Lilongwe, January 9: Cultural Heritage Cooperation of Malawi Acting Director Dr. Owen Mbewe has described the planned demonstrations by some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as unnecessary.
Addressing the media in Lilongwe on Friday, Dr. Mbewe said the CSOs have personal interest in the planned demonstrations hence their reasons for demonstrating are not valid.
“Where were all these people and CSOs when people were stealing money from government in the infamous cashgate scandal and hiding it in cars and roof-sealing, why did they not choose to demonstrate then?” pondered Mbewe.
He added, “I appeal to Malawians to change their mentality on how to deal with issues affecting the nation, people should not rush to demonstrate but try to find a peaceful solutions through dialogue.”
CSOs have planned January 13 for demonstrations if Beautify Malawi (BEAM) whose founder is First Lady Madame Gertrude Mutharika and cultural grouping Mulhakho wa Alhomwe do not return the money donated to the two institutions by National Aids Commission (NAC).
Commenting on how the money from NAC was used by the two institutions, Dr. Mbewe said it is impossible for the money to be returned because it was used for the purpose it was donated for.
“NAC bought a table at BEAM fundraising while Mulhakho wa Alhomwe used the money to buy condoms for distribution as part of their work. How do you trace the condoms and whosoever used them so that you get them back?”, wondered Mbewe.
Cultural Heritage Cooperation of Malawi is also involved in research projects on how to improve the economy and preserve Malawian culture.
