Lilongwe -(MaraviPost)-The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe has ordered that former Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, be remanded in prison.
The decision follows ongoing proceedings in a case in which Chimwendo Banda is suspected of attempted murder.
Magistrate Austin Banda delivered the ruling during a court session held in the capital.
The court ruled that the matter should be committed to the High Court for further determination.
As part of the order, Chimwendo Banda will remain in custody until the committal process to the High Court is completed.
The magistrate further directed that the former minister undergo a medical examination.
The medical assessment is intended to establish the condition of his back before he is taken to prison.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations facing the former cabinet minister.
The case has drawn public attention due to Chimwendo Banda’s prominent political profile and past role in government.
In a bold response to Vitumbiko Mumba’s recent claims, Richard Chimwendo, Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has vehemently denied allegations of discord within the party.
Chimwendo asserted that MCP is united, with its members loving and supporting one another.
Chimwendo’s remarks came in response to Mumba’s statements during a radio interview on Zodiac with Leah Malekano, where he claimed that some senior MCP members do not wish him well.
Chimwendo dismissed these claims, stating that MCP is a peaceful and harmonious party.
“I love the President, and the President loves me,” Chimwendo said, emphasizing the strong bond between him and President Chakwera.
“Chakwera can’t just fire me anyhow; that’s impossible. People out there want me fired, but Chakwera is Chimwendo, and Chimwendo is Chakwera.”
Chimwendo also praised President Chakwera’s leadership style, describing him as an honest man who tells the truth.
He noted that Chakwera always consults before making decisions, and that he, Chimwendo, is often the first to be consulted.
Regarding the issue of a running mate, Chimwendo stated that he will leave the decision to President Chakwera at the right time.
However, he was quick to assert that MCP is not ready to have a woman as a running mate, claiming that this will never happen.
Chimwendo also defended MCP’s record, stating that the party has fulfilled its promises.
He attributed perceived failures to the United Transformation Movement (UTM) under the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, rather than MCP.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how MCP will navigate its internal dynamics and address the concerns of its members.
One thing is certain, however: Richard Chimwendo has made it clear that he will not be swayed by criticism, and that he remains committed to MCP’s vision and leadership.
In related news, Chimwendo has been touted as a rising political star, with some praising his impact and influence within MCP.
As the party prepares for future elections, it will be interesting to see how Chimwendo’s role evolves and how he continues to shape MCP’s trajectory.
A recent interview between Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, and Zodiac Station host, Leah Malekano, has sparked a heated debate on social media.
During the interview, Minister Chimwendo Banda confidently stated that the MCP government is doing all it can to support mega farms, citing over 100 small-scale farmers involved in the initiative.
However, his comments were met with ridicule and laughter from some quarters, with many claiming that the Minister’s understanding of the term “mega farm” was flawed.
But was it really? As it turns out, the concept of a mega farm is not as straightforward as one might think. In fact, the definition of a mega farm can vary greatly depending on the context and location.
For instance, a mega farm in Malawi may not be the same as a mega farm in Israel or Japan.
This raises an important question: what exactly is a mega farm in the Malawian context?
Unfortunately, it appears that many of those who were quick to laugh at Minister Chimwendo Banda’s comments are themselves unclear on the definition of a mega farm.
This is a classic case of “pot calling the kettle black,” where individuals are quick to criticize others without taking the time to understand the issue at hand.
It’s worth noting that knowing English is not a measure of one’s intelligence.
Intelligence encompasses a wide range of skills and abilities, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Minister Chimwendo Banda’s comments may have been misinterpreted or misunderstood, but that does not necessarily mean that he is lacking in intelligence or knowledge.
In fact, Minister Chimwendo Banda’s initiative to support small-scale farmers through mega farms is a commendable effort.
By providing resources and support to these farmers, the government can help to increase food production and security, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
Rather than ridiculing Minister Chimwendo Banda’s comments, we should be having a constructive conversation about the definition of mega farms in the Malawian context. We should be asking questions like: what are the key characteristics of a mega farm in Malawi?
How can the government support small-scale farmers to increase food production and security?
By engaging in a respectful and informed dialogue, we can work together to build a more sustainable and food-secure future for our nation.
So, let us give Minister Chimwendo Banda the benefit of the doubt and engage in a constructive conversation about the issues at hand.
