LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The secretary to the President (SPC) Colleen has called upon speedy implementation of the World Bank project.
Malawi is currently implementing a number of World Bank-funded projects.
SPC Collen Zamba made the remarks on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 during the Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) roadmap process in Lilongwe.
Zamba says, “World Bank is Malawi’s most significant multilateral partner, offering both substantial financial and technical assistance”.
She adds, “The partnership has not only grown stronger but also deepening the collaboration in working together to advance the development of the country. You are the engine behind the results we achieve, and your efforts are recognized and valued”
“Malawi Government is fully committed to the responsible management and utilization of project resources, ensuring they are directed toward their intended purposes”.
In his remarks, World Bank Country Manager Firaas Raad acknowledged the country’s hard work regardless of climate change challenges.
Raad said Malawi is making strides in working towards several project timelines.
The World is implementing projects worth MK2.5 billion in areas of Agriculture, Water, and health.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Leader of Opposition in Parliament, George Chaponda is worried with the current alarming levels of corruption and theft within President Chakwera’s administration.
In a letter that is in our possession, Chaponda says the theft of billions of Kwachas through dubious dealings is not merely a political issue.
He has since called for immediate resignation of Secretary to President and Cabinet Coleen Zamba, Transport Minister Jacob Hara and the overrated Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule saying what is happening is a direct assault on the well-being of the citizens, depriving them of critical services.
The Leader of Opposition expressed worry that funds which could have been allocated for lifesaving medicines in hospitals, the remuneration of contractors, the support of pensioners, and the recruitment of primary school teachers, are being squandered.
Chaponda alleges that the ongoing corruption under Chakwera’s rule has created a system where funds are misappropriated to bribe musicians, retired politicians and conducting political rallies, a situation which is only benefiting a select few while betraying the trust of hardworking Malawians.
“This is a clear violation of the mandate given to this government. I urge all Malawians to rise up and demand accountability from their leaders. We cannot afford to remain passive while our nation’s resources are plundered,” said Chaponda.
He says the opposition will unwaveringly continue to fight against corruption and advocate for the rights of all Malawians and will not be silenced or intimidated by the tactics employed by the ruling party.
“It is time to restore integrity and accountability to our government,” he said.
Adding that it is imperative that citizens take a stand for transparent governance.
Chaponda has also expressed worry with the civil society organisations who are now silent as compared to how they conducted themselves in pressurising the previous DPP regime.
Minister of labour Kamtukure receiving a proposal from Fredokiss
“Where are our civil society organizations? Many were rightly critical of the previous DPP administration, yet now remain conspicuously silent as our country teeters on the brink of disaster. We need your voices, your advocacy, and your steadfast commitment to ensuring that those in power are held accountable,” he says calling all CSOs to rise up.
The call by Chaponda for immediate resignation of Secretary to the President, the Transport Minister and the Tourism Minister, are coming after reports indicate that the trio have been involved in dubious deals to buy fuel and sell the Likoma and Chizumulu Islands respectively.
During the recent 5th Meeting of the 50th Session of Parliament, Chaponda raised serious concerns regarding the government’s obstruction of discussions on crucial matters, including questionable fuel deals.
For instance in his closing remarks, he called for a comprehensive report on all fuel transactions conducted by the government over the past four years.
The demand was stemming from alarming reports that the Minister of Transport facilitated NOCMA’s procurement of fuel from Dubai.
While Sameer Suleman, Member of Parliament for Blantyre City South East, echoed these concerns, the Minister of Transport, who is also government’s Chief Whip in Parliament, dismissed these allegations without substantiation.
Jacob Hara greeting Chakwera during road project inspection in Lilongwe
However on September 28, 2024, both the country’s leading print publications, vindicated Opposition on this deal, which every Malawian agrees that it was meant to defraud government.
Meanwhile government is refuting the claims that they wanted to defraud Malawians.
It has also described as baseless reports that Likoma Island is on sale.
The past four years of Chakwera’s rule has been characterized by questionable deals notably the procurement of fertiliser from a United Kingdom (UK) based butchery, if not forgetting of US$6 billion Bridging Foundation deal.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a viral moment that has sparked widespread debate, Collen Zamba, the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, was caught on camera lavishly splashing U.S. dollars at a wedding ceremony.
The incident, which took place over the weekend, has drawn mixed reactions from the public and political commentators alike, as images and videos of Zamba throwing the money quickly circulated on social media.
The footage shows Zamba participating in a tradition commonly seen at Malawian weddings, where money is thrown as a sign of celebration and blessing for the newlyweds.
However, the sight of U.S. dollars being used instead of the local currency has caused some to raise eyebrows, given the current economic struggles Malawi is facing, including a severe forex shortage.
Critics have questioned the appropriateness of the display, considering Zamba’s prominent position within the government.
With many Malawians enduring economic hardship, the extravagant gesture has been seen by some as tone-deaf.
A political analyst noted that while such practices are not uncommon at weddings, “The involvement of a senior government official, particularly with foreign currency, raises concerns about perception and the message it sends to the public.”
Supporters of Zamba have defended her, stating that it was a personal affair and that the event should not be politicized. They argue that it is unfair to scrutinize her actions at a private wedding, particularly when the gesture is rooted in cultural norms.
As the debate rages on, the incident has reignited conversations about the accountability of public figures, especially in times of economic distress.
Many are awaiting an official response from Zamba, though none has been made at the time of writing.
