Tag Archives: Chakwera Tonse government

corruption, Malawi

Chakwera’s Tonse Govt nepotism exposed: Job seeks demand answers on ghost HSAs, Police recruitment

Maravi Post Author


By Sarah Gwetsani

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Social media forums have been a washed with news for ghost names who have made their way in as successful candidates without attending interviews for the position of Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs] tenable in the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of health shortlisted some successful candidates earmarked to start employment in the civil service but to the surprise of many who sat for the interviews.

Ghost names were picked and have formed part of successful candidates a development which is worrisome to many who attended the interviews and have not been successful.

Districts such as Ntchisi, Chiladzulu, Phalombe, Mzimba, Mchinji, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Salima, Chitipa, Mulanje, Lilongwe, Karonga, Dedza, Dowa and Nkhatabay are appearing on the list with some names that have been asked to start work without attending interviews.

The development is similar to the Aptitude Test primary school teachers under went in October, 2022 across the country for PT3, PT2, and PT1 Grades where successful candidates were being invited in secret through phone calls from the offices of the District Education Managers to sign letters of promotions.

President Lazarus Chakwera was voted into office with trust that he will fight nepositism, tribalism, corruption in public office recruitment.

But instead of fighting the vices, he has been seen condoning it contributing to rampant corruption which is three times bigger than it was during the reign of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Job seekers who attended the HSA’s interviews in Blantyre petitioned the office of the District Commissioner demanding answers.

So, too, Mchinji where angry youth visited the offices of those who were on the panel of interviewing candidates to explain the criteria used to pick ghost names as successful candidates to start work in the Ministry of Health.

Political activist Bon Elias Kalindo has claimed that only those with names connected to Capital Hill and State House are the ones who are being considered to work in government institutions such as Police, MDF and Immigration, among others.

Kalindo has faulted the ACB for existing on paper while on the ground is zero claiming that its Director General Ms. Martha Chizuma who was entrusted to carryout the mandate of the institution to arrest and prosecute corruption suspects is on holiday with full of scones in her mouth.

Kalindo said, “If the ACB was alive and kicking, it would have investigated and brought to book many people who have found their way into government payrolls without making formal applications and interviews for various positions in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“This is the time that those without names and connections to Capital Hill and State House to sit down and make informed decisions that never again to vote for President Chakwera to bounce back into government in 2025.

He adds, “It is sad that everywhere in government institutions, there are family relations similar to what DPP was doing claiming that the Chewas have dominated the Police, MDF, Immigration and all other departments strategizing to rig the 2025 elections.

“Many Chewas are in all institutions and are heading those institutions to make sure that President Chakwera and his MCP bounce back into government in 2025″.

Business, Malawi, Opinion

Chakwera’s doomed Canaan: Soaring sugar prices leave Malawians grappling

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The sugar industry is the backbone of numerous economies worldwide, and any fluctuations in its prices can have a profound impact on millions of people.

It is with great concern that we address the current predicament faced by consumers as sugar prices continue to soar uncontrollably across the country.

Despite this alarming phenomenon persisting for weeks, both the prominent Illovo Sugar company and the government have remained eerily silent.

In this feature, we delve deep into the implications of this dire situation, exploring the causes behind the surge in sugar prices and its far-reaching consequences.

A Crisis Unveiled

As the sun rises on yet another day, a dark cloud looms over the nation’s households, silently reflecting the bafflement and anguish of the general populace regarding the skyrocketing sugar prices.

It is not uncommon for consumers in certain regions to shell out a staggering MK2,900 or even MK3000 for a mere kilogram of sugar.

This unprecedented hike in prices has left families grappling with the inevitable financial strain, transforming the once humble kitchen staple into a luxury commodity.

The Deafening Silence

Significantly, neither the Illovo Sugar company recognized as a leading player in the industry, nor the government has addressed or acknowledged the enduring crisis gripping the sugar market.

The evasiveness of these authoritative entities raises unsettling concerns among the public, questioning their accountability and willingness to alleviate the ever-growing burden on consumers.

This silence leaves us pondering: Are they merely turning a blind eye to the plight of everyday citizens?

