to the time of her hospitalization.

Efforts to talk to Centre Director or any relative to her have proved futile since both sides refused to meet this reporter who visited the centre to ascertain the condition of the former legislator and minister.

Physiotherapist Reuben Kalavina who is helping Ngaunje with some physical exercises however confirmed the admission but maintained he could not divulge information on her condition.

“We respect every patient’s privacy, she has refused to talk to you so I can not comment much, but yes she is here and this is her third week in this hospital,” he said.

Our sources have disclosed that Ngaunje has been at the medical facility receiving medical attention for almost three weeks now.

Before the 2009 general elections, Ngaunje was one of the strongest cabinet ministers in President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika's cabinet.

She served as the country's Minister of Education and Health among many other portifolios in the Bingu-led administration.

NEWS!!! Prof. Peter Mutharika finds wife

2010-05-24T19:47:00.006+02:00

Prof. Mutharika: I've finally found a woman to marry.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Professor Peter Mutharika has disclosed that he has found a lady that he is planning to marry very soon.

Mutharika, a younger brother to Malawi State President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika disclosed this in the administrative capital Lilongwe on Monday.

Professor Mutharika said that he has finally found love in a Malawian woman that he plans to wed very soon.

“Once preparations are done, I am going to disclose the name of the woman,” he said.

Professor Peter Mutharika disclosed this when he was commenting about the conviction and jailing of a guy couple last week to 14 years imprisonment for holding a marriage engagement although both of them are men.

“As Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, I condemn the behavior of the guys and I will personally lead by example when I get married to a woman that I have fallen in love with very shortly,” he disclosed.

When pressed further to give a hint on the woman, Professor Peter Mutharika only said; “She is a Malawian woman and once the preparations are complete, I will made her public.”

Professor Mutharika said that he is a widower who has three grown up children, two girls and a boy.

“I was married for 30 years and had three children with my dear wife. Unfortunately she died of cancer leaving me with the responsibility of raising the children as a single parent,” he said.

“It has been hard to live as a widower and now I have found a woman that I feel can make a good wife,” he said.

Professor Mutharika condemned the international donor community and some non governmental organizations for using the issue of guys as a condition of providing aid to Malawi.

“Malawi is a sovereign state whose Laws also need to be recognized and respected,” he said.

The Justice Minister also wondered why the condemnation is coming out now when the Law was actually done by the former colonial master, Britain.

“These Laws were left by the British in Malawi and no one has raised any objections up until now when this issue of the guy couple happened,” he said.

Last week, the Blantyre Magistrate Court sentence two men, Steve Monjeza, 26 and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, to 14 years imprisonment for holding a public marriage engagement although both of them are of the same sex.

According to Malawian Laws, same sex marriage is punishable to imprisonment with the maximum sentence pegged at 14 years which Monjeza and Chimbalanga got-Malawi Digest.

Bingu lambasts business community

2010-05-24T19:41:00.002+02:00

By Caroline Kandiero

The State President Bingu wa Mutharika on Saturday blasted the business community for not supporting the development of the Nsanje Inland Port Waterway project.

Mutharika was speaking during the official opening of the 22nd Malawi International Trade Fair (MITF) at the trade fair grounds in Blantyre.

The President wondered whether it was out of ignorance on the part of the business community that they do not want to support the project.

“I am disappointed with the business community in Malawi. Why are you not supporting the Nsanje Port? Whether it is because of ignorance I don’t know,” said Mutharika.

He further said the inland port will not benefit him but the country as a whole through various activities like tourism and trading.

“I want you to establish a big duty free shop at the port which will help generate forex for the country.

“I want you to make noise about the port. It is not for me, it is for you the private sector,” said Mutharika.

Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Chancellor Kaferapanjira in an interview said the business community has partly not been supportive.

“Things are moving at a slower pace but as the business community we are now working together with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development,” said Kaferapanjira.

He further said once the feasibility study report is out, the business community will continue to work hand in hand with government.

In a separate interview Mulli Group of Companies Managing Director Leston Mulli said it is the mindset of some individual businessmen that the inland port is a mare dream.

He said the port is possible and that it is important as the private sector to support the initiative.

“What the President said is true. We need to support government not only in the construction of the port but also in other developmental areas,” said Mulli.

He further said the business community can mainly come in through construction of infrastructure services.

“Apart from that as the business community we need to organize ourselves so that every now and then we should be having meetings with government so that we get to know where they (government) are having problems so that we can come in and assist,” said Mulli.

Completion of the Nsanje Inland Port would see reduced transport costs by almost 60 percent and also imports costs-The Daily Times.

Bingu deserves recognition-Japan

2010-05-24T17:02:00.003+02:00

Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika said to be winning favours for more honours.

By Karen Msiska

Japanese Ambassador to Malawi Motoyoshi Noro says President Bingu wa Mutharika deserves recognition including considering him for a Nobel Prize as an acknowledgement of his achievements.

Noro says Mutharika has demonstrated that Malawi can transform from a dire state to one that provides the needed services.

He said this during Toyota Malawi’s official opening of its Mzuzu Branch on Saturday.

“Hastings Kamuzu Banda was christened the Father and Founder of the Malawi nation, Bingu wa Mutharika is the father of development in the country,” said Noro in a speech that was never short of humour.

“The talking point has been food security, the turning point for Malawi’s food security situation was undoubtedly the introduction of the input subsidy programme.”

He acknowledged that Malawi increased maize production to three million tones after introducing the programme and has kept it there for four consecutive years “because of the policy.”

The input subsidy programme, first implemented in 2005 and against wishes of the donor community, has been hailed the world over as Malawi’s turning point as regards food security.

The United Nations (UN) has also urged developing countries on a number of occasions to emulate Malawi’s example and turn around their own fortunes on food reliability.

“In the words of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) this really is the Malawi miracle,” he added.

“It is also encouraging to note that because of the subsidy programme, Malawi’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) rate has been above 8 percent compared to the 2.1 percent prior to the implement of the programme.

Noro extended his applause to the country’s economic growth of 9.7 percent in 2008 “which is said to be the second fastest growth rate in the world,” and for the inflation rate which has continued to remain under a single digit.

He also hailed Toyota Malawi’s Managing Director Rosemary Mkandawire for displaying that she was a good manager after noting that she was the only local managing director in seven African distributors entirely owned by Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Malawi’s parent company.

“This speaks volumes of Ms Rosemary Mkandawire. She is a force to reckoned with and that she is an excellent manager,” said Noro.

“I also rejoice for Ms Mkandawire for the fact that besides being the only local director, she is a female director in a male dominated industry. For me, Ms Mkanadawire is an epitome of the women empowerment.”

Meanwhile, Noro pledged that Japan would continue to assist Malawi’s socio-economic development through its Official Development Assistance (ODA), a gesture the country has extended since 1971.

Japan funded the upgrading of the Masauko Chipembere Highway in Blantyre and will fund construction works on the South Rukuru Bridge in Rumphi, but Noro also revealed that his country will also fund the rehabilitation of Sena railway project “to support road, railway, embankment and river basin management.”

Toyota Tsusho has 23 distribution outlets across Africa-The Daily Times.

Professor Bingu, the President of Africa

2010-05-12T10:58:00.003+02:00

Malawi State President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika was recently in the Peoples Republic of China where he attended the official opening ceremony of this year’s World Expo 2010 in the Chinese commercial capital, Shaghai.

Whilst in China, President Mutharika held a number of international meetings including closed door discussions with the Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The Malawian leader, who is also chairperson for the continental grouping, the African Union (AU) held discussions with ambassadors representing their respective countries to the Peoples Republic of China.

During his discussions with the ambassadors, President Mutharika sold his agenda as chairperson for AU to the country representatives.

In the picture, President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika (sitting) is seen surrounded by the ambassadors and some members of the Malawi cabinet, who accompanied the leader on this official trip. Pic by Samuel Makaka, Mana and text by Lucy Liponda, Malawi Digest.

Mutharika calls for universities' practical

2010-05-10T00:07:00.004+02:00

By Mike Chipalasa in Nairobi, Kenya

Malawi’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika has asked African universities to stop being mere centres of reading and thinking but apply knowledge through technological innovations.

He said promotion of innovations, especially in agriculture, was critical in order to develop African economies, which largely rely on trade exports from agricultural products.

Professor Mutharika made the appeal on Wednesday in Nakuru, over 200Km east of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, during the opening of a U$200,000 Rhizobium Inoculant (Biofix) laboratory factory, which will be producing fertilizers for legumes such as beans.

The Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister launched the factory on behalf of the African Union chairperson, President Bingu wa Mutharika, who is currently in China.

“I am grad that the University of Nairobi has taken the lead,” said Mutharika.

The Rhizobium Inoculant (Biofix) fertilizer project started in 2008 by Kenya’s leading private fertilizer company, the MEA Limited, in partnership with the University of Nairobi and the British Council.

“If Africa is to develop, it should move from resource-based economy to knowledge based economy. I want universities to take this lead just as the University of Nairobi has done,” added Mutharika.

The minister said he would send a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Malawi to study the legume fertilizers to ascertain how they could contribute to food security through beans production, which had reached deficit levels in Malawi, leading to imports.

Professor Mutharika, however, said Malawihad managed to achieve food security in the past four years through subsidy programme despite fierce opposition from leading institutions like the International Monetory Fund (IMF), World Bank and the European Union, whom he said were no clapping hands for the country’s achievement.

He thus asked the Kenyan authorities to be bold enough against outside pressure when executing programmes, which benefit ordinary people.

The minister also noted that following the successful implementation of the country’s subsidy programme, which registered 1.2 million metric tonnes last year, Malawi had started donating and exporting maize to food insecure countries.

“We are a food secure country but we are a beans deficit country. I promise to ask the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to come here and study legumes,” he said, responding to MEA Limited managing director Eustace Muriuki, who asked Malawi to adopt the technology.

In a separate interview, Professor Peter Mutharika said he would be asking universities in Malawi to come together and develop a similar technology.

“My message is that let’s work together to develop technology. I will be asking the University of Malawi as Bunda College, Mzuzu University and other institutions to come together.

“We can also take advantage of the Lilongwe University of Science and Technology as well as the University of Southern Malawi in Thyolo, which will open soon and will concentrate on sciences,” he said.

Muriuki said there was serious need for the development of technology in the agricultural sector if efforts to sustain food security records were to be meaningful.

He observed that although Malawi achieved food security in maize, the country needs to diversify and start growing beans to supplement its food security record.

He, however, observed that food security records in Africa require the development of initiatives as MEA Limited had done in coming up with cheap innovations to support agricultural activities.

“We are now moving from inorganic to organic fertilizers, this requires factorism,” Muriuki stated.

According to Muriuki, MEA Limited is the only company in Kenya which has moved farming scientifically from soil testing to fertilisers.

The company produces 400 sachets of Rhizobium Inoculant (Biofix) every week, costing U$2.5 per sachet and wants to upscale production to 1,000 sachets per week in the next few years.

The product is used in growing dry beans, cow peas, groundnuts, lucane, soya beans and other legumes to maximize production-Sunday Times.

Kinnah aiming high wants Fifa's top 60

2010-05-09T23:19:00.008+02:00

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri remains confident that his team can go far in the Fifa rankings.

By Gomezgani Zakazaka

The Malawi national football team, Flames coach Kinnah Phiri says he wants the Flames to be below 60 on the Fifa ranking by the end of this year.

Fifa is the world football governing body and regularly issues official rankings for national football teams in the world.

The Flames mentor said this ahead of Wednesday’s away international friendly match in Yemen.

He said the team has made a tremendous progress and there is need to safeguard the status and even improve it further.

Currently, Malawi is 82 on the Fifa rankings released last month after slipping one step.

The Yemen game will have a huge bearing on the rankings of this month and that is why we want a strong team and we’ll take it very seriously.

“A win against Yemen and then convincing results against Angola in the Chan competition will ensure that we get a good position in the next rankings to be released before the kickoff of the World Cup,” said Kinnah.

He said if the team managed to move 56 places up in two years, there are chances that it can rise even higher by December.

“Just two years ago, we were on position 138 and now we are 82. We are starting the qualifiers in September and there are more games coming up later in the year. If we win all of them, we should rise by many places. So that is my target to be in the 50s,” he said.

Flames midfielder Hellings Mwakasungula said Malawi’s improved standings will help the players in the coming transfer window to get better deals.

“We have failed to get good deals because of the rankings but if we keep on moving up then our players will be highly marketed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malawi have announced that the Flames will depart for Middle East on Monday for the international friendly match against Yemen on Wednesday.

The Flames are expected to leave Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport and connect the for Yemen in Addis Ababa on the same Monday evening.

Fam says that the team is expected to arrive in Yemen just before midnight same Monday and the players will spend their time on Tuesday resting and feel on the weather in the country before their important international friendly with the hosts on Wednesday-Nation on Sunday.

Nigerians lobby for vice-presidency

2010-05-07T19:08:00.006+02:00

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan being congratulated after the swearing-in ceremony. Pic BBC World Service.

By BBC World Service

Nigerian groups are lobbying for the post of vice-president after Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as president following the death of Umara Yar'Adua.

Whoever is named vice-president could be a strong contender for presidential elections due in 2011, analysts say.

It remains unclear whether Mr Jonathan will seek to stand for the governing People's Democratic Party.

There is no deadline for him to name a new deputy but an announcement is expected within the coming days.

Many shops and business in Nigeria remain closed as the seven days of official mourning continue.

But the BBC's Caroline Duffield in the capital Abuja says politics ticks on - over the phone and in private meetings.

POSSIBLE VICE-PRESIDENTS

Nuhu Ribadu - former anti-corruption chief
Aliyu Gusau - newly appointed national security advisor
Alhaji Yayale Ahmed - cabinet secretary
Sule Lamido - governor of Jigawa state
David mark - president of the senate
Murtala Yar'Adua - late president's nephew

She says there are still no answers to the big questions about Nigeria's future.

The political deal that has traditionally ensured peace between north and south is coming under strain, our correspondent says.

The PDP has a tradition of alternating power between the mainly Muslim north and the largely Christian south.

Mr Jonathan is a southerner and Mr Yar'Adua died less than half-way through the north's "turn" of two presidential terms.

To maintain regional balance, Mr Jonathan would be expected to name a northerner as his deputy, which could put that person in a strong position to contest the elections due early in 2011 on behalf of the PDP.

However, there is strong speculation that Mr Jonathan may seek to defy political convention and stand himself.

Thousands at funeral

Tens of thousands of men shoved and pushed their way into the stadium in Katsina to pay their respects to Nigeria's later President Umaru Yar'Adua.

Chants of "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) began as his body - on a bamboo stretcher and wrapped in a Nigerian white and green flag - was carried in by military men.

Former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida were among the mourners. Other dignitaries included Niger's interim prime minister. There was also a government delegation, but Mr Yar'Adua's deputy, newly sworn-in President Goodluck Jonathan, was not among them.

Security was tight during the prayers, which lasted about 30 minutes in the 40 degree heat; and the mood was sombre as the body was removed to the cemetery for a burial mainly attended by those close to the late president.

Mr Jonathan has been acting president since February and will serve out the rest of the current presidential term.

Mr Yar'Adua died on Wednesday in the capital Abuja.

Thousands attended the funeral in his home town of Katsina.

Mr Yar'Adua's election in 2007 marked the first transfer of power from one civilian president to another since Nigeria's independence in 1960.

He promised a string of reforms in Africa's most populous nation, including tackling corruption and reforming the inadequate energy sector and flawed electoral system.

Analysts say he made the most progress in tackling unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta by offering amnesties to rebels.

His long absence and the lack of detailed information about his health led to a political limbo in Nigeria, which was only filled when Mr Jonathan was named as acting president.

However, there was constant tension between supporters of Mr Yar'Adua and Mr Jonathan and in March the acting president dissolved the cabinet and later put his own team in place.

During Mr Yar'Adua's absence, Nigerian Nobel prize-winning author Wole Soyinka was involved in the campaign to resolve the power vacuum.

On Thursday he said Mr Yar'Adua's illness had been manipulated by politicians who had concealed the fact he was in a vegetative state while making arrangements for the forthcoming election.

He told the BBC the late president had been a victim of a macabre game over his succession and not been allowed to be ill in dignity-BBC World Service

Prof. Mutharika says Africa can export food

2010-05-07T19:00:00.003+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika greeting the African ambassadors after the meeting. Pic by Samuel Makaka.

By Samuel Makaka in Shanghai, China

Malawi State President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika has once again delivered an emotionally charged speech telling African ambassadors based in the Peoples Republic of China that they have a critical role to play so that Africa does not only become food sufficient but also a net exporter for the whole world.

The Malawian leader was speaking in the Chinese commercial capital, Shanghai, where he convened a meeting for all African ambassadors based in the country.

“Africa is not as poor as we are meant to believe. It is important that we change this mindset.

The industrial revolution in Europe is based on resources from Africa and these include food, timber, meat, cotton, coffee and many more raw materials. We have the resources, what we need is to develop scientists, industrialists and technology to transform our natural resources and create wealth,” Professor Mutharika told the ambassadors.

He explained that when he was elected chairperson for the African Union (AU) he made a proposal to fellow African heads of state and governments to make a resolution that within the next five years, Africa must be able to feed itself because most of the problems on the continent come from the fact that Africa has not been able to feed herself.

President Mutharika reminded the ambassadors that in the 60s, Africa was exporting food to the world but it was ill advised to diversify its products by venturing into other agricultural productions like coffee, tea, cotton. He said while Africa was busy producing these raw materials for western industries, food production stopped and Africa became a hungry continent.

He told the gathering that it is possible to turn this mindset around: “Africa can feed itself within the next 5 years.”

Professor Mutharika argued that if a tiny country like Malawi has been able to make it what can stop other countries in Africa to achieve the same.

He then disclosed that alongside food production, there are also other elements to be considered and he cited transport and communication, energy, and environmental impact studies and climate change amongst the important areas of focus.

“Food processing needs adequate energy, and we need good transport infrastructure to transport food from food sufficient areas to where it is needed, where there have been draughts for example. We need highways from one country to another so that one is able to drive from Harare to Nigeria without problems and our immigration rules need also to be simplified because we cannot talk of African Union when one can hardly travel from his country to the next neighbour because of tough immigration laws,” he explained.

He also told them that Africa needs to harness its power so that national grids are linked to regional grids and regional grids go into continental grid so that a man in Uganda can use electricity without knowing that the power is from Mozambique.

“We also need ICT so that we develop data banks to record who eats and produce what. If Malawi is able to easily produce rice but doesn’t need, it must produce abundantly and transport where it is needed,” he stressed to the ambassadors.