The event continues to dominate headlines, with political and social commentators weighing in on the broader implications of such public displays of wealth by government officials.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (Pac) has summoned the embattled Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba to appear before it to provide answers to issues that have been pending regarding audit reports and others.
Pac Chairperson Mark Botomani told The Daily Times that the committee would like mainly to know the action taken by the government so far regarding the outstanding MK17.2 billion COVID-19 audit report.
The report revealed that money for COVID-19 response was misused by government agencies through dubious payments of allowances, suspicious procurements, wrong-accounting, among others amounting to MK17. 2 billion meant.
The meeting between the parliamentary committee and Zamba was expected to take place last week but had to be rescheduled because of the death of vice president Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash on June 10, 2024 in Chikangawa Forest.
Botomani added that Pac will meet Zamba after the 21 days of national mourning which the government set are over.
He said, apart from the alleged abuse of COVID-19 funds, the committee would want the SPC to explain why some important government positions are not being filled despite falling vacant for some time.
The country currently does not have its chief immigration officer and Anti-Corruption Bureau director general after the two bodies’ heads, Charles Kalumo and Martha Chizuma, respectively, left office.
“Apart from that, there are many positions in the government that have not been filled for a long time. As the SPC, we would like her to explain why such positions are not filled and what is her office doing about it.
“We have been meeting with different stakeholders and many issues came out and many issues are pointing to the office of the SPC. We also want her to explain the measures that have been put in place in order to control unnecessary expenditure amidst the economic challenges,” Botomani said.
In response, spokesperson in the Office of President and Cabinet Robert Kalindiza assured that the SPC would appear in Parliament
He said Zamba has always and will always be meeting Pac when issues arise.
“During the last meeting, there were a number of outstanding issues that needed to be addressed as soon as possible. The meeting to conclude all these issues was arranged but due to the tragedy that the country had, it was impossible to continue with those meetings while the country is mourning.
“When all is set, the meeting will take place and all these matters will be discussed and concluded,” Kalindiza said.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government failed to take action on those misused the funds.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance Government has rejected an application from the embattled Director General (DG) of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Martha Chizuma, for the renewal of her contract
Highly placed sources confided in with our sister paper Nyasa Times at the Capital Hill tip stating that Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), Colleen Zamba, has turned down her application albeit without giving reasons.
It has also been disclosed that Zamba advised Chizuma to go on leave pending the expiry of her contract, a proposal the latter turned down as well.
“Chizuma opted to stay put and complete her contract,” confided the source.
But when contacted for a comment, Zamba claimed that her office has not received any application to that effect.
“Not application came to my office. No leave commutation is a policy of government for all officers. Martha has a contract and it’s her contract that governs her position,” said the SPC in a brief response.
On her part, Chizuma said she was not aware about the rejection of her application for the extension of her contract at the graft-busting body.
“Oh really? I don’t know about that,” she reacted.
Chizuma lost public trust after leaked audio conversion with her male friend on office work which was against code of ethics in corruption fight.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Immigration story is rolling into chaos. New developments point at internal fights to control passport printing, resulting in expose of contract awarded to E Tech.
This confirms the reports of sabotage to change suppliers as part of 2025 campaign fundraising for the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
According to inside sources, Secretary to The President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba, Anthony Bendulo (MCP IT) and Charles Kalumo (Immigration Department director General) are behind the passport mess.
But President Lazarus Chakwera covered them while preferring to hacking narratives.
“The SPC Colleen Zamba had her preferred company, and Bendulo, who had been working with Kalumo on the failed project. Their companies failed to win the bid and wanted to work with E Tech. There are allegations that the state security apparatus has been monitoring E Tech to see who is involved in the deal. People are desperate to get into the deal,” said a source close to the procurement process.
Suppose President Lazarus Chakwera, his Immigration Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma and Director General Charles Kalumo’s immigration hackers song is to be believed. In that case, Malawi is facing a severe security breach that warrants immediate arrest and suspension of all involved, as security details of the President, former President, Heads of Military, Police, Intelligence, and even Parliament are in the hands of hackers, a senior security official has warned.
Ken Zikhale Ng’oma added to the already murky story of hackers and ransom pegged at K2 billion, but together with Kalumo, did not tell Malawians that they needed K1 billion to replace what they had tried to bypass and encrypted by Techno Brain.
Zikhale: we are making progress and we will recover the system
By afternoon on Tuesday, Techno Brain released a carefully worded statement- essentially blaming the Department of Immigration for the mess, saying it handed over everything and was only called when needed.
The data exposed to hackers, if at all are hackers
A Technology guru who has worked on state security said it was unbelievable that the criminal holding of the nation’s private data was being treated as a simple matter and being trumped up without evidence.
“In simple words, the passport number, age, national ID, village address, including marital status, which we include on the passport for the whole country, has been accessed by hackers. This is a serious national security breach; heads should roll, and a proper forensic audit of the system should be ordered. The fact that the President and everyone in Government seemed casual about it shows they know they are not peddling the truth,” said the expert.
A legal and security mind said Kalumo should have been fired instantly as he presided over the leak, which he says has officially compromised national security.
“The President, the First Lady, The Speaker, the Chief Justice, the MDF Commander, the Inspector General of Police, all the Parliamentarians, all senior Government officials and even a street vendor with a passport- it means their personal data is compromised. It means their private details are in the hands of hackers. But surprisingly, the matter is not being treated as a national security emergency; it’s left to Immigration, the source of problems, to address it. They should be sent home, do a network audit, and bring new people to assess the extent of the damage they have caused,” charged the legal expert.
