Malawi News Network - MNN

07/06/2024

A prominent lawyer, Ayuba James, has written an open letter to President Lazarus Chakwera, shedding light on the underlying reasons behind the calls for the removal of Director General of Immigration, retired Brigadier Charles Kalumo.

According to James, who is also a renowned human rights activist, Kalumo’s efforts to tackle corruption and disorder within the department have made him a target for those who benefit from the status quo. James describes the Department of Immigration as “notorious for corruption” and alleges that employees have engaged in extortion and bribery, using middlemen to exploit desperate service seekers.

In his letter, James praises Kalumo’s hands-on approach, which includes directly engaging with service seekers and confronting compromised officers. He urges President Chakwera to support Kalumo’s anti-corruption crusade and to take action against corrupt officers within the department.

Law scholar Charles Dokera has also come out in support of Kalumo, dismissing calls for his removal as driven by corrupt interests.

Dokera alleges that junior officers, including guards, are involved in corrupt activities and that Kalumo has made significant progress in addressing these issues.

Both James and Dokera urge President Chakwera to stand firm against corruption and to support Kalumo’s efforts to reform the Department of Immigration.

“The reason some of those employees want Brigadier Charles Kalumo out is because he is the first Director General to take very direct and realistic measures to address corruption at that department, other than massaging it as others had been doing,” James wrote.

James pulled no punches, describing the Department of Immigration as “the most corrupt in Malawi among all departments that deal with issuance of public documents.”

He alleged that employees have their own “dobadobas” (middlemen) who extort money from desperate service seekers, promising to fast-track their applications.

“The first smell you hear upon approaching the Immigration Department in Lilongwe is the stench of corruption. It smells tough,” James declared.

But Kalumo’s arrival marked a turning point, according to James.

“He would ask service seekers how long ago they paid for their passports and what explanation they were given for not being helped. With that, he would trace the compromised officers and directly confront them,” James explained.

James personally witnessed Kalumo’s hands-on approach, recounting how the Commissioner General swiftly resolved a frustrating case involving a friend and a group of students from Bunda.

“Kalumo’s approach is ‘management by walking around.’

He would always take time asking service seekers randomly…With that, he would trace the compromised officers and directly confront them for not doing what is right,” James said.

James urged President Chakwera to stand firm against corruption and support Kalumo’s crusade.

“Let Kalumo stay in office. Find a way of firing all the compromised officers at the department. We know how much fight corruption puts in every time someone attempts to deal with it. It is so resistant. But it must be fought. And Kalumo fought it very well.”

Law scholar Dokera corroborated James’ assertions and has also thrown his weight behind Kalumo, dismissing calls for his removal.

“I come to dismiss the calls of firing Kalumo. Let him stay as he is the broom of filth at immigration,” Dokera said in a statement.

The former University of Malawi Students Union President alleges that the calls for Kalumo’s removal are driven by corrupt interests, and that the Commissioner General has been effective in tackling corruption at the department.

“The fight against immigration boss has been given a cosmetic face mask (by accusing Kalumo of being harsh and undemocratic).

Much as we don’t expect Kalumo to be over and above human errors, the real call against Kalumo borders on corrupt interests,” Dokera explained.

He added that junior officers, including guards, are involved in corrupt activities, and that Kalumo has narrowed the gaps they used to exploit.

“Officers are now hiding behind human rights violations or what have you against the Boss. The truth of the matter is that these officers are facing corruption charges, and the rest is background noise,” Dokera said.

Dokera urged President Chakwera to support Kalumo, stating that “the only punishment corrupt officers at immigration department can receive is to let Kalumo stay.”

“We might have lost at ACB, let us not lose at Immigration department again! Yours in service,” Dokera concluded.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

05/06/2024

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04/06/2024

Leading alcoholic beverage producers in the country, Castel Malawi Limited has affirmed its sponsorship of Castel Challenge Cup by hiking the package to K400 million from K320 million.

Castel Malawi introduced the football cup last year and after a successful run, the company has come back bigger, with this season’s launch set for Champions Stadium at Mponela in Dowa on Saturday.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

26/05/2024

MCP panicking as Chihana dares Mponela police on selective prosecution

Finally ,MCP has started realising that they are losing government.