President Mutharika then appealed to the ambassadors to work together, fight for priorities as a continent and not as individual countries.

He called upon them to be proud Africans.

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation representative in China, Korea and Mongolia, Victoria Sekitoleko praised Malawians for electing a good and wise man in Ngwazi Professor Mutharika which she said is not often common in Africa.

“In Africa, it is not common that good men win elections, so Malawians must be praised for electing a good and wise man in the name of President Mutharika,” she told this reporter after the meeting.

During the meeting, Sekitoleko, an African appealed to President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika to encourage fellow African heads of state and government to see China as a true friend indeed and work along with it.

Malawi on right path-Minister of Justice

2010-05-05T10:09:00.007+02:00

Malawi's Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika is reported to be growing in popularity each day passing. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Muwamba

Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Professor Peter Mutharika has said the country has to move on the path of human rights, law and democracy.

Mutharika said this on Friday at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College in the former colonial capital of Zomba when he delivered a lecture on the role of the Ministry of Justice.

He said it is the duty of his ministry to advise government on policy and the law, prepare bills before being presented to Cabinet and Parliament and defend the independence of the Judiciary.

Mutharika, however said the ministry does not have enough lawyers to effectively carry demanding tasks.

He disclosed that there are only 66 lawyers, which is inadequate considering the volume of work they have to handle.

“We don’t have enough resources to help everyone. We appeal to the legal profession to join us,” he said.

He said the ministry is also formulating a bill on the Wills and Inheritance.

“There will be no more property grabbing in Malawi,” he said.

Professor Mutharika’s address at Chancellor College marked the launch of public debates by the country’s state owned, Malawi Television (TVM).

According to the station’s Public Relations Officer Ruth Gama, the debates are aimed at allowing viewers and the public at large to interact with public figures in Malawi.

During the programme at Chancelor College which was beamed live on TVM and aired on the national broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation student’s from the university were allowed to ask questions relevant to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

The minister Professor Peter Mutharika, an internationally decorated lawyer and lecturer ably handled the questions in a moving way.

Each time the Professor articulated issues to do with the Law and his ministry, there was a round of applause from the students who swarmed the college’s famous Great Hall.

Professor Peter Mutharika, President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika’s younger brother is reported to be growing stronger politically, each day passing.

He is reported to be one of Malawi’s most popular politician at the moment.

Apart from Professor Peter Mutharika, there Professor Matthews Chikaonda and Deputy Minister in the Office of President and Cabinet, Nicholus Dausi spoke at the event-The Nation/additional reporting by Malawi Digest.

Wedding of the year, Bingu & Callista 'I do'

2010-05-04T23:23:00.004+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika recently officially wedded former cabinet Minister Madame Callista Chapola. The two were officially married before a huge crowd at the Civo Stadium in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

The marriage ceremony was presided over by the head of the Roman Catholic church in Malawi, His Grace Archbishop Tarcizious Ziyaye and all Malawian bishops.

In the picture, Dr Mutharika and the First Lady kneels before Archbishop Ziyaye in the course of the church service.

Call him Prof. Ngwazi Bingu wa Mutharika

2010-05-04T11:35:00.008+02:00

President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and the First Lady Madame Callista at the East China University during the ceremony on Sunday.

By Samuel Makaka in Shanghai

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika said on Sunday that Malawi values the support it is receives from the Peoples Republic of China in human capacity building as many Malawian students are on Chinese sponsored academic scholarships, studying in Chinese Universities.

Dr Bingu wa Mutharika was speaking at East China Normal University in his acceptance speech after the institution conferred on him an honorary professorship in economics.

In accepting the honorary professorship title, the Malawian leader, joins his younger brother Professor Peter Mutharika.

The young Mutharika is a respected international decorated professor at Law.

In his address to the gathering at the ceremony, Dr Mutharika said that Malawi and Africa as a whole cannot develop without well trained experts who he said are lacking at the moment.

“We need human capacity building in our countries and Malawi is looking forward to new areas of cooperation between the East China University and Malawi’s University of Science and Technology being established with assistance from the Peoples Republic of China,” he said.

The State President said that it is possible for Africa to be developed but only when African experts take a lead in the fight against poverty and ignorance.

“Through education and human capacity building we can change humanity for the better and Malawi as a country is happy that we are doing just that,” he said.

President Dr Bingu wa Mutharika reiterated his conviction that Africa will develop and become a major contributor to the global economic development.

At this point he repeated his view that Africa is not poor but that the people on continent are the ones who are poor.

The President said that this is the case because of the vast resources Africa is endowed with. He said that he is aware that Africa needs financial resources and well trained human resources to turn the raw materials on the continent into wealth.

Dr Mutharika disclosed that Africans are aware that they are marginalized in many ways by the rich nations.

“Africans are aware that they are being marginalized in global politics, science and technology, economic development and trade. Africa is also marginalized in global resource financial allocation simply because Africa is poor,” said Dr Mutharika who is also the chairperson for the continental country grouping, the African Union (AU).

But he said AU sees emergence of globalization as an opportunity for the people of Africa and other nations to work together through the pursuit of global peace and security and fight against terrorism so as to create new wealth through promotion of industrial development, manufacturing, mining, agro-processing and promotion of human capacity.

He told the gathering that Malawi has improved tremendously in the last five years he has been in power, explaining that more and more people are living above the poverty line because of the abundant availability of food.

He said 75 percent of Malawians are already accessing clean portable water, beating the UN set target of 74 percent by 2014.

Dr Mutharika, also commended China for being one of the biggest cooperating partners in Africa and hope that African countries will benefit much more as the cooperation gets closer and closer reducing poverty among the people of Africa through support from China.

Speaking when he introduced President Mutharika to the audience, president of the University, Professor Yu Lizhong said it was a great honour and pleasure that President Mutharika agreed to accept the title of honorary Professorship in Economics.

“His Excellency, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and chairperson of the African Union is a well known economist and politician. He holds a PhD in development economics from the Pacific University of Los Angeles-USA,” the University President told the gathering. He also disclosed to the gathering of other positions that Dr Mutharika held before becoming State President of the Republic of Malawi.

Prof Lizhong also pointed out that President Mutharika spearheaded the formation of several regional economic organizations including the Association of African Central Banks, Conference of African Ministers of Finance and many more.

“So it is therefore our pleasure and honour that President Mutharika agreed to accept the title of Honorary Professorship from our University,” he said.

Currently, there are four Malawian students studying at the East China University.

During the ceremony, President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika donated to the institution several books that he has written in his lifetime career as an economist.

Amongst the donation, was his yet to be published book which the President described as somehow controversial.

Malawi at the World 2010 Expo in China

2010-05-04T10:00:00.004+02:00

The Malawi first couple of Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and Callista being welcomed by their Chinese counterparts of Hu Jintao and his wife at the official opening ceremony for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China.

Young girls holding flags from countries all over the world that are participating in the World Expo 2010. This was part of the performances during the official opening of the Shanghai World Expo on Friday evening.

The Shanghai Expo Culture Center were the opening ceremony took place.

World Expo 2010 fire works lighting up Shanghai skies on the official opening evening.

Some of the structures which befit modern cities being shown at the World Expo 2010.

Malawi gets financial boost from China

2010-05-04T08:39:00.003+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao just before the talks.

By Samuel Makaka in Shanghai, China

One of Malawi’s closest allies, the Peoples Republic of China has provided over MK3 billion as top up to the projects it is sponsoring in Malawi for any financial problems that may arise due to depreciation or any other problems requiring more expenditure.

This was disclosed when the visiting Malawian leader, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika met his host, the Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday.

“The Peoples Republic of China has provided about US$22 to 25 million to meet any financial hiccups that may arise in the course of carrying out works on the projects they are financing,” said Kachale adding, this is just to make sure that the projects are finished on time.

Some of the main project the Chinese are financing in Malawi include the Chitipa/Karonga road, the new parliament building in Lilongwe, the five-star hotel project and international conference centre in Lilongwe and the sports complex in the same city, Lilongwe amongst many other projects.

The minister said that following this huge financial assistance from the Chinese, the Malawian President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika had proved his critics wrong when he decided switch ties from Taiwan to the Peoples Republic of China.

When Malawi changed ties about two years ago, there were a lot of skeptics and critics who blamed government for dumping long time ally Taiwan for Mainland China. However, the Mutharika administration put its foot down and justified its move.

Malawi is currently enjoying huge financial help from the Peoples Republic of China.

Kachale also commended President Hu Jintao for being keen in seeing that the Malawi-China relationship grows from strength to strength.

He said the relationship has only been in place for two years but within this short space, already, huge projects are being implemented in Malawi.

On her part, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Etta Banda said during the discussions, President Dr Mutharika began by condoling his counterpart for the loss of life and property during the earthquake which hit China about three two weeks ago.

She said Dr Mutharika asked the Chinese government to assist Malawi with specialists to do extensive exploration work in Malawi for minerals that exist in this southern African country not known and in unknown quantities.

The minister said Dr Mutharika took advantage of the talks to invite President Hu Jintao to visit Malawi on his next leg of tours to Africa.

The Foreign Affairs Minister has since disclosed that President Hu Jintao has accepted to visit Malawi.

Mugabe celebrates with the Mutharikas

2010-04-20T08:35:00.004+02:00

Madame Callista smiling to her beloved husband, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

By Our Reporter

President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe and applauded his Malawian counterpart and longtime friend, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa for finding a wife and going through the entire marriage process in order to respect church norms and traditional customs.

President Mugabe accompanied by his wife Grace and other high ranking Zimbabwe government officials arrived in the country through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe on Friday and left the country on Saturday soon after the wedding’s church service.

Speaking before departure at KIA after inspecting guard of honour by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), Mugabe told journalists he was in Malawi to deliver a simple but important message in congratulating President Dr Mutharika on his successful wedding ceremony.

“We came to congratulate the couple for this beautiful occasion which is precious and happens once in everyone’s life. It looks simple but is very deep and that is why we were here,” he said.

President Mugabe said Zimbabweans back home were also cerebrating with President Bingu wa Mutharika’s on his wedding day just as was the case in the Warm Heart of Africa.

He therefore, called on Malawians to support the new family in every activity that will help in uplifting the country.

“To Malawians I would say, well, this is time to celebrate but let’s support the president and the new family as he carries out his official duties,” he said.

Notable figures that welcomed President Mugabe and saw him off at the Airport included, Zimbabwe High Commissioner to Malawi who is also dean of diplomats Thandiwe Dumbushen, Minister of Transport and Public Infrastructure, Khumbo Kachali, Minister of Tourism Wild life and Culture, Anna Kachikho and Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Etta Banda.

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika wedded his beloved wife Callista Chapola in a colourful ceremony that took place at a make-shift church at Civo Stadium in the administrative capital, Lilongwe before a reception at the New State House in the same city-Malawi Digest.

Thousands mourn the late Aleke K.Banda

2010-04-19T23:15:00.004+02:00

By Chifundo Gama

Thousands of Malawians, both dignitaries and common people, rich and the poor, Muslims and Christians led by Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika on Thursday mourned Dr. Aleke Kadonaphani Banda, AKB, who until his death was the Executive Chairman of one of Malawi’s leading publishing companies, the Nation Publications Limited, NPL, established in 1993.

Speaking on behalf of The President, Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Khumbo Kachali lamented that the late Aleke Banda was a good man who always wished Malawi well.

“Dr. Aleke Banda will be remembered as a man who always Malawi and its people well because of the love he had for the nation regardless of his political status,”said Kachali.

He added that State President Ngwazi Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika declared the late Aleke Banda as a nation hero hence the full military honours at the late Aleke Banda’s funeral.

In addition, government under Dr Mutharika last year identified and recognised the Dr. Aleke as a Grand Achiever of National Holder Achievement and bestowed him with an honorary degree under the Mzuzu University.

Masankho Banda, Aleke’s son in his eulogy described his dad as a good and decent man who knew what he had on his heart and knew what he said.

Masankho added that he will remember his father as an honest, humble and hardworking.

“Ever since, my father told us (children) what he had on his heart and we will remember him as a humble, honest and hardworking man not only in Malawi but also in other countries in the world,” said Masankho with grief.

Kachali who is also the ruling DPP deputy president said since 1957 when Dr Mutharika knew the late Dr. Kadonaphani Banda, the two never had any conflicts till his death.

Furthermore, Kachali said President Dr. Mutharika and Malawi government under his leadership made all efforts to save the late Aleke Banda’s life by taking him to a hospital in South Africa that as of December last year, costed government more than MK180m.

Dr Mutharika through Kachali said Aleke will be recognised as one of the national heroes and will not be spared from Malawi’s history.

Through Kachali, Dr Mutharika also thanked Zambia’s First Lady, Madam Thandiwe Banda for being in attendance during the funeral ceremony.

Dr. Aleke Banda who was buried in his own farm in Chirimba, Blantyre died two weeks ago at the Morningside Medi Clinic in South Africa after a four year battle with cancer-Malawi Digest.

Livingstonia Synod hail Mutharika on Aleke

2010-04-19T22:36:00.006+02:00

By Lwitiko Wachimwa

The Church and Society Programme of the Livingstonia Synod of Malawi's second largest Christian church, the Church for Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) has applauded the Bingu wa Mutharika administration for giving full military honours to the late veteran politician Aleke Kadonaphani Banda.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director of the Church and Society Programme Moses Mkandawire in an exclusive interview in the northern region city of Mzuzu.

"Aleke Banda was not a mere person; he was one of the politicians who made Malawi what it is today and we should appreciate what the State President and his government have done in honouring him in this way,” he said.

Mkandawire said that the leadership of this country has made the right decision to give him full military honours.

The Church and Society boss described the late AKB as Aleke Banda was commonly known in Malawi as a great politician who played clean politics a behavior he said was admired by many old and upcoming politicians.

“There is no politician in the country who could match Aleke Banda as many people felt good in the manner he conducted himself in both political and social circles” he said.

The NGO chief appealed to Malawian politicians to borrow a leaf from the late Aleke Banda.

"He defeated the concept that politics is for the elderly as he started politics at a tender age of 14,"he said.

On economic development, Mkandawire said late Aleke Banda was very instrumental in establishment of the Press Corporation, the Malawi News and his family owned, the Nation Publications Limited.

Moses Mkandawire further reminded Malawians that Aleke Banda was one of the politicians who came up with the idea of changing the name of the country from Nyasaland to Malawi.

The late Aleke Banda died two weeks ago at a South African hospital after a four year battle with cancer.

His funeral on Thursday last week in the commercial city of Blantyre was attended by a cross-section of people led by the country’s State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

During the funeral ceremony, Transport Minister Khumbo Kachali who spoke on behalf of the State President disclosed that as of December last year, the Malawi government had spent MK180 million in footing the late Aleke Banda’s medical expenses.

It was not yet known as we went to bed what government has spent from January this year up to the time when the late Banda departed from the world two weeks ago.

Government officials were still reported to be reconciling the latest figures spent on the veteran politician-Malawi Digest.

Malawi's First Lady in action

2010-02-25T08:36:00.003+02:00

Malawi's in-coming First lady Madame Calista Chapola Chimombo (right) has taken into action as wife to Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika. Madame Chimombo, herself a former cabinet minister and distinguished member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party engaged President Mutharika on 14th February( the Valentines Day), 2010.

The couple is set to get married in the Roman Catholic church on 1st May, 2010.

Waiting for her official marriage day, has not stopped the in-coming Malawi First Lady from getting into action in her new role. Over the weekend, Madame Chimombo was in the tea growing district of Thyolo, southern Malawi where she presided over the launch of a government initiative on family support package for child headed households in Thyolo East.

In the picture, looking on is Women and Children Affairs Minister, Patricia Kaliati and Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister and Member of Parliament for the area, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika-Malawi Digest.

Malawi's presidential marriage engagement

2010-02-17T13:22:00.006+02:00

Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika unveiling his beloved wife-to-be Calista Chimombo during their private traditional engagement (chinkhoswe) at the New State in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

The just engaged couple Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and Madame Calista Chimombo waving and smiling to the crowd that came to the afternoon feast after their tradition chinkhoswe (engagement) earlier in the day.

The First Lady to-be Madame Calista Chimombo looking and smiling at her husband to-be Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika during afternoon celebrations after the traditional engagement (chinkhoswe) in the morning.
The pick of the traditional engagement (chinkhoswe). Two marriage counsellors (ankhoswe) from the two engaging families exchanging a cock standing for a man (Bingu) and a hen representing the woman (Calista).
Traditional engagement at its best as ankhoswe (counsellors) from Bingu's home village district of Thyolo bringing utensils for Calista's home use.

Ngwazi the AU chair tours Addis office hqs

2010-02-03T22:53:00.005+02:00

By William Malimero
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Malawi State President and Chairperson of the African Union Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, has urged the African Union (AU) secretariat staff to be innovative to ensure that aspirations of Africans are realized.

He was speaking at AU Secretariat in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa on familiarization tour to acquaint himself with activities of the Secretariat on Wednesday.

Dr Mutharika said at the just ended AU summit, a bureau comprising Malawi, Uganda Gabon, Liberia and Libya set priorities and isolated agriculture and food security, transport infrastructure, communication and energy to be priorities among priorities for the AU.

“For the priorities to yield results there is need for the secretariat to work hard for the union to yield results within a short period of time,” he said.

President Mutharika observed that any meaningful development starts with food security and hoped that Africa will achieve that within the coming five years.

“I am optimistic that in five years time no child will die of hunger or go to bed without eating in Africa,” he said.

He also said that transport and infrastructure were important for Africa as food produced need to be transported to the market or other areas of need within Africa and beyond.

He noted that most African countries construct roads of no direction as most of them fail to link with their neighbours.

“It is time we make our transport network, be it roads, railway or airline have a purpose. It is sad to note that some countries in African can only be reached though Europe. For how long are we going to go through that,” wondered Dr Mutharika.

He, therefore, advised the Secretariat that as they are entrusted in running the affairs of the AU they should consider linking Africa so that mobility of people and commodities can be eased.

President Dr Mutharika also said that Africa need to improve its communication facilities to ensure that services are improved.

“I note with sadness that when one want to communicate with countries in Europe faces not problem but when it is countries within Africa there are a lot of intermissions,” he observed-Malawi News Agency.

Dr Mutharika meets UN Secretary General

2010-02-02T00:05:00.004+02:00

WITH THE POWER THAT BE: Malawi State President and AU Chairman holding talks with the world's most powerful man, the United Nation's Secretary General Ban-ki-Moon in Ethiopia. Pic by William Malimero, Malawi News Agency.

By William Malimero

The global grouping of countries, the United Nations Secretary General Ban-ki-Moon has asked the newly elected African Union chairperson Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika to intervene in political conflicts taking place in Zimbabwe and Madagascar.

