Category Archives: Malawi

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Politics

Malawi deserves better leadership  according to George Chaponda leader of the opposition

Dorica Mtenje

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE Maravipost: The opposition leader, George Chaponda, claimed that the country deserves leadership that promotes economic growth, forex stability, and job creation, not vague achievements and outright lies.

Chaponda made the remarks on Monday, January 18th in the august house during his response to the State of National Address, which was derived by President Lazarus Chakwera on Friday last week.

According to Chaponda, Malawi requires a leader who provides practical solutions, constitutional speeches that do not fall under SONA.

Chakwera only glorifies suffering while making little progress. It is for the first time in history that the unconstitutional SONA has failed to inspire confidence in the leadership, said Chaponda.

 He adds that there was no need to respond to what Chakwera derived.

as nation address and  it was all lies and self-glorification

He then apologized to the diplomatic corps, business community, faith leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders who attended the house last Friday expecting a proper address but instead listened to a campaign speech full of lies, which would have been more appropriate at a Village Development Committee meeting.

A legacy of lies: A damning analysis of President Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address

He therefore said ordinary Malawians are the best judges though Chakwera emphasized that the country is in surgery, implying that Malawians should endure pain for the sake of progress. However, he said the pain could have been endured during the first term of his tenure, not in the final year.

Chakwera’s SONA received mixed reactions with full of embarrassment from several districts, which he claimed to have developed, demonstrating zero development of the SONA’s achievement.

Development, Malawi

Social commentators laud Chakwera’s SONA-“It inspires, brings confidence, hope on youths, sports”

MaraviPost

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Renowned social commentators have highly rated President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) especially on youths and sports saying it inspires confidence and hope.

The commentators which includes human rights activist, Undule Mwakasungula and Youths Action Campaign Executive Director, Jackson Msika said the SONA has has provided accurate information with evidence on youths and sports activities.

According to them, Chakwera proved to the nation that youths and sports activities have grown under his leadership.

They also expressed their satisfaction on the number of youths who are economic independent after getting loan from NEEF.

Lazarus Chakwera
Sustaining surgery very painful-Chakwera

“No one including the youths themselves have come out to challenge Chakwera on this issue. This means that the whole country agreed that on youths and sports activities, this government has delivered,” they echoed.

Msika added that the modern and international sports infrastructures that Chakwera has done in his four years have positively contributed to the national economy.

He added that Chakwera and his Minister of Youths and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire have been carrying number of activities to encourage the youths.

“Chakwera himself has been hosting number of youths to dinner at State House and the responsible Minister have also been in different youths activities to give them hope and encouragement. These are undeniable,” added Msika.

The commentators however asked Chakwera to increase the budget to the Ministery of Youths and Sports in order to complete the unfinished projects.

In his speech last Friday, Chakwera talked about National Aquatic Complex, Griffin Saenda Indoor Sport’s Complex which hosted regional 5 youths games, Malawi youths games and Soche stadium in just mentioning a few.

The head of the state also highlighted some youths empowerment projects which his government has done in the past four years.

According to Chakwera, both National Aquatic Complex and Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports which its progress are currently at 63 and 80 percent hosted regional 5 youths games in December, 2022.

He further disclosed that the Malawi Youths Games which is a national program has identified 2000 youths from 20, 000 who participated and that through it Salima Secondary School won bronze medal in CAF African Schools Championship.

On the status of Soche stadium, Chakwera said his government has cleared all obstacles which were delaying the start of the project and that the work will begin in the forthcoming fiscal year.

Malawi, Politics

Kambanje’s Concerned Citizens grouping goofes on ST role in paying out projects claims

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The self-acclaimed and political activists Edward Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma with the banners Concerned Citizens of Malawi (CCM)-People Power Movement (PPM) in their ignorant press statement issued on Sunday, February 16, 2025 wrongly accusing the former Secretary to the Treasury (ST) Dr Mafuta Mwale of paying for some uncompleted projects.