The IT expert said a network audit said what happened at Immigration was not accidental but a well-planned and executed network, data breach, and criminal activity.
“What happened to Network Intrusion Detection Systems? Who left open network ports for the systems on Immigration Servers to be prone to external attacks? What happened to the offside data backup system? It runs online in real-time with offsite data backup in case the primary system collapses.
“When the alleged attack was initiated, and files were being encrypted, the best any IT novice would do is to go offline and save the rest of the information and system. Did people sit idle and watch?” asked the expert.
Kalumo had System Source Code from Techno Brain.
A senior Immigration official told The Investigator Magazine that the System Source Code to Brigadier General Kalumo (Rtd) gave it to former OPC digital lead Anthony Bendulo, who studied it and attempted the bypass that caused the current mess.
“The passport issuing system was handed over to Immigration, but the printing licence still belongs to Techo Brain, the system’s developers, as it happens in the sector. They provide servicing of the system and passport materials in an ad-hoc arrangement. There was no hacking,” said another source aware of the contract.
Kalumo on Tuesday claimed it had recovered 90 per cent of data without saying how it was done since an internal contracting report claimed it was encrypted by the license holder GIT, which is suspected to be the associate of Techno Brain, as they share a Dubai address.
Kalumo said they had recovered 90 per cent of data
“Kalumo should tell Malawians the truth. He had the access code. He engaged an outsider to see how they could print passports using the system, and they messed up. He cannot change his tune and pretend it is hackers,” said an Immigration Officer, who said Zikhale Ng’oma should name the hackers and how they communicate with the Malawi Government.
However, an insider close to Kalumo charged that Techno Brain was not sincere as they should have said “what they were doing in the system on the night of January 17 2024.”
In a battle to get a contract for passport printing, 7 companies were interviewed orally.
The Investigator Magazine had to withdraw its initial story after it came to light that the leaked proposal for E Tech was made to sabotage the procurement after companies related to people in the Office of the President and Cabinet and others were dropped.
“E Tech proposal is not yet a contract, though it has passed all stages. The issue is that those who leaked it are bitter; their companies failed to make it. The battle is intense; remember, this is a K100 billion contract at most,” said a procurement official.
E Tech, which had sometimes worked as a subcontractor for Techno Brain won the contract
In bizarre recruitment of temporary passport solution, the Immigration Department invited seven companies to bid. Still, most of them failed, leaving E Tech, which had sometimes worked as a subcontractor for Techno Brain, to pass.
The selection of the E Tech opened a pandora, with one of the senior government officials demanding a share of the contract or “to work with the contract.”
$498,000 worth contract on e-passport
“The SPC Colleen Zamba had her preferred company, and Bendulo, who had been working with Kalumo on the failed project. Their companies failed to win the bid and wanted to work with E Tech. There are allegations that the state security apparatus has been monitoring E Tech to see who is involved in the deal. People are desperate to get into the deal,” said a source close to the procurement process.
K2 billion vs K1 billion, in Zikhale words
Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, hours after civic groups had called for his sacking, joined the hacking story and put a figure of K2 billion as a demand from the faceless hackers, a severe claim that the Government would need to produce evidence.
The claim came hours after The Investigator Magazine published contents of a proposal that at least K1 billion will be required for the Immigration Department to be able to start printing passports after the botched self-inflicted attempts to bypass the system.
E Tech claimed in its proposal that the Department of Immigration had compromised the personal data of millions of passport holders, and it is now allegedly run by ransomware called Mallox.
The e-Tech proposal shows that they claim to be able to set up the new system in three weeks, the same period President Lazarus Chakwera told Malawians as his deadline to have passports restored.
From the K1 billion charge, K760 million will be charged for setting up a new temporary e-passport system listed as a data capturing module, payment module, audit module, printing module, QA module, User Training, and support and support for six months.
The company, about to start work this week, suggests a temporary rapid solution by procuring new printers at K59 million each, costing at least K236 million for four printers identified as Maltica e-Passport Printers with consumables.
A quick check online shows that e-passport printers, including those from reputable international brands like Toshiba and HP, cost between US$2,000 and US$12,000. E-Tech costs US$29500 for one printer, almost double the market prices.
“New printers can print approximately 80 passports daily to replace the outdated and non-functional ones. These printers should be selected based on compatibility with the ePassport issuance system and availability of necessary support and drivers,” states the proposal.
The proposal reveals that some of the data recovered by the Department of Immigration will be used by the new system, contradicting the Mallox improbableness to be rescued, which raises questions about whether the system was hacked.
“This system should be capable of securely processing passport applications, generating electronic passports, and storing applicant data in compliance with international standards and data protection regulations. The new system will use the data recovered by the Department of Immigration from the compromised system,” reads part of the self-contradicting report.
The other work includes setting up network and security and training users to ensure the efficient operation of the temporary ePassport issuance and support for six months. Continuous technical support and maintenance services will be provided throughout the six-month period to address any issues, perform system updates, and ensure optimal performance of the temporary passport issuance system.
E-Tech claims Mallox has finished the Techno Brain system
The company entrusted to restore passport printing services says at the Department of Immigration, Mallox targeted unsecured Microsoft SQL servers as entry points, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the systems.
Mallox targeted unsecured Microsoft SQL servers as entry points, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the systems.
“MS SQL Server Vulnerabilities –Mallox ransomware has been exploiting at least two remote code execution vulnerabilities identified by NIST in SQL, namely CVE-2020-0618 and CVE-2019-1068. CVE-2020-0618: A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SQL Server.