The UN chief, said this in an interview after an audience with Dr Mutharika on Saturday at African Union Secretariat on the sidelines of the 14th Ordinary Session of the African Union.

Moon said that he has a trust in Dr Mutharika’s experience and his ability to lead in various issues, hence his request.

“I know Dr Mutharika very well, he is able and mean it when he wants to achieve something, that is why I thought that he is the right person to put to rest political conflicts in the SADC region,” he said.

Meanwhile, State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has expressed concern over armed conflicts in some African countries which, he said, remained the biggest obstacle towards achieving prosperity and development in Africa.

Speaking in his acceptance speech soon after being elected AU Chairman, Dr Mutharika urged African countries to redouble their efforts to eliminate the conflicts and promote peace and security, democracy and good governance to ensure sustainable development of the continent.

Apart from the UN's Ban-ki-Moon, Dr Mutharika has also held secret talks with Sudanese President, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and Djibouti President Omar Ghelli among many other global leaders-Malawi News Agency.

Malawi's new chancery in Addis commissioned

2010-02-01T22:44:00.005+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika cutting a ribbon marking the official openning of the Chancery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Pic by William Malimero, Malawi News Agency.

By William Malimero

Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika on Friday opened a magnificent K210 million chancery, an office complex for the Malawi mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking during the opening ceremony in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Dr Mutharika
spelt the need for better facilities at the country’s foreign missions, saying such facilities would motivate staff to be committed to their work.

“I hope you will make better use of the facility to foster better relations with the people of Ethiopia and those from other countries as this is the political capital of Africa,” he advised staff working at the Mission.

Government, through ministries of Foreign Affairs, and Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has embarked on an infrastructure improvement programme of its foreign missions.

Other offices are also being built in Lusaka, Zambia. The programme has also earmarked Missions in Brussels, Belgium, Berlin in German, Maputo in Mozambique, Washington and New York in the United States of America.

Foreign Affairs minister, Prof. Etta Banda, and Lands, Housing and Urban Development Prof. Peter Mwanza said during the opening ceremony that the programme was aimed at improving the work environment for Malawians in Foreign Service.

Malawi’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, James Kalirangwe described the chancery as a manifestation of President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika’s commitment to Malawi’s development.

“This will motivate us to work even harder,’’ he said.

He, however, asked government to consider constructing houses for staff as well, saying this will help to cut rental costs which were very high.

Senior officials from the Ethiopian government, AU and representatives of other African countries witnessed the opening ceremony.

President Mutharika left for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thursday to attend the 14th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) where he was to elected Chairperson of the continental grouping on Sunday.

Speaking before departure for the session, Mutharika said as AU chairperson, he would work to attain food security on the African continent.

“Africa is not a hopeless continent, and I am confident that Africa will develop. It’s just a matter of time,” he told dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony of the Chancery.

Dr Mutharika observed that Africa has all the required resources to make herself self sufficient and become more independent.

‘It is just a matter of changing our mindset that Africa is poor, and concentrate on developing our continent using the available resources,’’ he said-Malawi News Agency.

Parliament meets Tuesday in Lilongwe

2010-01-25T19:33:00.006+02:00

Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

The Malawi National Assembly starts meeting in the country’s administrative capital, Lilongwe on Tuesday.

State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is expected to officially open this new session of Parliament following the prorogation of the previous one.

During the official opening, the State President will perform the State opening of the 42nd Session of Parliament at exactly 10:00am.

Under the Malawi Constitution, the State President has powers to prorogue parliament, meaning all the business from the previous session automatically falls-off.

According to Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu-Banda, State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika prorogued Parliament in December 2010.

The Speaker says that as a result, the new session starting on Tuesday will start afresh with no business being carried forward from the previous session.

According to information gathered from the Speaker’s officer at Mbelwa building in the heart of Lilongwe, featuring high on the new Parliamentary session will be a mid-year review on the national budget.

The 192 strong house will start business in welcoming two newly elected Members of Parliament in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s Fredrick Kamwangala of Lilongwe North West and Donnex Mpuzeni of the opposition UDF in Machinga South East.

The two newly elected legislators won by-elections held in the two areas on January 12, 2010.

Kamwangala replaces the late Ishmael Chafukira who died last year under mysterious circumstances whilst Mpuzeni replaces Rev. Wilson Ndomondo of the opposition UDF party.

Ndomondo was thrown out of the National Assembly after cheating the Malawi Electoral Commission by contesting in the May 19th general elections when he was a convict.

The Malawi Constitution does not allow convicts to seek a public office unless after seven years when seeking a Parliamentary seat.

Meanwhile, Parliament is also expected to observe a minute of silent for two legislators who lost their lives during the recess period.

These fallen MPs are Hastings Petros Chitsamba of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party for Dowa South East and Ajinga Hilalie Hassan of the opposition UDF from Mangochi-Malombe-Malawi Digest.

Another UDF MP in the spotlight for fake MSCE

2010-01-25T18:23:00.005+02:00

Mbaya, his future as Member of Parliament now hangs in balance. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Maxwell Ng’ambi

When the Malawi National Assembly starts meeting in the administrative capital, Lilongwe tomorrow, Tuesday, the Speaker of Parliament Henry Chimunthu Banda is expected to act on a petition from some constituents of Mangochi East who are asking him to grant authority to the Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb) to investigate their Member of Parliament (MP) Abubakar Mbaya over allegations that he has been contesting as MP using his brother’s Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).

In an e-mail response to a Weekend Nation questionnaire, National Assembly spokesman Ian Mwenye said: “The office of the Speaker will act on the petition and issues that have been raised as per procedures and practices that are followed when handling petitions.”

The people claim their research shows that the MSCE with examination number 112/082, which Mbaya allegedly presented to the Electoral Commission in 1994, belongs to Anaki Wisiki Mbaya who is the MP’s brother.

In the letter dated January 4, 2010, the petitioners whose names and signatures are about one thousand, say they have written Chimunthu-Banda because Maneb executive director is on record that he can only act on authority from the Speaker.

“The people of Mangochi East, do hereby petition your office to investigate Hon. Abubakar Mbaya for obtaining a post as Member of Parliament of Mangochi East constituency during the 1994, 1999 and 2004 general elections with false pretence,” reads the petition which was received and duly signed for by the Speaker’s secretary Grace Mpagaja on January 5, 2010.

The petitioners, from Traditional Authority (T/A) Katuli, say that Mbaya has served in that capacity after presenting false information about his person at the District Commissioners office that he does not have both Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) and Junior Certificate (JC).

In November last year the constituents, in the letter to Maneb, alleged that Mbaya has never uttered a word since entering Parliament 15 years ago.

The constituents calling themselves ‘People of Mangochi East constituency’ asked Maneb to verify Mbaya’s MSCE because they are suspicious of its authenticity.

But Mbaya last week hit back, arguing the petitioners are being sponsored by people he competed against in the May 19 elections but lost.

“Malawi is a democratic country and if indeed I was a non performer they could have voted me out. This is my fourth time to be MP in Mangochi East constituency. Can a non performer with four times?” wondered Mbaya.

Mbaya said he is ready to be investigated, saying he has committed no crime.

On concerns that he does not contribute to debate in Parliament, Mbaya said the Hansards will show his record.

Mbaya’s brother Anaki accused accused the MP’s political opponents of ‘causing the trouble’.

“If he used my certificate, he should have been known as Anaki and not Abubakar. It is not true that my brother used my certificate,” Anaki said.

Maneb executive director Mathews Matemba confirmed receiving the letter from ‘the People of Mangochi East constituency’, requesting his office to investigate Mbaya over an MSCE.

In the earlier petition, the constituents claimed the MP does not present their development needs in Parliament because he is not educated to MSCE level as he claimed in 1994.

In May 2009 elections Mbaya got 10291 votes out of 20275 who voted in the constituency.

He beat five of his competitors with Paison Omar Kaisi on second position getting 3,265 votes.

Former opposition UDF Balaka North MP Lucious Banda was convicted in 2006 for presenting a fake MSCE to a person employed in public service-Weekend Nation.

Malawi government triumphs in quota case

2010-01-21T23:51:00.002+02:00

Malawi's Education Minister Dr George Chaponda is happy that his Ministry can now impelement the newly introduced Equitable Access to University Education System. Pic by Malawi Digest.

The High Court in Blantyre has ruled that the country’s two public universities, University of Malawi and the University of Mzuzu can proceed to implement the Equitable Access to University Education system.

Two people, Innocent Longwe and Winfred Mkochi applied to the High Court for a judicial review on the Malawi Government’s newly introduced Equitable Access to University Education system.

In his ruling, Judge Joseph Manyungwa agreed with the arguments advanced by the respondents, the University of Malawi (Unima) in the case.

Unima’s prayer in the case was for the court to discharge leave for judicial review and the stay order obtained by the applicants which restrained the university from implementing the new system.

Some of the grounds the respondent (Unima) presented were that the applicants Innocent Longwe and Winfred Mkochi did not file their application within the stated period of three months; they lacked sufficient interest in the matter, suppressed material facts and abused court process.

Justice Manyunga therefore stated that the applicants were guilty of delay as observed by Unima.

“The applicants are guilty of failing to file an application for judicial review within three months,” he said.

On suppression of materials, the judge said the applicants did not indicate that in 2008 they made similar applications, which shows suppression of material facts.

“The second applicant was aware that the case was withdrawn in 2008, but he did not disclose that information while first applicant could have made inquiries, can we say the two did not speak to each other?” Manyungwa questioned.

Justice Manyungwa concluded his ruling by discharging leave for judicial review and the stay order.

“I discharge the order for leave for judicial review and the order of stay” stated Manyungwa in a ruling that took almost three hours.

Manyungwa who kept on taking sips of water apologised for the delays by the court to deliver ruling on the matter.

He was, however, quick to say that it was not his intention as he was outside the country on official duty.

The University of Malawi was represented in the case by David Kanyenda, George Makiyi from Banda, Makinyi and Kanyenda Associates and Rosemary Kanyuka from the Attorney General Chambers whilst the applicants were represented by Happy Mwagomba.

Meanwhile, the University of Malawi has this evening released results of entrance examinations based on the freed Equitable Access to University Education System.

According to University of Malawi Registrar Benedicto Okomaatani Malunga, 1,152 students have passed the entry examinations out of the 5,600 students who sat for the examinations last year.

European clubs keen on Flames stars

2010-01-21T23:48:00.002+02:00

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri says that some top European clubs have shown interest in Malawian players. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Frank Malemia

Malawi national football team coach Kinnah Phiri has disclosed that some overseas clubs has shown interest to sign some of Malawi’s top players for their superb performance at the on-going Nations Cup tournament in Angola.

Phiri was speaking to journalists in the commercial city, Blantyre soon after landing from Angola.

The Malawi Flames were on Monday booted out of the tournament after failing against Mali by 3-1.

However, coach Kinnah Phiri has some words of encouragement to the nation.

“Much as we would have loved to stay in the tournament longer, there are blessings that have come along following our participation in this tournament,” he said.

The Flames mentor disclosed that some agents for some well known European clubs approached the Malawi delegation showing interest to sign on some outstanding players.

“These agents will be visiting Malawi anytime soon after the tournament in Angola,” he said.

The coach however refused to disclose the European clubs interested in Malawian players saying doing so would jeopardise chances that have already been secured.

“I will not even mention the names of the players these clubs have shown interest in,” he said.

Malawi were at this year’s Nations Cup tournament in Angola after a 26 year recess. The Flames last reached the finals of the Nations Cup in 1984 in Ivory Coast.

At this year’s tournament, the Flames were in the same group with Mali, Algeria and the hosts Angola.

The Flames beat Algeria 3-0 in their opening match before failing to the hosts 2-0 and the finally losing to Mali 3-1.

The Flames only needed a point to proceed into the last eight of the competition-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika to wed Callista Chimombo

2010-01-20T23:04:00.005+02:00

Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika to get married very soon. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

The Malawi State House has announced here that State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is set to marry former Member of Parliament and cabinet minister Callista Chapola Chimombo, Malawi Digest can disclose.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday made available to Malawi Digest, the State House says that President Mutharika is expected to marry Chimombo on 1st May, 2010.

However, before the official marriage itself, the two will have their traditional custom engagement on 14th February, 2010.

14th February is the world’s Valentines Day where people commemorate love with their loved ones.

The official statement discloses that both Dr Mutharika and Miss Callista Chapola Chimombo are a widower and widow respectively.

State House says that both Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and Chimombo are devout Roman Catholics.

President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is a 76-year-old widower following the death of his beloved wife, Madam Ethel Mutharika on 28th May, 2007.

Following her death, a month-long mourning period was declared in this southern African country and the deceased First Lady was laid to rest on June 9th, 2007 at the Mutharikas privately owned property, Ndata Farm in the State President’s home village district of Thyolo, southern Malawi.

Callista Chapola Chimombo is also a widow and between 2004 and 2009 served as Member of Parliament for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party as well as the country’s Tourism and Wildlife Minister. She hails from Zomba.

President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika’s marriage to Chimombo comes a few months after another high level presidential wedding in December 2009.

In December, Dr Mutharika’s last born daughter Duwa, got happily married to Zimbabwean Tonderai Mubaira-Malawi Digest.

Malawi Flames back home after CAN 2010

2010-01-20T23:03:00.002+02:00

The Malawi national football team, the Flames have arrived back home after their exit from on the on-going Nations Cup tournament in Angola.

They arrived back home through the Chileka International Airport in the commercial city, Blantyre.

The smartly dressed Flames were welcomed by hundreds of people who gave them a warm reception following their reasonable performance at the competition.

When the South African Airways flight landed at Chileka at around 12:00 noon, hundreds of people were heard blowing their trumpets (vuvulezas), cheering and clapping their hands for their beloved team.

Senior football and government officials came to welcome the team.

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri told waiting journalists that he was pleased that his team had achieve a feet-that had been very difficult to accomplish in the past.

“We went to the Nations Cup after 25- years and not only as participants but also managed to get ourselves noticed by thrashing the World Cup bound, Algeria 3-0,” he said.

The coach said that he learnt a lot from the competition.

“Football is a continuous learning process and we have learnt new tricks that can be used for better improvement of the game in the country,” said Phiri.

The Flames landed on the same plane with Sports and Youth Development Minister Dr Lucious Kanyumba who flew to Angola to give the team, moral support.

The team was also accompanied to Angola with Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamirandu Manda, Chief Executive Officer Charles Nyirenda and leader of delegation Pikao Ngalamila.

Malawi Flames were in Group A of the tournament with Mali, Algeria and the hosts Angola.

The Flames won their opening match against Algeria before going on to lose to the hosts Angola 2-0 and Mali 3-1.

Angola and Algeria have proceeded to the last eight of the competition with the hosts facing Ghana and Algeria meeting Ivory Coast in the quarter finals-Malawi Digest.

Drugs said to endanger malaria patients lives

2010-01-19T23:50:00.004+02:00

By Our Reporter

Medical personnel in Malawi have been warned against continued use of ineffective drugs, which would facilitate the development of a malaria parasite to be resistant to the present malaria drugs.

Associate Director for Malawi Liverpool Trust, Victor Mwapasa said that the use of Arinate that is common in most private hospitals in the country is dangerous, since the drug contains Fansidar which is ineffective and Artesunate that does not treat all malaria parasites.

“I have noted that most private hospitals are using a drug called Arinate to treat patients with malaria. This is very bad and dangerous practice because Arinate contains Fansidar and Artesunate.

“Fansidar is an ineffective drug whilst Artesunate is effective but is unlikely to knock all malaria causing parasites.

“So treating a patient with Arinate is like treating them with Artesunate only,” Mwapasa explained.

He said the danger of using one effective drug against malaria is that malaria parasites will develop resistance to Artesunate, which is a similar drug to Artemether contained in Lumefantrine-Artemether (LA) and the same drug in Amodiaquine-Artesunate (AA).

Mwapasa said government recommends the use of LA and AA because each of these drugs has a combination of two effective malaria drugs which deals with a lot of malaria parasite leaving little chance for development of resistant parasite.

He therefore warned that if the use of Arinate is not stopped by the Medical Council or the Pharmacy Medicine and Poisons Board, malaria parasites resistant to Arinate, LA and AA will develop quickly and the country will have no effective drugs to treat malaria.

Malaria a disease caused by Plasmodium Faliparum in 1993 developed a resistance to Chloroquine that had been used for along time.

The resistance is said to have developed as a lot of people could not take the full dose that used to take three days.

Consequently, this government stopped the use of the drug and introduced Fansidar as the first line treatment for malaria.

However by the year 2000 it was noted that there was an increase of under-five children who had developed resistance to Fansidar hence the introduction of LA and AA.

Mwapasa explained that when this decision was made it was still unclear whether LA and AA were safe to use in pregnant women, as such most of the times a lot of medical personnel are usually cautious when treating pregnant women as the unborn baby may be harmed from it.

Malaria accounts for over 40 percent of out patients department consultations in public health facilities in the country and 40 percent of hospital deaths in children is also attributed to the same disease.

However Mwapasa said that right now government and malaria experts in the country feel that incidences of malaria are going down because of the increased use of insecticide-treated nets and the use of LA and AA drugs-Malawi Digest.

Mulli exchanges fire with armed robbers

2010-01-19T23:40:00.003+02:00

By Anthony Kasunda

In an action movie style, Blantyre business magnate Leston Mulli of Mulli Brothers on Sunday jumped out of his vehicle, crawled into a nearby Sable Farming Forest and spread bullets from his two handguns, setting on fire three-tonne lorry loaded with over MK3.5 million worth of property robbers had stolen from his Mapanga residence.

Mulli, in the company of police officers Limbe and Mapanga Police Unit on Sunday evening told one of Malawi’s dailies, The Nation that he had gone to the house around 5pm to check on the progress of renovations, only to discover that there were over 20 thieves boarding a Mitsubishi Hunter registration number MJ 3591.

“When I hooted at the gate, we heard a gunshot and when the guard checked over the wall, he saw a group of robbers who had just loaded a three-tonne lorry with assorted property.

“They started fleeing in the lorry as they kept on firing in the air and I chased them. When we reached Sable Farming Forest, the lorry got stuck in the mud and they started firing at me,” he said.

Mulli said fearing that he might be hit, he jumped out of his Land Cruiser pick-up to hide in the bush.

“We exchanged fire until the robbers ran out of ammunition and they started running away into the bush. I kept on firing at them and one bullet landed on their car’s fuel tank, setting the vehicle on fire,” he narrated.

The businessman said the driver of the vehicle and his assistant were apprehended and handed over to police.

He said the robbers stole steel beams, vehicle engines, radiators and assorted motor vehicle accessories. He also said the property got burnt when the vehicle caught fire.

