Tag Archives: President Chakwera’s Tonse Admin

Lifestyle, Malawi

Mr President Chakwera, Malawi’s economy is too small for “bloated PSs, Cabinet”

Maravi Post Reporter
Chakwera loosing track on governing Malawi

By Thandie Chadzandiyani

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse administration continues draining hard earn tax-payers money with unjustified appointments for appeasing party zealots, family members and friends.

For instance, the Tonse Alliance government has increased the number of principal secretaries (PSs), booming the annual wage bill for the mainstream civil service top-tier by around MK300 million and running a fleet of vehicles costing over K1 billion.

President Chakwera increased Cabinet portfolios from 18 to 23, adding five new PS positions. Additionally, the Ministry of Education now has two PSs—one for education and another for administration.

According to The Nation on Sunday, the Tonse administration also replaced six PSs, who have been deployed to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) to handle “special duties” unknown. Some of them confided in us that they “literally do nothing” meaning they are getting paid for sitting around.

According to the Department of Human Resources Management and Development (DHRMD), each PS earns around MK22 million per annum, of which MK17 million is salary, and MK5 million fuel allowance.

Each PS is entitled to an official vehicle—a Prado TX valued between MK100 million and MK110 million—according to Toyota Malawi prices, meaning the 12 extra PSs have been designated a fleet valued at over MK1 billion.

“In simple terms, each ministry has one PS, who is the controlling officer. Their number can, therefore, be determined by the number of ministries. However, PSs are pegged at Grade C, and in government we have almost 44 officers at that Grade. But not all are PSs.

“DHRMD’s main area of focus is grades and numbers. But for the actual figures serving as PSs the OPC would be in a better position since they are responsible for deployment of PSs and other common administrative service,” DHRDM public relations officer Kennie Ntonga explained.

Speaking with the opposition party (DPP) spokesperson on Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha said “We are very worried and disappointed with the increased PSs. Manifesto of Malawi Congress Party promised to be efficient in utilization of funds. What is happening is contrary which is total negligence and total inefficiency”.

Mwanamvekha continued that at the time the country was struggling economically, the government was supposed to be cutting “unnecessary expenses.”

“Revenues are low and the government is struggling to provide quality services in sectors such as education, health and energy. It is shocking that the government has chosen to misuse resources,” he said.

Mwanamvekha said he was planning to meet the Ministry of Finance and Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to seek answers on the PSs growing numbers.

Economic analyst Milward Tobias said Malawi’s economy is too small for a “bloated PSs and Cabinet”.

“Most of those were appointed due to political connections. Instead of promoting civil servants that are already in the service, the trend here is that a new administration always brings in people that don’t have an idea how to be PSs,” he said.

Describing this as discriminatory and promoting unfair labour practices, The Office of the Ombudsman has questioned.

President Chakwera continues with unnecessary appointments for appeasing his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) loyalists, friends and family members.

Health

Malawi President Chakwera’s Tonse admin faces backlash from opposition DPP on Covid-19 vaccine endorsement without consultation

Maravi Post Reporter
Phuka and Nyalonje addressing the media on Thursday

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse administration is under fire for giving nod to Covid-19 vaccines supply to country without consulting key stakeholders in the health sector.

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has accused Chakwera leadership of secretly decided to indemnify the manufactures of the COVID-19 vaccine to Malawi.

In a press statement made available to The Maravi Post on Friday, January 15, 2021 signed by DPP Spokesperson Brown Mpinganjira questioned the legality of endorsing Covid-19 vaccines supply when its efficacy is being challenged globally.

The party questions as to why the manufacturers of the vaccine are demanding from obsequious governments such as the Malawi Government, assurances that they will not be liable if harm is caused to Malawians.

“A Government that is accountable to its citizens cannot forego the rights of its citizens without fully informing its citizens of the implications of the indemnity, and without seeking informed acceptance by the citizens.

