Tag Archives: Cecilia Chazama

Opinion, Politics

The power of disciplinary hearing in DPP for unity purpose

Maravi Post Author

By Twink Jones Gadama

Within the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Malawi, a disciplinary hearing was recently held, summoning three senior members – Kondwani Nankhumwa, Cecilia Chazama, and Grezelda Jeffrey.

These individuals were accused of organizing a National Governing Council (NGC) meeting without the consent of the party’s President, Peter Mutharika.

The motive behind their actions seems to be a desire to “snatch” the party. In this discussion, we will explore the importance of the disciplinary hearing in addressing this rebellion within the party and consider the best approach for expelling these individuals.

Importance of the Disciplinary Hearing: Upholding Party Unity and Discipline

The disciplinary hearing plays a crucial role in ensuring party unity and discipline. It sends a strong message that actions taken against the party’s principles or leaders will not be tolerated.

By holding these individuals accountable, the party can reassert its authority and maintain a disciplined structure.

Reinforcing Leadership Hierarchy

The disciplinary hearing aims to rectify the breach of hierarchy caused by the rebels. Organizing an NGC meeting without the consent of the party’s president undermines the leadership structure and creates disarray within the party. This hearing confirms the authority of the party leadership and reestablishes the chain of command.

Preventing Dissension and Mutiny

Rebellion within a political party can lead to infighting, and division, and ultimately weaken the party’s ability to function effectively.

The disciplinary hearing provides an opportunity to address this rebellion promptly, preventing further dissent from spreading amongst other party members. It serves as a warning to potential rebels, discouraging them from engaging in similar activities.

Safeguarding the Party’s Interests

Expelling individuals who seek to “snatch” the party and challenge its established leadership is essential to protect the party’s interests.

A disciplinary hearing allows the party to evaluate the impact of such actions and weigh their potential long-term consequences.

By removing those who threaten the party’s stability, the disciplinary committee ensures that the party can continue working towards its goals without obstruction.

Best Approach for Expelling Members

The expulsion of the rebellious members should be handled in a fair, transparent, and legal manner. While it is crucial to protect the party’s interests, fairness ensures that only those truly deserving of expulsion face the consequences.

Evidence Collection and Evaluation

The disciplinary committee should gather evidence to support the allegations against the individuals. Statements made by Nankhumwa during the illegal NGC meeting, as well as witnesses who can testify to their attempts at undermining party leadership, should be considered. This evidence will provide a basis for the committee’s decision-making process.

Right to a Defense

Members accused of rebellion should be offered the opportunity to defend themselves. They should have the chance to present their version of events, explain their motives, and challenge any evidence against them. This allows for fairness and ensures a thorough examination of the situation.

Due Process and Impartial Decision-Making

The disciplinary committee must follow a well-defined process that adheres to the party’s constitution and regulations. Decision-making should be impartial and objective, considering the evidence presented and adhering to the principles of natural justice. This will help maintain the integrity of the party and ensure trust in the disciplinary process.

Further Actions by the Disciplinary Committee

In addition to expulsion, the disciplinary committee has other options to address the issue:

Reprimand and Warning

Less severe actions, such as reprimands and warnings, can be issued to those who have shown remorse, demonstrated a commitment to the party’s values, and have not engaged in similar activities previously. These measures may offer an opportunity for reflection and reform.

Suspension

In cases where expulsion may be too severe, the disciplinary committee may consider suspending members temporarily. This serves as a strong message of disapproval without completely severing ties with individuals who may still contribute positively to the party in the future.

Conclusion

The disciplinary hearing within the DPP plays a crucial role in maintaining party unity, reinforcing leadership hierarchy, and addressing rebellion effectively.

Expulsion, if warranted, should be approached with fairness and transparency, ensuring that due process is followed.

By taking appropriate and decisive action, the disciplinary committee can safeguard the party’s interests and foster a more harmonious and disciplined political environment for the DPP in Malawi.