Owner of the vehicle, Juma Kalanje, confirmed that some people had hired the lorry.

“The driver told me that he had been hired to go to Makhetha but I did not know the purpose of the hire,” said Kalanje from Limbe Police Station.

Limbe Police spokesperson Chifundo Chibwezo said they arrested Wilson Sakwata, 18, Manase Simon, 35, Wilson Dinyero, 30, in connection with the robbery.

“The three were arrested on allegations of theft from Mulli Brothers workshop in Mapanga and they will appear in court very soon,” said Chibwezo-The Nation.

Flames fail to sail through at Nations Cup

2010-01-18T23:44:00.004+02:00

Mali's second goal came from a free-kick taken by Seydou Keita. Pic by AFP.

By Dave Lee

Malawi is tonight in a state of shock and disbelief following the national football team, the Flames failure to climb the last hurdle to find themselves in the quarter finals of the on-going 2010 Nations Cup tournament in Angola.

A MK1 million win pledge from business empire, Mulli Brothers Limited and many others including a MK200, 000.00 cash for each player for a win was not enough to see the Flames through into the last eight of the competition.

Standing in the way of the Flames were the Eagles of Mali, who themselves have also been booted out of the competition.

Mali's two quick goals and a late third were enough to sink Malawi - but not enough to ensure qualification.

Instead, Angola and Algeria go through after their 0-0 draw in Group A's other game.

Frederic Kanoute put the Eagles ahead after just 40 seconds, and Seydou Keita struck with a fine free-kick moments later.

Malawi's Russell Mwafulirwa pulled one back, but Mamadou Bagayoko made it 3-1 with five minutes left.

Mwafulirwa will be left wondering what could have been as he sensationally missed the chance to make it level mid-way through the second half - his downwards header bouncing over the open goal.

The draw in Group A's other game means Angola win the group with five points, Algeria and Mali finish level on four points and Malawi are bottom on three.

Under tournament regulations the head-to-head record between Algeria and Mali was used to decide who advances, rather than goal difference.

As news of the goalless draw filtered to the players in the stadium, Mali were unhappy with the outcome of the group.

"This is really disappointing," said Bagayoko after the game.

"They changed the rules this year and we are out despite finishing ahead of Algeria [on goal difference].

"It's a pity because we have a really talented bunch of players. We had the weapons to do something at this African Nations Cup."

Mali took this game by the scruff of the neck early on.

A bizarrely calm clearance from goalkeeper Swadick Sanudi fell neatly to an alert Kanoute who fired the ball straight back to make it 1-0 within just 40 seconds.

The tournament's quickest goal was followed by arguably its best two minutes later.

Seydou Keita hit a magnificent free-kick which flew over the wall, over the goalkeeper, and into the top left corner.

Admirably, Malawi began to get a grip on the game - certainly not looking like a side rocked by two early goals.

A good turn and shot from Joseph Kamwendo forced a solid save from Mahamadou Sidibe in the 24th minute, and Wadabwa could have scored two minutes later when he nudged a free header just over.

In the second half, Malawi adopted a more aggressive shape to chase the lead.

The pressure paid dividends when Mwafulirwa provided the final boot of a penalty area scramble to bring it to 2-1.

Mali should have been given a penalty 63 minutes in - Keita mercilessly taken down in the box but the referee played on.

In a moment that may haunt Mwafulirwa for months, he met Joseph Kamwendo's cross from the left flank.

Rising well and above the ball, Mwafulirwa seemed to do everything right - only to see his header managed to hop over the bar.

Mwafulirwa almost made up for it with another header - this time on target - forced a good close-range save from Sidibe, only for the linesman to rule it offside anyway.

It was of little importance, however, as Mali went 3-1 up with five minutes remaining.

Mamadou Bagayoko met Modibo Maiga's cross to head the ball, and the match, safely home.

Malawi can take pride in a campaign which saw them beat World Cup-qualifiers Algeria 3-0 in their opening game.

"We came as underdogs but the players fought in this tournament," coach Kinnah Phiri said.

"In football we must accept defeat. We learned a lot throughout."

Mali: Sidibe, Berthe, Abdallaye Maiga (Sow 50), Diamoutene, Tamboura, El Hadj Traore (Diallo 60), Fane, Mohamed Sissoko, Keita, Kanoute (Modibo Maiga 81), Bagayoko.

Subs Not Used: Diakite, Diarra, Ndiaye, Samassa, Soumare, Abdou Traore, Bakaye Traore, Yatabare, Oumar Sissoko.

Goals: Kanoute 1, Keita 3, Bagayoko 85.

Malawi: Sanudi, Mponda, Kafoteka (Chiukepo 52), Sangala, Chavula, Mwakasungula, Wadabwa (Nyondo 48), Kamwendo, Banda, Kanyenda (Ngambi 71), Mwafulirwa.

Subs Not Used: Nthala, Mgangira, Kamanga, Ngwira, Victor Nyirenda, Zakazaka, Msowoya, Harry Nyirenda, Swini.

Booked: Mponda, Banda.
Goals: Mwafulirwa 58.
Att: 21,000
Ref: Rajin Seechurn (Mauritius)-BBC

Mulli Brothers offers Flames MK1 million

2010-01-17T23:48:00.003+02:00

Malawi Flames to share MK1 million from Mulli Brothers Limited on Monday evening if they qualify into the quarter finals. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi’s entirely locally owned flourishing company, Mulli Brothers Limited has offered the national football side, the Flames MK1 million if the team qualifies into the quarter-finals of the ongoing Nations Cup tournament in Angola, Malawi Digest understand.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Malawi Digest on Sunday afternoon, Mulli Brothers Limited Managing Director Leston Ted Mulli said that his company has put on the table MK1 million.

“They will get the whole MK1 million and share it amongst themselves once the Flames qualify into the quarter finals,” said Mulli.

He said his company decided to make this huge pledge as a way of trying to motivate the players in order to go far in the competition.

“As a fully owned Malawian company, Mulli Brothers Limited has a social responsibility to pay back to the Malawian public through national causes like the Flames survival at this tournament in Angola,” he said.

Mulli, who was recently linked to a possible sponsorship to Malawi’s top football club, Big Bullets appealed to individuals and companies to emulate the good example set by his organisation.

“The Flames who are in Angola need our help and the time is now. If they get through, all Malawians will walk tall,” he said.

This is the second time that Mulli Brothers will be donating to the Flames within a month.

After qualifying for Angola 2010, Mulli Brothers Limited also donated MK1.5 million towards the Flames.

With three points already in their bag, the Flames are only a few steps away from the last group of eight.

However, standing in their way are the Eagles from Mali.

When the two teams meet in their final Group match in the enclave of Cabinda on Monday the Flames will have to aim at a win and nothing else if they are to be assured of a quarter final place

In their opening match, the Malawi Flames beat northern Africa giants Algeria by 0-3-Malawi Digest.

USA praises Malawi for religious freedom

2010-01-16T20:02:00.004+02:00

Malawi State President Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has earned praise from the Barack Obama administration for respecting and promoting religious freedom in Malawi. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Deogratias Mmana

United States Department of State says Malawi generally respected freedom of religion between July 2008 to June 2009.

In a 2009 Report on International Religious Freedom-Malawi, released on January 5 2010 and available on http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4ae861262.html, the department says Malawi enjoyed freedom although there were complaints from minor religious groups regarding limited employment and educational opportunities.

The report says Rastafarian leaders continued to ask government to allow long hair in public schools although there is no official ban for such hair in the country’s schools.

“Although there is no law relating to hair length, some schools prohibit long hair as part of their dress code. Rastafarian leaders provided the Ministry of Justice with a list of schools that enforced the ban, but the Ministry took no action,” says the report.

Despite these developments, the report says “There were no reports of religious prisoners or detainees, [nor] were there reports of forced religious conversion.”

It adds that there were no documented cases of social abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.

Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education Kingsley Namakhwa welcomed the report saying Malawi is a God-fearing nation and that people have freedom of worship.

“As for the other reservations, they are individual cases which cannot reflect Malawi as a whole. Let relevant authorities address such problems,” Namakhwa said on Wednesday.

The US government discusses religious freedom with the Malawi government as part of its policy of promoting human rights.

During the reporting period, the US embassy promoted religious tolerance through grants, meetings, exchange programmes, and the distribution of reading materials.

According to the report, Chrisians comprise of 80 per cent of the country’s population. Among the Christian groups, the largest are the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP), with smaller numbers of Anglicans, Baptists, evangelicals, and Seventh-day Adventists.

It says Muslims constitute approximately 13 per cent of the population. There are also Hindus, Baha’is, and small numbers of Rastafarians and Jews-Weekend Nation.

BIZARRE! Man ordains himself Catholic priest

2010-01-16T19:43:00.006+02:00

Despite not being ordained a priest by a bishop like these decons taking their last vows into priesthood, 'Fr Robert' of Dowa went on to offer high mass as a trickster. Pic exclusively by Malawi Digest.

By Eliah Nthara

A man who decided to ordain himself and later transformed into a Roman Catholic priest in the central region district of Dowa is currently behind bars serving a stiffer prison sentence.

The Mponela Second Grade Magistrate’s Court sentenced the 28-year-old man to three years imprisonment with hard labour for impersonation.

The court recently heard that Emmanuel Robert, dressed as a Roman Catholic priest, went to Simbi Catholic Church which is under Madisi Parish where he conducted prayers.

Mponela Police spokesperson Kondwani Kandiado said after the prayers, 'Fr Robert' collected the church offering of the day.

'Fr Robert' also told the church’s choir that it was nominated to sing at an ordination of a priest in Mangochi Diocese; hence, each member was told to contribute MK600 to buy uniform in preparation for the trip.

Kandiado said the man went further to ask the congregation to contribute towards the trip, something that raised people’s suspicions.

The matter was reported to Madisi Parish Priest Father Zikomankhani who said he did not know ‘Fr Robert.’

Kandiado said the man was handed over to Mponela Police where he confessed that he was not a priest.

In court, Police prosecutor Patrick Chipote told the court that the accused deserved a stiff penalty for denting the image of the Catholic Church.

'Fr Robert' comes from Galikavi Village, Traditional Authority Lukwa in the central religion’s tobacco growing district of Kasungu-The Nation/Malawi Digest.

Chinese envoy salutes Prof Peter Mutharika

2010-01-15T14:40:00.005+02:00

Professor Peter Mutharika has enough reason to smile after gaining international praise from a world super power like the Peoples Republic of China. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Dickson Kashoti

The Chinese ambassador to Malawi Lin Songtian has commended Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika for successfully leading a high level four member cabinet delegation that led to the present relationship between Malawi and China two years ago 14th January.

Songtian said this on Thursday at a luncheon reception organised to mark the second anniversary to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Malawi.

The function was held at the Sunbird Capital hotel in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

“On December 28th, 2007 H.E. Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, the State President of Malawi, made a wise and resolute decision to sever the so called ‘diplomatic relations’ with the Taiwan authority, and normalised diplomatic relations between our two countries, which drafted a new chapter of China-Malawi friendship and opened the gate for the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between our two countries,” Songtian said.

He therefore praised Professor Peter Mutharika for successfully leading the delegation that included former Minister of Transport and Public Works Henry Mussa, former Minister in the Office of President and Cabinet Davies Katsonga, former Minister of Energy and Mines Henry Chimunthu Banda and former Minister of Economic Planning and Development Ken Lipenga.

Professor Peter Mutharika and Henry Mussa were both present when Songtian said this during a reception held at lunch hour at this hotel in Lilongwe.

During the time Malawi and China established these diplomatic relations, Professor Peter Mutharika served as Chief Advisor to the State President on Constitutional, Legal and International Affairs.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Augustine Mtendere described China as a true friend.

Mtendere cited the construction of the Karonga-Chitipa road, the new Parliament building, the five star hotel and international conference centre as key development projects which Malawians are happy for.

According to the Chinese ambassador, within the two years over 435 officials including 11 ministers, five deputies, the Chief Justice and Commander of the Malawi Defence Forces have visited the country.

He also disclosed that so far, 57 Malawian students have been granted scholarships to study in the Peoples Republic of China-Daily Times/Malawi Digest.

Malawi commemorates Chilembwe Day

2010-01-15T14:28:00.005+02:00

The late Reverend John Chilembwe's face is now found on all of Malawi's local currency including the highest denomination of MK500.

By Lucy Liponda

Today, the 15th of January is Chilembwe Day. The day was specifically set aside for the country to celebrate the life and martyrdom of Reverend John Chilembwe.

Following the setting aside of this day, Malawians go on a national holiday.

In observing Chilembwe Day, the nation, also holds prayers led by Chilembwe’s own found Christian church, the Providence Industrial Mission (PIM).

Apart from observing a national holiday in honour of Malawi’s early freedom fighter, John Chilembwe also has his face on the local currency, the Malawi Kwacha.

According to information gathered by Malawi Digest, John Chilembwe started plotting to rise against the then Nyasaland Government in or around 1914 from his headquarters in the southern region mountainous district of Chiradzulu.

Although some spies had sent to the Nyasaland Government information that Chilembwe was plotting a rise against the government, the former British colonial masters failed to find tangible evidence to prove these allegations against Chilembwe.

After receiving this information, the colonial masters then through the office of District Commissioner in Chiradzulu opened every letter addressed to John Chilembwe but still they failed to see any tresses of the said uprising.

Chilembwe had long been complaining to government about people living on European estates who were forced to work without pay (thangata).

He challenged the colonial masters to stop oppressing the locals.

He made several efforts to rise against the Nyasaland government and all this came to a climax on 23 January, 1915 when he led a war against in the colonists.

Chilembwe staged the uprising when he led a group of about 200 followers in attacking local plantations that he considered too oppressive for the local man.

The freedom fighter and his team also killed several male Europeans working on these plantations.

However, the uprising failed to gain enough local support a development that forced John Chilembwe to flee the country before he was killed on 3rd February, 1915.

In fact many Malawians believe that John Chilembwe’s courageous acts and rebellion against the white rule acted as a springboard for people like Malawi’s first President the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda and his others to continue the fight and successful freed Malawi from the colonial rule.

John Chilembwe, is founder of the Providence Industrial Church whose headquarters is Chiradzulu, southern Malawi-Malawi Digest.

Angola manage to contain Malawi Flames

2010-01-14T23:39:00.004+02:00

Manucho (left) and Flavio Angola's two goal scorers celebrate one of their goals. Pic by AFP.

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Angola bounced back in style after their disappointing opening draw to overwhelm Malawi with a 2-0 victory in Luanda.

Goals by strikers Manucho and Flavio early in the second half were enough to give Angola their first win in Group A, following Sunday's 4-4 draw with Mali.

Angola bossed the game and limited Malawi to just a couple of chances.
But the victory may have come at a cost as goalscorer Flavio and winger Gilberto both came off with injuries.

The result still puts them top of Group A, however, and sets up a showdown with Algeria, whose own hopes of qualifying were revived by an earlier 1-0 victory against Mali.

The Angolans played with a high tempo from the start and created plenty of opportunities in the first half with several penetrating crosses, but no decisive final touch.

Flavio and Manucho linked up well in the opening half hour, during which their team enjoyed most of the possession and chances.

In the seventh minute, Flavio found Manucho with a deft cross and the big striker hit a good volley straight at Malawi goalkeeper Swanick Sanudi who very nearly palmed it into his own net.

And Manucho should have opened the scoring on 33 minutes when he was put clean through only to see his near-post shot stopped by a fine save from Sanudi.

Malawi had to wait until the 34th minute for their first chance, when left back Moses Chavula broke forward on the left, but striker Esau Kanyenda couldn't get any purchase on his effort in the six yard box.

Minutes later, the Flames had their best opportunity, when Chavula got to the byline to cross to Peter Wadabwa, who flicked a deft backheel goalwards that was well gathered by Angolan keeper Carlos Fernandes.

In first-half injury time, winger Stelvio whipped in a beautifully-weighted cross for Flavio from the right who headed narrowly over.

The pressure inevitably told within the first three minutes of the second half, however, from a beautifully-worked Angolan move.

The influential Djalma overlapped cleverly on the left, swapped to his right foot and whipped in another stinging cross for Flavio to power a header home for his third goal of the tournament.

The opener raised the noise to fever pitch inside the 11 November Stadium, and five minutes later Manucho almost took the roof off the brand-new arena when he doubled the lead.

The Vallodolid striker punished sloppy defending by Peter Mponda by dispossessing the defender on the edge of the box to burst into the area and hammer past a rooted Sanudi.

But the high tempo took its toll on the home side as Flavio followed Gilberto to the sideline, as he was stretchered off with a suspected recurrence of a hamstring injury in the 60th minute.

The striker was replaced by crowd favourite and former Young African Player of the Year Mantorras, who received a huge ovation when he took the field.

And the 27-year-old nearly sent the home fans into raptures when he blazed narrowly over from a free kick minutes later.

Malawi struggled to find a way back into the game and had to wait until the 70th minute before they ventured properly into the Angolan box, with two unproductive corners.

The home side managed to close out the game this time, to the huge relief of their fans, who celebrated wildly at the final whistle.

One major concern for the organisers, however, will be the pitch, which continued to cut up and cause problems for both sides.

The 11 November Stadium is due to host one of the tournament's semi-finals and the final-BBC

Malawi President back from Mozambique

2010-01-14T23:26:00.005+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika shakes hands with Army Commander Marko Chiziko upon arrival at KIA. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is back in the country from the neighbouring Maputo, Mozambique where he attended the inauguration of his counterpart, Almando Emilio Guebuza.

His plane landed on Thursday afternoon at the Kamuzu International Airport in the administrative capital Lilongwe where thousands upon thousands of people welcomed the Malawian leader.

Senior government officials including Vice President Joyce Banda and his brother who is also Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika were at KIA to give the State President a befitting arrival.

Speaking about his trip to Mozambique, the State President said that he was impressed and pleased with the way the inauguration ceremony was organised.

Information gathered by Malawi Digest indicate that at least 7 current serving heads of state from within the southern Africa region including Malawi’s Bingu wa Mutharika.

The function was also attended by at least four retired former heads of state.

Guebuza, was being sworn in for a second term in office after a landslide victory in October last year. It is reported Frelimo won the election by a 75 per cent majority.

The opposition Renamo of Alfonso Dlakama has been protesting the outcome of the election citing massive irregularities however the ruling party and government have dismissed these allegations-Malawi Digest.

Mungomo named State House spokesperson

2010-01-14T09:24:00.004+02:00

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has appointed Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) radio presenter Albert Mungomo as State House press officer, Malawi Digest understands.

The appointment of Mungomo is with immediate effect.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Malawi Digest last night soon after an announcement of his appointment was made Mungomo described his new job as a call to duty.