“We are aware that for many generations, vaccines have proven to be an efficient way of addressing diseases. But we are also aware that some vaccines have caused irreparable harm to humans,” worried Mpinganjira.

He adds, “Therefore, while a vaccine for Covid-19 may provide solutions, Malawi must be guided by scientific evidence of its safety. And if the first step the manufacturers are demanding is an indemnity, we must question their confidence in their vaccine.

“We therefore demand that the Government must come clean on this matter. What do our scientists know about the vaccine? What assurances have we received that the vaccine is safe? What is the indemnity protecting the manufacturers from?

Mpinganjira demands, “If Government does not provide a satisfactory explanation to Malawians within the next 7 days we, the Democratic Progressive Party, will seek the intervention of the courts to protect the lives and health of our citizens”.

On January 12, 2021 Chakwera’s Tonse administration nodded to Covid-19 vaccines amid doubts, anxious, protests of its efficacy.

Developed nations including Brazil this week disclosed that China’s Covid-19 vaccines has 50% efficacy which put peoples doubts of its usage.

Malawi Govt nods to Covid-19 vaccines amid doubts, anxious, protests of its efficacy
Health

With or without Covi-19, Sidik Mia’s burial deserved better treat from Chakwera’s Tonse admin, MCP

Maravi Post Reporter
The late Mia

By Nenenji Mlangeni

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, Malawi started a three day mourning for the departed souls due to Covid-19 more particularly two cabinet ministers (Sidik Mia and Lingisoni Belekanyama) who passed away on the same day. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

The nation was panic on Tuesday for the demise of the two including many deaths and cases reported on Covid-19.

But the subject matter is on the late Sidik Mia who was Malawi Congress Party (MCP) first Vice President, the main shareholder in Tonse administration led by Lazarus Chakwera.

The late Mia for starters sacrificed his energies, resources, monies to revive MCP political muscle from shameful defeat in opposition for more 26 years, loosing elections after elections.

The late Mbuya Mia’s financial muscle made MCP and Chakwera to be where they are now.

Only six months into leadership, the former Transport Minister succumbed to Covid-19 with little rewards of his sweat for MCP leadership in Malawi government. May God receive Mia’s soul.

What has surprised many is the leaked audio on how the late Mia remains buried without Tonse government and MCP representatives, even Chakwera sending condolence messages to the bereaved family as many expected to announce at the burial ceremony at Ngabu, Chikwawa, home village.

An audio in our possession communicating to the Muslim community in Malawi as the late Mia’s religion, has expressed sadness the way Chakwera with Tonse administration and MCP treated the late Mbuya’s remains.

“Immediately after death pronouncement in the morning of Tuesday, January 12, 2021, we spent about three hours at Queen Central Hospital without any MCP or Tonse government officials to be part of Muslim Jhadhi community which handled the whole burial ceremony.

“We expected traffic police officers to help clearing the road from hospital to the late’s house till home village Ngabu in Chakwera considering that Mia was a senior cabinet minister and MCP Vice President but nothing of that sort happened,” worried a Muslim brother in the audio.

He added, “Our hope was on our way from the late Mia house (Mudi, Blantyre) that police traffic officers could come in but nothing of that sort that we had to wait road signs (robots) for minutes with the remains of the senior cabinet minister until I used my vehicle to clear the road till at her home village at Ngabu.

“When we arrived at Ngabu for burial later in the evening, we also expected Malawi government and MCP officials to speak at the funeral where we spent till 7 pm but nothing happened when we just head that the head of state was speaking on radio. Was Mia really deserved this despite all his sacrifices to the leadership?

“With or without Covid-19, Mia deserved a better treatment of his burial not what this leadership has demonstrated. You mean the leadership could fail to be 100 meters away from the grave for his close friend who used his resources to put him where he is now?

“Malawians will always remember Sidik Mia for his fatherly heart to his Muslim community brothers and sisters and also to those in political circles. The nation has lost the asset that wishes others well in life”, says the concerned Muslim brother.

