Nthanda Times

Blessings Tambala

  • HRDC alarmed with alleged fraud of public resources at ADMARC & EGENCO

    The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has expressed disappointment with allegations of fraud and mismanagement at state-funded Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) and Electricity Generating Company (EGENCO).

    HRDC National Chairperson Gift Trapence, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said revelations of abuse of public resources at the parastatal organizations is a clear demonstration by boards of the said institutions have failed to perform their oversight functions effectively.

    “Recent reports of alleged multi-billion Kwacha frauds at EGENCO and ADMARC underscore a systemic issue of gross negligence and incompetence that cannot be ignored. Over the past two years, EGENCO and ADMARC have become synonymous with financial impropriety and operational dysfunction,” reads the statement Trapence has co-signed with regional leaders of the coalition.

    Trapence quotes a 2022 audit, which disclosed that the state produce trader incurred losses amounting to K330 million due to alleged fraud and abuse, orchestrated by its employees, including managers and directors.

    He says this is a clear indication of a breakdown in internal controls and a lack of accountability at all levels of the organization.

    Trapence and the coalition’s leadership further reveals that the situation is worse at EGENCO, with the company losing K6.7 billion due to an alleged misprocurement mess between January 2017 and March 2022.

    “This alleged scandal involves unissued items in stock, unauthorized requisitions, and rampant single sourcing of materials and services, bypassing the required national competitive bidding process. These actions not only contravene procurement laws but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for ethical governance and fiduciary responsibility. These instances are not isolated; they represent a broader pattern of maladministration and financial misconduct across state institutions,” continues to the statement.

    HRDC National Coordinator Gift Trapence

    Trapence adds that HRDC firmly believes that delays by the boards in acting on audit queries perpetuate the abuse of public funds, as those responsible are emboldened by the lack of immediate consequences. The oversight on implementing audit recommendations is grossly inadequate, rendering the boards of these parastatals ceremonial entities that waste taxpayers’ money without adding any value.

    He reiterates the coalition’s call for the government to appoint qualified professionals to parastatal boards, recommending that these appointments must be based on merit, with a clear focus on ensuring that public funds are not only well spent but also meticulously accounted for.

    Trapence says the boards must be empowered and committed to holding the executive accountable for their use of public resources.

    “A functional and diligent board is essential to preventing further abuses and restoring public confidence in these institutions. When the boards fail to execute this function, they ought to be relieved of their duties to allow other capable professionals to undertake this role. In conclusion, the HRDC demands immediate and decisive action to address the deficiencies in the oversight and governance of parastatals. We call for comprehensive audits, swift implementation of audit recommendations, and the appointment of competent professionals to the boards. The HRDC also demands that the government dismiss the boards of EGENCO and ADMARC for failing to execute their duties. It is only through such measures that we can begin to rectify the systemic issues plaguing our state institutions and safeguard the interests of the Malawian people.

    “The HRDC stands resolute in our mission to defend the rights and resources of Malawians, and we will continue to hold those in power accountable for their actions. The time for change is now, and we urge all stakeholders to join us in this critical endeavor,” thus concludes the statement.

  • Malawi contains cholera outbreak

    The Ministry of Health has announced that the country has successfully contained a cholera outbreak, which claimed dozens of lives from 2022 to 2024.

    President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera declared cholera outbreak a National Public Health Emergency on 5 December 2022 when the country registered an unprecedented high numbers of reported cases.

    The declaration paved the way for the intensification of preventive and control measures to contain the outbreak.

    A year down the line, the Ministry of Health, through the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), has announced that the country has successfully eliminated cholera outbreak.

    In a statement signed by Principal Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Samson Mndolo, the ministry said the country has not recorded any cholera case for the past four weeks.

    A patient being treated for cholera in this file photo

    But Mndolo was quick to point out that despite the reduced numbers of cholera, the country still registered sporadic cases from high risk districts.

    “For example, a total of 286 cases, including three deaths, were reported from 15 districts from 1st November, 2023, to 5th June, 2024. In response, the country continued implementing intensive surveillance and control measures at both community and facility levels in all the affected districts to completely halt the outbreak,” reads the statement in part.

    Mndolo appealed to Malawians to continue observing prevention measures, including drinking of safe water, food hygiene, regular hand-washing with soap, consistent use of toilets and reporting of any cholera suspected cases to the nearest health facilities.

  • Eliminate Gender Disparities for a Progressive, Self-Reliant Malawi – NICE

    The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has said elimination of gender disparities in both public and private sectors is key to the attainment of a progressive and self-reliant Malawi.