Accompanied by comrade Timothy Mtambo and the entire AFORD NEC members, Chihana told the police to stop being used by savages who are in MCP and cabinet of Chakwera because MCP is now on borrowed time as Malawians are tired of the economic atrocities that Chakwera and his apostles have inflicted on them.

In response today, MCP national youth director, Chimwendo Banda said "someone meaning Chihana" is threatening with vulgar words.

Chimwendo: "He must stop doing that because he is not a cabinet minister or any government top official. In fact he is not even educated enough."

But AFORD has hit back saying Chihana is more educated, smart and wise than the Minister who was appointed because of tribalism.

AFORD, "We will not sit and watch a primitive politician destroying the fabric of democracy that some people fought for while others died in the struggle for rule of law, democracy and development. AFORD will not be threatened and intimidated by MCP savages. This message must go direct to those who feel that they are above the law."

22/05/2024

https://www.malawivoice.com/2024/05/22/chihana-says-malawi-took-katapila-for-fuel/

…..fuel blackout energies on market The opposition, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) President Enoch Chakufwa Chihana has disclosed that President Lazarus Chakwera’s government borrowed money from an international bank and used this year’s to***co sales as collateral for the loan. The firebrand ...

21/05/2024

Yeremiah Chihana, the Member of Parliament for the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), has denied apologizing to the party’s Disciplinary Committee, contradicting a media report published earlier this week.

According to a news article, Chihana had apologized for his remarks made during a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) political rally in Blantyre last week, where he announced that AFORD had endorsed Peter Mutharika of DPP as a possible president for Malawi in the next elections.

However, in an Exclusive interview with Malawi Voice, Chihana revealed that he had not apologized to the party.

“We met with the President on the way forward and we are yet to meet again to look at the alliance framework. There is no apology, but we have agreed on what lies ahead.

“And we still endorse APM as I said in Parliament and have not changed at all, ” Chihana said

Chihana’s denial contradicts the media report, which claimed that he had apologized for his actions.

This raises questions about the accuracy of the report and the true nature of Chihana’s meeting with the party’s president and the Disciplinary Committee.

AFORD is currently enjoying a resurgence in political prominence after breaking away from President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government.

The party’s president, Enoch Chihana, has announced that AFORD will go solo in the 2025 Presidential Elections.

The endorsement of Peter Mutharika by Chihana during the DPP rally has sparked controversy, with some AFORD members agreeing and supporting the idea to endorse APM

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

20/05/2024

Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, former Reserve Bank governor, has urged authorities to address the pressing issue of accommodation at public universities.

Speaking at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) Catholic Students Organisation’s album launch in Zomba, Dr. Kabambe expressed concern over the lack of proper accommodation for young students.

His sentiments echo those of UNIMA’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, who recently revealed that the university receives students as young as 13, some of whom struggle to cope with the transition, even crying after being left by guardians.

Dr. Kabambe emphasized the need for prompt action to address this issue, ensuring that students have a conducive environment to focus on their studies.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

19/05/2024

AFORD pakwawo pa Mponela pa Boma.. MCP yapinda mchira... Inu AFORD ndi kawawa...kuti khaaa khaaa.

18/05/2024

AFORD pa home apo pa Mponela.
Akuti mawa kuli kiyama basi! Wafa wafa!

17/05/2024

AFORD followers beaten, hacked in Mponela, condemns violence

AFORD says it is dismayed by reports that indicate that their supporters have been severely bruised, harassed and beaten by unknown thugs at Mponela Trading centre ahead of Sunday rally.

According to the party's Director of Public Relations and Communication, Chris Thaulo, said the party has registered its concerns with police to carry out their investigation into the matter but with urgency before they report to international community.

"We are very much worried at the pace we are going now in this country. These outbreak of violence that have resulted into injuries and destruction of property have no place in modern politics. We, therefore, condemn such people who are behind this escalation of violence and brutality because their motives have a potential to undermine peace and stability ahead of elections in 2025.

"We, therefore appealing to all meaningful Malawians mainly the youths to desist from being used by failed politicians for cheap gains," said Thaulo.

AFORD has a mother party of democracy will continue reaffirm its commitment to coexistence, social cohesion and freedom of assembly as pillars of democracy and political diversity.

Meanwhile AFORD says their rally is going on as planned.