The Maravi Post understands that during the national address on Tuesday afternoon, Chakwera’s face showed not much groomy as expected even without mask on his mouth or carrying.

After the late Mia told the nation of his positive test to Covid-19, no Tonse government or MCP official wished him well even to visit him at the hospital to our knowledge.

But during the burial of MCP senior member Mayi Dinala, the party was all over despite Covid-19 measures. Did Mia deserve this?

Prior to his death, this paper carried an article in which Chakwera is said to have started grooming his trusted boy Eisenhower Mkaka Foreign Minister and MCP’s Secretary General to take over from him in 2025.

Are we reading too much on this that some are happy within MCP or Tonse as the main opponent is gone?

The nation is yet to hear Chakwera’s justification on Mia’s burial as Covid-19 continues striking hard the nation.

Mask up, Watch hands, social distancing and stay safe!!!

corruption, Malawi

Malawi President Chakwera’s Tonse admin flashes out 950 ghost pensioners

Lloyd M’bwana 1 Comment

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse administration has started draining the swamps that former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) left that over 950 pensioners have been deleted from the list of government pensioners following the completion of a headcount exercise.

The Accountant General’s office conducted the exercise to ensure that the government is not wasting resources on ghost workers and false pension beneficiaries.

Earlier, the Treasury disclosed that billions of kwacha have over the years been lost to ghost workers and pensioners.

In a statement, Secretary to the Treasury Chauncy Simwaka has disclosed that they had 37, 984 pensioners on the government payroll out of which 37 027 were verified.

So far, names of 957 pensioners have been removed from the payroll and published as they failed to verify their information.

Simwaka has since disclosed that those whose names are appearing on the published list can still approach the authorities to be re-enlisted on the payroll.

This is a good development as taxpayers money have been saved from ghost pensioners.

Malawi, Opinion, Politics

2020-Year in Review: Limping with President Chakwera’s Tonse admin on ambitious manifesto, clueless leadership

Maneno Chimulala 2 Comments

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As the year 2020 began, few would have imagined that Malawians would be asked to queue again at different poling centres to choose the country’s president after doing the same ‘useless’ exercise in 2019. And again, completely no one would have imagined that the world would literally be thrown into the biggest crisis.

But anyway, the whimsical happened: Covid-19 ravaged (and it is still ravaging) the world economy by disrupting global chains of supply and international trade, and we Malawians, had a rare chance to go for fresh presidential election sanctioned by both the lower court and the Supreme Court following a nullification of 2019 election which was thrown into the bin on grounds of widespread of irregularities.

Chakwera’s coming to power was charged with much excitement. Everyone went wild, celebrating as if they had just been called by Jesus Christ, the only Son of Jehovah, to help Him prepare the Promised Land. In every district, even people of Neno (the very neglected district), chanted songs of joy as they could now envisage what Malawi would become with universal subsidy programme; free connection of water and electricity; processing passport at K14 000; Mobility soft loans for Junior Civil servants; Re-introduction of Housing allowances for all sidelined civil servants; creation of 1 million jobs within a year; Creation of corrupt free Government and many other mouthwatering promises well packed in the consolidated manifesto of Tonse Alliance—a combination 9 political parties led by MCP and UTM.

But as we are limping to the last flame of 2020, one would be tempted to ask whether the euphoria, that caught many Malawians off guard after fresh election results were announced, was necessitated by Tonse Alliance victory or the downfall of the former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its president Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM). I, for one, go for the latter.

People are not happy. The excitement has dwindled at supersonic speed. So many promises haven’t been fulfilled and there is no any sign that they will do it. The only solace to all Malawians who wanted change is that ‘DPP and APM are out of government’.