“I feel greatly honoured, privileged that it pleased the State President to appoint me in this capacity, it’s a new call for me to national duty,” said the eloquent Mungomo.

Mungomo, is one of the best announcers at MBC with some juicy sense of humour said that his main task would be to build a close working relationship with the media in Malawi.

With his appointment into State House as Press Officer, a lot of MBC listeners with miss on radio the voice of the man who is popularly known in Malawi as ‘Mr Blantyre’.

He was popular as one of the good presenters for the morning breakfast programme on MBC named, ‘Mwadzuka Bwanji’.

“There must be a good rapport between the State House and almost all media houses in the country,” he said.

On whether he was expecting to be appointed Mutharika’s spokesperson, Mungomo described it as a big surprise.

“I never expected this. It came to me as a shock that the State President decided to give me this pleasant surprise for the New Year by giving me this important job. It’s a great honour for me,” he said.

Albert Mungomo, replaces Mutharika’s longest serving Press Officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi who is now Director of Information in the Ministry of Information and Civic Education-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika flies to Mozambique

2010-01-14T09:07:00.005+02:00

By Frank Malemia

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has this morning left the country for the neighbouring Mozambique where he is to attend the inauguration of that country’s President Almando Emilio Guebuza.

Guebuza will be sworn in for his second term of office after his landslide victory in recent Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Dr Mutharika, flew out of Malawi through the Kamuzu International Airport in the Presidential Jet.

He was seen off at the airport by Vice President Joyce Banda, Chief Secretary Bright Msaka, Police Inspector Peter Mukhitho, Army Commander Marko Chidziko, the president’s brother and Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika and many other senior cabinet ministers, members of Parliament and other senior government officials.

The State President inspected the Presidential guard of honour before speaking to members of the press who swarmed the airport to hear about the president’s trip to Mozambique.

“Malawi and Mozambique are long time neighbours and in African culture, neighbours are supposed to be together in times of sorrow and happiness,” he said.

Dr Mutharika disclosed that after President Guebuza’s attendance of his inaugural ceremony at Kamuzu Stadium in May last year, it was only natural and proper to attend a similar function for his Mozambican counterpart.

He said the people from the two countries have a lot in common.

“Be it culture, language and geographical positions, we have a lot in common, the ruling DPP had an election landslide victory here so had Frelimo done in Mozambique so we have a lot in common,” he said.

The ruling Frelimo party won the recent elections with 75 per cent of the vote.

Frelimo, started ruling Mozambique from independence in 1975 and has had three Presidents in the late Samora Marchel, Joachium Chissano and the incumbent Almando Guebuza.

President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is expected back home in Malawi later on today-Malawi Digest.

Burial for Chitsamba DPP MP takes place

2010-01-14T08:57:00.005+02:00

Gone too soon, the youthful late Hastings Chitsamba RIP. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Burial for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party legislator Hastings Patros Chitsamba has taken place in his home village of Dowa.

The burial of the fallen MP took place on Wednesday at his ancestral home, Mtimaukanena Village in Traditional Authority Mkukula in the central region district of Dowa.

The 36-year old Chitsamba, died on Monday evening in a road accident that happened on the M1.

His Toyota Prado, registration number BQ 1374 is reported to have lost control at around 11 pm on Monday near the Walkers Filling Station at Biwi.

The vehicle, according Central Region Police spokesperson John Namalenga is said to have swerved before it overturned several times.

“Two other passengers who were with the honourable MP in the vehicle sustained various injuries but the MP died afterwards in hospital as a result of the impact in the accident,” said Namalenga.

Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda described the death of the youthful MP as a blow to the National Assembly.

“He was one of the new breed of MPs in the house who have been contributing positively to deliberations in the House,” said Chimunthu Banda.

He described his death as great loss to the nation.

The late Dowa South East legislator was elected as Member of Parliament for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in the May 19th Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

The late Chitsamba has left behind a wife and three children, a boy and a two girls-Malawi Digest.

Ruling DPP MP wins late Chafukira’s seat

2010-01-14T08:53:00.003+02:00

By Emmanuel Sobilika

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has overwhelmingly won the Lilongwe North West with Fredrick Kamwangala as it’s new Member of Parliament.

Kamwangala, beat three other contestants in Zelesi Gomani independent, Robert Bondo of the opposition Malawi Congress Party of John Tembo and Selemani Jeremiah.

According to election results released by independent Malawi Electoral Commission, Kamwangala got 11, 558 votes with Gomani following way behind with 2,952, Bondo in third position with 2, 758 and Jeremiah in forth position with 653 votes.

The opposition UDF party chickened out of this contest as they failed to have a candidate in this by-election.

This is a sweetie victory for the ruling DPP after the death of late Ishmael Chafukira who died under mysterious circumstances in South Africa late last year.

This was Bondo’s second loss in a Parliamentary election within a period of 10 months.

He lost in his own seat in the May 19th election before John Tembo of the MCP decided to impose him on the people in Lilongwe North West in these 12th January by-elections.

In a related development, the opposition United Democratic Front of Friday Jumbe has returned the Machinga South East seat in by-elections held on the same day.

According the Malawi Electoral Commission, the seat has been won by Donnex Mpuzeni of UDF with 8,796 followed by Heston Beston Mleme of the ruling DPP with 7,043 votes, Monfort Misunje independent 2, 594, Yohane Khomoli 965 and Adamu Chikapa came last with 712.

The Machinga South East seat fell vacant after the previous MP Reverend Wilson Ndomondo was thrown out of Parliament for contesting in an election when he was a convict-Malawi Digest.

Zambia, a true friend indeed

2010-01-14T08:27:00.006+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika this week received on behalf of earth quake victims relief items and a cash donation of US$20,000.00 from the Republic Of Zambia.

The northern region of Malawi has experiencied a series of earth tremors that have displaced thousands of people mainly in the lake side district of Karonga.

The pictures above show State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika receiving a cheque for the cash donation and some of the relief items from the Zambian High Commissioner to Malawi at a function held at the New State House in administrative capital, Lilongwe.

Tough Flames punishes Algeria in 2010 CAN

2010-01-11T23:47:00.010+02:00

Flames players celebrate one of their three goals against Algeria. Pic by Rebecca Blackwell-Associated Press.

Malawi making their first Cup appearance for 26 years and only their second overall, stunned England's World Cup group opponents Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group A match.

Russel Mwafulirwa gave the outsiders a 17th-minute lead when he took advantage of slapstick defending and Elvis Kafoteka headed a second before the break in a near-deserted November 11 Stadium.

Davi Banda scored early in the second half to complete Malawi's first ever win at the tournament and send them top of Group A, ahead of the hosts Angola and Mali whose tournament opener ended in a 4-4 draw yesterday.

Malawi, who took one point from three games on their debut appearance in 1984 when their results included a 3-0 defeat by Algeria, were not expected to do much better this time around with an apparently lightweight squad.

But with nine Europe-based players in their starting line-up and the game kicking off in mid-afternoon, Algeria struggled in the stifling heat and made life even more difficult for themselves by gifting Malawi the opener.

The goalkeeper, Faouzi Chaouchi, and the Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra collided as they tried to clear a pass that was played into the Algeria penalty box and the ball ran to Mwafulirwa who put the ball into an empty net.

Algeria's best chance came shortly afterwards when Rafik Saifi broke clear of the offside trap but lobbed the ball over the bar. Malawi increased their lead in the 36th minute when Moses Chavula crossed from the left and Kafoteka headed home.

Three minutes after the break, the dangerous Mwafulirwa drilled a shot against the post but the Algeria defence failed to clear and the ball fell to Banda who scored with a low shot-The Guardian (UK).

Malawi! Malawi!Flames humble giant Algeria

2010-01-11T18:54:00.005+02:00

By Emmanuel Sobilika

There are wild celebrations in all of Malawi’s main urban centers following Malawi national football team’s sweet victory against Algeria in the Angolan capital, Luanda this afternoon.

The Flames humbled their opponents in their opening Group A encounter 0-3 and are now on top of their group ahead of the hosts Angola, Mali and the bottom team, Algeria.

The African champions, Egypt who played the Flames in a friendly international two weeks ago, appealed to the southern Africa nation to beat their northern Africa archrivals.

In the last two international friendlies the Flames have played against Egypt and Ghana, the Malawians held the two African giants to a draw.

Malawi now play the hosts Angola on Thursday-Malawi Digest.

Mpinganjira slept with Bakili Muluzi’s wife

2009-12-30T23:54:00.006+02:00

Brown Mpinganjira and his rival Bakili Muluzi. The two politicians are reported to be sharing wives and girlfriends.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Brown James Mpinganjira, former cabinet minister during the 10-year rule of Bakili Muluzi and former Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central constituency had a love relationship with former First Lady, Madame Annie Chidzira Muluzi, Malawi Digest can reveal.

The discovery of the story by intelligence officials during the Bakili Muluzi era, led to a sour political working relationship between the former leader and his minister.

BJ, as Mpinganjira is commonly known in Malawi is reported to have had several fights with his wife Lizzie Chipendo Mpinganjira after the woman discovered Mpinganjira was also seeing the former First Lady.

Our sources closer to the Mpinganjira family have confirmed that one of the main contributing factors for the former Mulanje MP to fall out of favour with Muluzi was the discovery of his love relationship with the former First Lady.

“In fact, that is the more reason that no matter what happens, Muluzi cannot support and endorse Mpinganjira as leader for the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF). That’s impossible no matter what happens,” said our source.

Our sources say that Muluzi divorced his wife towards the 1999 general elections after discovering that apart from sharing the former First Lady with Mpinganjira, she was also having another love relationship with a security aide at the Presidential Sanjika Palace.

“This did not please Muluzi who immediately sacked Mpinganjira from cabinet as well as sent for packing the security aide,” said our source.

Our source revealed that the by-passing of a leadership mantle by the UDF leader last week has not come as a surprise to Mpinganjira as the two are bitter enemies for over 10 years now.

“When you see them at a rally smiling at each other, both Mpinganjira and Muluzi just pretend because they once shared one woman in the name of Annie Chidzira Muluzi,” detailed the source.

As if that is not enough, Mpinganjira has been sharing with Muluzi other female concubines.

Both have at some point had love relationships at the same time with former MPs, Ina Mezalumo and Bertha Masiku. They also shared a Miss Namba of Chiwembe Township in the commercial city, Blantyre.

Meanwhile, although Bakili Muluzi is reported to be in poor health, he is busy dating a 1984 born girl from a rich family in Limbe.

The girl, whose name Malawi Digest has withheld at least for now, visited Bakili Muluzi on Monday afternoon this week at his BCA Hill residence at the pretext of cheering the sick Muluzi.

During her visit, the new girlfriend took with her a ‘get-well soon’ card and a New Year card for her boyfriend, Bakili Muluzi.

Malawi Digest has got retails of this newly found girlfriend of Bakili Muluzi, her names, parents, home area and place of work among many other discoveries-Malawis Digest.

Bakili Muluzi collapses, taken to QECH hospital

2009-12-30T18:11:00.004+02:00

This is how Bakili Muluzi looks in his poor state of health. We wish him a quick recovery.

By Lucy Liponda

Former President of the Republic of Malawi Bakili Muluzi on Tuesday collapsed at his home in the low density area of BCA Hill.

Our sources close to the Muluzi family have disclosed, the former leader collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday.

His private doctors were immediately called in led by former legislator, Dr George Nga Ntafu.

Dr Ntafu, himself former Malawi Education and Health Minister is a neurosurgeon by profession.

Former president Muluzi has been suffering from a back pain since 2004 and he has had three operations in the last three years.

Former First Lady Patricia Shanil Muluzi and their United Kingdom based children who are back home in Malawi for Christmas and New Year holidays were all on his bed side as doctors tried to breathe life into the former leader.

After managing to stimulate the former opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) national chairperson, he was taken to the nearby, biggest government referral hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Central (QECH) where experts conducted a scan on his body.

According to Dr Ntafu, the doctors at QECH confirmed Bakili Muluzi’s had a spinal disc dislocation that needs immediate medical attention.

“The situation is precarious. He needs to undergo another sophisticated surgery as there is too much compression on the nerves in the lower back and he has difficulties in movement,” Ntafu told waiting reporters outside the hospital.

As Muluzi was walking out of the hospital, he looked feeble, in poor state of health and in great pain. He supported himself with a walking stick although close sources have confirmed he uses a wheelchair when at home to aide his movement.

When Malawi Digest announced two weeks ago that Muluzi was seriously sick, his propaganda tools were on the defensive to dismiss the story.

Following his poor health condition, doctors ordered Bakili Muluzi to retire from active politics.

Last week, Muluzi announced he had complied with the doctors instructions to retire from politics.

Muluzi announced, he had instead chosen Friday Jumbe to take his place.

Muluzi and Jumbe are very close friends and they are suspected to have jointly been involved in high level corruption and siphoned government money for personal gains.

When Bakili Muluzi was President of Malawi, Jumbe served as Chief Executive for the state owned agricultural produce company, Admarc and later Finance Minister.

Jumbe lost miserably in the May 19th General Elections as Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Central constituency.

In 2004, former president Bakili Muluzi ridiculed his former Vice President Justine Malewezi at all his campaign rallies saying Malewezi was a sick man not fit to stand in any election.

Muluzi further laughed at Malewezi saying, he was taking 20 tablets of pain killers everyday.

Interestingly, the same year Muluzi was ridiculing Malewezi, people in his home area ignored the bad advice from Muluzi and elected Malewezi as Member of Parliament for Ntchisi North.

As former president Muluzi is seriously in agony at his BCA Hill residence, former Vice President Justine Malewezi is enjoying good health and is busy running his personal businesses.

Apart from ridiculing former Vice President Justine Malewezi, Muluzi also arrested his predecessor the late Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda and tortured him until his death in 1997-Malawi Digest.

Police advise Asians to keep money in banks

2009-12-29T08:29:00.007+02:00

Malawi Police chief Peter Mukhitho, his officers doing enough to make the Malawi public secure. This picture belongs to Malawi Digest.

By Our Reporter

Malawi Police authorities have advised Malawians of Asian origin to start utilizing banks by keeping their money there for safety.

This follows a spate of similar kind of robberies that have taken place in the country’s main cities where huge cash amounts have been stolen from business persons of Asian origin.

Speaking at in the administrative capital, Lilongwe during a District Executive Committee meeting marking the end of 2009, Lilongwe Police Station Officer-In-Charge (OC), Deputy Commissioner of Police, Goodwell Bottomani said the Asian business community in the capital, are often robbed of their money because it lacks the culture of banking.

The Deputy Commissioner was briefing members of committee on measures the Police in the country had put in place to reduce incidences of crime during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“Most Asians do not bank their money but carry huge sums home. As such, they are followed by criminals,” said Bottomani who recently replaced Duncan Mwapasa as Lilongwe OC.

Mwapasa has since been redeployed to State House where he is serving State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika as Presidential Guard Commander.

The OC said Lilongwe police station has intensified sensitisation campaigns to encourage the Asian business community to develop a culture of saving their money in banks to reduce attacks by robbers.

Bottomani said that the few weeks that he has been at the station, three robbery cases involving the Asian business community had been reported to his office.

“We have had three incidences since I came. One was robbed of K1.3, another K1.9 m and the third one K3 million. They (Asians) are followed by criminals. We are now sensitising them to bank their money,” he told the gathering of senior district officials representing different government departments and groups of people.

Bottomani appealed to the DEC members, and residents in Lilongwe to first secure themselves before police could secure them by locking car windows and doors when traveling to prevent attacks.

“Secure yourselves first before others do that for you. Don’t leave houses unattended to. Leave somebody at home when you go away. Don’t drink and drive,” he advised.

Director of Planning and Development (DPD), Smart Gwedemula who chaired the meeting, advised heads of departments who drink beer to buy the hard drinks and drink them while at home to prevent accidents.

“Let’s enjoy these festivities responsibly. Let’s buy drinks and drink at home. To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” he said.

Malawi has in recent years experienced some avoidable cases of armed robberies involving huge sums of cash.

Often times, the victims have been discovered to be business persons of Asian origin and Chinese-Malawi Digest.

Frail Bakili Muluzi resigns as UDF leader

2009-12-22T23:45:00.004+02:00

A sick-looking Bakili Muluzi now finally resigns from his position as UDF leader.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

The opposition United Democratic Front national (UDF) chairperson Bakili Muluzi has finally thrown in the towel and resigned from his position as leader for the party.

The good news about Bakili Muluzi’s departure from Malawi politics is as a result of an illness that has kept him unwell for over four years now.

Muluzi run the opposition UDF party as his personal property and is departing from the party after successfully destroying everything that the party could have survived on. He has since left the party in tatters.

Muluzi succeeded in disintegrating the opposition UDF party from one of the country’s strongest parties into a briefcase political party. The once mighty UDF party is now just a shadow of itself courtesy of the power hungry Bakili Muluzi.

He is leaving the UDF party at a time when all his dignity is gone after clinging himself to power as party leader for 15 years now.

On three different occasions, Muluzi tried to rape the Malawi Constitution to stay in power as leader for this country for life but he miserably failed.

Bakili Muluzi arrived in the country last weekend after spending six months on a Malawi government fully paid for foreign medical attention trip to the United Kingdom.

Unlike his other previous trips where Muluzi arrived with pomp and colour and speaking to his supporters, the scenario was totally different this time around as Muluzi was actually helped out of the plane using a walking stick and a personal aide.

He looked sick and frail as he walked down the plane.

Even when his feet touched the Malawi soil, Muluzi failed to walk to the VIP lounge as he has always done in the past.

His vehicle was granted special permission by the airport authorities and managed to collect him from right from the aeroplane steps.

Bakili Muluzi even failed to address his handful party supporters and only managed a hand wave from his vehicle.

Sources closer to Muluzi speak of a serious illness in the former Malawi leader.

He is reported to be using a wheelchair at his BCA Hill residence to help him move around.

At the weekend, he is reported to have visited his home village in Machinga to consult his ancestral spirits and seek traditional medical help as his illness has reached a critical stage.

His close aides say that due to his fallen discs, Muluzi is not able to sleep without pain relief injections.

It has been confirmed that Muluzi has actually resigned following advice from medical doctors and not as his own will.

Malawians, will remember Bakili Muluzi as the man who destroyed the Malawian economy during his 10-year period in power and successfully managed to steal from the state coffers.

As a result of fraud and high level corruption, when he quit power in 2004, he was one of the richest African heads of states.

Malawians will also remember Bakili Muluzi as the man who ridiculed his former Vice President Dr Justice Malewezi, mocking him because of a kidney failure illness.

