Tag Archives: Robert Mkwezalamba

Law and order, Politics

HRCC urges Mutharika to assent to CDF Bill

Shaffie A Mtambo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has renewed its call on President Peter Muthalika to assent to the recently passed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Amendment Bill, warning that further delays could slow down urgently needed development projects across Malawi.

HRCC Boards Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba, on behalf of the Human Rights Consultative Committee, a national network of 97 non-governmental organisations and civil society organasatio, HRCC said it has closely followed and actively participated in the national debate surrounding the role of Members of Parliament in the administration of CDF resources.

The Bill, which has already been passed by Parliament, is currently awaiting presidential assent.

HRCC noted that public discourse on the proposed law has been shaped by two competing narratives, with one side arguing that the Bill limits or disempowers Members of Parliament in managing CDF resources, while the other views resistance to the Bill as an attempt to safeguard public funds by reducing political interference.

According to HRCC, concerns surrounding politicisation, accountability and possible misuse of CDF resources are valid but should be treated as implementation risks rather than legal or constitutional defects.

The committee warned that rejecting or delaying assent would ultimately penalise communities that depend on CDF-funded projects.

The rights body disclosed that it has formally written to President Muthalika, urging him to consider the urgent development needs of Malawians by assenting to the Bill as passed by Parliament.

HRCC also proposed practical safeguards and implementation guidelines aimed at addressing concerns related to political manipulation, abuse or misappropriation of CDF resources.

HRCC emphasised that the proposed allocation of K5 billion per constituency is meant to address micro level development gaps, respond to locally identified priorities and complement district and national development planning frameworks.

Mkwezalamba added that assenting to the Bill would respect Parliament’s constitutional mandate and reinforce democratic governance.

The committee further argued that strengthening oversight mechanisms such as enhanced audit requirements, stricter enforcement of public finance laws, improved reporting and transparency standards, and stronger civil society and parliamentary oversight would be a more effective response to identified risks.

HRCC also noted that the Executive arm of government retains the authority to issue administrative directives to ensure harmonisation of CDF projects with District Development Plans, enhanced monitoring by relevant oversight bodies and strict adherence to public finance and accountability frameworks.

In its recommendations, HRCC called on the President to assent to the CDF Amendment Bill in its current form, ensure that the assent is accompanied by clear implementation guidance emphasising transparency and accountability and commit to a structured post assent review process to assess performance and introduce corrective measures where necessary.

Last week, Presidential Secretary Cathy Maulidi told The Maravi Post that Mutharika was reviewing the bill after the leader assented to other five bills into law.

Law and order, Politics

Mkwezalamba Chides Mutharika Govt for mistreating former Chief Secretary Colleen Zamba, spends two nights in cell

Shaffie A Mtambo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-One of the country’s governance commentators Robert Mkwezalamba has expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of the case involving former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, after she was not taken to court as expected on Thursday.

Mkwezalamba said the development raises serious questions about whether President Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP-led administration is fully committed to upholding the rule of law.

He argued that the failure to present Zamba in court suggests that the State is not ready to prosecute the matter, which could weaken public trust in the justice system.

According to him, if authorities were indeed prepared, they would have allowed Zamba to appear before court on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Mkwezalamba observes that delaying the process only gives the impression that government is buying time to organise its case, a practice he warned could lead to costly consequences should the matter collapse due to inadequate investigations.

He further questioned why Zamba has been denied bail when she has not even been presented before a magistrate.

Mkwezalamba said it is surprising that someone who was due in court today remains in custody without being taken before a judge.

“What is shocking is that the State is blocking bail while, at the same time, failing to take her to court. This raises doubt about whether the government is properly prepared. In matters like this, delays end up costing taxpayers through compensation when cases fall apart,” he said.

Mkwezalamba added that if the State felt Zamba was a flight risk, it should have completed its investigations before effecting her arrest.

He said historically, new administrations often target officials from previous regimes, a trend he believes the government should avoid if the justice system is to be respected.

He argued that the DPP has had more than four years to investigate the matter thoroughly before arresting Zamba and that rushing to detain her without completing inquiries only fuels suspicion of political motivation.

Mkwezalamba also questioned the absence of the judge assigned to the matter, who is reportedly travelling to Salima tomorrow.

He said it is unclear why Zamba was not taken to court today, given that the presiding judge will be unavailable until next week.

