BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Information Minister Gospel Kazako, who tested positive to Covid-19 a week ago, has recovered from the deadly plague, thanks to the vaccination.
“I thank God for the mercy, gift and grace of healing. My latest Covid-19 test result has come out negative. I am now Covid-19 free. I am healed. I wish to thank you all for your prayers and all the best wishes sent to me when I was down. Specifically, I wish to thank Dr.
“Jonathan Ngoma of Kamuzu Central Hospital and his great and dedicated team. And also Dr Watipaso Kasambara and her team. To all those still down with Covid-19, I urge you to keep the hope and faith. You shall be next out of bed and healed,” said Kazako in facebook post on Thursday.
He further urged Malawians to continue following all Covid-19 preventive measures if Malawi is to win this battle against coronavirus which has hit hard the global economy.
Malawi continues to register alarming number of cases daily with an average of 600 this week.
Secretary to the President and Cabinet Zangazanga Chinkosi
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera must demonstrate now that he is true leader Malawians have been waited for by acting on his corrupt and power abusive aids including cabinet minister of information Gospel Kazako and Secretary to The President Zangazanga Chikhosi.
The two are entangled into abuse of public office power for a year now.
Below are justification details of how the two have been abusing public office for personal interests than of the nation.
The offence of Abuse of Office is perhaps one of the most prevalent crimes committed by political, civil and public servants.
Often times, the abuse is caused by political establishment because they feel are immune from prosecution as they control State machinery.
News reaching this publication is President Chakwera’s two trusted aides, Minister of Information Gospel Kazako and Chief Secretary to Cabinet, Zangazanga Chikhosi have become “talk of the town” for abuse of office and manufacturing gimmicks to bamboozle the public in their underhand dealings.
It has also reported that the Minister of Information was in South Africa with his new trusted aide Francis Bisika to meet the Agillis International which is behind the “Spy Machine”.
Francis Bisika who was Deputy Director General of MACRA at one point was “fired” and many were suspended. After that Mr Bisika found his way to be Chief Director at the Ministry of Information under E- Government. In one of the emails that Mr Bisika wrote to the Board to suspend the meeting under the directive of the Minister he is alleging that he is South Africa with his wife therefore the Board can not discuss issues without him since the entire Ministry has nobody to replace him at the meeting.
But reports have come out to say that Bisika was with the Minister in RSA to meet Angillis Company to facilitate deals with and collect their “share” behind the Board.
Bisika was one who initiated this contract while at MACRA before he was “fired”. This publication is here by attaching the email that Bisika wrote while in RSA:
On Thu, May 20, 2021 at 8:39 PM, Francis
<francis.bisika@ict.gov.mw> wrote:
Dear Company Secretary,
I write to acknowledge receipt of the notice of the 1st Joint Meeting of the Legal and Administration and Technical Committees of the Board.
I would like to give my apology since I am in South Africa where my spouse is undergoing a knee treatment.
In the absence of someone that I can delegate to adequately articulate the Ministry’s position on some of the Agenda items, the Ministry will not be sending any representative to this meeting.
Let me however put the Ministry’s position on the proposed agenda:
The Ministry support the requests under Agenda Item 6 and 7 but does not support the request under Agenda Item 5 for the reasons below:
Management have not provided a cost benefit analysis for the actions it is intending to take.
The Ministry is of the view that Management should spell out clearly how it is going to protect the already made investment with the current supplier
Management has not denied being part of the cause for the supplier not implementing all the modules and have not explained why it failed to provide the supplier with what was required for the supplier to deliver on the supply contract nor has Management told the board what actions were or will be taken against the people responsible for this failure.
Management has not explained how it intends to carry out monitoring functions in the event that the current supplier walks away on the support during the course of the legal action. It is a known fact that the current supplier has remote access to the system which puts the authority entirely at the mercy of the current supplier.
FRANCIS BISIKA
For: Secretary for Information
P/Bag 310
LILONGWE 3
MALAWI
Tel: +2651759032
Dir: +2651758292
Cel: +265999929800
Email: francis.bisika@ict.gov.mw
http:\\ www.ict.gov.mw
Mr Kazako is also accused by employees at MACRA for pocketing millions of Kwacha for tele- centre tour in the country a thing which he did with only by visiting three centres. He also pocked some allowance for external travel to Zimbabwe to attend a Pan African Postal Union meeting, he didn’t travel.
Kadzako has supervised the cynical looting at MACRA. The Board members were claiming Travel & Transportation (T&T)allowances while not using their personal vehicles for the supposed trips.A recent article in the online publication,Malawi Expose,mentioned of trips undertaken by the Board members to places as far as Karonga and Chitipa in Staff members official cars despite them claiming T&T. According to the publication,such trips started as far back as January with paid hotels but still claiming their daily allowances as well as the issue of T&T.