17/05/2024

Chihana apweteka ma team uyu.. Kuti khaaaaaa khaaa

ROAD TO 2025

One of the frontrunners for the 2025 tripartite polls, Enock Chihana continues to pitch his campaign blitz with his messge of economic liberation through industrialization. On Sunday, May, 19, 2024 the Alliance for Democracy -AFORD will hold a mass rally at Mponela Trading Centre, in Dowa District.

Chihana is expected to be accompanied by human rights defender, comrade Timothy Mtambo who is currently the party's Vice President responsible for operations.

The rally comes at the back of another successful rally the party conducted at Chinsapo Unicef ground two weeks in Lilongwe.

15/05/2024

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14/05/2024

A dispute involving the ownership of Salima Sugar Company took a significant turn on Monday when High Court Judge Charlotte Mesikano ordered the involved parties to resolve the matter through arbitration.

Sitting in the Commercial Division of the Lilongwe Registry, Judge Mesikano directed that the claimants, AUM Sugar and Allied Limited, and the defendants, Greenbelt Initiative Holdings Limited, Greenbelt Authority, Salima Sugar Company Limited, and the Attorney General, “should proceed with arbitration without delay.”

The conflict stems from a joint venture agreement between AUM Sugar and Allied Limited and Greenbelt Initiative Holdings Limited, Greenbelt Authority to establish Salima Sugar Company Limited. The Attorney General represents the government, which holds the majority shares in Greenbelt Initiative Holdings Limited and Greenbelt Authority.

The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has terminated its shareholding deal with AUM Sugar and Allied Limited of India in Salima Sugar Company Limited due to breach of contract.

In a letter dated December 19, 2023 GBA chief executive officer Eric Dudley Chidzungu said the agreement had been breached as revealed by results of a recent forensic audit.

He said the termination, which is in accordance with Section 12(3) of the shareholders agreement, was decided at a meeting held on December 6 this year in Lilongwe.

Reads the letter in part: “The shareholding agreement has been breached as per results of the Forensic Audit Report which has revealed that despite not paying in time your equity contribution you have also been defrauding the company by raising equity using company resources.”

However, AUM Sugar and Allied Limited have always maintained that the termination and criminal proceedings were uncalled for and rushed.

As such, the company invoked the arbitration provisions outlined in the agreement. Consequently, they have applied for arbitration through the International Chamber of Commerce, and proceedings are currently underway.

At the ICC, AUM Sugar and Allied Limited sought the court’s intervention to halt the implementation of decisions made by Greenbelt Initiative Holdings Limited and Greenbelt Authority in the absence of AUM Sugar and Allied Limited as a business partner.

Salima Sugar Company
Judge Mesikano considered arguments from both sides, including the Attorney General’s plea to dismiss the application for stay based on the res judicata rule and to halt all arbitration proceedings pending criminal proceedings.

Mesikano emphasized that the dispute primarily revolves around disagreements between shareholders of Salima Sugar Company. She noted the dissolution of the Joint Venture Agreement during a board meeting in 2023, resulting in changes in the company’s board and ongoing efforts to replace AUM Sugar and Allied Limited as partners.

Regarding the validity of arbitration proceedings before the ICC, Mesikano affirmed their legitimacy and stressed that arbitrators are the appropriate forum for addressing urgent and interim issues raised by any party. She emphasized that the court should refrain from pre-empting arbitration outcomes, as stipulated in the agreement between the parties.

Mesikano highlighted the divergence between the parties’ focus on legal matters, emphasizing that the core dispute centres on the agreed mechanism for handling disputes.

She concluded that litigation cannot supersede arbitration unless there is a clear breach of contract, specifically concerning the abandonment of arbitration provisions in favour of alternative dispute resolution methods not outlined in the agreement.

In December, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda announced that over $30 million (about K60 billion) has been misappropriated at Salima Sugar Company.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

13/05/2024

AFORD at Chinsapo with Chihana in the first photo while the second photo is DPP at Njamba Freedom Park yesterday with Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.

Apa UTM ndi MCP mbwenu yamala.

13/05/2024

AFORD rally at Chinsapo Ground on Labours Day. It was conducted by the party's President Enock Chihana and Timothy Mtambo. The turn out is great statement to both UTM and MCP.

12/05/2024

AFORD has no alliance plans with DPP- AFORD statement declares

The Alliance for Democracy AFORD has snubbed its Member of Parliament for Mzimba North Jeremiah Chihana who today said that his party has already found APM as the presidential candidate for 2025.

The party has however distanced itself from him remarks saying the party will feature Enoch Chihana as its candidate in 2025.