Malawian news papers, radio stations and televisions have evidence of Bakili Muluzi mocking former Vice President Malewezi that he was taking over 30 tablets a day because of his illness.

It is not known how Muluzi is feeling now having turned into the same situation like that of Justine Malewezi.

Ironically, as Muluzi is struggling with his sickness now, Malewezi is now fully recovered and going about running his personal businesses and running many other charity projects.

Malawians, will also remember Bakili Muluzi as the man, who did not respect women in the country by describing our beloved mothers as prostitutes and D7s.

Muluzi is also accredited for having successfully managed to destroy some families of some individuals by engaging their wives in love affairs.

Malawi Digest will be publishing the list of Bakili Muluzi’s girl friends in due course and how the affairs went on.

In fact some of his close aides have attributed his aggravated fallen discs back illness to his continuous sexual journeys with some young and energetic Malawian women.

Bakili Muluzi will also be remembered as the man who instead of retiring in 2004, spent 5-years fighting his successor President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

Although Bakili Muluzi described himself a ‘political engineer’, he has lost the battle and now bows down in shame and raises his hands in surrender-Malawi Digest.

Malawi Flames 2010 preparations on track

2009-12-22T00:00:00.008+02:00

By Frank Malemia

Malawi national football team coach Kinnah Phiri says that Flames preparations for the 2010 Nations Cup finals in Angola are right on track.

He was speaking soon after arriving in the country from the neighbouring Mozambique where his side played against the Mambas of that country.

Both teams have qualified for the finals in Angola and this was a good test for the Flames who came out victors, 0-1 away.

The two southern African giants played their friendly international in the Mozambican province of Tete.

Speaking in an interview, the Flames mentor said that he was pleased with the outcome of the match especially that his team managed to secure an away match victory.

He said the game on Saturday, offered him an opportunity to assess the players most of which were locally based.

“So far we can say that the preparations for Angola are right on track and that this weekend’s win has boosted the players’ morale in camp,” he said.

The coach said that the remaining friendly internationals with Egypt, Togo and Ghana will allow him fine tune his players ahead of the Nations Cup.

“We are leaving nothing to chance and we are seriously preparing to prove our critics wrong in Angola,” said the coach.

Meanwhile, the Flames depart this coming Saturday for Cairo, Egypt where they play the Pharaohs on December 29th.

After the friendly in Egypt, the Flames fly back home to play Togo at Kamuzu Stadium before proceeding to Swaziland where they will camp for a few days.

During the camp in Swaziland, the Flames will play the Black Stars of Ghana on January 5th before landing themselves in Luanda, Angola for the 2010 Nations Cup finals-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika grants civil servants a holiday

2009-12-22T00:00:00.006+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika in his capacity as Minister responsible for the Civil Service, on Monday granted all civil servants a four-day holiday towards the end of this year, Malawi Digest can reveal.

The holidays, will run from the 28th to the 31st of December, 2009.

In a press statement issued by the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) at Capital Hill on Monday and made available to Malawi Digest, the holiday is aimed at allowing civil servants sufficient time to celebrate the Christmas and New Year festive season with their families.

However, the OPC statement says the holiday is not across-the-board as some servants will still be required to work.

“His Excellency the President’s special dispensation does not apply to civil servants involved in the provision or delivery of emergency and essential services,” says the statement.

It says that those not to go on leave are health personnel, immigration and customs officials, the Malawi Police Service and others.

“In this regard, controlling officers of such Ministries or Departments are required to make appropriate arrangements to ensure that civil servants shall work during this period,” says the statement.

The statement calls on controlling officers to ensure that civil servants who will work when their colleagues are on this presidential holiday to be granted an equivalent number of days in the course of the new year.

The OPC says that the State President’s special dispensation to civil servants is not a declaration of Public Holidays in Malawi in respect of those days.

The statement finishes with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year wish from the State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu for all civil servants in Malawi and cautioning them to take special care during the festive season and avoid activities that would jeopardise their own safety and the well being of other members of the public.

This is not the first time that the State President has granted civil servants a holiday during the festive season.

According to some civil servants that Malawi Digest has spoken to, many people are pleased with what President Mutharika has done as this will give them enough time to enjoy the birth of Jesus Christ as well as the coming New Year.

In normal circumstances, civil servants only go holiday on 25th December, 26th of December and the 1st of January only-Malawi Digest.

Wedding bells! bells! President's daughter

2009-12-19T22:57:00.005+02:00

HAPPY COUPLE: The president's daughter Duwa Mutharika now married to Tonderai Mubaira from Zimbabwe. Pic exclusively by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

There have been celebrations in Malawi’s commercial city, Blantyre where President Bingu wa Mutharika’s last born child Duwa Mutharika has wedded her long time lover, Tonderai Mubaira the only child in the family.

This is one of the most rare occasions in Malawi where you see a member of the first family getting married.

The day started at the Multipurpose Hall at the St Michaels and All Angels campus where the two made vows before Pastor T.Joseph of the Lilongwe Baptist Church.

The bride and groom were smartly dressed and waved at both sides of the giant multipurpose hall before taking their places in front before the congregation.

President Bingu wa Mutharika was already in the hall when the couple arrived.

The Malawi leader was in a classy manner, dressed in all white including wedding gloves.

The State President, father to the woman shared the front seat with the man’s mother and Mrs Mubaira and his uncle a Edwin Chisonga.

Reverend T. Joseph led the couple through their biggest moment in life by making their matrimonial vows before God.

The two later exchanged rings before the Baptist Reverend declared them husband and wife.

“I now declare you husband and wife and Tonderai, you may salute the bride,” he said to the ululation of the entire hall as they watched Tonderai and Duwa, hug before making their very first kiss as husband and wife.

The couple with their bridal party left for outside the hall where they had their pictures taken together with their respective families.

Later in the afternoon, the celebrations moved to the Presidentail Sanjika Palace in Blantyre where thousands of people congratulated the newly wed couple.

Almost all senior party and government officials, friends and relatives were there but conspicuously missing was Malawi’s Vice President Joyce Banda.

No official explanation was given for her absence at this auspicious occasion when her boss was having a daughter getting married.

Former official Hostess Mama Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira was also there dancing with the happy crowd.

People were served with lunch whose menu was limited to nothing.

During the ceremony, people heard the background of the newly weds and gifts were splashed on them.

The gifts included fridges, cookers, dish washing machines, sofa sets, micro waves, kitchen utensils and of course cash.

The Mulhako Wa Alhomwe heritage group in their beautiful colours were also there where they also donated an big item that was well wrapped but carried by over six people.

President Bingu Wa Mutharika is a Lhomwe by tribe and he is founder and patron for Mulhako Wa Alhomwe.

The cash was in different currencies including Malawi Kwacha, United States dollars and South African Rands.

Several people and companies contributed money well over MK1 million each and these include Mr and Mrs Leston Mulli of Mulli Brothers Limited and Bishop Ibrahim Simama and several others.

Speaking on behalf of the Mutharika family at the ceremony, Professor Peter Mutharika said that he was proud that Duwa was getting married to Tonderai.

Mutharika, a lawyer by profession warned the couple that marriage is not about power but working together.

He asked them to respect the matrimonial vows that they had made before God to stay together for life.

“I ask you to keep your wedding vows made before God and the community earlier on today,” he said.

Professor Mutharika welcomed the Mubaira family to Malawi and hoped that they would get to know each other and become one big family very soon.

In his speech, a representative of the Mubaira family, Edward Chisonga said that they were pleased that the two children had brought the two families together.

He said it was even more pleasing in that the marriage had brought the two countries of Malawi and Zimbabwe together.

“With this marriage, the people of Malawi and Zimbabwe have become even more closer,” he said.

He said he was proud of Tonderai and that as a young ambitious young man, he would not let down his family in his new found life of marriage.

Before winding up the ceremony, President Bingu wa Mutharika dances with his daughter and Tonderai with his mother-Malawi Digest.

Prof. Mutharika back from global meet

2009-12-19T22:50:00.004+02:00

A senior official from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs welcomes Professor Mutharika at Kamuzu International Airport on Friday. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Frank Malemia

Malawi’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has arrived back home from a successful 10-day trip in India where he attended the 10th Conference for the World’s Chief Justices.

He arrived at Kamuzu International Airport yesterday, Friday by South African Airways to a grand welcome by people from his home village in the mountainous tea growing district of Thyolo. They danced Tchopa to welcome their son and the Professor Mutharika joined them in the dance.

The constituents from Thyolo East told waiting reporters, they had to welcome their son in such grand style because he is making them proud.

“He is not only making Thyolo East proud but also Malawi as a whole because we didn’t expect that our own son and MP could be travelling to far countries such as India to speak to all Chief Justices from the entire world, this is very good for the country,” said a Mr Mulepa, who identified himself as leader for the delegation.

Professor Mutharika himself a Charles Nagel Professor of Internationaland Comperative Law, Washington University, United States of America told reporters that gathered at the airport in their large numbers that he was pleased with the kind of reception that he got both in India and back home upon arrival.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs were there in their large numbers to welcome their minister.

Upon arrival at the VVIP lounge, Professor Mutharika was given a bouquet of flowers by a female official from the Ministry marking a warm reception for one of Malawi’s greatest sons.

Speaking to journalists on his trip, the young Mutharika said that he was humbled and pledged to be invited as a ‘special guest’ and speak to such an important for eminent Chief Justices from all countries throughout the world.

He said his address, centred on the massive abuses of children from around the world.

The minister said that he thought of speaking for the plight children because research has shown that children are becoming the most venerable group of people.

“After my address, participants at the conference agreed that world countries should have laws that are ensuring the protection for the rights of children,” he said.

The minister told the conference that he noted that at least four major Western countries had reports of massive abuses of children.

“I told the conference that as a result of these circumstances, the world needs to resort to regional and national mechanisms to address the plight of our children,” he said.

He said among many other issues, he told the conference that the new National Registration Act adopted by the National Assembly a few weeks ago will in one way establish a system of National Registration for children among so that Malawi as a country is able to identify children for the purpose of access to various government programs.

“In the area of special protection, Malawi established four Childrens Courts in 2006 which have Jurisdiction over our children when they appear in courts either as witness or offenders,” said the Minister, adding Malawi as a country was applauded for making these strides in ensuring that the rights of children are respected.

According to Professor Peter Mutharika, the conference in India, came exactly one year after receiving the International Jurist Award presented to him in New Delhi by the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh-Malawi Digest.

Malawi Flames line-up tough 2010 friendlies

2009-12-18T00:01:00.003+02:00

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri says good preparations are needed before Angola 2010. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

The Malawi national football team, the Flames have left this morning for the Mozambican province of Tete where they will play against that country’s national football side.

The Flames left Malawi Friday morning by road for this important international football encounter.

The team that left for Mozambique is comprised of mostly locally based players and three foreign based.

Speaking to Malawi Digest before departure, coach Kinnah Phiri said that friendlies before going to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Angola are a must for the country.

“If we are to perform well in Angola 2010, we have to leave no stone unturned in our preparations hence the need for these international friendlies,” he said.

Soon after playing the Mozambicans on Saturday, coach Kinnah Phiri is expected to name his final squad that he will be taking to Angola for the Nations Cup championship.

According to Football Association of Malawi Chief Executive Officer, Charles Nyirenda apart from the Mozambique match, the Flames have also secured three other international matches before leaving for Angola.

Nyirenda said that the Flames will fly to Cairo on December 26 this year and play the Pharaohs on the 29th of December.

The CEO said that then the team will fly back home for another international friendly against Togo on 2nd January, 2010 at Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial city Blantyre.

The team will then fly to Swaziland where they will camp before going to Angola.

Apart from camping in Mbabane, the Flames will also test their powers against African giants Ghana.

This will be the Flames last international friendly before travelling to Angola.

In Angola, the Flames have been put in the same group and will be playing their matches in Luanda together with Mali, Algeria and the hosts Angola-Malawi Digest.

Mulli says will support any DPP candidate

2009-12-17T23:56:00.003+02:00

Mulli says that he ready to support any candidate that will come after State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Frank Malemia

Mulli, was speaking in the week in an exclusive interview with one of Malawi’s private radio stations, Capital Radio.

Speaking in the interview, Mulli, who runs a number of businesses under the umbrella, Mulli Brothers Limited said that it was wrong to associate him with any potential presidential candidates for the 2014 presidential elections.

He was responding to a question from Capital Radio suggesting he was sponsoring Malawi’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to run for the high office for the 2014 elections.

Professor Mutharika is a younger brother to the incumbent Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

In his response to these suggestions, Mulli said that these reports are false as he is preoccupied with the affairs of his business.

“Those reports are false. I am not a politician,” he said.

He said he was ready to support any presidential candidates elected by the party democratically.

“In the party, there are procedures to be followed and we are ready to support any candidate who has been elected by the party,” he said.

Mulli said that as a businessman, he was not concerned with the presidential candidature in the ruling party.

“It is the policy of the Mulli Brothers to support the government of the day and for now it is time for the DPP,” he said.

Mulli gave a historical background of his business association with ruling parties.

“Our company supports the government of the day, we did it during the UDF time and we are also doing it now under DPP,” he said.

Leston Mulli disclosed that although not directly involved as a politician, they normally come in to help whenever requested to do so.

Among many other businesses, Mulli Brothers Limited have interests in transport business, tea plantation and production, stationary, accommodation and general farming among many other businesses-Malawi Digest.

Muluzi should regret ill-treating Kamuzu

2009-12-17T23:55:00.001+02:00

By Lucy Liponda

Former President for the Republic of Malawi should regret his actions for ill-treating Malawi’s first head of State the late Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

This was disclosed by former opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) vice president Nicholus Dausi this week.

In an exclusive interview with the national television broadcaster, the Malawi Television (TVM), Dausi, said that the former late head of state was ill-treated so much during the 10-year United Democratic Front (UDF) rule under Bakili Muluzi.

Dausi who is also Member of Parliament for Mwanza Central for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said he feels very bad when he hears former president Muluzi trying to talk good about the late Banda.

“Muluzi and his UDF are the people who ill-treated the late Kamuzu Banda and his family so much,” he told TVM this week in a series of interviews.

Dausi who was one of the closest aides for the late Banda until his death in 1997 said that under Muluzi, the country’s first president saw a lot of hell some of which cannot be explained.

“The late Ngwazi Kamuzu Banda saw a lot of misery through actions directly ordered by Bakili Muluzi and I will leave all this for God to judge Muluzi and his fellow UDF officials,” he said.

Dausi, gave an example of when Bakili Muluzi, then as President of Malawi ordered a search at the Kamuzu Banda’s retirement home of Mudi in the commercial city, Blantyre.

He said the search for the so called ‘documents’ took a good two days and all this time, the late Kamuzu who was sick, old and frail was made to remain awake throughout to witness the exercise.

“I was there when the Bakili Muluzi ordered Police pestered the late Ngwazi Dr Kamuzu Banda even in his bedroom looking for documents for a good two days none stop,” he said.

Dausi explained that although he personally protested this together with the former Official Hostess Mama Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira to the rude and unruly Bakili Muluzi searching Police, all this fell on death ears.

“The Bakili Muluzi Police made us remove the late Kamuzu from his personal bed, for them to search for documents under the sheets, blankets and mattress and this happened several times within the two days they were in the Mudi house,” he said.

Dausi disclosed that although Muluzi was fully aware that the late Banda was old and sick, he ordered the Police to treat him like a criminal.

“There were event points where we had to change positions of the late Dr Banda with the Police searching for documents behind his back and under him between the sheets,” he said.

Dausi who was then working as one of the security officers for the Kamuzu disclosed that one of Bakili Muluzi’s senior ministers the late Alfred Itimu even kicked blankets and danced on the bed of the late Kamuzu.

“In one of our meetings trying to hand over government property, the late Itimu jumped onto the late Kamuzu Banda’s bed, danced on it before kicking away a blanket that was being used by the late Ngwazi,” said Dausi, disclosing that Itimu said was doing this to show that Kamuzu was now powerless.

Dausi, who is also chairperson for Malawi Parliament’s most powerful Public Appointments Committee said that in all these ill-treatments by Bakili Muluzi, God will be the best judge.

He said it is for this reason that he decided that no matter what happens, he will never associate himself with the opposition UDF party and its leader Bakili Muluzi.

“The way Bakili Muluzi, Brown Mpinganjira, the late Collins Chidzumira, Wenham Nakanga and Shaibu Itimu ill-treated the late Ngwazi, Mama Kadzamira and others, we will never forget,” he said almost crying on camera.

Dausi said that whilst as devout Roman Catholic cannot call for revenge on Muluzi, he does see any merit in Muluzi complaining for any ill-treatment after ruling Malawi for 10 years.

“If he is facing any problems that he may describe as ill-treatment, Muluzi should recall what he did to the late Banda and his family, he will find out that it was all beyond explanation,” he said.

Dausi also did shed a tear for Mama Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira for all the suffering she got courtesy of former President Bakili Muluzi.

“Mama Kadzamira was persecuted by Muluzi, suffered a lot even spent nights at Chichiri Prison all because Bakili Muluzi wanted to punish the late Banda, his family and closest aides,” he said.

In the May 19th Presidential and Parliamentary polls, former president Muluzi and his opposition UDF party partnered the opposition MCP of John Tembo but the team was not voted into power.

During that campaign, Muluzi addressed political rallies with John Tembo where he praised the late Banda so much but people did not listen to Muluzi’s plastic smiles and cosmetic talk.

The two partners were jointly kicked out of the Presidential and Parliamentary race by the incumbent State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and his ruling Democratic Progressive Party-Malawi Digest.

Am happy to belong to Mulhako says Mulli

2009-12-17T23:23:00.003+02:00

Mulli Brothers Managing Director Leston Ted Mulli dances proudly with fellow Lhomwes in this Lhomwe traditional dance. Pic courtesy of Mulli Brothers Limited.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi’s business magnate Leston Ted Mulli of Mulli Group of Companies Limited has disclosed that he is proud to be associated with the Lhomwe heritage group, the Mulhako Wa Alhomwe.

Mulli was speaking this week in an interview with one of Malawi’s private radio station, the Capital FM.

Speaking to the radio in an exclusive interview, Mulli said that he does not regret his association with the organisation whose aims are to preserve and promote Lhomwe culture in Malawi.

Mulli who has probably Malawi’s biggest locally owned conglomerate said that people should not question his connection with the Mulhako Wa Alhomwe.

He said like any other human being and a Malawian he has got a right to association with any grouping of his choice.

“Everyone in the world belongs to certain culture and tribe. If I belong to Mulhako Wa Alhomwe, it means I am a Lhomwe and I am just exercising my right,” he said.

Mulli, himself a successful businessman dismissed assertions that the grouping was aimed at promoting people belonging to the Lhomwe tribe into important government positions.