So why has Gospel Kazako been spared?
Simple,they want him to be the running mate come 2025 so he is untouchable, he can decide not to question why Macra gave k46 million for an “undeserving activity” and approved a Mk60million shopping trip to Dubai the trip which was not supposed to be done.
Come to Zangazanga Chikhosi another untouchable in the Chakwera administration. He has taken two Boards to Dubai and these are NOcma and EGENCO and the President had paid a blind eye to this deliberately. Zangazanga Chikhosi has been involved in all bad deals starting with Nocma/ MERA saga. It had to take ACB to stop corruption that was orchestrated by him.
But what does this say about President Chakwera leadership?
Simple answer:
“Chakwera is a pastor and he is one of the typical examples of transactional leaders this country has produced so far. He is captured. He can’t lead. He has to be led,” says one political analyst in an interview with this publication who urged President Chakwera to clear two major “rubbles” who are Gospel Kazako and Zangazanga Chikhosi for abuse of office and corruption.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawi’s Tonse Alliance government under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera has condemned the conduct of its expelled diplomats in South for indulging in activities that have no value to the country’s foreign policy.
South Africa government has expelled Malawi, Rwanda, Guinea, Lesotho, Burundi diplomats for abusing diplomatic privileges.
As for Malawi diplomats, the South African government is accusing them of abusing tax-free privileges on alcohol through smuggling.
Reacting to the ‘shameful’ development, Information Minister Gospel Kazako, has condemned the conduct, saying what the diplomats have been doing has no room in the Tonse Alliance’s philosophy.
“As a Ministry of Information, we confirm the reports circulating of the expulsion of all Malawian diplomats in South Africa after the South African Government declared them persona non grata.
“The diplomats have been told to be out of South Africa by Monday, 14th June, 2021. The South African government is accusing them of abusing tax-free privileges on alcohol through smuggling,” said Kazako.
According to Kazako, despite that diplomats are allowed to import goods duty free in line with Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), the government of Malawi does not send its diplomats to drink beer or smuggle beer into the host country.
“The purpose of such privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of diplomatic missions as representing States. It’s shameful and I am sure the government of South Africa is aware that Tonse Alliance cannot be part of that unscrupulous conduct.
“I think that is why they have acted swiftly knowing that there is new government in Malawi,” he said..
Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations states that the receiving State shall, in accordance with such laws and regulations as it may adopt, permitentry of and grant exemption from all customs duties, taxes, and related charges other than charges forstorage, cartage and similar services, on:
(a) Articles for the official use of the mission;
(b) Articles for the personal use of a diplomatic agent or members of his family forming part of his household, including articles intended for his establishment.
The expelled diplomats include High Commissioner Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary – H E Prof C N Kaponda; Minister Counsellor – G Bamusi (Ms); Counsellor – I T Kumweda (Ms); First Secretary (Protocol) – D Chikafutwa (Ms); First Secretary – R C Mapundula (Ms); Second Secretary (Social Services) – R M Katuya (Ms); Defence Advisor – Col. B K Kamwendo; Consul-General – F K Nihorya Nkhoma; Vice-Consul (Admin) – M Betha; Vice-Consul (Labour) – V A Mtilatila (Ms); Vice-Consul (Tourism) – N E Nansongole; Vice-Consul (Tourism) – Duwa Mubaila Mutharika; Vice Consul – M J M Makumba; Vice-Consul – M Chizukuzuku; Vice Consul – M O Howahowa (Ms); Attaché (Consular) – G S Mainala and Attaché (Consular Health) – N G Fosiko
Chakwera’s motorcade in Blantyre’s fatal road accident
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera’s motorcade vehicle was on Monday, afternoon June 7, 2021 involved in road accident at Blantyre Girls Primary School.
The vehicle carried some members of the president’s security team from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
Eye witnesses told The Maravi Post that two soldiers have died on the spot
However, Presidential press secretary Brian Banda says he will give more details as the day progresses.
Banda has however assured the nation that the President is in good health.
Chakwera’s motorcade in Blantyre’s fatal road accident
Chakwera is expected to preside over the inauguration of 19 Megawatts Tedzani IV Hydropower Plant at Tedzani Power Station in Blantyre on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.
Update from Information Minister GOSPEL KAZAKO
I regret to communicate that two soldiers have been killed in a road accident involving the presidential convoy near Grace Bandawe along Magalasi road in Blantyre this afternoon.
The four soldiers were travelling in Military Police vehicle which is the last vehicle on the presidential convoy. His Excellency President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is deeply saddened with the deaths.