As the saying goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s what you do with what you know.” Minister Chimwendo Banda’s initiative to support small-scale farmers through mega farms is a step in the right direction.
Let us support him in this effort and work together to build a brighter future for our nation.
In a candid interview, Chimwendo Banda, the Secretary General of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has openly acknowledged that the party they view as their primary competitor in the upcoming elections is the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This revelation comes as political tensions rise in Malawi, with the MCP gearing up for a challenging electoral battle.
Chimwendo’s remarks were made during an exclusive conversation with Leah Malekano of Zodiac News, where he expressed the MCP’s concerns about the DPP’s potential resurgence in the political landscape. “It’s obvious that DPP is the party we are worried about and not UDF, UTM, or AFORD,” he stated, highlighting the DPP’s historical significance and its ability to mobilize support among the electorate.
The DPP, which was in power from 2014 until its defeat in the 2019 elections, has been a formidable force in Malawian politics. Under the leadership of former President Peter Mutharika, the party garnered a loyal following, particularly in the southern regions of the country. Despite losing power, the DPP has remained active in the political arena, positioning itself as a viable alternative to the current
administration.
Chimwendo’s admission underscores the MCP’s recognition of the DPP’s enduring influence and the challenges they face in maintaining their grip on power. “We are aware of the DPP’s strengths and the support they still command among the people,” he said. “We cannot underestimate them, and we are preparing ourselves for a tough fight.”
The MCP, which came to power in 2020 following a historic court ruling that annulled the 2019 presidential election results, has focused on implementing various reforms and policies aimed at improving the lives of Malawians. However, the party has also faced criticism over issues such as corruption, governance, and economic challenges, which have led to discontent among some segments of the population.
Chimwendo emphasized that the MCP is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring that they resonate with voters ahead of the elections. “We are working hard to deliver on our promises and show the people that we are capable of leading this country,” he said. “We believe that our track record will speak for itself.”
Despite the challenges, Chimwendo expressed confidence in the MCP’s ability to fend off the DPP’s advances. “We won’t let DPP win this year’s election,” he asserted. “We have a solid plan in place, and we are mobilizing our supporters to ensure that we secure a victory.”
The MCP’s strategy includes grassroots mobilization efforts, community engagement initiatives, and a focus on key issues that resonate with voters, such as healthcare, education, and economic development. Chimwendo highlighted the importance of connecting with the electorate and addressing their concerns directly. “We want to hear from the people and understand their needs,” he said. “Our goal is to build a government that truly represents the interests of all Malawians.”
As the political landscape in Malawi continues to evolve, the DPP has been actively campaigning and seeking to regain its lost support. The party has been critical of the MCP’s governance and has accused the current administration of failing to deliver on its promises. DPP leaders have been vocal in their opposition, rallying their base and calling for a return to power.
Chimwendo acknowledged the DPP’s efforts but maintained that the MCP is well-prepared to counter their narrative. “We are not taking anything for granted,” he said. “We are aware of the challenges ahead, but we are also confident in our ability to connect with the people and demonstrate that we are the right choice for Malawi.”
The upcoming elections are expected to be highly contested, with various political parties vying for the support of the electorate. The MCP’s focus on the DPP as their main rival reflects the party’s strategic approach to the electoral landscape, as they seek to consolidate their support and fend off challenges from other parties.
Chimwendo’s comments also highlight the broader political dynamics in Malawi, where party loyalty and historical affiliations play a significant role in shaping voter behavior. The DPP’s legacy, coupled with its ability to mobilize support, poses a significant challenge for the MCP as they navigate the complexities of the electoral process.
As the election date approaches, both the MCP and DPP are expected to ramp up their campaigns, with a focus on key constituencies and voter outreach efforts. The stakes are high, and the outcome of the elections will have far-reaching implications for the future of Malawi.
Chimwendo Banda’s admission of the DPP as the MCP’s primary rival underscores the competitive nature of Malawian politics as the country prepares for its upcoming elections. With both parties gearing up for a fierce battle, the political landscape remains dynamic, and the electorate will ultimately decide the direction of the nation. The MCP’s commitment to addressing voter concerns and its determination to secure victory will be put to the test in the coming months, as the party seeks to solidify its position in the face of a resurgent DPP.