In January this year, President Lazarus Chakwera appointed Dr Mwale as Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor replacing Wilson Banda.

The accusations comes barely two days after President Lazarus Chakwera presented State of Nation Address (SONA) which included unfinished projects in some district councils across the country.

Without senses, Kambanje and Nakoma are accusing the former ST Mwale wrongly.

The duo do not understand that fully how government projects are paid.

The ST would not have paid for any project without a certificate of completion.

Kambanje and Nakoma narrative is wrong aiming at attack Dr Mwale personally without any basis.

How funding systems in government works

According to government operations expert has clarified that according to rules and procedures, a ST doesn’t pay for projects as his or her job is to consolidate budgets from all ministries and implement the budget through funding of the different activities being implemented by the ministries.

“When it comes to project implementation, controlling officers or PSs request for funding through presentation of works completion certificates, which are usually signed by officials from Buildings Department of Ministry of Transport and Public Works and project consultants, certifying that work has been done and has been duly verified.

“All contractors are aware that once certificates are presented, funding, according to budget is released and then the PS does the payment to the contractor,” he explains on condition anonymity.

He added, “ST and Budget Director can never fund in the absence of the verified and signed certificate of completion of works.

“I would be surprised if anyone can bring evidence of funding from Treasury without the said certificate and indeed any contractor whose project received funding without a certificate of completion of works”.

He explains further, “As much as ST doesn’t do physical verification of completion of works, he or she relies on controlling officers who are implimenters of projects and officials from Buildings Department to sign off any work for payment.

“These are offices who are responsible for verifying actual wotks progress before approaching Treasury for funding. They are responsible for verifying actual works done”.

He concluded, “Treasury trusts that the controlling officers have followed all due processes before approaching Treasury for funding”.

With this explanation, Kambanje and Nakoma allegations on Dr Mwale are baseless.

Allow newly appointed RBM Governor to concentrate on lowering down inflation, settling monetary policy while stabling local currency Kwacha from further depreciation.


Malawi

The importance of accountability and truth in leadership: A critical view of President Chakwera’s actions

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

In a scathing critique of President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership, concerns have been raised over the president’s failure to properly address the misleading information and the lack of accountability from his ministers. A particularly stark message emerged recently, where it was pointed out that the President, despite receiving regular reports from his ministers, has either turned a blind eye to the inaccuracies presented or has failed to act on them, which could lead to disastrous consequences for the nation.

The statement starts with a clear rejection of what is perceived as an insufficient form of leadership. The President’s speech, in which he referred to the laying of foundation stones as part of his government’s development efforts, has been called out as an empty gesture. The accusation here is that while these symbolic actions may look good on paper or in speeches, they fail to represent real, substantive change or progress. The sentiment shared in this criticism is that, instead of making bold claims about laying down the foundation stones, the President needs to take more serious and direct action to address the issues the country faces.

The phrase “That is NOT authority, Mr. President” reflects the frustration felt by those who believe that the government under Chakwera has not demonstrated the decisive, impactful leadership expected of a head of state. The demand to “fire basitu” – a call for the dismissal of ministers who are perceived to be incompetent or corrupt – underscores the level of dissatisfaction with the current administration. The message is clear: the Malawian people are tired of superficial actions and empty rhetoric; they want leadership that is both decisive and accountable.

The reference to the President’s speech further amplifies the disconnect between his public statements and the real situation on the ground. The speech allegedly made misleading claims, such as the announcement of government initiatives that, according to critics, are either exaggerated or untrue. The President is accused of accepting these inaccurate reports without questioning or correcting them. The response to these speeches and claims—”Do something to redeem yourself”—reflects a growing public sense of disillusionment with the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.

A key criticism is that the President has failed to challenge the lies or half-truths being presented by his ministers. Ministers have reportedly offered vague or fabricated stories about government projects, with some even instructing their subordinates to fabricate reports about the supposed success of certain initiatives. The President’s failure to catch these discrepancies raises serious questions about his leadership, especially considering the crucial role of the head of state in monitoring and overseeing the operations of the government.