10/05/2024

Keep the party going after the Pomme Breeze launch at Epic (area 10).

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01/05/2024

Chihana rips Chakwera for putting Malawians under economic misery

Leader of Alliance for Democracy- AFORD Enock says boosting the economy and poverty reduction requires a leader who can understand the importance of investments in sectors that can deliver high development dividends.

We need a leader whose mandate is to turn the country into a industrialized middle-class providing high quality of life.

Chihana talked of prices of sugar as big warning sign that Malawi is in leadership crisis among others.

01/05/2024

AFORD has appointed Mrs Linda Limbe as its new Secretary General replacing the fired Wakuda Kananga.

Limbe was Deputy Secretary to Wakuda.

01/05/2024

Enoch Chihana and Timothy Mtambo have arrived at a rally at Chinsapo Unicef ground in Lilongwe.

30/04/2024

Nyengo yamala!

Timothy Mtambo has finally joined active politics. He is expected to be unveiled as AFORD's Vice President responsible for Northern region tomorrow at a rally to be conducted at Chinsapo Unicef ground.

27/04/2024

Count down; as EKC storms Lilongwe

On Wednesday, Labour Day, May 1,2024 at Chinsapo Unicef ground, AFORD president Enock Kamzingeni Chihana is scheduled to hold a mass rally outlining his socioeconomic vision for the country.

For more watch the video!

25/04/2024

Member of Parliament for Nsanje Lalanje constituency who is also Parliamentary Chairperson on Budget and Finance Committee Gladys Ganda was born today.

We wish you a bright future and continued good health and success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Nsanje Lalanje

Ganda, is one of the two ladies who holds a powerful constitutional oversight committee in Parliament aimed at scrutinising and monitoring budget implementation in line with people's expectations.

16/04/2024

Malawi News Network

AFORD suspends SG Wakuda Kamanga for 'gross indiscipline'

The Alliance for Democracy - AFORD on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 decided to suspend its Secretary General Wakuda Kamanga with immediate effect for 'gross indiscipline'.

Kamanga has been accused of leaking classified information which contain top party secret to other parties.

But Kamanga has denied the accusations hence he has decided to resign from the party saying he was assaulted by a mob in his office.

According to the letter the party's Publicity Secretary Annie Maluwa has released, the party is accusing him and Judith Mang'onda of 'betraying' same finger that feeds them.

Sources say Kamanga has been a bedfellow of AFORD's rivals in the north, People's Development Party which is led by Frank Mwenefumbo together with Mang'onda.

In defending its jurisdiction, AFORD has decided to strike a whip on him and Judith accordingly.

Kamanga is well know politician who has been to almost political parties in country which include MCP, DPP, AFORD, PP among others.

15/04/2024

Nyakula ija yabwelanso.. Samalani amalawi. Abusa akubweleselani anthu olanda mapoto aja azimayi.

29/03/2024

Former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and his spouse Brigitte have encouraged Malawians to keep their faith in God amidst economic crisis, saying better days are coming.

The patriotic Dr. Kabambe and his spouse issued the message of hope in their Easter message to the Christian community and the entire Malawians.

“This year’s Easter celebration is taking place at a critical time when our country is going through some social and economic challenges, whether it be poverty, inequality, or political instability.

“However, I encourage all of you to hold onto your faith and trust that better days are ahead,” said Dr. Kabambe, in a statement posted on his official page.

The statement further reads: “Fellow Malawians, let us keep remembering the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and to draw strength from his example of perseverance and resilience.

Just as Jesus emerged victorious from the grave, Malawians too can overcome their challenges and achieve greatness through faith and unity.”

Dr. Kabambe then called upon Malawians to practice love, compassion, and forgiveness in their daily lives; “Mirroring the teachings of Jesus who taught us to reach out to those in need, to support on”

Dr. Kabambe is fondly remembered by all Malawians for bringing stability to the Malawian economy, which resulted in low prices of basic needs and services.

During his time at Reserve Bank of Malawi he managed to reduce inflation rate to a single digit within the first year from 24% to 7.1% in 2017 and effectively managed to keep the exchange rate stable at the rate of K 732 to the US$, and turned around a projected loss of K 4 billion to a profit in the excess of K60 billion.