“Reporting Services when it incorrectly handles page requests, aka ‘Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services Remote Code Execution Vulnerability’.( https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/cve2020-0618). CVE-2019-1068: A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SQL Server when it incorrectly handles the processing of internal functions, aka ‘Microsoft SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability’. (https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-1068),” reads the proposal.
E Tech says once inside the target system, Mallox swiftly encrypts critical files and databases related to passport issuance, effectively crippling the system’s functionality.
“This encryption process utilises strong cryptographic algorithms, making it virtually impossible to decrypt the data without the unique encryption key held by the attackers”, it adds. However, it does not identify the attackers.
The deadline Chakwera imposed won’t be met.
It is unlikely that President Lazarus Chakwera’s deadline will be missed. Like all other proclamations before, nothing will happen; a new excuse will be created, and the suffering of those missing education, health or business appointments will continue.
“E Tech is the safest bet, but the infighting within the system to get the contract will delay getting essentials such as specialised printers for security purposes. I don’t think three weeks was realistic, whether the President or the Minister,” said an ICT guru.
CDEDI says it will go on the street to force the Government to speak the truth and sort out the mess.
CDEDI threatens demonstrations this week
A civic group, The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), has warned the Government that it will hold protests on Friday, March 1, if there is no reduction of passport fees and restart of issuance.
“The passport crisis at the Department of Immigration and Citizen Services is tantamount to criminal negligence as some Malawians have lost their loved ones, failed to carry out important businesses, and even lost lifetime jobs and study opportunities because they could not obtain a passport,” says CDEDI boss Sylvester Namiwa.
Namiwa: passport crisis at the Department of Immigration and Citizen Services is tantamount to criminal negligence
The organisation says the Government has failed to update Malawians on the vital process, save for President Lazarus Chakwera, while answering questions in Parliament on February 21, 2024, who told the world that the PIS had been hacked and the hackers demanded a ransom.
“But we all now know that the system was not hacked. The truth is that the PIS shut down while being tampered with by some Malawi Congress Party (MCP) self-exclaimed IT experts,” charges Namiwa. He says the department issued a lying statement about maintenance.
He said the month had lapsed, and the contracts with Techno Brain ended in 2021 as the passport cost was supposed to come down, as Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda alluded.
“Malawians should demand an immediate reduction of passport fees, following the termination of the March 22, 2019, Government and Techno Brain Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) three-year e-Passport project. Thus far, CDEDI has written Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda, demanding justification for the exorbitant passport fees, almost three years after the termination of the $60.8 million (about K108.8 billion) contract on December 7, 2021.
CDEDI threatens demonstrations this week
“The Government said one of the reasons for cancelling the contract was to reduce the cost of acquiring the passport. The AG was quoted as saying: “So, I expect that the Department of 2 Immigration and Citizenship Services will be reducing the charges for the passports. I am unsure whether they can reduce it by K20,000, but that is the expectation,” he adds.
He says the Government paid $27 million (about K46 billion) as contract settlement fees for the project, whose cost was pegged at $76 (about K90,000 then) per passport, including 14 other deliverables, ranging from digitalisation of the Immigration Department registry, via networking of all the embassies, to the purchase of protective gear for printing rooms.
“President Chakwera’s campaign promise that passport fees would be K14,000. To prove that this Tonse Alliance administration is milking unsuspecting Malawians, CDEDI conducted an online survey that revealed that passport books are fetching around $2.01 in Singapore and $4.19 in Hungary, which translates to K3,000 and K7,000 per booklet, respectively, meaning that the K14,000 per passport cost was feasible,” calls out Namiwa.
He further demands a forensic audit of passport fees collected.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a stunning revelation, former National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) deputy chief executive officer, Helen Buluma, testified in the Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe on Tuesday that she had recorded conversations with key figures involved in the controversial oil contracts deal.
The tapes were her only defense against the immense pressure she faced and her only hope of exposing the truth behind the alleged corruption scandal.
The accused parties include former presidential aide Chris Chaima Banda, former Minister of Energy Newton Kambala, and Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president Enoch Chihana.
Buluma exposed Zamba in fuel contracts corruption tendencies
The trio stands accused of influencing NOCMA in the awarding of fuel supply contracts.
Their arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in August 2021 sent shockwaves through the nation, revealing the deep-rooted corruption that has plagued Malawi for far too long.
The oil contracts scandal has shed light on the dubious dealings that often occur behind closed doors, involving powerful individuals who wield their influence to secure lucrative deals.
The case has brought to the forefront the need for transparency in the procurement process and the urgent necessity to root out corruption at all levels of government.
Helen Buluma’s decision to record her conversations with Chris Chaima Banda and Newton Kambala highlights the immense pressure she faced in her role at NOCMA.
As the deputy chief executive officer, she found herself at the center of a web of powerful individuals seeking to manipulate the contract awarding process.
Buluma, determined to expose the truth and protect herself, took matters into her own hands by making secret recordings.
Little did she know at the time that these tapes would provide crucial evidence in what would become one of the most significant corruption cases in Malawi’s recent history.
During her cross-examination in court, Buluma revealed that she had anticipated the need for a backup of the events that were unfolding.
She had a clear understanding that the dealings surrounding the fuel contracts were fraught with corruption and that she needed concrete evidence to support her claims.
In a damning statement, Buluma stated that she had explicitly instructed the suspects on what needed to be done in the procurement process.
However, she found herself at odds with powerful individuals who seemed determined to have their way at any cost.