The assertion that the President should be the most informed person in the country is central to this argument. As the head of state, the President is expected to receive accurate, truthful, and comprehensive information from his ministers in order to make informed decisions. However, the public is questioning whether President Chakwera has truly been made aware of the full extent of the inaccuracies and falsehoods circulating within his administration. If the President remains unaware of these issues, the consequences for governance could be severe, as it undermines trust in the very institutions that are meant to serve the people. If those at the top are not well-informed or do not hold their subordinates accountable, it becomes impossible for the government to function effectively or to meet the needs of the population.

The underlying frustration in this critique is not just about political failures but about the betrayal of trust. The people of Malawi, especially those who are struggling with poverty and unemployment, are looking for real solutions from their leaders. Instead, they are confronted with rhetoric and symbolic actions that do little to address the pressing issues they face. This situation becomes even more tragic when viewed through the lens of the country’s current economic struggles, where Malawians are yearning for leadership that can offer concrete results rather than empty promises.

To rectify the situation, many critics are calling for greater transparency, accountability, and a commitment to truth. This means ensuring that reports from ministers and government officials are factual and that any falsehoods or misleading statements are quickly identified and corrected. The President must take a more active role in overseeing the operations of his ministers and demand a higher standard of performance and integrity from his government. Only through such measures can the trust of the people be restored, and meaningful progress made toward a brighter future for Malawi.

In conclusion, the call for a more informed and accountable presidency is not just a matter of political reform but a matter of national importance. The future of the nation depends on leadership that is both transparent and effective, one that can deliver on its promises and provide the Malawian people with the opportunities and support they desperately need. The current climate of misinformation and political stagnation cannot be allowed to persist if the country is to move forward. The time for action is now, and the President must rise to the occasion, taking responsibility for the integrity of the information he receives and ensuring that the truth prevails for the benefit of all Malawians.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor

Opinion, Politics

The cost of Chakwera’s fear to sack incompetent cabinet ministers, aides: False SONA

Maravi Post Author

By Sylvester Ayuba James

Last time, during the right of opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), when Nicolas Dausi was quizzed about the President lying to the nation on development projects, his answer was that the President does not lie, but he just commits an error of linguistic exactitude.

The whole presidency cannot lie. To him, ‘lying’ is too offensive and demeaning a word to use against the presidency.

Well, whether the whole President can lie or not, where he claims to have achieved something that is not there it must upset us all.

We must be worried. And it must no longer be blasphemous to say the President lied.

So as turns out, President Chakwera said a lot of things which are not there. For me, whatever it is, whether a lie or an error of linguistic exactitude, it is embarrassing. And I refuse to believe that it is accidental. That long recount of premeditated lies can never be anything accidental.

The only question to which I have no answer is whether or not President Chakwera was also consciously aware that some of those projects he spoke so proudly about are either non-existent or unaccomplished. If he was, that is a grave mistake. It is, to say the very least, one unpresidential thing to do.

But if the President says he was not aware and was just, purposefully or mistakenly, made to feast on lies and fabrications, we can only believe him if certain individuals that he hired around him are fired by him for dragging his otherwise holy house into this dung.

There are just no two ways about it. The President cannot disown this and still owns the architects of it.

In my private conversations about quality of leadership, I have always maintained that the quality of any leader is reflected in the people he appoints to surround him and in how much he tolerates their mischievous adventures that have a bearing on the integrity of his office.

This far, President Chakwera is known for being afraid of disappointing his friends by firing them, with only one exception.

It seems the President is so loyal to his errant men and women that he would rather have the whole ship list and take in water with everyone on board than relieve it of the burden of the appointed few.

However the President deals with this scandal, it is very embarrassing. It’s not something we must all frown at.

The President should have minded taking us back to the days of Peter Mutharika when he repeatedly lied to the nation that DPP had built 15, 000 security agents’ houses when none of them had been erected, despite the National Assembly constantly funding the project for some years.