Dr Kabambe’s vast knowledge and experience has pitied him as one of the presidential hopefuls who is ready to stir the country towards social and economic prosperity from 2025 and beyond with a promise of nothing but the best economy.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

22/03/2024

Following a news media alert that circulated on social media about an elderly citizen going through tough times in Machinga District, Mama Prophet Linda Mbewe organized a quick preliminary visit on Thursday to cheer her up and also assess the kind of needs that must be met to brighten up her life.

The philanthropist, who is also wife to the celebrated Prophet David Mbewe, supported Mrs. Brown with an assortment of relief items such as maize flour, mattresses, plastic pails, bags of relish, beddings, some cash and bags of cement in readiness for the construction works that Prophet Mbewe will embark on to renovate the old woman's house.

Speaking to the media, Mama Prophet Linda Mbewe expressed how she was moved with compassion after learning of Mrs. Brown's situation.

"I am glad to have finally met Mrs. Brown and the Prophet and I will do all that we can to make sure that the story of her life changes. We've offered ourselves to let God work wonders through us," she remarked.

Close sources indicated that Prophet David Mbewe is set to visit Mrs. Brown soon to launch the construction of her house.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

20/03/2024

In a bid to boost diaspora remittances and foreign currency inflows into Malawi, Standard Bank Plc is proud to announce prizes worth more than K30 million for diaspora customers who remit U$2,000 back home through the Bank’s Bureau de Change (BDC).

Under the three-month Transfer and Win Diaspora promotion, Standard Bank has dangled a grand prize of a plot worth K20 Million back home and various cash prizes. The promotion is for all individuals who send money to Malawi from the diaspora and Malawians earning in foreign currency abroad with a need to send funds back home.

Announcing the incentives, The Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking (PPB) Charity Mughogho said the promotion recognizes the role of diaspora communities in the economic development of the country through foreign currency remittances.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

20/03/2024

The DPP Member of Parliament for Blantyre City South Constituency Noel Lipipa, has called on the government to take decisive action to rein in public expenditure, which he believes could include phasing out the costly SUVs used by most government officials.

Speaking at the budget sitting in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Lipipa said that the cost of domestic travel, drivers who are more than the vehicles – an anomaly in itself, misuse of vehicles, was extremely high. He added that the goal should be to reduce expenditure while also avoiding wastage and reducing borrowing, which he said was a necessary sacrifice.

“It is painful but it must be done. There is no wrong time to do the right thing. The 2024/25 budget estimates that the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) will collect K3.3 trillion is an illusion, lest we forget that they failed to collect K2,2 trillion in the 2023/24 budget.” he said.
“The private sector is struggling because of high interest rates and foreign exchange shortage. The private sector can only borrow money if there are good incentives such as lower interest rates and/or if import substitutes are introduced. Which business will borrow money in our current economic situation?” he asked.

Malawi news, Nyasa times, Malawi Breaking new

19/03/2024

Business tycoon Triephornia Bender Mpinganjira’s African Child Foundation will on Sunday, March 24 launch a K10 million kwacha football and netball leagues for schools in Neno district.

The historic launch will take place at Neno Stadium in the district.

According to the foundation, all schools and clubs from Traditional Authority (TA) Chekecheku will take part in the leagues.

The foundation, according to statement in our custody, aims at promoting health through sports in schools.

“African Child Foundation would like to use sports as a vehicle to advance and promote health in schools and communities in TA Chekucheku,” reads the statement in part.

In view of this development the following schools have been identified to play football and netball games on the launching day: Chiwale Secondary School, Chikonde CDSS, Chikonde Model Primary School and Kaponda Primary School.

Triephornia is one of the gifts that Malawi and the whole Globe have in terms of humanitarian support and services.

The Good Samaritan Triephornia also bailed out Neno District Council lastyear when she paid K5million to water board when the board disconnected water at the council.

Recently, Triephornia was in the news after donating a brand new Nissan Patrol to Malawi’s renowned hip hop artist, Limbani Kalilani better known by his stage name Tay Grin.

She also stormed the social media after donating 2.5 million kwacha to Mai Mbambande, a non-governmental organization dedicated towards assisting the elderly in the country.

As that was not enough, Mai Mpinganjira also supported with air tickets to six children who represented Malawi at Africa Spelling B competition in Uganda.

https://malawinewsnetworks.com/2024/03/19/triephornia-mpinganjiras-african-child-foundation-to-launch-k10million-football-league-in-neno/