Before I go further, let’s appreciate the promises that propelled Chakwera and Chilima to the echelons of power as President and Vice President respectively and they are as follows: Rule of Law; Abolition of nepotism, Malawi is for all Malawians; Universally Subsdised farm inputs eg K4,495 50kg bag of fertilizer; Free water and electricity connections; Re-introduction of Housing allowances for all sidelined civil servants; Initial Minimum wage will be K50,000; Mobility soft loans for Junior Civil servants; Honoralia for non working elderly people; Extensive rural electrification across Malawi; Actual Re-introduction of JCE Exams; Restructuring of academic timetable for primary schools; Creation of 1 million jobs for the youth across Malawi; Vocational skills for the youth; Disbursement of business loans to the youth and the middle aged; Midzi transformation projects; Regular Promotions of all civil servants who have worked for 4 years and above annually.

The other promises well packed in their consolidated manifesto are Actual Abolition of Quota system in all Government ministries, departments and agencies including restrictions on self upgrading; Automatic Promotions for all Upgrading civil servants; Introduction of Risk allowances for all risk prone civil servants; Creation of corrupt free Govt; Abolition of Contributory Pension Scheme for all Civil servants; Inreased Tax Free Threshold to K100,000 for all civil servants; Passport at 14000 and. Importation of all used cars on duty free.

From the list, only four promises (though trivial) have been implemented. They promised reintroduction of JCE examinations and next year pupils will sit for it; Tax Free Threshold to K100,000 for all civil servants has been implemented and the minimum wage is K50 000 though no measures have been put in place to make sure that the private sector is complying with the set minimum wage.

On universal subsidy, the Tonse Alliance administration has not lived up to its promise as what we have witnessed is similar to the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party policy, only that the number of beneficiaries has increased.

“Madam Speaker, according to the census there are 4.2 million farm families. In the 2020/2021 financial year, Government will implement the Affordable Inputs Program where all the 4.2 million farm families will be provided with cheap farm inputs.

“This, Madam Speaker, is not far from being a universal subsidy program assuming an average family size of four people, which gives approximately 16.8 million people that will be covered under this program out of the 17.6 million people in Malawi. In this regard, Madam Speaker, there is no sampling of farm families to benefit from this program as every smallholder farmer is covered,” Finance Minster Mlusu announced, justifying crookedness of Chakwera and Chilima who appears to have been living in Mars when crafting their campaign promises.

As people are waiting to hear on how 1 million jobs will be created, President Chakwera and Chilima are just expressing commitment that the government will ably implement the promise. When you ask them the question “how”? The answer is kwantere kwantere. Running government is a serious business! Atcheya Bakili Muluzi was spot-on.

As for free connection of water and electricity and reduction of passport fees, let’s just pretend that we didn’t hear them mentioning that. Some frustrations can be avoided.

Their parable about the “Rule of Law” and corruption free government is being translated now: Only DPP official is corrupt and must be arrested but Minister Eisenhower Mkaka, who is on record to have been siphoning money from State House through CrossRoads Hotel is left scot free.

Reports indicated that the move which commenced on July 5, 2020 has seen State House paying a whopping US$ 300 an equivalent of MK240, 000 per night when the accepted value is MK75, 000 per night at the Hotel. On this one, the president is quite though there has been a chorus of disapproval from the general public. In Tonse Alliance, I tell you, they have coined another definition of ‘Rule of Law’.

Of course, the fact that all promises cannot be fulfilled within a year must dawn on us all, but utter cluelessness and sluggishness in making decision by the current leadership is what shrinks Malawians’ hope exponentially.

We have tried people with an assortment of degrees, which did not mirror their character, leadership and achievements. Now we have Reverend, a man who has spent so many years on the pulpit. Let’s hope his leadership will not plumb new depths.

Malawi, Top News

CDEDI against President Chakwera’s Tonse Admin on fiscal year change

Maravi Post Reporter
CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) is urging President Lazarus Chakwera to consult thorough before making a change in policy direction.

The grouping cited the change of the fiscal year from the current July – June cycle to a new fiscal year which begins from April – March.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa told the news conference on December 24 that “Democracy demands that leaders should consult the governed before effecting changes”.