He warned that if the hearing resumes on Monday, there is a strong likelihood that bail will be granted, which could weaken the State’s position. He insisted that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

Mkwezalamba dismissed fears that Zamba could have fled the country before her arrest, arguing that tracking a former top government official is relatively easy due to the nature of her previous role.

He also raised concern that the incident is taking place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, saying it is unfortunate that a high-profile woman is entangled in a case that appears poorly handled.

Mkwezalamba concluded by urging the DPP government to conduct its operations professionally, lawfully and transparently. He stressed that Malawians expect a justice system that is fair, prepared and free from political interference.

Human Rights, Opinion

“Malawi Govt must provide safety to its citizens in Israel”-Mkwezalamba

Jones Gadama

Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, concerns are growing for the safety of Malawian youth working on agricultural farms in Israel.

To shed light on this issue, Jones Gadama of Maravipost engaged Robert Mkwezalamba, a human rights activist, in an exclusive interview.

Jones: Given the current conflict between Israel and Iran, what are your concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Malawian students and workers in Israel, and how do you think the Malawian government should respond to ensure their protection?

Robert: My primary concern is the safety and well-being of our citizens not only in Israel but also those in Iran. While it remains the responsibility of Israel Government to provide guidance on safety measures, the Malawi government should take immediate action to guarantee their protection, including evacuation if necessary. They should also establish a clear communication channel with our citizens in Israel while making themselves accessible by Malawians in Iran. Thus the embassies near Iran and Israel must focus their attention to immediate calls and needs by those found in the crossfire in the two countries providing them with regular updates and guidance on how to stay safe. Additionally, the government should work closely with the Israeli and Iran authorities to ensure that Malawians receive the same protection and assistance as Israeli citizens.

Jones: As a human rights activist, how do you think the Malawian government should balance its diplomatic relations with Israel while ensuring the safety and rights of its citizens in the country, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict?

Robert: The Malawian government should prioritize the safety and rights of its citizens in Israel and Iran while maintaining diplomatic relations. This can be achieved by having open and honest communication with the Israeli government, expressing concerns and advocating for the protection of Malawian citizens. The government should also explore all available diplomatic channels to ensure that the rights of Malawians are respected and protected in Iran too. However the government must refrain from making public statements and declarations in praise or support of It’s long time partner, Israel! At this point such remarks will invite anger and retaliation from Iran which has openly declared will deal with any nation that will support Israel. Even if it comes to voting at the next security council, we will better off abstaining in supporting Israel but Bite YES for the war to stop!

Jones: What measures do you believe the Malawian government should take to provide support and assistance to its citizens in Israel, particularly those who may be affected by the conflict or wish to return to Malawi?

Robert: The Malawian government should establish a dedicated task force or emergency response team to assist citizens in Israel. This team should provide support and guidance to those affected by the conflict, including facilitating evacuation procedures for those who wish to return to Malawi. The government should also consider providing financial assistance or other forms of support to help citizens cope with the challenges posed by the conflict.

Jones: In your opinion, what are the implications of the current conflict on the human rights of Malawians in Israel, and how can the Malawian government and human rights organizations work together to mitigate any potential risks or challenges?

Robert:The current conflict poses significant risks to the human rights of Malawians in Israel and Iran including their right to safety, security, and dignity. The Malawian government and human rights organizations should work together to monitor the situation closely and respond quickly to any emerging challenges.

This can include advocating for the rights of Malawian citizens, providing support and assistance to those affected, and pushing for diplomatic solutions to the conflict that prioritize human rights and safety. By working together, we can help mitigate the risks and challenges posed by the conflict and ensure that the rights of Malawians in Israel are protected.

Domestically, it’s obvious this war will affect our economy more. The countries are targeting strategic infrastructure including fuel facilities which has already resulted in increased prices in Israel. It’s obvious Africa and Malawi will be affected hence as a nation we need to already start developing response and artenative strategies should the war continue. This includes identifying new partners for the supply of fuel while identifying new suppliers for food and non food items who may be affected by this war and that continuing in Ukraine.

Jones: Your final words

Robert:To the Malawian government, I urge it to prioritize the identification of the exact numbers in Israel and Iran and the safety /well-being of our citizens and to work tirelessly to ensure their protection. To our citizens in Israel and Iran i want to assure them that we are thinking of them and working to ensure their attainment of full rights and safety.