LILONGWE (Maravipost) Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa has asked Chakwera tonse government to explain the allegation that Malawi is about to send 750 Soldiers on a Peacekeeping Mission to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)under SADC.
Making his sine die remarks on 8th December,2023, Nankhumwa said Section 161 (7,8,9) of Malawi Constitution demands that whenever. Malawi Government wants to send its troops on a peacekeeping mission
mission the President of the Republic must Inform the National Assembly promptly and in appropriate detail within 7 days and declare state of national defence.
Nankhumwa said the group that is already in DRC. went under the UN resolution in 2013, and that the Malawi Leader that time did the needful.
He said Malawi cannot afford to send our Children to a Peacekeeping exercise where their lives shall be at risk just because they are not fully equipped.
He further said Chakwera and the Tonse government to embrace constructive criticism and engage in robust dialogue to address issues affecting our nation.
” As we navigate these tough economic times, it is critical that we also explore new ways of doing things rather than clinging to outdated economic principles that would only throw us into further. economic problems,” said Nankhumwa.
In his remark’s leader of the house , Chimwendo Banda said it was already done in parliament and it is a continuation of the process regardless of who is sending the soldiers.
Chimwendo said, government does it is work continuously, and they are no exceptional Parliament has raised to sine die after the house passed a midyear budget review of 4.39 trillion
Honourable Richard Chimwendo Banda: Yearend sports ASSESSMENT for 2022: The Minister of Youth and Sports Honourable Richard Chimwendo Banda has pledged government’s continued support for the development of football in the country.
Honourable Richard Chimwendo Banda: Yearend sports ASSESSMENT for 2022
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(Maravipost)- As any organization, institution, and individual conducts assessment, monitoring and evaluation at the year end, Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda, MP is not exceptional.
Banda has described 2022 as a mixed bag as far as sports development is concerned in the country. Speaking to Maravipost reporter on Saturday 31st December 2022 the Minister said, as a country we fared well in other sports codes though we failed in other disciplines.
He says the coming in of Salima Sugar Company to sponsor National Netball League in the country has added value to our sports.
“I can say 2022 has been a mixed bag though it has been a year that has given us some hopes, we haven’t performed extremely good but managed to participate in the major tournaments which as a country, we were supposed to. During these tournaments we have noted that we are capable of doing well for example our Queens retained their position six that we lost to Uganda over the years”.
“But there is a huge gap to be filled for our Queens to retain the glory they used to enjoy; first thing is motivation apart from participating in the tournaments. We are happy with Salima Sugar Company for coming in with the MK40 million National Netball League sponsorship. This will play a significant role. We have to put many efforts at the grassroot level so that we unearth hidden talents that will play for the national teams”, Banda said.
On the part of football, the Minister said he is pretty aware that there is Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which Malawi is taking part, he said there is that possibility of qualifying, but he was quick to mention that our elite league that contributes players to the national team is not so competitive.
“Teams lack resources, and they are sweating for peanuts in the league and other cups hence we are engaging other private companies to come in and support those who are already in the industry”.
“National Bank of Malawi have produced a national support in basketball which is tremendous. Previously we did not have the national league tournaments in schools. Volleyball also lacked sponsorship, but RAIPLY came in with a national league. I can mention many sports codes which we are doing good but there are other codes we are far behind. For instance, in boxing, we do not have national boxing competition as well as athletics hence it is our task as the government to lobby more companies to produce more sponsorship for sports in the country”, Banda further said.
Chimwendo Banda indicated that there is hoped to have a successful 2023 year as they laid a good foundation during the sports indaba which they conducted with different sports associations. Saying during the indaba the associations highlighted a lot of things that are lacking to develop sports in the country hence in 2023 government and other stakeholders will start working on that.
In conclusion the Sports Minister Chimwendo Banda applauded all companies and individuals who took part in patronizing African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth games which Malawi hosted in the capital Lilongwe.
He has however sent a strong warning to bad minded people who are vandalizing sports facilities in the country that the arm of the law will take its course against them.
Malawi former Homeland Security minister Uladi Mussa jailed five years on passport saga
By Thandie Chadzandiyani
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-During the recent Mid-Year Budget Review Meeting of Parliament, opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson on finance in Parliament Joseph Mwanamvekha asked Tonse government when “the promised MK14 000 passport” will be introduced..