Business

New Finance Bank launched at Dzaleka Refugee camp

Special Absalom

In an effort to promote financial inclusion, New Finance Bank on Thursday officially launched the first ever Bank at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa.

Officially opening the branch, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Cecilia Chazama said the bank would ease the distance that refugees and asylum seekers had to travel to access banking services.

”I am aware that our refugees and asylum seekers had to go to as far as Dowa, Mponela, and Lilongwe just to access banking facilities,” she said.

Additionally she said the coming of the branch would ease pressure for the camp management in issuing exit permits to the refugees when they wanted to access banking services outside the camp.

Chazama urged New Finance Bank to offer quality services to the refugees, advising them to extend its services to cover all transaction needs for the refugees.

She pledged support to the new branch through the Reserve Bank of Malawi, in ensuring that operations in the camp remain a success, saying their initiative was in line with the Malawi Governments Development Agenda to strengthen the private sector.

New Finance Bank Chief Executive Officer, Zandile Shaba said refugees world over are excluded from accessing formal banking services and the new branch offers access to simple products, such as micro-lending, group loans that will further benefit the economic development of the community.

“We are launching a fully operational branch here at Dzaleka refugee camp, this is indeed a departure from what banking institutions normally focus on and this speaks to our mission of making people’s lives better,” she said.

Shaba said the camp has seen an explosion of entrepreneurism, giving rise to successful micro-businesses, from farmers to barbers, to profitable enterprises that include grocery shops, saloons, restaurants and poultry businesses. “It is indeed a unique and flourishing economic ecosystem and the only thing missing from the community was a bank.”

“It is in this context that New Finance Bank has chosen to strengthen entrepreneurial progress and broaden financial inclusion by offering the community a conveniently placed banking opportunity, coordinated with the immeasurable support of the Malawian Government, and efforts of various NGOs like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),” Shaba explained.

Although the bank was being officially opened it has already been operating in the camp since November 2017, through a small kiosk that was erected at the camp, and over 1000 refugees have already opened bank accounts with the bank since it started operating.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Malawi Representative Monique Ekoko said the banking services being offered will empower refugees to make proper savings with the proceeds from their businesses.

“There is no denying that refugees will be delighted to benefit from these services just as any individual would, further, we look forward to additional banking services being offered in near future,” she said.

Adding: “What is also exciting is the fact that the branch will incorporate some Malawians and some Dzaleka community members in the running of its operations as UNHCR we are delighted with this news as it draws on the human resource capacities in the camp and also benefits the surrounding community.”

Dzaleka Refugee Camp hosts nearly 27,000 refugees and asylum seekers from Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia and Ethiopia

Law and order, Lifestyle, Malawi, Regional, Top News

Malawi committed to fighting trafficking in persons – Minister

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Cecilia Chazama has pledged its commitment to fighting against trafficking in persons and has since called for strong partnership in curbing the vice in the country.

Chazama said this Friday in Lilongwe at the Bingu International Convention Centre when she opened National Inter-Disciplinary Symposium on Trafficking in persons.

She explained her ministry has increased issues of capacity building of investigators, prosecutors, enforcement and protection officers and sharing information and best practices in trafficking in persons management and interventions.

Chazama pointed out that government passed its first legislation, the Trafficking in Persons Act, in 2015 to combat the incidences of the scourge in the country.

“We can succeed in a achieving our unified vision and strategic objectives if we work in partnership, locally, regionally and internationally,” the Minister observed.

Chazama disclosed that globally, UNICEF has estimated that 2.5 million people are trapped in modern day slavery. She singled out that men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers both in their own country and abroad.

“Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. Malawi is not immune to the crime,” the minister noted.

Chazama added most Malawian trafficking victims are exploited within the country by generally being transported from the southern part to central and northern regions for forced labour in agriculture, goat and cattle herding and brick making.

The Minister said: “Many cases of child labour, external to the family, involve fraudulent recruitment and physical or sexual abuse, indicative of forced labour.”

She said trafficking of Malawians is not limited to within the borders as some people have been victims in Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Middle East countries and Europe.