He cannot sink so low to the level of DPP and Mutharika. It’s sad. It is disgusting.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor

Human Rights

President Chakwera expresses unanswered questions surrounding Chilima’s death

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

In a somber and emotional statement, President Lazarus Chakwera has expressed his confusion and distress over the untimely death of his former Vice President, Saulos Chilima, who tragically passed away in a plane crash in the Chikangawa forest. Chakwera revealed that, like Mary, the late Chilima’s wife, he too is left with many unanswered questions regarding the circumstances of the fatal incident.

Speaking at an event, Chakwera openly acknowledged the overwhelming uncertainty that surrounds Chilima’s death. Despite being the country’s leader, Chakwera shared that he was still grappling with the same questions that many Malawians, especially Chilima’s loved ones, had concerning the tragic event. The President’s statement pointed to the deeply personal and national sorrow caused by the accident, further underlining the mystery that continues to cloud the incident.

Chakwera’s remarks also resonated with the grief and bewilderment felt by Mary, Chilima’s widow. She, like the President, has been left in the dark, with no clear answers about the crash that claimed the life of her husband, a man who had served the nation at the highest level. This shared sense of confusion and loss highlighted the lack of clarity surrounding the plane crash and emphasized the emotional toll it has taken on all involved.

The tragic death of Saulos Chilima has not only left a void in the country’s political landscape but has also raised several critical questions about the incident that remains unexplained. The fact that both the President and Chilima’s widow are still searching for answers speaks volumes about the uncertainty and lack of transparency regarding the circumstances of his passing.

This revelation from President Chakwera adds to the growing concern over the details of the plane crash, which remains a source of speculation and unanswered questions. While investigations are likely ongoing, the President’s candid admission that he is equally in the dark underscores the complex and unresolved nature of this national tragedy.

The statement also serves as a reminder of the human side of politics, where even those in positions of power and influence are not immune to the pain of loss and the frustration of not knowing the full story. In a time of grief, both President Chakwera and Mary Chilima stand united in their search for answers, hoping that in time, the truth will emerge about what happened to Saulos Chilima.

Politics

Phalombe District Council refutes President Chakwera’s claims on security staff housing

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

Phalombe District Council has raised a strong objection to President Lazarus Chakwera’s assertion that 29 houses for security personnel have been built in the district. The council’s chairperson, Agason Sompho, publicly challenged the President’s statement, revealing that no such houses have been constructed in the past five years.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Friday, 14 February 2025, President Chakwera claimed that 29 security staff houses had been completed in Phalombe as part of the government’s efforts to enhance security in the region. However, Sompho, in an interview with Zodiak Online, disputed these claims, stating that the district had not seen any such construction.

“The council was only told that the government intends to construct houses for the men in uniform,” Sompho clarified, further emphasizing that no physical work had been undertaken to build the houses. According to the council chairperson, despite receiving information about the government’s plans, no foundation has been laid, and there have been no signs of any construction activity in the area.

Sompho’s comments reflect the growing skepticism about the accuracy of reports regarding development projects, particularly those related to security infrastructure. The revelation has raised concerns among local residents who are questioning the validity of government claims made in the President’s address.

This situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the reporting and implementation of government projects. As the government continues to make lofty promises about infrastructure development, the Phalombe District Council’s challenge serves as a reminder of the gap that often exists between political rhetoric and the reality on the ground.

With the council pushing back against the President’s claims, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these allegations and whether further investigations into the matter will take place. As residents of Phalombe and other rural areas continue to voice concerns about the accuracy of government reports, the pressure for more honest and accurate communication grows stronger.

Politics

Sustaining surgery is very painful say Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera

Dorica Mtenje

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE (Maravipost): President Lazarus Chakwera describes the economic recovery as very painful as a significant amount of money went to COVID-19 treatment.

According to Chakwera, some Reserve governors’ officials transferred over MK400 billion after hours of 2022 elections.

He mentioned that he authorised the audit after taking office, which resulted in the arrest of some former cabinet ministers and civil servants from the previous regime.