“All Lhomwe people having positions in government are qualified for those positions,” he said.

Speaking an exclusive interview to Malawi Digest on Thursday morning, the business guru said that Mulhako Wa Alhomwe is in Malawi to stay and that is irreversible.

“The Maseko Ngonis from Ntcheu have their grouping, the Jere Ngonis from Mzimba have theirs, the Chewas have their own and many more, so what’s wrong with Mulhako Wa Alhomwe?” he said.

Mulli, who is also a senior member for the Mulhako Wa Alhomwe national executive committee said that the organisation was pleased with the kind of cooperation it is receiving from other heritage groups like those mentioned above.

“It’s good for the country as people are able to learn from each other’s cultures and share experiences,” he said.

Mulli disclosed to Malawi Digest that the organisation has ambitious plans of raising funds that would help the organisation to be self sustaining.

“We have good plans that would help Mulhako Wa Alhomwe to be there for ever and ever, we will be disclosing those plans in due course,” he said.

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika is founder and patron for the Mulhako Wa Alhomwe cultural grouping.

According to businessman Leston Mulli, the organisation was launched on October 25, 2008 at a function that was attended by the State President in the mountainous Mulanje district.

Mulli said that the headquarters for Mulhako Wa Alhomwe are at Chonde in Mulanje-Malawi Digest.

Malawi sends SOS for Karonga quake victims

2009-12-17T13:02:00.005+02:00

Some of the damaged houses and items for the displaced in Karonga that President Bingu wa Mutharika saw when he visited the disaster prone area on Monday.

By Lucy Liponda

The government has called for urgent appeals for relief items for the people in the lakeshore northern region district of Karonga.

The people were struck by several earthquakes that shook the area last week.

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika visited the displaced people on Monday where he made a donation of MK2.5 million, pledged more government support and appealed for assistance from well wishers.

In a press statement issued in the administrative capital, Lilongwe, Thursday, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs in the Office of President and Cabinet and made available to Malawi Digest said that as a result of the increasing number of people and their increasing needs, government is appealing for assistance from well wishers including individuals, companies, institutions, agencies and non-governmental organisations.

“The assistance will help alleviate the suffering amongst the affected people,” says the statement signed by Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Lilian Ng’oma.

The department says that among many other items, the assistance required include the following: maize flour, matemba/kapenta fish, beans, iodised kitchen salt, Likuni phala, cooking oil, milk, sugar, corn soya blend, tents for shelter and to be used as classrooms, blankets, plastic sheets, plastic plates, plastic cups, spoons, matches, firewood, candles, jericans and building materials among many others.

The department says that donations can be made through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Private Bag 336, Lilongwe 3 or directly to the District Commissioner for Karonga.

The statement says that all cheques should be made payable to the “National Disaster Appeal Fund”.
Karonga experienced earth quakes on 6th, 7th and December, 2009.

According the Department of Management Affairs, the earth quakes killed one person, injured several people and caused damage to people’s houses and infrastructure.

The department says that so far, 3,047 households in Traditional Authorities Kyungu, Kilupula and Mwakaboko have been affected and that their houses have either collapsed or have developed cracks.

The earth quakes have also displaced 3,000 people, whose villages have developed big cracks on the ground, rendering the area unstable and therefore not safe for habitation.

“A camp has been established for the displaced people. The earth quakes have also damaged institutional infrastructure such as school blocks, teachers’ houses, police houses, health centres and boreholes,” says the department.

The department says that the impact of the earth quake is still being undertaken by the District Assembly, hence the number of affected people is expected to increase-Malawi Digest.

Let everyone plant a tree says Dr Mutharika

2009-12-16T17:52:00.005+02:00

GOOD LEADERSHIP: The smartly dressed Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika leading by example by watering his tree after planting two seedlings to mark the launch of the National Forestry Season. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Frank Malemia

Malawi State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has issued a directive ordering the government’s Department of Forestry to provide for free, tree seedlings to everyone wishing to open woodlots and those planting along rivers and streams to ensure that more trees are planted during this year’s forestry season.

Although he made this public directive, Dr Mutharika cautioned those benefiting from this free service not to abuse the government’s good gesture by selling the seedlings.

President Dr Mutharika, was speaking on Tuesday at the headquarters of Traditional Authority Nkalo in the southern region district of Chiradzulu.

In his speech marking the launch of this year’s National Forestry Season, Dr Mutharika said that he was aware that forests in the country are getting depleted at a faster rate than expected mainly for energy in forms of firewood and charcoal.

The State President said that it was for this reason that his government is putting in place mechanisms that would help reduce the rate of deforestation in the country.

Dr Mutharika disclosed that his government is not just sitting idle but exploring other alternatives for energy such as the use of small hydro power stations to ensure that electricity is available in all areas within the affordable means for most Malawians.

He said, his government has intensified the afforestation programme, hence the introduction of the forestry season to enable more individuals, institutions and organizations to plant as many trees as possible.

He said that it was his wish to see that all the bare land especially on hills, slopes and along rivers and streams is forested through out Malawi.

“Let’s try to restore the environment which used to be there in the past. There used to be different forestry products in this area which I enjoyed during my childhood days,” recalled the State President.

He appealed to all traditional leaders in the country to join hands with government in encouraging the Malawian population to plant more trees. The same message was also sent to all cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and all senior government officials.

To mark the launch of this year’s National Forestry Season, the State President led by example by planting two tree seedlings namely; m’bawa and nthete.

President Mutharika planted the tree seedlings along Namitembe river near Traditional Authority Nkalo’s headquarters.

This year’s National Forestry Season (NFS) which runs from the 15th of December to the 15th of April, 2010 under the theme ‘Conserve Forests and Trees Mitigate Climate Change’.

The two seedlings that the State President planted, are among 65 million seedlings that the Malawi government expects people to plant during the national forestry season.

The exercise takes place throughout Malawi-Malawi Digest.

Kuntiya replaced over Mulanje pirate radio

2009-12-16T17:18:00.005+02:00

Malawi's Information and Civic Education Minister Leckford Thotho confirmed of a new Director General at Macra. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

The broadcasting regulator, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has replaced its acting Director General Mike Kuntiya.

The new Director General is Charles Nsaliwa formerly for Malawi Telecommunications Limited.

Information Minister Leckford Thotho confirmed to Malawi Digest on Wednesday the replacement of Kuntiya with a new Director General.

The Minister, however, declained to take any more questions saying; "Mr Nsaliwa is replacing an acting Director General."

However information gathered by Malawi Digest indicates that Kuntiya has been replaced following his decision to award a radio license to a convicted radio pirate operator, Gabriel Kondesi from the mountanious tea growing district of Mulanje.

Kuntiya has been acting Director General for Macra for over one year and our sources say that he was due to be confirmed in his position as Director General for the organization.

However, things turned sour on October 27th this year when Kuntiya without consulting his board of directors and management addressed a press conference where he made a single man’s decision to award the convict an operating license.

During the briefing, Kuntiya, also committed Macra to MK10 million radio station project where Kondesi was going to be one of the directors.

Both Kondesi and his father were present during the press briefing.

However, the news backfired at Kuntiya almost hours later when the Macra board chairperson Thengo Maloya distanced his organization from the pledge and license.

Maloya said the decision to award a convict a license was wrong and that the MK10 million radio project pledge was done by Kuntiya in his personal capacity and not as Macra.

“If it was Macra’s decision, we, as board would have been consulted,” he said.

The Macra board chairperson promised that they were investigating the acting Director General’s conduct and that a decision would follow in few weeks.

Following this promise, the board of director appointed Nsaliwa as Director General.

Although the news was only made public on Wednesday, Nsaliwa’s contract is reported have started on 9th December, 2009.

Meanwhile, a source within Macra has disclosed to Malawi Digest that Mike Kuntiya has gone back to his old job as Director for Telecommunications at Macra.

“They wanted to sack him but he has been saved because he only had his contract renewed in March this year for the next two years so, Macra would have paid him a lot of money,” said the source.

The Standard 7 school drop-out, Gabriel Kondesi was arrested on 14 October, this year for operating a radio station called Pachikweza without a broadcasting license.

Two days later, the Mulanje Magistrate Court fined 21-year-old Kondesi MK50, 000.00 or face 10 months imprisonment with hard labour.

However, two days later, villagers who had benefited from the boy’s creativity together with his parents sold their little property and organized a MK50, 000.00 before freeing the boy from custody.

This is the first time in Malawi that Macra has arrested an individual for operating a pirate radio station in the country.

Before his arrest, Gabriel Kondesi had been operating Pachikweza Radio Station in areas surrounding the boarder areas of Limbuli in Mulanje.

Kondesi used local materials such as car batteries, television aerial, wires and a radio cassette player to operate this illegal radio station for over 3 years.

Two years ago, the boy went to Macra to apply for a radio license but his efforts were frustrated when Macra failed to come back to him despite assurances that supervisory body would come back to him through the Mulanje District Commissioner-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika cheers Karonga quake victims

2009-12-16T14:41:00.006+02:00

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, on Monday this week visited some victims of the series of earthquakes that have hit some parts of the northern region including Karonga.

During the visit, the State President cheered the victims and ordered for their immediate re-settlement.

As part of his efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people, President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika also donated MK2.5 million to the nearly 4,000 natural calamity victims.

There have been a series of earthquakes that have hit the northern lakeshore district of Karonga that has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people.

At least one person has been confirmed dead as a result of this catastrophe with several others injured and the Bingu wa Mutharika led government has swiftly moved in to help the victims.

The Malawi government through the Department for Disaster Management Affairs in the Office of President and Cabinet is also assisting the victims with relief materials like tents, plastic sheets, blankets, cooking utensils, beans, sugar, salt and the country’s staple food maize.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Lilian Ng’oma has appealed for help for the all Malawians including the private sector saying the victims require urgent help that may not be solicited from government alone.

In the picture, President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, as a caring father and leader, carries one of the children for the victims during his visit in Karonga on Monday-Malawi Digest.

Bakili Muluzi sick: Now using walking stick

2009-12-14T23:45:00.006+02:00

By Emmanuel Sobilika

When you are a glass house, don’t throw stones at others this is what has become of the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Bakili Muluzi.

Muluzi, who has been in the United Kingdom (UK) for six months on a Malawi government fully paid for trip receiving medical attention, is now back home in Malawi but spotting a walking stick.

Although Muluzi has not explained anything about the walking stick, the item is suspected to be supporting him following an operation he had on his slipped discs.

The UDF leader, who normally addresses his party supporters when arriving in the country from his numerous UK trips, did not do so on Saturday when he landed in the country.

Muluzi was in a very sad mood when he landed by the South African Airways flight at around 1:00pm (Malawi Time).

He descended the steps of the SAA plane with the help of a walking stick on his left hand and the other getting support from the airport mobile stairs.

Behind him watching closely over the former Malawi president Bakili Muluzi was his trusted boy and his official Aide De Camp, Jamil Mwalabu.

Immediately he touched foot on Malawi soil, Muluzi only managed a few steps with the walking stick and he was helped into his vehicle that was granted special clearance by the airport authorities to pick the UDF leader from the aeroplane foot.

As he walked a few steps to the vehicle, Muluzi looked sick and frail.

The vehicle took him to the VIP lounge where he answered a few questions from journalists before being driven to his Anti-Corruption Bureau seized, BCA Hill residence.

A hand full of his supporters who came to hear from the man who ruled Malawi for 10 years but did not get enough for his job, had a rude awakening when Bakili Muluzi just waived at them from his vehicle before speeding off to his residence.

The few supporters dressed in tattered yellow cloth were left with their mouths agape as they watched in disbelief that the man they were watching passing was the same person about eight months ago was blasting the airwaves in Malawi that “Come May 19th, I am going to remove President Bingu wa Mutharika as president of Malawi.”

At the Chileka International Airport, those who saw the drama unfold could not believe that the same opposition UDF national chairman who speaks so freely without caring what he is talking about and casting government like nobody’s business was the one arriving so timidly like this at the international airport in full glance of the public and the nosy press.

What was seen at Chileka International Airport was just another chapter of the UDF national chairman, the same name of Bakili Muluzi but behaving differently, timid Bakili Muluzi, a dwarfed UDF national chairperson

Former President Bakili Muluzi has on three different occasions tried to rape the Malawi Constitution to allow himself stay in power as President of the Republic of Malawi for life.

On all those three occasions, Bakili Muluzi failed miserably in his plans.

Back home in Malawi, Bakili Muluzi is expected to answer corruption charges where he diverted over MK1.7 billion of donor money meant for the people of Malawi into his person coffers.

Muluzi has also another string of cases in court ranging from theft, abuse of office and debts among many other court cases.

About a month ago, former President Muluzi was in the media dismissing rumours that he had died in the United Kingdom.

No media is Malawi both state and private announced news on the alleged death for Muluzi.

It is not known how Muluzi heard the so called rumours and what form of media announced them or that it was just a political gimmick to get sympathy from the Malawian public-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika praises China over projects

2009-12-14T12:32:00.005+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika laying the foundation stone. Looking on is Chinese ambassador to Malawi, Lin Songtian.

By Our Reporter

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has heaped praises on the government for the Peoples Republic of China describing it as a true friend for Malawi.

He said this has been evidenced by the full realization of the projects they promised to undertake when the two countries established diplomatic relations about two years ago.

The Malawian leader was speaking in the administrative capital, Lilongwe during the ground breaking ceremony for an international conference centre and its complimentary hotel.

The luxurious international conference arena and hotel project is receiving funding from the Chinese government.

“The government and the people of the Peoples Republic of China are true friends and this indeed evidenced by the full realization of projects they promised,” said Ngwazi Dr Mutharika.

He said that the Malawi government tried to look for assistance for this project from other donors but to no avail before the Chinese government came in to finance the project.

President Mutharika reminded the gathering that many people criticized him when he switched diplomatic ties by dumping Taiwan and taking on the Peoples Republic of China.

He said in doing so, he showed his visionary leadership skills.

The State President mentioned that even the world at large recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate China.

“The United Nations and the African Union recognizes one China in the Peoples Republic of China, why should Malawi be the odd one out,” he said.

With a number of all the development projects China is carrying out within a short period of establishing relationship, the Malawi leader wondered what would people be looking for in a friend more than what China is doing now.

He challenged his critics, those who were saying he was wrong to dump Taiwan for China, to come out and say he was wrong.

Dr Mutharika then told the gathering that the international conference centre and hotel complex is a milestone in the development of Malawi as it has clearly demonstrated government commitment to develop the infrastructure to international standards.

“Many summits, conferences, workshops in the SADC or Africa could not be hosted in Malawi because of lack of adequate and modern facilities to accommodate large number of people. As a country, Malawi lost out on benefits from these international conferences, that’s why my government looked for assistance from China to build this conference centre and its hotel,” he said.

The State President described the international conference centre and hotel as seen on drawings mounted at the venue as structures out of Malawi and out of this world.

“In fact, I was joking with the Chinese ambassador that it will actually be Shanghai in Lilongwe.”

In his remarks, the Chinese ambassador to Malawi, Lin Songtian, explained that the international conference centre will boost tourism in Malawi, provide employment opportunities and bring to Malawi the much needed revenue.

He said the project is another manifestation of the strong relationship existing between Malawi and China thought it is only less than two years old.

Lin Songtian said that though the whole world is suffering from global financial crisis, China keeps all its promises to Malawi and has not hesitated to deliver the projects one by one including this huge project.

“The relationship between Malawi and China is less than two years but it has developed rapidly and fruitful and China has become a very important development partner for Malawi,” he said.

The ambassador revealed that trade mainly through tobacco export has greatly increased and Chinese investment has grown tremendously amount to 55% of direct foreign investments in Malawi in the first half of this year, one such investment is the Balaka cotton project.

According to the deputy Minister of Transport and Public Infrastructure, Francis Kasaila, the capacity for the conference centre will be 1, 500 seats while the banquet hall will have 1, 000 occupants, and the hotel 130 rooms plus 10 VVIP on top of 20 presidential villas.

He said it will be completed in two and half years and will cost U$ 90 million.

Apart from this international conference hall and the hotel, the Chinese government is also funding the construction of the new Parliament building in Lilongwe, the Chitipa-Karonga road construction and very soon, the Chinese will kick-start the construction of an international football stadium in Lilongwe-Malawi Digest.

Prof Mutharika in India for global conference

2009-12-10T23:53:00.002+02:00

Professor Peter Mutharika stressing a point to a Malawi Digest reporter at Kamuzu International Airport before departure for India on Wednesday. Pic exclusively by Malawi Digest.

By Frank Malemia

Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is in India to attend the 10th International Conference of Chief Justices.

He left Malawi through the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

Professor Peter Mutharika 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.

Professor Mutharika is expected to address the conference on December 13th, 2009.

In press statement from the Ministry of Justice and Constitution Affairs made available to Malawi Digest, Professor Peter Mutharika was sent an invitation to the conference 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.

Speaking before departure, the press statement said Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika said that he gladly accepted to address the conference.

“I am excited about this invitation to address this international gathering of eminent judges and my speech will be centred on the protection of children in the world,” said Professor Mutharika.

Professor Mutharika said that children of the world are facing a lot of challenges including HIV/Aids, child labour, domestic child abuse and many others that he said will be highlighted in the Minister’s speech to the conference.

The Minister mentioned Austria, the United Kingdom and the United States as just some of the countries in the world where issues of child victimisation have appeared in the media.

“Children are the most venerable group of people although I have just returned from a three-week rigorous Parliamentary sitting where my Ministry took centre stage, I accepted to be part and parcel of trying to come up with solutions of protecting them at this global conference,” he said.

According to the press statement, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is one of Malawi’s most highly educated international lawyers.

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-Malawi Digest.

Mzamo arrives to a lukewarm reception

2009-12-10T23:52:00.002+02:00

Mzamose Chibambo got not a so warm reception when she arrived back home. Pic courtesy of Timve Magazine.

By Emmanuel Sobilika

Malawi’s 2009 Big Brother Africa Revolution representative Mzamose Chibambo has arrived in the country to a lukewarm reception.

This is contrary to a heroes reception given to another Big Brother finalist Hezel Warren last year and the other year's representative Code Sangala.

Mzamo, landed at Chileka International Airport in the commercial city, Blantyre.

She walked from all alone from the plane to the VIP lounge clutching in her hands, her hand bag. She looked embarassed and none of the on lookers cheered at her.

Twice, she tried to look at the hand-full of people that were outside the VIP fence and on both occasions, she was shy to face the people in the face.

She dropped her face twice, hiding it in her hands before managing a single wave to the people.

She was given a bouquet of flowers by an under five girl before being ushered into the VIP lounge often used by diplomats, members of parliament and company chief executives.

