Category Archives: Malawi

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corruption, Law and order, Malawi

State withdraws cementgate cases against Chunara

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Masauko Chamkakala has dropped the cementgate cases against two businesspersons, Mahmed Shafee Ahmed Chunara and Ahmed Mohammed Chunara.

The duo was among five individuals accused of misusing former President Peter Mutharika’s presidential privilege to import duty-free goods for personal use.

Chamkakala confirmed this development to Nation Online adding that one of the two will become a state witness, although he did not disclose the identity of the individual.

“They have admitted liability to the tax infractions and are paying the tax and penalties as prescribed under the relevant tax laws,” Chamkakala.

He added that he needed to verify the exact amount to be repaid.

Documents filed in the High Court in 2022 revealed that between November 2018 and December 2019, Mahmed Shafee Ahmed Chunara allegedly imported 1,250,770 bags of cement duty-free, claiming it was for Mutharika’s personal use.

The remaining suspects include Mutharika’s former bodyguard, Norman Paulosi Chisale, former director general of State Residences, Peter Mukhito, and former Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) deputy commissioner general, Roza Mbilizi.

Agriculture, Malawi, Regional

Chakwera ambition to feed Africa

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Abel Ikiloni

ROME-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera says his government has confidence to turn Malawi into an inclusively worth, self-reliant nation which is well industrialized and an upper middle income economy.

He emphasized on the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy as a strategy that can accord the country to move into mechanization and commercialization.

“We need to put emphasis on the ATM strategy so that we move from subsistence farming to commercialization.

“Smallholder farmers can be in groups and cooperatives and be empowered so that we can have more products and then add value to such products. We have industries across the country for the products,” he said.

He said it has been tough for Malawi with the effects of climate change hence the need for deliberate efforts on irrigation.

According to Chakwera, all the irrigation schemes that were no longer functional have been resuscitated and new ones have built and with the help of the World Bank Malawi expects to have one of the largest irrigation schemes in Southern Africa.

Chakwera assured the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) that he will make sure that agriculture becomes a big business in Malawi by utilising water from Lake Malawi for irrigation and create more mega farms to address El Niño which brought hunger in Malawi.

About 5.7 million people this year have affected by hunger.

FAO Director General, QU Dongyu, thanked President Chakwera for his commitment to addressing issues of climate change thereby averting hunger.

Dongyu said they are committed to supporting Malawi in irrigation.

Malawi, Regional, Religion

Malawi President Chakwera meets Pope Francis

Lloyd M’bwana

VATICAN-(MaraviPost)-In an historic official visit to Rome, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.

During the meeting, which was visibly warm and graceful, the two leaders discussed the progress of bilateral relations between Malawi and the Holy See.

The meeting draws both on historical ties between the two States and on their shared unique place in the global community as the only Heads of State whose formal training is in Theology and Philosophy and whose transition to leadership in the State emanated from their leadership in the Church.

In his remarks, President Chakwera conveyed to His Holiness the Pope his great delight in having an audience with him, stressing that he had come not only representing the Malawian people.

This is a significant portion of which are Catholics, students and disciples eager to continue learning about servant-leadership that puts the needs of the people first.

Chakwera also used the meeting to commend Pope Francis for his leadership in matters of global concern, such as climate change and rising economic inequality, advocating for partnership between the two States.

On a personal note, Malawi leader also expressed his sadness and condolences to His Holiness on the recent tragic passing of Former Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, whom the Pope had met in 2016.

He described late Dr. Chilima as “a devout Catholic and a source of inspiration for millions of Malawians”.

Chakwera therefore thanked the Pontif for the exceptional leadership and ministry of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) in shepherding Malawians through the daze of shock, grief, and confusion that followed the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of the Vice President and right others on June 10th.

For his part, Pope Francis expressed great joy at meeting the President and pronounced his blessing upon him and the people of Malawi, pledging support for and solidarity with Malawi’s quest for greater prosperity and peace.

His Holiness the Pope also directed that the Vatican’s Secretary of State meet the President before his departure from the Holy See, not only to make further progress on how the relations between Malawi and the Vatican can be strengthened, but to also to see to it that the President was conducted on a private tour of St. Peter’s Basilica for a moment of prayer for Malawi-Vatican relations.

corruption, Malawi

SPC Zamba forced PPDA to approve MK128bn NOCMA-QLV Digital Fx Forex Bureau contract without tender

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The embattled Secretary to The President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba is reportedly forced Public Procurement and Disposal Authority (PPDA) to approve a controversial fuel procurement deal that will see a Lilongwe-based forex bureau Digital Fx (Malawi) Limited pay MK128 billion taxpayer money with half the amount paid upfront.