Root Causes

To truly fathom the intricacies surrounding the surge in sugar prices, it is crucial to unravel the multitude of factors that have contributed to this unprecedented phenomenon.

Hoping to shed light on this quandary, we embarked on an exhaustive investigation that uncovers the deep-rooted causes that have driven sugar prices to skyrocket.

Global Forces at Play

The meteoric rise in sugar prices is not an isolated incident exclusive to our nation; rather, it is part of a broader global trend.

International market dynamics, including weather-related complications affecting sugarcane plantations across countries, have disrupted sugar production.

The resultant scarcity has sent shockwaves throughout the industry, prompting an overwhelming surge in prices.

Unsteady Domestic Production

Domestically, the sugar industry has faced its share of trials and tribulations. Poor harvests, climate change-induced irregular weather patterns, and inadequate resource allocation have hindered our ability to meet the mounting demand for sugar. The consequences of these shortcomings are now being borne by the consumers in the form of exorbitant prices.

The Elusive “Supply and Demand” Balance

In an ideal marketplace, supply and demand determine prices. However, the sugar market is plagued by an imbalance, with demand significantly outweighing the limited supply.

Increased consumer needs, driven in part by the pandemic-induced home baking trends, coupled with deficient production levels, have tipped the scales toward an unprecedented price surge.

Unveiling the Human Impact

Malawi Inflation Rate

As the sugar prices scale astronomical, the everyday citizen bears the brunt of the repercussions. Families once accustomed to indulging in the simple pleasure of a cup of tea with sugar now find their daily rituals disrupted.

Households must make agonizing choices between purchasing necessities or fulfilling their sweet cravings.

The social fabric of our society is being strained as individuals struggle to make ends meet to secure the most basic of commodities.

Furthermore, this crisis extends beyond individual households, risking the prosperity of small food vendors and entrepreneurs.

The inflating sugar prices erode profit margins and make it challenging for these businesses to survive, let alone thrive.

The economic implications could be far-reaching, with potential waves of job losses and a sluggish business environment emerging as likely outcomes.

Conclusion

The current surge in sugar prices transcends mere statistics and economic jargon. It embodies the plight of individuals, families, and communities struggling to cope with financial strain and the deprivation of even the simplest joys.

The deafening silence from both the Illovo Sugar company and the government raises serious questions regarding accountability and empathy.

Urgent and comprehensive action is required to address this crisis, mitigate its impact on society, and safeguard the financial well-being of individuals and businesses alike.

Failure to do so may result in severe economic consequences and a profound loss of faith in the very institutions meant to protect and serve the interests of the general public.

Business, Malawi

Chakwera’s Tonse Govt passes IMF test, secures US$174m

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance Government has passed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) first test as the global lender has reached a staff-level agreement on the second and last review of the Staff Monitored Programme with Executive Board Involvement (PMB).

This means, Malawi will be given US$174 million (about MK195 billion) under a new 48-month financing arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

IMF’s released statement on Thursday, September 21, 2023, says the agreement is subject to IMF management and executive board approval scheduled for mid-November this year and receipt of the necessary financing assurances.

The IMF mission chief Mika Saito, who led the staff discussion with Malawian authorities from August 29 to September 30, is quoted in the statement as having said the arrangement is expected to catalyze grant financing and support ongoing efforts to restore a stable and sustainable macroeconomic position.

“The prospective ECF-supported program will aim at restoring macroeconomic stability, building a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth, addressing weaknesses in governance and institutions, and strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks.

“Fiscal policy will aim at achieving a debt-stabilizing primary balance in the medium-term through a package of expenditure adjustment and revenue mobilization measures. The authorities are committed to applying fiscal discipline, containing domestic borrowing, and improving public financial management,” said Saito.

The IMF team met President Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Sosten Gwengwe, Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor Wilson Banda, and other senior government officials.

Currently, Malawi’s local debt is pegged at MK2.9 trillion.

corruption, Malawi, Opinion

Thieves! Exit Butchery enters Pharmacy for AIP suppliers

Maravi Post Author 1 Comment

By Falles Kamanga

President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government is in a shame again on 2023/2024 Agriculture Inputs Programme (AIP).