Later on the day, she tried to defend her actions at a press briefing organized by Multichoice Malawi.

She said what she did in the house was trying to be herself and nothing more nothing less.

24-year old Mzamose Jean Chibambo lost in the finals of the 2009 Big Brother Africa Revolution after staying in the house for the entire 91 days period. She came a distant 4th position from the US$200,000.00 prize money.

She said that she believes, Kelvin the Nigerian did not deserve to win the competition.

“My choice for a winner was Edward, the Namibian,” she said.

Interestingly both Mzamo and Edward got a single vote from their respective countries. The two may have possibly differed because of the numbers of people who voted as Edward came third in the competition.

The 24-year old Mzamo stunned many of her critics in Malawi when she reached the finals of the 2009 Big Brother Revolution show which was being held in South Africa.

The daughter of a former diplomat and politician Ziliro Chibambo, Mzamo caused some controversy back home in Malawi because of what many people have described as her un Malawian behavior.

The issues that have not impressed many Malawians include; her excessive drinking culture, smoking habit, dressing, the use of foul language and her sexual escapades with evicted housemate, Lionel from the neighbouring Mozambique. The two are reported to have had sex in the house although this has not been proved.

On arrival in Blantyre, Mzamose dismissed talk that she had sex in the house with the Mozambican. She said they were only friends.

Following her behaviour in the house and a public outcry, her own family back home in Malawi condemned her greatly.

She said then that what Mzamose was doing in the house was not what the Chibambo family had expected of her and that they were embarrassed she behaved that way on live television.

However, following some great help from Namibian housemate Edward who twice saved Mzamo from possible eviction, the Malawian student reached the finals of the Big Brother Africa Revolution.

The final competition was between Namibia’s Edward, Angola’s Emma, Kelvin and Nkenna both from Nigeria and Mzamo from Malawi.

Although this was the stance taken by the women religious leaders, there has been divergent opinion on the Malawi girl’s behaviour.

Others have argued it’s reality television such that people are displaying their normal behaviour whilst others feel she has embarrassed the nation.

Malawi remains a conservative society that was very dominant under the 31-year autocratic rule under former late president Hastings Kamuzu Banda and the former ruling Malawi Congress Party-Malawi Digest.

Children’s parliament ends in Lilongwe

2009-12-10T23:01:00.005+02:00

The real senior Malawi National Assembly in session. The children are trying to emulate this Legislature. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

The 8th session of children’s parliament has ended this Thursday here in Malawi’s administrative capital, Lilongwe.

The three-day meet for the young parliamentarians opened on Monday attracting about 140 child members from across the country.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi Digest after the house was suspended sine die; Speaker of the Children National Assembly Clotilda Rebello said the meeting allowed the young parliamentarians to exercise their leadership skills.

Rebello, who is also legislator for Balaka North constituency said the children took time to discuss important issues affecting the lives of young Malawians.

“Right to participation is a birth right to all children and this meeting has helped us to exercise our leadership skills for us to be good future leaders,” said Rebello, a Form two student at Lilongwe Girls Secondary School in Lilongwe.

The Speaker, called upon the Malawi government to ensure that all the resolutions made in the children’s parliament are implemented in order to make the session a success.

“We thank the Malawi government under Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika for all the support rendered in the fight against challenges that children in this country face, such as poverty, through school feeding programme,” she said.

Speaking on Monday when he officially opened the session, Director of Children Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Women and Child Development, Hyacinth Kulemeka, said government values such sessions as they help prioritize in the national development agenda of children.

“These meetings help in the national development agenda as it is a nursery for grooming leaders because children are able to air their views,” said Kulemeka adding that this will help shape the minds of the children.

The opening was attended to by Plan Malawi International, which also represented all Non-Governmental Organizations and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

The Children Parliament started in 2001 in Malawi and government has hailed it as a success story as children are given the right to express themselves in any way-Malawi Digest.

Huge demand for ARVs for HIV + in Malawi

2009-12-10T17:42:00.003+02:00

Malawi's Health Minister Professor Moses Charuwanangwa Chirambo. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Our Reporter

One of Malawi’s leading international non-governmental organizations, the Concern Universal says that recent statistics show that about 300,000 people need the life-prolonging drugs, the Antiretrovirals.

The organization has since raised an alarm that the figure is too big for a country like Malawi.

This was disclosed by Concern Universal’s Country Director, Samson Hailu in the central region mountainous district of Dedza where he presided over a meeting where Concern Universal employees were reflecting on the HIV/Aids pandemic.

The meeting, focused on the impact of the HIV/Aids pandemic in the implementation of Concern Universal’s projects in the country.

The non-governmental organisation’s boss observed that the pandemic has negatively affected its operations in implementing development projects in their impact areas.

“In this regard, there is need for Concern Universal employees and people they work with to voluntarily go for HIV testing to know their HIV status. If found positive, they can have a chance to access ARVs to prolong their lives and continue contributing towards the development of the country,” he said.

Hailu said according to this year’s World Aids Day theme “Universal Access and Human Rights”, every person including Concern Universal staff have a right to access HIV and AIDS services.

Recently, the Malawi government announced that it is planning to bring into the country, a manufacturer who would be able to produce ARV’s locally.

State President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika disclosed that manufacturing ARVs locally, would allow more people to access the life pro-longing drugs at reasonable or cheaper prices on the part of the government.

He said that it was the wish of his government to make sure that very person found to be HIV positive is put on ARVs immediately the need arises.

He said this would unable HIV positive patients to live longer and contribute to the development of the country-Malawi Digest.

Dr Mutharika salutes the Malawi Flames

2009-12-10T14:54:00.004+02:00

Malawi President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika says that he is impressed with the performance of the Malawi national football side, the Flames.

The Flames, recently qualified for the finals of the African Cup of Nations to be held in Angola.

The Flames are in Group A with the hosts Angola, Algeria and Mali.

The government of President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika has pledged to support the Flames all the way to Angola.

It is through this support that the Flames qualified for Angola 2010 under a local coach, Kinnah Phiri.

This is the first time in 25 years that the Flames will be taking part in the finals of the Nations Cup.

At a recent Sports function in the capital, Lilongwe, Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika took time off to congratulate Coach Kinnah Phiri on his achievement. The State President also took time to offer the coach some fatherly advice to the Flames through the coach.

In the picture, Kinnah Phiri is listening to the advice by Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika. Pic exclusively by Malawi Digest.

Prof Mutharika treats MPs to a banquet

2009-12-03T23:55:00.005+02:00

Prof. Mutharika: After a successful sitting of Parliament, it's time to celebrate. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda,

Thursday, the 3rd of December 2009 will go down in Malawi’s history as the day when one of the country’s most distinguished sons Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika treated all Members of Parliament to a dinner and dance in the administrative capital, Lilongwe.

This, after a successful three week Parliamentary sitting in the administrative capital, Lilongwe where business in the house was dominated by Bills tabled by the Justice and Constitution Affairs Ministry.

During the 21-day sitting, the house approved among many other bills including the Police Bill, the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Law, the Courts Act, the Insurance and the National Registration Bill.

All these and others were tabled in the National Assembly by Professor Peter Mutharika such that he had enough reason to thank the MPs for the good job well done.

Instead of using his position as cabinet minister to use public funds in hosting such a huge gathering, Professor Peter Mutharika decided to play it big and cool by hosting all MPs to a delicious dinner and dance from his personal coffers.

One could not believe it when all legislators from both sides of the House converged at the beautifully constructed Great Sapitwa Hall at the Cross Roads Hotel in Lilongwe.

From about 7:00pm, the MPs trooped into the hotel premises in their large numbers, elegantly dressed.

Almost everybody was there including the Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda, Leader of the House Goodall Gondwe, Leader of the Opposition Ephraim Kayembe, Leader of UDF in the House Ibrahim Matola and his colleague Alfred Mwechumu, MPP’s Uladi Mussa, Aford’s Khwauli Msiska and many more.

Almost the entire cabinet was there and the opposition was represented in great numbers expect the UDF’s Abubakar Mb’aya and obviously MCP leader John Tembo and his lieutenants Joseph Njobvuyalema, Vitus Dzoole Mwale and Lingson Belekanyama were in their usual defiance mood, they did not attend.

From the government side, almost everybody was there expect for ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP’s) Vice President and Transport Minister Khumbo Kachali.

He only appeared in the banqueting hall after 10 pm after dinner was already served and the disco dance already hot.

During the event, MPs were served with dinner and drinks before Professor Peter Mutharika opened the dancing floor for the game to begin.

Just before this, director of ceremonies Ben Phiri invited Professor Mutharika to address his guests.

In his short speech, Professor Mutharika said that he decided to host the dinner as a way of appreciating the great role, the MPs played in the national assembly during the current sitting of Parliament.

“All the Bills were passed by the whole house as a unit, hence this invitation to this dinner and dance tonight. We worked as a team,” said Prof Mutharika.

He hailed the MPs for coming in their large numbers to party showing a sign that Malawians are getting matured politically.

“This is the way things are supposed to be,” said Mutharika in winding up his speech to a thunderous applause from the Members of Parliament.

According to Professor Mutharika’s personal assistant Ben Phiri, all the expenses at the dinner and dance have been paid for by the Justice Minister from his personal coffers.

Phiri could however not disclose how much the Professor spent on the merry but said “It’s quite a reasonable figure which I cannot disclose now,” he said.

The dance here is expected to go on to the early hours of Friday-Malawi Digest.

Malawi plans manufacturing of ARVs

2009-12-03T23:28:00.005+02:00

Malawi President Dr Bingu wa Mutharika viewing some pavilions at the Dowa function.

By Our Reporter

The Malawi government says that it's planning to bring a company that can be manufacturing ARVs locally.

This ambitious plan has been announced by Malawi President Ngwazi Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika.

The Malawian leader, was speaking during events to mark a commemoration of the World Aids Day in the central region district of Dowa under the theme ‘Universal Access and Human Rights'

The State President said that work is already in progress to identify company that would produce the life prolonging medicine.

“This will make ARVs more accessible to people living with HIV thereby reducing the cost since the drugs will be produced locally,” said Dr Mutharika.

He said the project offers hope to people who have been found to have the virus that causes Aids.

“Time to regard ARV treatment as only for the rich is gone. I want each and every person who is HIV positive to access the drugs as any other person,” he said.

Mutharika, who commended Department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS, the National Aids Commission and the corporate world for scaling down HIV and AIDS prevalence rate, said he was optimistic that there could be a drastic change if the country produced ARVs locally.

As part of the initiative to make HIV and AIDS services accessible, Dr. Mutharika pledged to continue sourcing equipment and other resources to bring HIV testing and counseling centres close to the people.

He advised Malawians to be responsible enough by making sure that they guard against themselves and their spouses to reduce transmission of the disease.

‘Rejected' Mzamo may win US$200,000.00

2009-12-02T23:55:00.003+02:00

Malawi's 2009 Big Brother Revolution representative 24-year old Mzamose Jean Chibambo. Pic courtesy of Timve Magazine.

By Frank Malemia

Malawi’s 2009 reality show, Big Brother Africa Revolution representative Mzamose Jean Chibambo may instantly become a millionaire on Sunday if a viewers’ vote goes in her favour.

The 24-year old Mzamo has stunned many of her critics in Malawi when she reached the finals of the 2009 Big Brother Revolution show which is being held in South Africa.

The daughter of a former diplomat and politician Ziliro Chibambo, Mzamo has caused some controversy back home in Malawi because of what many people have described as her un Malawian behavior.

The issues that have not impressed many Malawians include; her excessive drinking culture, smoking habit, dressing, the use of foul language and her sexual escapades with evicted housemate, Lionel from the neighbouring Mozambique.

The two are reported to have had sex in the house although this has not been proved.

Following her behaviour in the house and a public outcry, her own family back home in Malawi condemned her greatly.

Her own sister, Violet who acts as a spokesperson for the Chibambo family said that Mzamose had shown some un Malawian behavior in the house.

She said then that what Mzamose was doing in the house was not what the Chibambo family had expected of her and that they were embarrassed she behaved that way on live television.

However, following some great help from Namibian housemate Edward who twice has saved Mzamo from possible eviction, the Malawian student is set to grab the US$200,000.00 prize money if viewers vote in her favour.

Following the eviction of Zimbabwean Itai last Sunday, the race now remains between five competitors including Namibia’s Edward, Angola’s Emma, Kelvin and Nkenna both from Nigeria and of course Malawi’s own Mzamo.

Meanwhile, Mzamo’s family has retreated from their earlier remarks and have since announced they are proud of her for reaching the finals.

Last month, a group of women religious leaders petitioned the Malawi Government through Women and Gender Minister Patricia Kaliati to condemn Mzamose behaviour in the reality show and withdraw her from the race.

Although this was the stance taken by the women religious leaders, there has been divergent opinion on the Malawi girl’s behaviour.

Others have argued it’s reality television such that people are displaying their normal behaviour whilst others feel she has embarrassed the nation.

Malawi remains a conservative society that was very dominant under the 31-year autocratic rule under former late president Hastings Kamuzu Banda and the former ruling Malawi Congress Party-Malawi Digest.

Marriage age at 15, Commission to consult

2009-12-02T23:54:00.005+02:00

Malawi's Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor Peter Mutharika. Tabled the Bill in the National Assembly. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Bright Sonani/The Nation

Malawian youths are free to marry at the age of 15 after Parliament on Monday resolved to delete a clause in the constitutional amendment bill which seek to raise the age to 16.

This will be so until the Malawi Law Commission comes up with new proposals on the marriage age.

Before the House voted to pass Bill Number 13 which, among others, contained the marriage age, Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs Peter Mutharika told the House that government decided to delete the marriage age clause following the debate which ensued after the Bill was passed.

“This bill had 27 amendments and we have deleted that clause on marriage age, meaning the marriage age remains at 15. The proposal has been sent back to the Law Commission for further consultation,” said Mutharika.

Currently, Section 22 (7) of the Constitution says for the people between the age of 15 and 18 years, a marriage shall only be entered into with the consent of their parents or guardians.

Section 22 (8) says the State shall discourage marriages between persons where either of them is under 15.

Parliament passed the bill to raise the age to 16 during the last sitting of the House but President Bingu wa Mutharika did not assent to the bill following protests from various quarters that the age of 16 could be raised further.

After the vote on Monday on the other 26 amendments, the bill was passed without a ‘no’ vote with 149 ‘yes’ while two MPs abstained and 39 were absent.

MCP leader John Tembo was one of those who were absent in the House after he walked out just before the voting started while Nkhotakota Central’s Edwin Banda and Lilongwe Mpenu’s Makala Ngozo (both MCP) abstained-The Nation.

Fuel problem to ease, situation under control

2009-12-02T23:52:00.002+02:00

Malawi's Energy Minister Grain Malunga says his officers are working around the clock to normalise the fuel situation. Pic exclusively by Malawi Digest.

By Chikondi Chiyembekeza/The Nation

The Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), a consortium of five private companies that import fuel, on Wednesday said the shortage of the commodity being experienced in the country is expected to ease by Friday after millions of litres loaded in Mozambique and Tanzania arrive in the country, Thursday.

Giving a breakdown of Malawi-bound fuel, PIL general manager Robert Mdeza said 1.1 million litres diesel were loaded in Beira and 600,000 litres at Nacala port both in Mozambique while 473 000 litres were loaded at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania on Wednesday.

A consignment of 276 000 litres of petrol and 200,000 litres of paraffin was also loaded at Beira port Wednesday.

“The 17 (rail) wagons loaded at Nacala departed on Tuesday morning and are expected in Blantyre on Thursday evening. Mbeya (on the border between Tanzania and Malawi) received 21 wagons, about 1.178 million litres of diesel via Tazara and was also loaded on Tuesday destined for Malawi,” said Mdeza.

He said with the expected consignment on Thursday, next week fuel companies will just be restocking the commodity because by then the situation will have normalised.

Mdeza said the fuel coming into the country could be enough but that there is “panic buying” by some customers and unscrupulous traders who are making a kill out of the situation.

“There is a secondary market of fuel that is re-emerging due to the shortage. But those who are stock-pilling the fuel are just wasting their time because the situation will normalize,” he said.

According to PIL schedule seen by this reporter, as at November 30, one truck each with a capacity of over 600,000 litres of diesel delivered the commodity at BP and Total filling stations and three trucks at Petroda in the Southern Region.

In the Central Region, three trucks dispatched diesel at a Total filling station, one at a Chevron and two at Petroda. The Northern Region did not receive any consignment of fuel, according to the schedule.

In terms of petro, the PIL schedule indicates that only one truck offloaded petrol at a Total filling station in Blantyre.

This means that six trucks entered the through Muloza, two in Mwanza and seven at Dedza, with 14 trucks for diesel and one for petrol.

The PIL schedule also shows that 700,000 litres of that arrived in 18 wagons on Saturday November 28, was all consumed on Sunday in Blantyre alone.

Malawi buys most of its fuel from BP Singapore which supplies about 70 percent of the commodity. The rest is supplied by Petromoc.

Meanwhile, the PIL says it will address a news conference any day this week to give an update on the fuel situation.

In a related development, Malawi’s Information and Civic Education Minister Leckford Thotho has assured the public that government is doing everything possible to normalize the fuel shortage situation.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the official government spokesperson said that stakeholders in the fuel industry including government are working around the clock to make sure that the country is supplied with fuel.

“We appeal to the public to avoid creating panicking situations as millions of litres of fuel are on their way into Malawi,” said the Minister.

Thotho said that he has been in touch with his Natural Resources, Energy and Environment couterpart Grain Malunga who did assure the government spokesperson that everything was being done to normalize the situation-The Nation/Malawi Digest.

Nsanje inland port still a reality, in 12 months

2009-12-02T23:50:00.004+02:00

A bill board at the Nsanje Inland Port where work is reported progressing so rapidly. Pic by Malawi Digest.

By Lucy Liponda

The Malawi government, has dismisses reports that their Mozambican counterparts had pulled out of the Shire-Zambezi Waterway project.

This was disclosed by Deputy Transport Minister Francis Kasaira in the Shire Valley district of Nsanje.

Speaking to reporters after touring the project being undertaken by the Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika administration, Kasaira said that he was impressed with the kind of progress that he had seen at the site.

The Minister said that the Nsanje Inland Port project remains one of the biggest projects that the Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika takes so serious.

Eye of the Child hails Prof. Peter Mutharika

2009-11-30T17:50:00.004+02:00

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

2009-11-30T09:24:00.006+02:00

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

2009-11-29T21:39:00.004+02:00

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

2009-11-26T19:36:00.004+02:00

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'

2009-11-26T12:24:00.004+02:00

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.