SPC Zamba is National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) board chairperson.

PPDA has confessed procuring the single sourcing threshold, that government entities are allowed to procure without tender, and that contracting solely based on a supplier’s offer is not a lawful procedure.

However PPDA told Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) that the deal still meets the undisclosed requirements.

The deal is to procure 125 000 metric tons of diesel and 125 000 metric tons of gasoline from, purportedly, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi, a United Arab Emirates-based trader through a Lilongwe-based forex bureau, QLV Digital Fx (Malawi) Limited–has raised suspicion and fears of conspiracy to defraud the state.

Sources within National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) and Malawi Regulatory Authority (MERA) told this publication that Zamba is behind deal that government regulating agencies’ hands were tied following OPC order.

“How could such a big deal be seen the light of the day without SPC Zamba eye? This is what she has been doing forcing government agencies to approve contracts without vetting”, alleges the source at OPC.

In published article by PIJ exposed several questionable aspects of the deal, among them, law-breaking with no tenders opened for procurement that is supposed to be done under international competitive procurement rules and irregularities such as the breathtaking speed in how the deal was crafted with NOCMA requesting MERA to approve the deal even before the alleged supplier submitted an expression of interest to participate in the fuel supply.

Analysts also pointed to the fact that while the supplier is claimed to be a UAE company, the contract sum will be paid to a Lilongwe-based forex bureau Digital Fx (Malawi) Limited, as a sign of potential fraud related to payments to local officials.

Sources close to the deal said the MERA board was arm-twisted from powerful quarters in government to approve the deal.

Despite the glaring question marks over the deal, PPDA spokesperson Kate Kujaliwa confirmed to PIJ on Thursday morning that the request for no-objection–a technical term referring to final approval of all government contracts–has been granted.

“The request to use a restricted rendering procurement method was granted,” said Kujaliwa in a written response.

A critical aspect of the controversial procurement is that NOCMA was first approached by the alleged UAE company and not the other way round and in response to a question from PIJ on whether a procuring government entity can be allowed to make a procurement solely based on an offer from a supplier, PPDA confirmed the law does not allow such an arrangement.

Wrote Kujaliwa: “The PPDA legal framework doesn’t provide for a procurement method where a bidder makes an offer to a procuring and disposing entity. For guidance on the procurement methods provided for in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets legal framework see section 37 of the PPDA Act of 2017.”

However, the PPDA proceeded to approve the deal. In its written response to PIJ, it also confirmed that the 128 billion Kwacha procurement, is way above the amount NOCMA is allowed, by law, to procure goods and services without competitive tendering but insisted the move was within the law without elaborating.

“The current thresholds for procurement of goods, works, routine services, and consultancy services for NOCMA are MK5 Billion, MK10 Billion, MK4 Billion, and MK4 Billion respectively. These thresholds came into effect from 1 April 2024,” said Kujaliwa.

PDA further confirmed that as authority over all public procurement, PPDA does issue Circular on thresholds for procurement methods including Request for Quotation, and Open Tender.

“The current threshold NOCMA can use for a procurement method other than Open Tender which has a threshold that for RFQ depending on what it wants to procure. For goods, the threshold is at MK100 million. Use of other procurement methods other than Open Tender and Request for Quotation do not have a monetary threshold. Their use is based on the satisfaction of the set requirements for each procurement method as provided in section 37 of the PPDA Act of 2017,” Kujaliwa said in the written response.

Quizzed specifically on which circumstances would NOCMA be allowed to procure fuel without any competitive bidding, Kujaliwa said “NOCMA can be allowed to procure fuel without any competitive bidding procedures as provided in the PPDA Act of 2017 only when it has satisfied the requirements for the use of such methods i.e. single source, and restricted tender for instance,” but fell short of spelling the specific requirements.

Cross-questioned further on the requirements, Kujaliwa cited Section 37 (9) of the PPDA act without quoting it.

Reacting to the development, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) Executive Director, Micheal Kaiyatsa questioned PPDA’s credibility as a government institution mandated to regulate and oversee public procurement in Malawi.

“The fact that the supplier lacks a proven track record in fuel supply raises red flags about the potential risks involved, including corruption. PPDA has a responsibility to ensure that such substantial contracts are awarded to suppliers with verified experience to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently and effectively,” he told PIJ.

Kaiyatsa said it was clear from the handling of the facts that PPDA–just like MERA and NOCMA–had been compromised in the handling of the matter.

“One would question the fairness and integrity of the whole process,” he said.

This us not the first time SPC Zamba is caught abusing her power to influence government contracts for personal interests.