Chazama pointed out that the trafficked persons are subjected to sexual and labour exploitation, extraction of body parts and forced to be drug mules.

She thanked Malawi Network Against Trafficking in Persons and the Conference of Western Attorney Generals (CWAG) for working in close collaboration with her Ministry to organize the National Symposium.

Assistant General for Pfizer and board member of CWAG, Markus Green said his organisation is working in partnership with eight African countries to combat trafficking in persons.

He said they started the partnership two years ago and are working with countries like Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

The National Symposium has drawn the participation of senior government officials, Non Governmental Organisations, Civil Society, Faith Based Organisations, Law students from Chancellor College and the Media.

Lifestyle

Malawi Minister hails Chewa Kulamba traditional ceremony

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

Dr Jean Kalilani
Chazama c) captured at the Kulmba ceremony with Minister of Gender Dr Jean Kalilani – Pic by Edson Mwmvani

Thousands of people from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique gathered at Mkaika Chewa headquarters in Katete, Zambia on Saturday, to pay homage to Chewa Chief, Kalonga Gawa Undi at the annual Kulamba traditional Ceremony.

Continue reading Malawi Minister hails Chewa Kulamba traditional ceremony →

Malawi

Minister Chazama impressed with National ID Registration turn-up

Maravi Post correspondent

Registration in progress

Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development, Cecilia Chazama has commended Malawians for their high turn-up for the national registration exercise, a development attributed to good working partnerships amongst stakeholders such as the National Initiative for Civic Education Trust, media, religious and traditional leaders. Continue reading Minister Chazama impressed with National ID Registration turn-up →

Business, Education

Minister requests NICE to help clear misconceptions over national identity cards

MaraviPost

Minister Chazama
File Photo: Chazama (R) with Mutharika ( Centre)

Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development Cecilia Chazama this week requested the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) to assist to clear misconceptions over the issuance of national identity cards, which some people are saying are meant for destruction.

Speaking when she visited some registration centres in Nkhotakota on Wednesday, Chazama said it was sad to note that some people in the country are shunning the national registration exercise, saying the national identity cards were being issued to Malawians believe that the card was a symbol of destruction. Continue reading Minister requests NICE to help clear misconceptions over national identity cards →

Malawi

Minister Cecilia Chazama to deputise Kondwani Nankhumwa as Leader of Government Business in Parliament 

Maravi Post correspondent

Chazama (R) with Mutharika ( Centre)

President Peter Mutharika has shown trust in the Member of Parliament (MP) for Blantyre rural north constituency Cecilia Chazama, as he has appointed her as the deputy leader of government business in the Parliament, soon after he had given her the post of Minister of Civic Education, previously headed by Patricia Kaliati.

The appointment was made over the weekend, according to our source.

Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya, also confirmed the development.

Nankhumwa, who was acting leader of the house soon after President Mutharika fired Dr George Chaponda, the past Minister of Agriculture, has now been confirmed in the position.

As tradition, Nankhumwa is expected to make a formal acceptance speech before the business of the house, today(Monday).

Among the Bills expected to be tabled in the house in the 2017 to 2018 financial year budget include, Green Belt Initiative Authority Bill, Trade Remedies Bill, Warehouse Receipts System Bill, Civil Aviation Bill, Plant Breeder’s Right Bill, and Plant Protection Bill.

Top News

My Take On It: When advancing a policy or a cause, adopt a friend or two in the media 

Janet Karim

When advancing a policy or a cause, adopt a friend or two in the media

Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.Habakkuk 2:2

It could be rightly argued that the government cannot operate without the media, and the media cannot exist without the government. The operations of either depend or feed on each other. On the government and its operations, officials are well advised to adopt a friend or two, more where possible, in the media.

Looking back in my role as a media practitioner, it was often overwhelming when a high-ranking official in political circles, went out of their way to either acknowledge or extend an invitation to me, a media practitioner. In the same way, for the political figures, to see a media report that highlights his or her job-related activities, is always uplifting.

Briefly, seven examples come to mind….there are many more, however these suffice for the commentary.