He adds that Malawians will continue to experience pain until the current regime finalizes the surgery on the road to 2025 next term.

According to Chakwera ,this year’s State of National (SONA) address is themed at “Taking Our Development Forward to Continue the Progress

We Have Delivered.”

He further said n 2022, there was a lot of pain for our that the global fertilizer prices by which we had promised that a 50kg bag would cost less than 5,000 farmers, for that’s when Russia invaded Ukraine and

to go up three times in six months, forcing us to accept Kwacha was no longer realistic.

Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) member Michael Kaiyatsa described Chakwera’s National Address as a missed opportunity as he failed to address issues of hunger, the economy, and the way forward for implementing critical issues.

According to Michael Kaiyatsa, Chakwera’s National Address was a missed opportunity because he failed to address issues of hunger, the economy, and the way forward for implementing critical issues.

The National Planning Commission (NPC) commended Chakwera for the progress in district-to-district development, which shows how much the government has done on the ground.

Munthali stated that Chakwera did not give any indication on how the project mentioned will be maintained as indicators of 2063 goals.

Chakwera showcased the improvements he made during his tenure i during the SONA, which lasted for over four hours.

Malawi, Politics, Regional

Chakwera’s Inclusive SONA: “Lake Malawi entirely belongs to Malawians, period”

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has come clearly disputing recent social media reports that Lake Malawi belongs to neighbouring Tanzania.

In his State of Nation Address (SONA) on Friday, February 14, 2025 during the opening of the 51st of Parliament session in the capital Lilongwe, Chakwera made it clear to neighboring countries that the lake is entirely Malawian and should benefit its citizens.

He stressed that Malawi values peace and is willing to engage in negotiations with neighboring nations if disputes arise over the lake.

The Malawi leader assured the nation his government ambitious plans towards the development of Likoma Island.

Interestingly, Chakwera introduced a fresh approach in this year’s SONA, focusing on the achievements of his government across various districts, from Nsanje to Chitipa.

In this year’s SONA the Malawi leader showcased the successes of his administration, which include initiatives like the Affordable Input Program (AIP), Social Cash Transfer, free water and electricity connections, NEEF loans, distribution of relief food to families in need, and the construction of health and education facilities, as well as security houses, among other accomplishments.

While addressing Parliament, Chakwera acknowledged the hardships the nation has faced in recent years but expressed optimism for recovery and unity among the people.

The President highlighted that when he took office in 2020, the previous administration had left a MK4 trillion debt, which worsened the financial situation of the country. Chakwera also mentioned that local farmers have been further impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

To stabilize the economy, he explained that his administration revised procurement laws and required that foreign exchange transactions go through the Reserve Bank of Malawi.

Chakwera noted that the new Finance Management Act has led to the arrest of several civil servants, and he recognized the significant suffering endured by Malawians due to natural disasters and currency devaluation.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to respond Chakwera’ SONA.

Malawi

Chakwera touts development projects in Phalombe

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has highlighted his administration’s development projects in Phalombe, citing significant investments in food support, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

According to Chakwera, his administration has spent K4.7 billion on food support in Phalombe, benefiting over 11,000 households through the social cash transfer program over the past four years.

Additionally, more than 2,800 people have accessed loans worth over K2 billion through the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).

Chakwera also emphasized his government’s infrastructure development projects in Phalombe, including the construction of 29 houses for security personnel, four new schools, and the full operationalization of Chilembwe Hospital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2ZaPb4-Y5A

These projects, he noted, demonstrate his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Phalombe residents.

The President urged the 170,000 registered voters of Phalombe not to be misled by politicians who cannot advance the district’s development.

He emphasized that his administration’s development projects are tangible evidence of its commitment to the district’s growth and prosperity.

Chakwera’s remarks come as the country prepares for September tripartite elections, with Phalombe being a critical district in terms of voter numbers.

The President’s emphasis on development projects in Phalombe is seen as a strategic move to woo voters and demonstrate his administration’s achievements.