Zamba has never come to the public to dispute any corruption tendencies at OPC.

Politics

DPP elective convention: Mutharika vows to unseat Chakwera in 2025 for better Malawi

Burnett Munthali

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika has vowed to unseat incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera in 2025 while promising a better Malawi.

Mutharika told the DPP elective Indaba under way in Blantyre that Malawians have suffered enough under Chakwera leadership.

He pointed critique of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the current administration, asserting that despite their leadership, the government has failed Malawians.

Speaking passionately, Mutharika declared, “Even if someone has been in power, they cannot be voted for if they lead a government that is failing.”

He criticized the MCP for its inability to manage the economy and address various issues effectively.

“I told you, but you did not listen. You proceeded to vote for a government that is clueless, knows nothing, does nothing, and is essentially a zero government,” Mutharika said.

He further predicted that due to the failures of the current administration, political power would be divided among the DPP, UDF, UTM, and Aford in the future.

“Because of your failures, your kingdom will be divided among DPP, UDF, UTM, and Aford,” Mutharika added.

His comments were met with enthusiasm from the audience at the conference, reflecting widespread support for his criticism and vision for the future of Malawi under DPP leadership.

Many positions in DPP convention have gone unopposed including Mutharika himself.

Opinion, Politics

Road to 2025: MCP’s path to victory….Abida Mia be second Veep

Maravi Post Author

By Alfred Kaleya

It is a fact that last week’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP) convention has triggered enough elation among its supporters in all the regions: North, Central, south, and east.

Look—naysayers had their columns filled with sour reviews, insinuating that our party was going to split, especially since the two posts of secretary general and vice president had the most senior honorable.

Thank God, we had the most successful convention, squabble-free.

This has turned out to be the opposition’s biggest assignment. In fact, it is their biggest political nightmare, as their party, their plans, and perhaps, if at all— have fallen apart.

First, they are sick as to whether their conventions will match with us. Or, it will split them further. Thanks to all leaders who took part in the convention: winners and losers, you made our party able to demonstrate that it is the most peaceful party in the country.
But in this write up I want to praise Chimwendo Banda.

Let me begin by telling you how I knew him. It was in 2018 when I had hyperbolical feelings—craving to stand as ward councilor for Gwenya ward in area 24, Lilongwe.

At the time, the incumbent councilor was Mr Botha and I could not imagine the nausea of competing with him who had the advantage of incumbency.

Suddenly, I dropped the ambition and embarked on my political journey by supporting both the MCP councilors, the MP, and the president in the elections.

But I did not just make a U-turn, resources decreed that I could not continue. Everyone agrees that politics is all about money—and this is the reason why most youth and women do not take part in politics.

The hunger——and of course, anger was to learn politics through “behind the scenes” activities, and decide whether to stand in 2024 or not.

The day I introduced myself to the party’s leadership in the area, they briefed me on a number activity that as youth we were supposed to carry out in the district.

One of them was going around Constituencies drumming up support for our party. My first assignment was our visit to Baba Malondera Constituency with a team of youth from Msundwe.

I listened carefully to his message during the meeting before we were deployed for the job. The man is intelligent. He exuded powerful plans for the youth which—at least to me gave an advantage to the women in the party.

One of the ideas was to establish investment opportunities for the party, including mega-farms that would provide financial support to women and youth competing in their respective constituencies. This was a brilliant concept.

Around that time, Chimwendo effortlessly won me over with his simple yet; effective approach. Interestingly, this wisdom is something that Hon Chithyola Banda has consistently expressed during my interactions with him.

Similarly, Vitumbiko Mumba has repeatedly emphasized this point during his rallies and media interviews. As a young person, I have come to believe that the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) boasts some of the most intelligent and dynamic young politicians in the country.

I must admit that I admire the three for their exceptional oratory skills, intelligence, and energy. However, there is a bit of comedy in my head. I don’t know whether I am ok—or mad.

But am sure it’s the horror of waiting to know the full team in leadership positions that will take our mighty party to 2030. My heart is nearly wobbling, especially on the fact that democracy has anything to do with numbers in all the regions.

The question is, will the people responsible for filling the other remaining vacant positions do what we expect? I have a proposal for our leaders:

I suggest that the Second Vice President be allocated to the Southern region, specifically to Abida Sidik Mia. My reasoning is based on the following observations:

Firstly, Adidah Mia has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the party and has proven to be a strong advocate for the party’s interests in the South. She has already garnered significant support across the region’s districts.

Secondly, her exceptional performance as a cabinet minister has been impressive. From her appointment as Deputy Minister to her current role, she has consistently delivered results, silencing critics and earning my admiration.