To the international community, I appeal for support and assistance in protecting the rights and dignity of Malawians in Israel and Iran including fast resolution of this war. And to all Malawians, let us stand together in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in, and let us pray for peace and stability in the region.

Malawi, Politics

“Don’t fire SPC Collen Zamba to satisfy others wishes”-HRCC urges Chakwera

Maravi Post Reporter

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.

Malawi, Politics

HRCC pens Parley on Chizuma’s leaked audio review

Dorica Mtenje

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 penned Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament to review the leaked audio of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director Martha Chizuma.

Addressing the news conference after delivering the letter to the committee, HRCC Leader, Robert Mkwezalamba said parliament has the oversight and legislative mandate of this country .

Mkwezalamba wants the national assembly to consider invoking relevant standing orders to clear Chizuma and put to rest all matters surrounding the leaked audio to guarantee full operation and independence of the Bureau.

He observes that PAC will give answers to the public regarding the other person who recorded the Chizuma and the motive behind the leaked audio.

HRCC it’s a grouping of 97 network members which has followed the inquiry report dissemination on the arrest of ACB chief.

Last week Chakwera spared Chizima from sacking after commission of Inquiry faulted her while firing Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Steven Kayuni over personal lawsuit on 2022 January the leaked audio.

Malawi

Mutharika joins Malawians in commemorating Labour Day with a promise of more measures to save jobs amid covid-19 spike

Maneno Chimulala

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Each  year on May 1, people across the globe take to the streets to commemorate International Workers’ Day. In many countries, May 1 is an official holiday, and for labour rights campaigners it is particularly important.

The day commemorates past labour struggles against a host of workers’ rights violations, including lengthy workdays and weeks, poor conditions and child labour.

Unlike previous years, the 2020 Labour Day comes as countries across the globe are grappling with the devastating impacts of covid-19 on the economy, resulting in loss of jobs for many workers.

In Malawi, thousands of workers have already lost jobs due to the covid-19 pandemic coupling with the country’s fragile economy. However, the government through the country’s president, Professor Peter Mutharika, has assured all workers that more measures will be implemented to save jobs in both formal and informal sector.

In a statement issued by Presidential Press Secretary Mgeme Kalilani, Mutharika has applauded workers of both public and private sectors for continuously playing a valuable role in his quest to develop Malawi and improve lives of people.

The president, however, notes that this year, the Labour Day comes at an unprecedented time in history as the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic which has affected economies as many companies are unable to function to their optimum capacity and are finding it difficult to keep all their workers in the job.

“I understand the situation which employers have found themselves in at this time of the pandemic and this is why my government has instituted a number of relief measures such as the Voluntary Tax Compliance Window and a directive to the Reserve Bank to implement a win-win arrangement with commercial banks and Micro-Finance Institutions to observe a three-month moratorium on interests on loans” said President Mutharika adding that the measures are aimed at protecting businesses and help them to survive in this difficult time.

On this note, the President has applauded all companies and businesses which are working with the Government to protect their workers from coronavirus and to ensure that they maintain their jobs.

“The government will implement more measures to save jobs,” he said.

Workers rights campaigner Robert Mkwezalamba, while admitting that employers are really negatively affected by the covid-19 pandemic, has asked the employers to use corporate social responsibility programs to assist the workers.  

“It’s a sad moment because we are hit by this pandemic (covid-19) which calls for stiffer strategies and resolution on the part of the employer and government to ensure that the workers are protected.

“We always complain here in and here out that employees do not work in conducive environment; they are not paid adequate benefits. With this pandemic where businesses are closed or operations have slowed down, we will be expecting employers to use corporate social  responsibility programs  to reach out to the workers to empower them economically or materially just as a way of thanking them,” Mkwezalamba said in an interview with Zodiak radio.

Speaking to Maravi Post, some workers who work in the informal sector have lamented the meager wages and poor working conditions characterizing the sector.

“This is a special day for us workers and we humbly ask the government and other stakeholders to consider us by pushing our employers to comply with the standards set by the government. We work for more ours in an unconducive environment, yet our salaries are below standard,” said one of the workers in Blnatyre.

Elsewhere, Dubai is cerebrating the day by honoring workers and highlighting the role played by them in achieving success at all levels, especially in the ongoing fight against Coronavirus.