The significance of Buluma’s decision to record these conversations cannot be overstated.
It speaks to the pervasive culture of corruption that has plagued Malawi for decades.
Time and time again, individuals in positions of power have been able to exploit the system for personal gain, leaving the ordinary citizens to suffer the consequences.
It is a testament to Buluma’s bravery and determination that she took matters into her own hands, risking her career and personal safety to shine a light on the dark underbelly of Malawi’s political landscape.
The oil contracts scandal, with its high-profile defendants, has garnered significant attention within the country.
The involvement of Chris Chaima Banda, a former presidential aide, and Newton Kambala, a former Minister of Energy, underscores the far-reaching consequences of corruption in Malawi.
These individuals, who were entrusted with positions of power and responsibility, allegedly abused their authority to enrich themselves at the expense of the Malawian people.
The Office of the President, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its failure to ensure transparency and accountability within its ranks.
Enoch Chihana, president of the Alliance for Democracy (Aford), finds himself ensnared in the scandal, further tarnishing the image of a party that once held significant influence in Malawi’s political landscape.
With its founding principles based on accountability and democracy, Aford’s alleged involvement in corrupt practices undermines the very values it claims to uphold.
Chihana’s arrest serves as a reminder that political parties must be held accountable for the actions of their members and that no one is above the law.
As the trial proceeds, justice must prevail.
The Malawian people have suffered the consequences of corruption for far too long, with the diversion of funds meant for critical development projects and essential services.
The outcome of this case has the potential to set a precedent and establish a new era of transparency and accountability in Malawi.
In the wake of the scandal, there is an urgent need for systemic reforms to address the root causes of corruption.
The procurement process, in particular, requires enhanced oversight and strict adherence to transparent guidelines.
Additionally, whistle-blower protection should be strengthened to encourage individuals like Helen Buluma to come forward and expose corruption without fear of retribution.
Malawi stands at a crossroads, with the outcome of this trial poised to shape the future of the nation.
The fight against corruption must be relentless, with no one spared from scrutiny.
It is the responsibility of every citizen to demand accountability from their leaders and to ensure that the voices of those affected by corruption are heard.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPpst)-The Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba on Thursday night, January 4, 2023, moved in to help Hedrina Thandiwe Kamenya, a girl who held a lone protest in demand for her Father’s pension money.
Kamenya is one of the many that had been on a waiting list for years due to system bottlenecks.
While commending Hendrina’s bravery, SPC Zamba said the Government is doing all it can to make sure that it moves in quickly to clear a backlog of such cases.
In her remarks, as she went to meet up with Hedrina, Zamba said she would personally make sure that Hedrina gets help as soon as possible.
“I agree that we have had challenges with pensions liquidity but started clearing the backlog from December”, said SPC Zamba as this publication engaged her.
…”State House operating like big brother house”-discloses former employee
By Investigator Magazine
In a normal country- serious allegations of theft, corruption and all sorts of debauchery at State House made by one Tiyanjane Mlangeni, including that President Lazarus Chakwera employed her as a Gardner and was paid by taxpayers for doing party work and not gardening- could have seen heads roll and the President explain to the public how his own residence is operating like a bunga bunga or big brother residence, stripping it of its decorum and stature.
The muted silence to the serious allegations that implicate State House as one of the centres which have employed party youth and paid them government salaries to cheer the president and the party, reflects how Malawi’s sixth President failing presidency operates.
Scandal, mute, deny and move on. The question has been moving on to where. Where is Malawi heading under President Lazarus Chakwera, the man who promised Canaan but has delivered near-hell experience of food shortages, high cost of living and thieving Ministers, Presidential Assistants and according to his own former security agent- even in his own house- the State House.
Everything in Malawi has been falling apart. The Malawi kwacha has lost 66% of its value from June alone, the economy has gone south, and government activities have come to a grinding halt- save for flying President Lazarus Chakwera (who is now flying local trips)- raising questions as to where the country is heading.
The Investigator Magazine has spent 12 months examining the power, influence and decision-making under President Chakwera, and as confirmed by the outcome- it is messy, tedious, and as the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) nailed it, some characters are more powerful than one can wonder who exactly the President is.
An ex-employee of State House Tiyamike in an avalanche of audio, paints a clear pattern as to what many Malawians have feared, that the President has no control even of his own residence, as some individuals are on a rampage including, according to her carrying “bags of money from Malawi Revenue Authority.”
What taxes paid to MRA end up in bags at State House, is a serious and damaging allegation both the President and MRA cannot pretend the public are dumb enough to forget anytime soon. Of course, the ex-Gardner has mentioned names, while she might be bitter, at least the taxpayers know MRA after bullying them to pay taxes- send part of the collection to the State House.
Malawians have been wondering as to who really advises President Lazarus Chakwera and why in most instances it takes long to decide on what sometimes are simple matters. Many times, his interventions are late, or he will just disappear and leave the nation guessing who is in charge or how will the matter end.
The President is yet to give a comprehensive economic recovery plan nor direction as to when will the economy pick up and things start moving again. Only constant devaluation, hiking of prices, looming food shortages, delayed fertilizer supply, fuel and forex shortages, low medical stocks and a flying president seems to have become a reality to ordinary Malawians.
Hundreds of small businesses cannot be paid by the government due to lack of money; public debt is still climbing up and nobody is marshaling the country to a direction or date it can breathe and hope things will get better.