During my two-year stay in Blantyre, I had the opportunity to observe her leadership style, and I can confidently say that she is a respected figure in the South.

Furthermore, allocating this position to Hon. Mia aligns with the Malawi Congress Party’s commitment to gender equality, as enshrined in Section 11(1) of the country’s constitution.

Our party has made significant strides in promoting women’s representation, with 41% of cabinet members, 45% of foreign mission representatives, and 50% of judiciary members being women.

In line with the United Nations He-for-She campaign, I urge our leaders to consider placing more women in senior positions, starting with the party.

I implore them to dismiss any misconceptions about having women in party leadership positions and recognize the value that Abida Mia can bring to the role of Second Vice President.

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

Politics

DPP convention not competitive as many positions go unopposed

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention is set to take place today, Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Comesa Hall in Blantyre, with seven candidates going unopposed, according to convention chairperson Dr. George Chaponda.

Addressing the news conference on Saturday, Dr. Chaponda revealed that party president Peter Mutharika, Vice President for the North Jappie Mhango, and National Treasurer General Edgar Tembo will face no competition in their respective positions.

However, several key positions will be contested, including the Secretary-General role, where incumbent Dr. Clement Mwale will face off against Peter Mukhitho.

CHAPONDA: All is set for the conference

The vice presidential positions for the southern, central, and eastern regions will also be contested, with Dr. Chaponda facing Joseph Mwanamveka in the south, Alfred Gangata facing Paul Gadama in the central area, and Bright Msaka competing against Lonnie Phiri Chijere in the east.

With delegates set to arrive in Blantyre, Dr. Chaponda assured that heavy security measures will be in place, coupled with accreditation processes for the expected 2,560 delegates.

The convention is seen as a crucial step ahead of the upcoming elections, with the DPP seeking to solidify its positions and prepare for the polls.

The opposition DPP has been in a leadership crisis after being removed from power in 2020.

Politics, Regional

Chakwera, others kick-start SADC talks

Lloyd M’bwana

HARARE-(MaraviPost)-The 44th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has started this morning in Zimbabwe’s capital city, Harare, with Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera in full attendance at the summit, being held at the remote New Parliament Building.

The meeting is being held under the strategic theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC.”

The theme augurs very well with Malawi Vision 2063 which is anchored on the three pillars of Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization; Industrialization.

As such, expectations are high at the venue that the 16-member bloc will produce a more detailed industrial strategy for Southern Africa, while also tackling, head-on, other pertinent regional issues such as trade, peace, security, economic growth and development, among others.

The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the Community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC. The Ordinary SADC Summit is held every year and is attended by Heads of State and Government from the 16 SADC Member States as well as heads of continental and regional bodies as observers.

Addressing the media on his arrival at Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe International Airport on Thursday, August 15, 2024, President Chakwera stated that SADC was capable of moving forward.

The youth demographic, he said, was an important pillar in not just the growth of the region but that of the continent at large.

“. . . that will spur all of us as member states to really move forward even towards the realisation of Agenda 2063 as part of AU (African Union).

“So SADC is well poised with all of the human resources that really is about young people and innovation. They are the centre of it and so I am looking forward to really engaging with others as to how best we can empower the youthful generation to propel all of us towards the dream of a prosperous Africa,” said President Chakwera.

Business, Malawi

Kabambe pushes for exports diversification amid Malawi’s forex base shrinking

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) governor Dr. Dalitso Kabambe has emphasized the need for exports diversification for Malawi to generate enough forex amid ailing economy.

Dr. Kabambe observes Malawi will continue to face economic challenges if it does not diversify its exports.

He however argues that relying solely on tobacco, maize, sugar and tea is no longer viable, given that the significance of these products has diminished over the past century.

He was speaking in Blantyre at a dinner for final-year students of Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA), where he was the guest of honour.

Kabambe added that Malawi needs to adapt to the times and seek other products that can boost its economy, including forex reserves.

“This generation must change the destiny of our nation. Perhaps we, the older generation, have failed the country and it is time for the younger generation to rectify this,” he said.

The former RBM governor then challenged the students to engage in entrepreneurship, saying job opportunities remain limited in the Malawian market.

MCA Head of Programmes for Blantyre Campus, Esnart Lengani, said the institution remains committed to producing graduates who are well-prepared for the corporate world.

“Our programmes equip students with knowledge that they can also use to engage in entrepreneurship, as we recognise that jobs are not sufficient for everyone,” Lengani said.

Dr. Kabambe recently joined UTM party ahead of 2025 presidential polls.