The leadership keeps on making silly mistakes including public resources theft, corruption costing the nation heavily.

After 2022/2023 AIP MK750 million mess, one thought Chakwera’s leadership could do better but, Alas!, the same misconduct of public resources keep on coming.

Despite the shame, praise team continue lauding Chakwera’s failures with the popular notion, “Bola (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP inachoka m’boma (Better DPP was out of government). This is dull type of thinking among Malawi Congress Party (MCP) zealots, instead of helping Reverend Chakwera to do better.

Now, in this Romanian pharmaceutical company being contracted into 2023/2023 AIP fertilizers supply, its clear that in the main agreement, there is a Webber Wenzel Stamp.

It’s a South African Law firm, and Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba also travelled to South Africa for the meeting with this law firm.

This means it is the second time Colleen Zamba has been implicated in big corruption scandals.

SP Colleen Zamba was first implicated in NOCMA corruption scandal worth billions involving NOCMA and a Nigerian “Chief” .

The overrated Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale convinced the president and the cabinet, while Colleen Zamba was behind the scene calling in shots. Colleen Zamba was using Principal Secretary Mlozi.

In all this deal, money exchanged hands, and Kawale and Zamba together with president Chakwera were promised big Chunk of moneys if the deal will be successful.

This is the main reason Kawale hand-picked AIP fertiliser suppliers jumping the ODPP and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

Kawale said he has opted for hand picking than open tender because he was against time, which is not true.

Kawale already got his part from this Romanian pharmaceutical company as a kickback.

Now after realizing public anger on how Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government single handedly pick pharmaceutical company, the Romanian East-Bridge on Friday, June 9, 2023 evening updated its website to include agriculture as part of its operations. Very shameful! Whom do you want to lie to?

Prior to East-Bridge’s website update, company profile lead, “East Bridge Estate is a young and dynamic company specialising in importing medical equipment, founded in 2018 based in Bucharest, Romania”, nothing on agriculture services.

Eventually, MCP praise team on Saturday, June 10 were all over social media defending Romanian pharmaceutical company for having experience in agriculture inputs.

Thieves have been exposed! Malawians will not accept this public theft.

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

Development

Chakwera’s Tonse Govt rescues Karonga dry spell survivors with free maize

Maravi Post Reporter

KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-As one way of making sure that no one suffered from hunger in Karonga due to the dry spell that has hit the district, goverment has announced plan to distributing free maize to all affected households.

According to the district official report, the distribution will start from Karonga South Constituency before extended to other constituencies.

The report confirmed that 12500 households in Karonga south constituency will benefit from the program.

“The distribution will be in each and every constituency. Number of beneficiaries from all constituencies have already been filed,” reads the report.

Speaking in a phone interview, Member of Parliament (MP) for Karonga south constituency, Uchi Mkandawire said trucks of maize have already ferried to his area.

Mkandawire who is also Minister of Youths and Sports thanked government for a quick response.

“I think now the doubt Thomases can see themselves that Chakwera administration is a caring government. Chakwera is not sleeping but making sure that cyclone Freddy and dry spell victims are safe. As an MP for Karonga south, I am very happy,” he said.

Karonga dry spell

Senior Chief Wasambo who is from the area was shocked with the development saying “this is a big relief to us. My subjects and I had no hope.”

Thousands hectares of crops in Karonga have been affected by dry spell.

Human Rights, Malawi

Civil servants threaten Chakwera’s Tonse Govt with mass strike

Maravi Post Reporter 1 Comment
Malawi Teachers council part of civil servants

By Vincent Gunde

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) and Teachers Union of Malawi [TUM] have jointly noticed Government of their intention to call for a nationwide industrial action in form of strike for all civil servants in Malawi from Monday, January 9, 2023.

The CSTU and TUM say the notice is following the recent Government Negotiation Team (GNT) meeting with the Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) and Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) that took place on Friday, December 16, 2022 in Lilongwe.