At times he has publicly confessed that he didn’t know or at one time asked his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials to tell him the truth. What he does with the truth, is anybody’s guess. He has become a reactionary leader who has failed to tame most of the corrupt elements in his government and his administration will go into history as one of the worst, clueless and failed of modern times.
The President does indeed not know anything
The Investigator Magazine spoke to people who have interacted with President Lazarus Chakwera and most of them have described their conversations as “lacking depth” and he does not have a defined personal vision.
Malawi’s first president Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s vision lay in three basic necessities- food, adequate clothing, and decent housing which he built systems to support and grow the economy.
Dr Bakili Muluzi’s vision and achievable included Human Rights, consolidation of democracy and freedoms through the building of governance institutions and free basic education for all to improve literacy levels.
President Bingu wa Mutharika’s vision summed up as a colour dream of moving Malawi from a predominantly importing nation to an exporting one- he dreamt of new universities and infrastructure, made new friends in BRICS and took Malawi from Taiwan to China.
Many say the President does not have a defined personal vision. Dr. Joyce Banda, the first female President in Malawi and the SADC region used the Presidency to uplift women- giving Malawi its first female Head of Civil Service and other positions launched an economic recovery programme and went to rural empowerment, that included direct construction of houses for the neediest.
APM is now 82
Professor Peter Mutharika stabilized the Malawi economy and appropriately for an educationist went to construct community colleges, expanded the capacities of universities, and completed most of the infrastructure that his brother’s administration had started, including breaking up of the University of Malawi into several independent institutions.
President Chakwera, the sixth Republican President rode on Hi5 and inclusive governance he called servant leadership, but he has failed to keep any of his single promises from cheap fertilizer to fighting corruption to creating 3 million jobs for the poor.
His campaign rhetoric was so captivating, that when he declared that Malawi was destined to become the equivalent biblical land of honey and milk- Canaan- 60 percent of the voters believed the former President of the Assemblies of God.
He now literally is breaking corruption, nepotism and traveling records while essentials and the economy are at their lowest in Malawi’s history.
“He parrots what is written on paper. You cannot discuss economics, law, or even serious governance issues with the President one to one. He sticks to generalities and repeats what he thinks the guest wants to hear. If you tell him something unpleasant forget meeting him again,” said a frequent visitor to Kamuzu Palace, in his assessment.
The President, according to those who have worked with him closely appears to listen but will continuously consult on one issue until the matter loses direction, making it difficult for the administration to move on its core projects.
“When you meet him, you will think things will start moving, but rarely there is no follow-up and there is nothing that comes from there,” says another official, who said each Minister is operating independently and the same with the OPC, as the President is busy with appearances.
“The Reverend likes being a President, but he seriously does not have what it takes to inspire a nation to a great revolution he eloquently sang in the name of Tonse Alliance. Even insiders, like us, are disappointed with his performance,” says an MCP operative who is close to the President.
The President once spoke to fire the NOCMA CEO, but it never happened. He fired Labour Minister Ken Kandodo Banda but later told Malawians he was misled. He was unaware of people stealing COVID-19 money, neither was he aware of the ACB Director’s arrest.
He has done nothing about these serious dents to his legacy. He can contradict his own speech without blinking his eye.
Here are some of the names we have collected that gather around the President and have varying influences on his decision-making.
The Powerful Trio: The first lady, the first son and the ‘first daughter’
The most powerful are three people who have access to the President unlimited. His wife, his son and interestingly the embattled Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba is treated like “a daughter” by the President.
Apart from these, a contingent of Pastors and friends of the President from Pentecostal Churches are also seen as more influential to the President, according to insiders who have firsthand experience.
Mrs. Monica Chakwera
Malawi First Lady Monica Chakwera
The First Lady is naturally the President’s confidante. They have been together for over 40 years. She has managed to tame perceptions that the office should have loud and noisy people to be relevant to Malawians. Apart from a few appointments, which many think she influenced, she has managed her power closely to herself and is only seen in public to support her husband or do her charity works of uplifting girls’ education.
Silent but influential -the First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera. However, we found that a good word from her, you get your things done.
Pastor Nick Chakwera
Sons of Presidents and children of political leaders have been seen to take over political parties. We have Atupele Muluzi who took over UDF from his father former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi and Enock Chihana who inherited Aford from his multiparty icon Chakufwa Tom Chihana.
The eldest son of the First couple seems to play his cards silently and well off the public. Pastor Nick took the same path as his dad; he became a Pastor in the Assemblies of God Church where his father was a Minister for over 20 years as a President. In power play, he is said to have been the connection to the President and family businesses.
Though he has been named, without evidence, of having rivals within the State House and at the Office of the President and Cabinet, his only direct mention of politics so far has been his book that talks of religious leaders in politics.
As the eldest son, his influence is immense, leaving Malawians with a question- what does he tell his father about the direction Malawi is taking or some of the scandals that engulf his administration?
He is another route to meeting the President, those who have had a chance, claim so.
SPC Colleen Zamba
Colleen Zamba and Chakwera caught
The Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba is perhaps, after the President’s family members, the most powerful figure in the MCP administration. Party officials fear him, Cabinet Ministers don’t want to be on her bad side and Government officials know she has absolute power in hiring and firing in civil service.
Zamba is deemed to be the most powerful woman after the first couple in Malawi. She also controls parastatals- something that has seen her bash off heads with CEOs who wanted to appear smarter than her. NOCMA, MERA, EGENCO and even ESCOM bosses know who calls the shots. Martha Chizuma was interdicted by Zamba until the High Court called it a usurpation of power.