Minister of Information and Government spokesperson Gospel Kazako
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)—Government has committed that it will soon hire new ombudsperson to replace Martha Chizuma, who was recently confirmed as the new Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General.
While responding to the call by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition’s (HRDC) Women Chapters, to swiftly appoint a new ombudsperson who will be indispensable in providing checks and balances, Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako, said the Tonse led administration is doing everything possible to ensure all government’s rule of law institutions are effective.
Speaking to media at weekend, Chairperson for HRDC’s Women Chapter, Beatrice Mateyu, said government has to appoint an ombudsperson who will be as effective as the outgoing Chizuma herself.
“When you look at how Ms Chizuma performed, she performed exceptionally. So, we need somebody who is going to perform the way she did and even beyond,” hinted Mateyu.
On his part, Kazako said government will surely do what is expected of it by appointing an ombudsperson who will do the job expectedly.
Kazako explained: “Government has actually put in all its energies, all its technical abilities and all its interests in making sure that its offices are working and are working very well and we know that we need to do these things with very great speed. And certainly the office of the ombudsman is a very key office, we have seen what it has done and we have seen what it has achieved and we know how it has changed the complication of how to achieve things in this country. So, certainly we will have to do that and we will do that.”
The office of the ombudsman in the country became vacant following Martha Chizuma’s confirmation by the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of the Parliament as the new director general for the graft busting body.
She is officially reporting for duties at ACB tomorrow Tuesday.
Brian Banda (L) and Kasakula (R) during Hot Current program in which DPP and former President Peter Mutharika were always the targets of attacks.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)–Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) board has appointed Times Group Editor In Chief, George Kasakula, who is also a well known Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) propagandist, as the public broadcaster’s new director-general.
Kasakula has confirmed to local media receiving the appointment letter.
He replaces Aubrey Sumbuleta who is currently answering charges of rape and abuse of office.
Kasakula, the Editor in Chief for MCP Mouth-Piece Times Group, has been a critic of former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The appointment of Kasakula who once contested at MCP’s Primaries in Kasungu follows rubber-stamping interviews the board conducted some weeks ago.
According to Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako, about seven people attended the interviews.
The minister has congratulated Kasakula for his new role at the State-owned broadcaster which has Television and two radio stations.
“The Board of Directors for the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation has appointed Mr George Kasakula as its Director General.
“The Ministry of Information congratulates Mr Kasakula for his appointment as we look forward to his contribution to the construction, recalibrating and repositioning of the institution, making it an MBC of the people of Malawi,” wrote Kazako on his facebook page.
The Position of Director General at the state broadcaster fell vacant after the board fired Aubrey Sumbuleta over incompetence.
The appointment of Kasakula confirms people’s fears that President Lazarus Chakwera might bring back Malawi again to undemocratic leadership by silencing critical voices and buying media houses through appointments.
The Kasakula’s appointment now means that MBC, Times Group and Zodiak Broadcasting Corporation (ZBS) are under the armpits of the Tonse Alliance government.
LILONGWE (MaraviPost) – Zodiak Broadcasting Services (ZBS), owned by Information Minister Mr Gospel Kazako, got the largest share of the MK47 million which—through a flawed single sourcing procurement system—was spent on procuring radio and television airtime.
According to the information sourced from the Investigative Report on the Usage and Accountability of MK6.2 billion COVID-19 Disbursement, MK46 986 220.00 was spent on procuring radio and television airtime on issues surrounding COVID-19.
However, the report faults the procuring processes as it was single source—something which is against the procurement laws of this country.
The report further shows that of the seven countries that benefited—ZBS, MBC, Rainbow TV, Angaliba TV, Luntha TV, Times TV and YONECO radio—its ZBS that got the largest chunk amounting to MK13.6 million, seconded by MBC with MK11 million.
Tongues are since wagging as to how MBC, a state broadcaster with the largest listenership and viewership, could come second to private broadcaster, ZBS.
Social media, however, has already concluded that Kazako influenced the process—more so, with the procurement flaws of single sourcing in place.
Zodiak which used to be independent private broadcaster is now a de facto pro-Tonse Alliance government’s station.
Timed Media is also pro-government .
On the other hand, the Nation publications limited which publishes The Nation daily newspaper, Weekend Nation and Sunday Nation has continued to be independent.
The nation is yet to get justification as to why Zodiak got the lion share when state broadcaster MBC had less funds on Covid-19 funds.
Namiwa against punitive taxes on Malawians’ basic commodities
By Thandie Chadzandiyani
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights body Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) on Monday, April 19, 2021 accused Information Minister Gospel Kazako and Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for continued sleeping on duty over exorbitant internet and phone call charges.
The grouping has threatened to take to task Kazako over his earlier statement of helping Malawians with affordable calls and internet charges.
CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa told the news conference in the capital Lilongwe that if MACRA will not work on concerns raised will hold vigil at its offices.
Namiwa made the warning ahead of Wednesday, 21, 2021 demonstration against punitive taxes on basic items including water, electricity, fuel, cooking oil and among others.
The demos are slated for Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mulanje.
“Malawians are currently struggling to make ends meet due to among many others, the high cost of living, which is as a result of high cost of essential commodities and services such as water, electricity, cooking oil, fuel and mobile phone charges.
“Therefore by demanding the immediate scrapping off of 16.5 percent VAT on cooking oil, and the commencement of the review and subsequent removal of some of the taxes and levies on fuel, water and electricity, in a bid to reduce the cost of production, thereby making the local products and services more affordable and accessible to the ordinary Malawians, who are also the voters,” says Namiwa.
He adds, “All these malpractices are mercilessly punishing the vulnerable and the marginalized in society. These peaceful demonstrations are scheduled to take place this Wednesday, 21st April 2021, in the cities of Lilongwe and Blantyre, and Mulanje district. It is against this background that CDEDI has launched a crusade to liberate Malawians from decades of economic bondage”.
However only Mzuzu City Council that responded promptly by calling for a planning meeting that was held at the council chambers on Friday, 16 April 2021.
The meeting resolved to reschedule the protests due to the Vice President Dr. Saulosi Chilima’s official visit to the region, a development the city authorities said would strain security agents.
“The silence from the rest of the councils is a futile attempt to deny Malawians their right to hold peaceful demonstrations, it is a clear case of impunity and arrogance that is being displayed in our public offices”.
“On the other hand, it is evidence enough that the Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) regime is in itself a threat to the future of our hard earned democracy” explained Namiwa.
Nevertheless, CDEDI is not moved with the silence and is proceeding with the peaceful demonstrations on acquired date.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi has been ranked 129 out of 180 countries on the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with a score of 30.
Watchdog Transparency International observes that Malawi is a significant decliner on the CPI as the country has dropped seven points since 2012.
Corruption cases cited in the report include the “cash-gate scandal” of 2013 involving high levels of public sector corruption and misappropriation of funds and recent revelations of public sector corruption of astronomical proportions, with an estimated US$1 billion allegedly stolen by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government.
“A new government elected in June 2020 promises a fresh start, with several investigations into corruption already underway, and some key arrests made in connection with a cement import scandal,” reads part of the report.
However, the report warns that the extradition of Bushiri – a high-profile Malawian pastor accused of money laundering in South Africa – may be another test of the country’s commitment to anti-corruption.
On the index, Denmark and New Zealand are top with 88 points. Syria, Somalia and South Sudan come last, with 14, 12 and 12 points, respectively.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Seychelles consistently earns top marks in the region with 66, followed by Botswana (60) and Cabo Verde (58).
In order to reverse the region’s position as the worst performing on the CPI, governments in Sub-Saharan Africa have been advised to take decisive action, particularly in those economies already weakened by the ongoing economic recession stemming from COVID-19.
“Rather than add pledges, countries must enforce numerous existing anti-corruption commitments, including Agenda 2063, the transformative agenda of the African Union for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“These commitments can only be successfully realised if the continent is rooted in good governance, democratic values, gender equality, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law,” the report says.
The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople It uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.
Like previous years, more than two-thirds of countries score below 50 on this year’s CPI, with an average score of just 43.
But Ministry of Information and Malawi government spokesperson Gospel Kazako said the index does not reflect Tonse administration on corruption arguing that Malawians must wait 2021 report.
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)—Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has asked government to guard against dubious sale of land and suspicious change of ownership that has of late become order of the day at the Ministry of Land and Urban Development.
Speaking on Friday at a press briefing in Lilongwe, HRDC Chairperson, Gift Trapence, said should government fail to do the needful, they will have no option but to organise demonstrations to express the seriousness about their position.
Trapence said his organisation will always remain independent in order for them to point out any corrupt practices the government ministries, departments and agencies indulge in.
The organisation further called upon government to digitalise land management system as one way of curbing rampant corruption which seems to have covered wider ground at the ministry.
Another radical leader of the organisation, Reverend McDonald Sembereka, said there are several complaints about officials of the ministry monopolising business opportunities, saying such a tendency is a clear indication that corruption characterises the officials.
However, Minister of Information, who is also government’s spokesperson, Gospel Kazako, assured HRDC that the current government is highly committed to fighting corruption and safeguarding human rights.
Recently, HRDC and other human rights organisation asked government to reconstitute the newly appointed boards of directors, arguing that the appointing authorities violated the gender equality act and other statutes of the constitution.
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