According to Khaleej Times Dubai Sports Council will be marking the occasion by honoring workers at the Covid-19 testing centers in Al Nasr and Shabab Al Ahli clubs, in appreciation of the role played by them in this important time.

The council says with the world facing unprecedented challenges due to the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic, the workers have been at the forefront in the fight against Covid, standing firmly alongside the doctors, nurses, security personnel, volunteers and sterilization teams, and helping limit the spread of the virus.

“To salute their efforts and show the Council’s sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude of the role they have played in this crisis, Dubai Sports Council will be distributing special gifts to the workers at the two testing centers, “reads the statement from the council as quoted in the Times.

The first May Day celebrations focused on workers took place on May 1st 1890 after its proclamation by the first international congress of socialist parties in Europe on July 14th 1889 in Paris, France, to dedicate May 1 every year as the “Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity.”

Malawi

HRCC pens President Mutharika to dissolve ADMARC board

Maravi Post correspondent 1 Comment

 

ADMARC

Human Rights Consecutive Committee (HRCC), which is a group of 99 organizations that deals with issues of human rights in Malawi, on Friday asked President Peter Mutharika to immediately dissolve the ADMARC board because of its failure to fire ADMARC officials who were named in the Zambia maize scam.

According to the statement filed by the HRCC, dated 23 March, 2017, and signed by the organization’s chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba, the board’s delay to fire the ADMARC maize-gate suspects, indicate that it has failed its obligation.

The HRCC wondered why the ADMARC board failed to comply with the recommendations made by the commission of the inquiry in the maize scam that included disciplining the suspects.

However, government spokesperson Nicholas Dausi, challenged the HRCC’s call.

According to Dausi, the organization should have met with the ADMARC board first before coming up with the decision.

However, the board is yet to issue a comment on the matter.

 

Malawi

Festive season of terror: Salima granny brutally murdered, NAP demands justice

Maravi Post correspondent

SALIMA-(MaraviPost)  The Malawi Police Service in the lakeshore district of Salima are hunting unknown thugs for gruesomely killing a 84-year old grandmother over MK113, 000 savings from village banking.

Salima Police Spokesperson Gift Chitowe has identified the deceased granny as Loveness Chihana who met the fate on December 20, this year at Saidi village in the district.

The police publicist Chitowe told The Maravi Post that the late Chihana was attacked by unidentified people who also stole from her money amounting to MK113, 000 she had earned from her village bank savings.

Malawi Police
Malawi Police

The incident has however instilled fears among the residents in the district as memories are still fresh on recent murder of the Criminal Investigation Officer Rhoda Ngoma for Chipoka police unit and renowned evangelist Shadreck Wame who were brutally killed in their houses in July and October this year respectively.

Consequently, The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has condemned the brutal murder of the granny arguing that the incident has brought fear among poor citizens who rely on village savings for their survival not only in the Traditional Authority (T.A) Ndindi in Salima but across the country.

In a statement released and signed by NAP Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba and made available to The Maravi Post, the grouping has expressed sadness over the incident describing it as disturbing the time the country was in the festive season.

The grouping has questioned the authority’s stance on poor people’s safety from thugs saying the development was detrimental to social-economic growth of the country.

Mkwezalamba observed that the criminals robbing the old woman’s savings she realised from her village banking (Bank Mkhonde) poses a big threat to the right to economic activities and has the potential to discourage similar initiatives in areas with security lapse.

He has therefore called on the police to step up security efforts across the country so that those planning criminal attacks on hard-working and innocent citizens are arrested.

“This is why we call upon the Malawi Police Service to swiftly investigate and apprehend the criminals so that they face the long arm of the law. This is based on our belief that every citizen has a right to security and justice regardless of their status in society as stipulated in the Republican Constitution.

“With the mushrooming of village savings and banks, there is need to devise security measures for such community initiatives and that police is hereby called to intervene accordingly”, said Mkwezalamba.

The organization has urged the general public to support the police by helping in investigations as well as reporting any suspicions they detect in the communities.

“We also wish to remind every citizen to provide support to the elderly. It is disheartening that Gogo Chihana was alone at the time of the attack, a thing that might have encouraged the criminals to attack our dear granny.

“We also advise communities to take extra cautions in ensuring that transactions in the Village savings and loans are safe and secure”, concludes NAP statement.