The Investigator Magazine has been trying to confirm the source of her power. Guess it right, she is regarded as a family member of the President’s family. The President puts family first, forget the rumours that she is going anywhere soon.
How she became family, is simple, the SPC’s father and Reverend Chakwera were trained at the same school in South Africa, and like all good Africans, she became part of the family. With Zamba, you could as well count your blessing or curse- depending on which side of her you rub.
She might have survived her immediate sacking, after she spent a few hours with the President in a meeting, one Friday after we had let the cat out that the President was about to fire her.
She has been accused of waging power and political war against MCP officials from Lilongwe.
The waning powers SG Eisenhower Mkaka
He is out of Cabinet, but not out of the President’s ear. Politically, he knows what the President’s thoughts and plans are, he still has direct access to the State House and reports indicate the two of them chat for hours.
However, another State House informant claims he now needs an appointment to see his President, which shows the declining influence over the President.
His biggest challenge was he became unreachable to the party systems when he was in cabinet, and he was accused of being on the side of one political fight that claimed many during the first days of Chakwera’s presidency.
He has direct access to the President and is influential in Party decisions. Outside cabinet since January 2023, he has spent time consolidating his power, making MCP more visible and fending off convention. He could surprise many, including Ministers who want to become Secretary General for the ruling party by winning again during the August 2024 party convention.
Do not write his influence off.
Khato’s Simbi Phiri
The South African-based billionaire Simbi Phiri is not only the key financier of President Chakweras’s political journey but also a friend. Though he is yet to get his prized Salima Lilongwe Water Project, Simbi still has continued to meet the President on personal turfs, including the last of the President’s visits to South Africa.
The President also listens to the businessman. The President also listens to the businessman, and a good word through him can get him what he wants.
Questions have appeared about his influence after President Lazarus Chakwera’s no-show at his grand 60th birthday bash which he had invited 350 Malawi VIPS, but only 70 honored the invitation, leaving many VVIP seats conspicuously empty.
Pastor SeanKampondeni, Son-in-Law, and Executive Assistant
Chakwera and son-in-law Kampondeni
The former face of the Presidency who spoke to Malawians every week after the President took power has disappeared from the public realm. The issues are far and complicated, some of his detractors claim he was literally the appointing authority of the first cabinet.
Some of his detractors claim he was literally the appointing authority of the first cabinet. His backroom role, though attending most of the President’s diary events, denies him public prominence that made him a leading member of the government.
However, like many near the President, questions of his role as the Malawi leader plunged into comical blunders including the ‘infamous’ Bridgin Foundation signing ceremony, will always be asked on his competence as an advisor and controller of the President’s engagements.
Apart from being a son-in-law, he is a former head of Flood Church Malawi and fingers have been pointed at him for “appointments” of dozens of his for college- the African Bible College, many of whom have failed to perform in their roles.
Adamson Mkandawire-Chief Advisor on Rural Transformation and Development
The only thing Malawians know about this Chief Advisor is that he borrowed MK370 million from a Malawian of Asian origin Batatawala. The money, where it went, only President Chakwera and Mkandawire can explain, developing lifelong links between them. Luckily, he is not poking his nose in public and works in the background.
Richard Chimwendo Banda, Minister of Local Government
Richard Chimwendo Banda amasses political power
The first person to be appointed Cabinet Minister by President Lazarus Chakwera has ended up as a political punch bag for friends and foes. He is blamed for almost everything wrong in the party, from the Police heist in Salima to JZU Tembos funeral funds.
A hard worker but he is blamed for almost everything wrong at the party – Chimwendo. But Chimwendo to his supporters is a victim of hard work, many fear him as he has devoted his time building the party, and hosting rallies bigger than other position holders. Those fighting him claim his ambition is to bring his own Dowa loyalists to the front of the party.
His influence on the President has waned but his loyalty has not. There was talk of him being fired, but the President moved him to another politically powerful portfolio in charge of local government and with that came Chiefs and Local Councils giving him political leverage as a Chief campaigner.
The Good and Sober advisers Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga
He started off on a bouncy note- accused of all sorts of things- but one thing for sure is his unquestionable loyalty to the President. Twice the Chief of Staff’s name has been mentioned in court, in all the cases he has come out unscathed and has not mentioned if President Chakwera was involved.
Though he is powerful as a controller of State Residences, stories of his strict discipline and prudence have made him political enemies who have created different stories that have ended up being petty gossip.
He has unquestionable loyalty to the President and controls state residence activities. On his return from a year of suspension, even his rivals at State residence charge that he has become more of a leader and peacemaker- perhaps his own experience he can share and advise the President of things others cannot tell him- that Malawians need genuine change.
Speaker Catherine NyaHara Gotani
Gotani Hara loses elections
Though she is the Head of the legislature, her name keeps appearing in MCP party politics and she is accused of having ambitions to become running mate to her boss. This is almost impossible as she must resign before her term and lose all benefits of the Speaker if she goes to be a running mate.
Gotani Hara is accused of having ambitions to become running mate to her boss. The odds are against President Lazarus Chakwera who is set to become the President in a row to lose elections unless he drastically changes his leadership style and starts paying attention to the running of his government than the current mode of flying everywhere he is engaged.
The Speaker’s goodness has been experienced by insiders- who claim she has saved a couple of people from firing and that the President pays attention to her pleas. Perhaps she could use this goodness to change his direction.
Vice President Saulos Chilima
Saulos Chilima and Lazarus CHakwera, When MCP needed UTM
Vice President Saulos Chilima might have had the ear of his boss, of course like before, until someone continuously whispered to the President that he is his rival. The President missed a critical independent voice outside his party- an active and delivering veep.