 

  1. Former Minister in MCP and UDF administrations, Aleke Banda – His manner of handling media personnel, was charming. My memory goes back to when he held the portfolio of information and tourism minister, heralding the Daily Times and Malawi News, finance minister, and later Press Corporation chief. He always smiled and greeted you loudly; he knew most media persons by their names. That is enameling
  2. Former President Bakili Muluzi – It is entrenched in my history, thanks to former UDF Secretary-General Harry Thomson, to have been given the opportunity to be the first journalist to interview Bakili Muluzi upon his becoming President in democratic Malawi. I whisked in along with me, a BBC journalist. That earned me points in the world famous media institution. Humbling.
  3. Former President Bingu wa Mutharika – I was enameled to this President when he launched the zero tolerance policy at Chancellor College; also announcing his break from UDF. As he walked out of the hall, he stopped to permit a student, who broke all protocol by (Gary debt had to climb down a column from the balcony), while shouting “Bwana, I just want to shake your hand.” Mutharika commended for being the first president to invite all journalists in the country to lunch at the Kamuzu Palace. Enameling.
  4. Former President Joyce Banda — I got to appreciate JB when she was chairperson of NABW; she called and castigated former UDF heavy weight Brown Mpinganjira, for permitting a cartoon appear in his paper that ridiculed women’s desire to wear trousers. As president years later JB honored me by permitting me to author a booklet in her first year in office. Brilliant.
  5. Former Vice President Justine Malewezi – Like Aleke Banda, knew most journalists by name. But I remember him most, for when I was part of his delegation to the 1994 Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Secondly I remember being specially invited by his office, and I placed in the “Special Persons” category during the Constitutional conference, 1995. Speechless.
  6. Former AFORD party President Chakufwa Chihana – It was uplifting to hear that the AFORD leader took copies of The Independent (newspaper I published and edited from 1993-2003) to every party meeting. But the grand signature statement, was being personally invited by Honorable Chihana to be the director of ceremonies when Kerry Kennedy Cuomo presented him his Human Rights champion award in Lilongwe. I would also escort Ms. Cuomo to some development projects. Wow.
  7. Former Minster of Gender Queen Gondwe – It was a grand and pleasant surprise, and an honor to get a call (early 1994) that Minister of Gender Queen Gondwe wished to make a courtesy call to the offices of The Independent. Another warming and enameling event. Humbling.
  8. Former Speaker of Parliament Rodwell Munyenyembe – He will always be appreciated for his personal handling of the distribution of the three languages of the Malawi Constitution, the announcement as an advert in all the papers currently in circulation in Malawi. He also personally ensured that payment for the advert, was made. Inspiring.
  9. Former Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development, Hon. Patricia Kaliati – She is a powerhouse as the loud voice on the portfolios she carried. As Minister of information, she defended media persons; as gender minister, she pushed for gender equality and championed the end of child marriage; and finally in the  portfolio of civic education, culture and community development, she incorporated previous portfolios exploits, running with the acquired capacities from previous posts. Commendable.

Recently it pleased President Mutharika to appoint a new minister to head the portfolio of civic education, culture and community development. This ministry, more than all the portfolio’s mentioned, requires heavy reliance on media to get its work done.

The first mandate, the civic education mantel alone, is huge. The local and some international papers, are awash with numerous articles on the deplorable actions of people; actions that are horrendous.

The actions, are a heavy indicator of the massive work required in civic education. To mention a few, there is the issue of the human rights abuse of albino persons, defilement of girls, rape, mob justice, killings due to jealousy. Many more fall under the other pillars, with some overlaps.

Madam Cecilia Chazama, Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development, you need to work fast, hard and keep on it 24/7. It’s a daunting task. If you could just envelope the media into your work-wagon, and the workload would become easier. The media is the instant nation-wide megaphone that when used wisely, your messages, and advocacy work, fan out in a superb manner. A megaphone is what is required to overcome all the challenges in the three pillars of your ministry. That megaphone is the media.

Three operative words: Enamel. Envelope. Megaphone.