Details have emerged that for every passport booklet issued, Malawians get a raw deal as the government makes a profit of between MK30 000 and MK117 000 largely due to overpricing.
According to The Nation Newspaper, Techno Brain Global FZE, the supplier of passport booklets to the Malawi Government, sources the booklets from Vienna, Austria where the average unit cost of each booklet is US$9.13 (MK7 221.83) and from Singapore where the cost is around US$1.73 (MK1 368.43) per booklet.
The supplier, on the other hand, sells each booklet to the Malawi Government at US$76 (MK60 166), including supply of 1 600 units of ink ribbons and 1 600 crystagrams—a series of holographic images—required for the printing of e-passport booklets.
Rough calculations show that Techno Brain makes a profit of US$74.27 (K58 708.02) and US$66.87 (MK52 894.17) per passport booklet supplied to the Malawi Government. Markups in the price include costs of freight.
The e-passport fee structure issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services shows that an ordinary passport of 36 pages obtained under normal service is at MK90 000 while the 48-page one is at MK130 000.
Express service for the 36-page booklet is at MK160 000 and MK180 000 for the 48-page booklet while replacement for a lost or damaged booklet fetches MK150 000 and MK170 000, respectively.
In March 2019, the Malawi Government under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration entered into a $60 million (MK47.4 billion) contract with Techno Brain Global FZE of United Arab Emirates (UAE) to upgrade the country’s passport issuance system and introduce electronic passport under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model.
Through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, the Malawi Government contracted Techno Brain Global FZE to provide the upgrading services and introduce 800 000 electronic passports under procurement reference number IM/01/272/07.
The contract time-frame is 42 months from the date of signing the contract with the first six months being the installation period followed by 36 months for the issuance of electronic passports.
Government granted the UAE company the contract award letter dated February 21 2019 under reference IM/01/81/VII before officially signing the contract on March 22 2019.
Former Ministry of Homeland Security Principal Secretary (PS) Sam Madula signed on behalf of Malawi Government while former Department of Immigration director general Masauko Medi, now PS in the ministry, signed as a witness.
Techno Brain Global FZE director responsible for identity management Raghunandan Gopalakrishna signed on the company’s behalf with their regional sales director Shaunak Ganguly signing as a witness.
The contract documents show that Techno Brain Global FZE would be selling each copy to government at $76 or K60 166 at the current exchange rate of MK791 to the dollar.
To date, Malawi has bought 215 327 passport booklets against the 800 000 stipulated in the contract.
Revelations of the low cost of passports come against the background of Tonse Alliance partners, UTM Party led by Vice-President Saulos Chilima, promising to reduce the cost of passports to MK14 000 during the campaign for the court-annulled May 21 2019 Presidential Election.
During the campaign for the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election held on June 23 2020, the promise of low-cost passport also loomed large after Chilima paired with Malawi Congress Party president and eventual winner Lazarus Chakwera.
In Parliament last Wednesday, Nkhotakota North East legislator Martha Lunji Mhone Chanjo (DPP) asked the President when Malawians should expect the cost of passports to come down to around MK14 000.
In his response, Chakwera said that upon assuming power, the nine-political party Tonse Alliance administration discovered that its predecessor “entered into contracts that were in favour of people they would contract and not in favour of the people they were serving, who are Malawians”.
He said: “These contractual arrangements and many others are some of those issues that I have mandated the Vice-President to look into because this country is being defrauded by its own people in leadership.”
While referring The Nation to Ministry of Homeland Security and Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Ministry of Finance spokesperson Williams Banda said it was important to appreciate how the BOT model operates.
He said: “There is nothing that comes from Treasury. Under the BOT model, a company invests in the infrastructure, operates it until they offset whatever they invested in the system then they will handover to government.
“We are not paying anything to that system. The only thing we are doing is to ensure that it is properly implemented.”
But on page 34 of the 36-page contract, there are payment schedules and terms which show that the Malawi Government will pay Techno Brain Global FZE US$20.26 million (about MK16 billion) each year into its Standard Chartered Bank account number AE 97044000010122311020 held in Dubai for the three years.