The few times Chilima has been tasked with National Disaster or Public Reforms, he has brought energy to the assignment and given hope to Malawians that things are getting better.
The Vice President meant good for the President and the country through his actions. Cyclone Freddy proved that the President needed Saulos to drive the recovery. The Vice President meant good for the President and the country and should the President wish to return to the normal path, he can have his back and change the negative narrative surrounding his administration.
President Bakili Muluzi and President Joyce Banda
The two former Presidents have accepted to become the face of the human recovery efforts of Cyclone Freddy and defacto advisers to the President as they have now access to him, giving hope that something good can come out of their experiences.
The two former presidents act as advisors to the current president and offer good hope for rebuilding the country. Their government involvement should have created an opportunity for President Chakwera to learn from their mistakes and utilise their experiences beyond relief efforts. Whether their advice is taken or not, is a story for another day.
Joyce Banda: named SIA-Africa person of the month
Peter Simbani- Comptroller of Statutory Corporations
Essentially an ex-officio Board Member of every Government agency, the man who never makes news is well known for his long stay as Head of the Debt and Aid department at the Treasury, perhaps the experience that has seen him try to enforce cooperate governance.
Apart from the companies directly involving the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, some companies are now reporting profit. There has been a general improvement in corporate governance where Malawians do not hear Chairpersons and CEO’s- through political appointees- running state companies through the media.
He could be the man the President needs to listen to more to start changing his tide.
Justice Minister Titus Mvalo
He has been a gentleman and working from outside the media. He was never caught in childish fights the former DPP and ACB Director General engaged in and despite being the MCP legal adviser, he appears to be calm and collected in dealing with party and government affairs.
Calm and collective and works away from the spotlight of the media. He could be useful to the President if he told him the truth, especially when some of his juniors push agendas that have nothing to do with public interest. Remember, Ministers take oaths to defend the public interest.
Ken Zikhale Ng’oma- Homeland Security Minister
Ken Zikhale Ng’oma
Even at The Investigator Magazine, we are surprised by his inclusion as something good in President Chakwera’s team of people who appear to have his ear. Our analysts argue the man- despite picking battles within the party, cabinet and sometimes with the public, has become someone who will take a sword for the President.
Zikhale Ng’oma could be the good bully who gets things done. Zikhale Ng’oma could be the good bully who gets things done- like clearing refugees- forget the thieving Police caught on camera, suspending the national ID expiry date after years of the public crying foul and now almost high-profile criminal act being arrested.
If he expended the energy, he has for more good things than a political podium to drum up the President’s support, he could be a good power influence.
The other adviser Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda
Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda
Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda came in as a profile is revolutionary- canceling bad contracts that the DPP had engaged in. Many thought he had come to be the change they had waited for from President Chakwera’s team.
The fear as the President’s legal adviser is that he doesn’t seem to advise on legal reality but gives advice based on political expediency. It turned out the change would be for the worse. The fear as the President’s legal adviser is that he doesn’t seem to advise on legal reality but gives advice based on political expediency which has ended up being embarrassing.
Chakwera remaining with 627 days only to face election
The President has been in office for 1287 which is three years, six months, and nine days and he is remaining with 627 months or one year, eight months and seventeen days to do what he has failed to do in 1287 days.
He faces a daunting task. With hunger and a biting rising cost of living his position is scary for any politician and his advisers to look at his failures and reconcile the fact that he must face the electorate in less days than he started.
Source: The Investigator Magazine
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily those of The Maravi Post or The Editor
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has urged President Lazarus Chakwera not to fire Secretary to the office of President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba to satisfy others wishes until she is proven guilty of any wrongdoing in public service work.
HRCC made the call during a press conference on Friday, December 1, 2023, in the capital Lilongwe barely days after the religious grouping Public Affairs Committee (PAC) asked Chakwera to fire Zamba.
HRCC’s Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba stressed the need for President Chakwera to be cautious on some of the recommendations made by the PAC.
Mkwezalamba told the news conference that it is difficult to pinpoint specific areas to describe Zamba as a failure hence no need for the President to fire the SPC.
“The firing of SPC Madam Collen Zamba, we are not convinced really why individuals must suffer consequences of a Government system in which they serve. We are mindful of the turn of events in the State vs. Mr. Kapondamgaga where the majority spoke in support of having him completely dismissed simply because he is in the office of the President.
“As the facts unfolded and ACB made decisions, the majority suspected foul play yet these are simply matters of justice,” says Mkwezalamba.
He adds, “Unless people have clear evidence and facts supporting the justification for these calls, we do not think the President should take the route of firing people based on hearsay when our justice system is clear that anyone suspected of being corrupt, incompetent or bias must be reported to ACB whose investigation may lead to a conviction.
“Unless she is indeed blocking some dubious deals or plans in the public services, we would state that Malawi needs such personalities who should strive at all times to ensure that Malawians are not ripped off their hard-earned money simply because some individuals have ganged up to defraud or cause plunder where they do not deserve, let people come with facts.”
During its meeting with President Chakwera, PAC made several comments, observations and recommendations on issues of national importance.
On recommendations Thawale urged President Chakwera to fire the Secretary to the office of President and Cabinet Zamba for what they term as her incompetence in the execution of duties.
Among others, the quasi-religious body accused Chakwera of worsening Malawi’s economy; from bad to worse, nepotism in public office appointments, and others.
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