In a letter addressed to Government Negotiating Team with copies to the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), Secretary for Labour and Secretary General of the Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) dated December 21, 2022 signed by Madalitso Njolomole and Charles Kumchenga respectively, a warning has been sent to Government that the strike shall be called-off until it addresses all the concerns they presented.

The letter says CSTU and TUM have opted for the nation-wide industrial action due to Government’s failure to address most of the workers’ concerns in relation to the current prevailing high cost of living in Malawi that has made lives of majority of public civil servants unbearable.

“It is our sincere hope that Government will treat this letter with utmost urgency it deserves to mitigate the negative consequences of this planned nationwide industrial action,’’ reads part of the letter.

Meanwhile, a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) diehard of Mvera in Dowa district Mr. Rodgers Kamphangala, has asked those behind calling for a nationwide industrial strike not to fool their colleagues aiming to be silenced by Government.

Kamphangala observed that similar previous industrial strike have been ended in tears without yielding the specific objectives with allegations that the Union leaders have pocketed money from Government to call off the strike.

He also advised teachers not to be divided with some opting for a sit-in while others are teaching in classes advising them that the benefit of the strike goes to all and it is good to join the strike as a union and one voice.

’’Stand up with one voice, you are not killing sons and daughters of the poor but Government will be answerable to the poor,’’ said Kamphangala.

He has also asked Government to raise Auxiliary Teachers allowance from MK80,000 to MK150,000 a month claiming that many of these are teaching in the very remotest areas and cannot survive with MK80,000 adding that if Parliamentarians have raised for themselves sitting allowance to MK100,000 from MK80,000 per day why not this happen to teachers?

Kamphangala has expressed optimistic that President Lazarus Chakwera will handle the letter by himself to address the challenges civil servants particularly those at lower grades are receiving as salaries per month.

corruption, Malawi

Chizuma not afraid of Chakwera’s Tonse corrupt aids, Minister, relatives

Maravi Post Reporter

Bold Chizuma stands firm against corruption
Chizuma dares Chakwera alongside corrupt aids

KASUNGU-(MaraviPost)-Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General, Martha Chizuma on Friday, December 9, 202 dared President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance officials on her strong stance against corruption.

Chizuma declared war against corrupt official barely two days after she was arrested and released while charged on January leaked audio.

Chizuma was arrested following a complaint that was lodged by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Steve Kayuni who alleged that he was injured by allegations made by the ACB Director General in a leaked audio clip.

Speaking at Kasungu ground during the Anti-Corruption Day on Friday, Chizuma said the bureau will deal with anyone involved in corrupt practices, regardless of political affiliation.

“We will not fear any political connections, money or power in the fight against corruption. Every corruption report will be investigated and culprits will be brought to book at any cost,” she said.

Chizuma therefire warned those involved in corruption that no amount of money will buy their freedom.

She said that efforts has to discredit the bureau and cripple its functions will only make the bureau stronger.

Chizuma was formally charged with making use of speech capable of prejudicing a person against a party to judicial proceedings which is contrary to section 113 (1) (d) of the Penal Code, before being released on Police Bail.

The charge was dropped and Kayuni was suspended with immediate effect.

Malawi, Politics

CAMA calls for further austerity measures: Cabinet Minsters’ allowances be removed

Maravi Post Reporter

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) has called upon President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse government to cost cut several expenses to consider the countries budget.

In a statement, CAMA ,Chief Executive Officer, John Kapito said there is a need for removing allowances for the cabinet ministers and to reduce number of them to 20.

Zamba and Chakwera agreed to send lakeshore public servants conferences

Kapito said parliament should be responsible for scrutinizing delegation for the president and his Vice.

He said number of embassies should be reduced to 10 and reduce the number of stuffing.

Kapito said affordable input Program (AIP) should be channeled to other stakeholders for better improvement.

He said the review of packages and allowances for civil servants as indicated in the 2022-2023 should be implemented with immediate effect.

CAMA’s boss said called upon President Chakwera and his vice to cut down on both local and international trips.

He added that civil servants should be given small vehicles for the sake of fuel reservation.

Kapito said National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) should channel it’s responsibility to other financial institution for the betterment of Citizens.

He therefore called for the reduction of vehicles lined up for both President and vice’s convoys.