The amount will be split into four installments of US$5.06 million (MK4 billion) first year, six installments of US$3.37 million (MK2.6 billion) in second and third years of the contract.
In a written response, Ministry of Homeland Security spokesperson Andrew Nyondo said the ministry in collaboration with its stakeholders will review the contract to assess the way forward and passport fees would have been reduced sometime back if it were not for the contract with Techno Brain.
Nyondo said the BOT model meant that passports produced under the contract are financed from the passport proceeds. He added that the passport fees cover blank passport books, e-passport consumables and other administrative costs such as Internet connectivity and e-passport system software licences.
Civil society organisations have since called for an immediate review of the contract, describing it as an abuse of the taxpayers.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Gift Trapence said the contract was not made in the best interest of citizens; hence, should be reviewed and terminated.
He said: “This is pure theft which Malawians must not accept. We are, therefore, asking the Tonse government to free citizens from this bondage of exorbitant passport charges.
“If this contract is cancelled today, Malawians will start paying for passports as low as MK14 000 as Tonse Alliance promised during the campaign period.”
While applauding the idea to upgrade the country’s passport system and the introduction of the e-passport, Robert Mkwezalamba, chairperson of the CSOs-led Black Economic Empowerment Movement, described the contract as “shocking”.
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace national coordinator Boniface Chibwana said it was “unfortunate and inconceivable” that government entered into such a contract when it could have done a proper mapping of the suppliers to save resources.
“There is need to review this contract, where possible, for there seems to be elements of rent-seeking. Therefore, as a service provider, the government has no justification to charge exorbitantly for the passport when it was possible to source the commodity at a very cheap price,” he said.
The MK14 000 passport fee promise has often come under spotlight in Parliament.
In response, Minister of Homeland Security Richard Chimwendo Banda said progress was being hampered by a contract the DPP administration had signed with the supplier of passport books.
Only if the contract is terminated then Malawians will be free from the bondage.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)- Malawi requires about MK4 billion yearly to make serious strides in Early Child Development (ECD) programs, it has been learnt.
Malawi national budget on ECD has been inadequate since 2013, which was raised from MK25 million to MK700 million in the 2017/2018 fiscal plan.
Despite such an increased allocation, the funds are not adequate to meet the target of MK4 billion to make any outstanding headway towards realizing sufficient child development program delivery.
This has resulted in poor infrastructure and inadequate human resource placement, including caregivers towards child development.
This prompted Action Aid Malawi, with funding from Roger Federer Foundation, to embark on a six-year ECD program in six districts in Malawi to help government efforts on children’s welfare.
Currently, the organization is engaging local council authorities including Councilors, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Chiefs sensutizibf them gain clear understanding of ECD programs and how best the concept trickles down meaningful transformation towards children.
In an interview with The Maravi Post on Friday during the central ECD lobby conference, Richard Chimwendo Banda, Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs, observed the sector was not getting enough funds to invigorate meaningful progress.
Chimwendo-Banda said inadequate funding towards ECD has resulted in children learning under trees as government is unable to construct proper learning structures for lessons.
The lawmaker added that government has not seriously invested in ECD for a number of years, which needs much attention as the nation’s future is held in children.
“The country needs about MK4billion allocation yearly for ECD, if we want a bright future. The current trend isn’t trickling any meaningful strides in the sector. We need more resources for infrastructure and human resource development coupled with incentives for caregivers,” urges Chimwendo Banda.
Echoing on the same, Grace Malera, Action Aid Malawi Country Director said her organization was making it possible to reach rural areas with child centres.
Malera said so far about 16,000 out of 31,000 caregivers have been trained while targeting 80 development centres across the nation.
“About 45% of children are currently going through ECD which means that 55% aren’t supported at all. This prompted Action Aid to bridge the gap through the Roger Federer six-year project to help government’s efforts in the sector.
“We are therefore, engaging local councils, who are the recipient of the project aid to have a clear understanding of the program for meaningful strides,” said Malera.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost) – The main opposition Malawi Congress Party’ (MCP) President Lazarus Chakwera, on Saturday refused the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) calls to fire Secretary General Kaliwo.
Chakwera, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Malawi Parliament, argued that there was no justification to sack SG Kaliwo, instead mutual dialogue was the best way to resolve the Party wrangles.