“Thus far, CDEDI is challenging President Chakwera to bring forward evidence that consultations were indeed made with relevant stakeholders before coming up with such a decision.

‘Should there be no evidence of the same, CDEDI will proceed to move the courts to stop government from implementing this policy shift, until such a time when thorough consultations have been done,” says Namiwa.

Below is CDEDI full press statement:

WE STAND FIRM TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST IMPUNITY

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has been forced into action once again after noting some regrettable developments in the country in the past few days.

CDEDI and indeed all well-meaning Malawians woke up to the news that the Tonse Alliance government had changed the fiscal year from the current July – June cycle to a new fiscal year which begins from April – March.

Apparently, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has acted within his executive
powers to make such a paradigm shift in policy direction. Although it is no
very strange to make such a change, CDEDI is of the view that relevant
stakeholders should have been involved through a thorough consultative
process.

It is even more mind boggling when one looks back at the history of one of the major alliance partners, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Malawians of good will should be worried with the current trend of making dictatorial policy shifts, which if left unchecked, it will set a very bad precedent, under the disguise of using the privilege of executive powers.

We at CDEDI believe that in a modern day democracy, deliberate efforts should have been made to create space for stakeholders’ consultations before government came up with such a drastic change in policy which will require amendments of some acts of parliament to accommodate the same.

Thus far, CDEDI is challenging President Chakwera to bring forward evidence that consultations were indeed made with relevant stakeholders before coming up with such a decision. Should there be no evidence of the same, CDEDI will proceed to move the courts to stop government from implementing this policy shift, until such a time when thorough consultations have been done.

As if this was not enough, on Tuesday December 22, 2020 Malawians were
greeted with yet another shocking news that government through the
Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 had closed all the borders in a bid to
contain the further spread of the pandemic.

CDEDI believes such a decision should have been made with the relevant stakeholders who are likely to be directly affected, such as the revenue collection bodies and other business operators that are involved in cross border trade.

CDEDI is further challenging the Malawi government to learn from the
neighboring country Tanzania on how they managed to contain the pandemic without tampering with the boarders, and immediately rescind its decision for the same reason of infringing on the economic rights of those people whose livelihoods depend on cross border trade. CDEDI will again move the courts in the event that government decides not to rescind its decision.

Thirdly, CDEDI regrets to report that Malawians will celebrate Christmas and the New Year with the shocking revelation of increased domestic debt which has the potential to push up the inflation rate, the lending rate and by
extension increased cost of living, a development that will eat away disposable cash and in the process push more people into poverty.

Ironically, the very same people that were promised decent meals a day will be starving.

CDEDI believes such unfortunate circumstances could easily be contained if President Chakwera stood firm on his promise to control unnecessary expenses such as external travels and the unjustifiable local travels.

This is also a timely warning and reminder to the Tonse Alliance government to embrace austerity measures by spending on areas that bring value for the money spent.

This briefing is also coming at a time when the VAT on cocking oil is showing its ugly face on the poor people since the shelf price for cooking oil has gone up.

CDEDI is therefore challenging the Tonse Alliance administration to scrap
off the 16. 5 percent VAT.

CDEDI and indeed well meaning Malawians are closely monitoring the way the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is discharging its duties.

However, we dismayed with its deafening silence regarding the rot that has been put to light at the Karonga District Council recently.

CDEDI is challenging the ACB Director Reyneck Matemba to zero in on the alleged corruption and abuse of power at the council before Malawians make their own conclusions. This is a clear example of selective application of justice CDEDI has been advocating against.

On the other hand CDEDI has learnt with shock the news that the Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) is yet to pay traders who supplied maize recently.

This is unacceptable since the parastatal is depriving the suppliers their source of income and livelihood. CDEDI is, therefore, challenging President Chakwera to swiftly intervene on the matter.

President Chakwera however has never responded directly to CDEDI on various national concerns raised.