Malawi

Ghost workers hit Chakwera’s Tonse as Unity Minister Mtambo calls for nationwide HR audit

Maravi Post Reporter

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Unity Timothy Mtambo has demanded for Human Resource (HR) audit countrywide following the list of 17 ghost workers from Chitipa district.

Mtambo made the demand following a list of ghost workers allegedly coming from Chitipa district Hospital office that is circulating on social media.

Mtambo calls for HR audit countrywide

In an interview with Maravi Post on Saturday, Mtambo disclosed that if Chitipa has 17 ghost workers, there’s a possibility of many more other ghost workers in all the other districts across the country.

Mtambo said gone are days when people were being shielded and paid just by painting themselves in party colors.

He added that Tonse-led administration is professional and it abides by the rule of law.

“The said Chitipa list did not indicate the ministry in which the accused ghost workers are working with. This is a clear sign of the loopholes in our system and how rotten the system is.

“It is unethical and unpatriotic.We will bring those behind the malpractice to book so they can be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. We want others to learn a lesson once we’ve dealt with the ones who’ll be exposed,” said Mtambo.

Chitipa Ghost workers

In previous years, audit report undertaken by the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that there’s a continued existence of ghost workers, civil servants taking home double salaries and abuse of payments through allowances, dubious fuel allocations and other expenses.

The country has continued to lose millions of donor and taxpayer money through the malpractice over the years perpetrated by civil servants in various government ministries.

Human Rights, Law and order, Lifestyle, Top News

Mzati Nkolokosa dares Chakwera’s Tonse admin on turning Malawi into police state

Maravi Post Author

By Mzati Nkolokosa

Life has a way of bringing happiness to our hearts in time of mourning.

The Malawi Police arrested me on 18 April, 2020. I spent five nights in police custody, two nights in Blantyre, three nights in Lilongwe.

I appeared in court on Wednesday, 21 April. The state told the court that I was suspected to have stolen a little over K14 million. These were allowances paid to Ministry of Information staff in districts. Government pays all allowances into staff accounts. How could I steal such money?

After nine months of playing in court, the state withdrew the matter today. I had not yet taken plea, so I was discharged. Why did the state withdraw the matter? There was no crime. Not even intention of crime.

But that is not all. The state brought another charge. The charge sheet read as follows:

“Mzati Nkolokosa during the month of February, 2021, at DODMA Head Office in the City of Lilongwe, by virtue of your employment as Director of Information, charged with controlling fuel funds meant for Covid – 19 fight had in your possession fuel worthy MK7,650,080.00 loaded in Petroda Malawi card number 3372 and negligently failed to account on how the same was used.”

“Do you understand the charge,” asked the senior magistrate. “No. I don’t,” I said. “Please explain,” said the magistrate.

“I was employed by Malawi from 1 December 2019. My contract was terminated on 22 September 2020,” I told the court. “I, therefore, don’t understand how I was Director of information in February 2021.”

At that point, my legal counsel, Tamando Chokotho, produced copy of a letter of termination of my contract. I could read àchaos on the faces of the prosecution team. The magistrate asked the state to respond.

According to our records, the accused was Director of Information in February 2021, said the prosecutor. “But the accused has produced documentary evidence of his employment,” said the senior magistrate. “Then we need to go back, to investigate,” said the prosecutor.

So, these were the proceedings in court today. Nine months of being accused of crimes that do not exist. Nine months of being under police custody. Nine months of walking with the label of a thief.

In the book I am writing, titled “Crocodiles Are Still Hungry,” the events of today shall form two chapters. Perhaps three. I know the crocodiles will cook up another case against me, but I am not worried. I did no wrong.

I shall appear in court again later in the month. But the state is confused. I don’t know what information they shall bring in court? Change date of crime? Hahaha!

God has a way of confusing the enemy. Life, too, has a way of bringing happiness at a time of mourning. My dad died this morning, peacefully in his sleep. When I got the news at 5 am, I made up my mind to still appear before the court. Perhaps it was for this happiness.

I got my freedom on the day my father died. The state was confused on the day my father died.