    NICE District Programmes Officer for Salima, Queen Mataya, made the remarks on Monday when this publication sought her comments on the progress Malawi has made in promoting women in all sectors of life, including politics.

    With financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), NICE and Centre for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS) are implementing ‘Inclusive participation of women/young women in Malawi politic (Nthawi Yawo)’ Project, which, among others, has helped in in exposing and tackling some of the norms that prohibit women from succeeding in political spaces.

    The project is being implemented in Karonga, Salima and Neno while recommendations and best practices from the project have been replicated in all the districts in Malawi.

    Mataya observed that while women are increasingly exercising their right to political participation, many, who aspire to political office, still find their way barred by the gender norms that see politics as a masculine space.

    “For women to break even in political participation, there is a need for profound change of both mindsets and political culture. Through Malawi 2063, under the Mindset Change Enabler, it is imperative to tackle these barriers,” she said.

    Women attending one of the activities by NICE in Salima

    MIP-1 decries that “there is a general focus on negativity and pessimism among Malawians which establishes a spirit that “national transformation is impossible”.

    Mataya challenged that Malawi cannot attain the much-sought after self-reliance unless the country eliminates gender disparities both in public and private sectors.

    Mataya said it is against this background that Nthawi Yawo Project wants to build the capacity of women and young women to participate meaningfully to enhance effective influence on political and decision making position processes.

    “We want to see more women and young women claiming and enjoying their rights to participate in leadership at different levels of the district and national levels. Specifically, this project enhances the inclusion and influence of women and young women in political party leadership and decision-making positions,” she said.

    Speaking in a separate interview on Monday, Traditional Authority Maganga described Nthawi Yawo Project as timely, stating that it will help Malawians to change their perceptions towards women leaders.

    Maganga said as chiefs, they have already implemented some of the recommendations from the project’s activities.

    “We commend NICE and CCSS for coming up with this project. I would like to assure them that we, traditional leaders, will also play a part in eliminating harmful cultural practices,” she said.

  • Perekezi ASM Consultants & Events courts MPs on pushing for transparent, accountable mining sector

    Perekezi ASM Consultants & Events, a Malawian non-profit making organization advancing responsible and sustainable mining through research-driven advisory services, has called upon members of Parliament (MPs) to take a greater role in preventing corruption in the mining sector.

    The organization’s managing consultant, Chikomeni Manda, made the call during a training session for members of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change. The training took place in Lilongwe on Thursday.

    Perekezi ASM Consultants and Events, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is implementing the Powering a Just Energy Transition Minerals Challenge (JET Minerals Challenge) Project, which seeks to promote transparency and accountability to curb transnational corruption in green minerals.

    Manda observed that as the sector registers significant progress, it is important that MPs should assume their oversight role to ensure that there is optimal accountability and transparency in the industry.

    “Malawi is making progress in the mining sector. And then we have minerals, which are called energy transition minerals, which are very important to the world in the sense of moving from fossil fuels to clean energy. So, we thought it was good to come and engage with MPs because there is a big risk of corruption in the sector, transnational corruption to be specific,” he said.

    Officials from Perekezi ASM Consultants & Events and MWEITI making presentations to MPs at the National Assembly on Thursday–Photo by Watipso Mzungu

    During the training, officials from Perekezi ASM Consultants & Events and the Malawi Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (MWEITI) presented findings from the Corruption risk assessment.

    However, Manda stated that the risk of corruption in the mining sector is not as serious.

    “But because we just developed a corruption risk assessment, where we found some vulnerabilities on the record, that corruption can take place. So as the members of parliament who hold the government accountable, we thought it wise that they have to be in the loop to make sure that those vulnerabilities we saw should not take place,” he said.

    In his remarks, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change, Werani Chilenga, lamented delays in developing legislations that will pave the way for the implementation of the Minerals and Mines Act of 2020.

    Chilenga said the mentioned Act addresses some of the concerns being raised by the civil society organizations.

    “Once the legislation has been developed, we hope that everything should be in place. But the CSOs should also know that the mining sector is not as easy as we may think. It takes some time, it takes a lot of investment,” he said.

  • Stakeholders validate guide to improve social protection services

    Stakeholders in the social protection sector converged in Lilongwe on Monday to discuss and validate a Social Protection Advocacy Guide in an effort to improve service delivery in the social protection interventions in Malawi.

    The validation workshop was organized by the Civil Society Social Protection Network (CSSPN), a network of organizations committed to advancing enhanced social protections programmes in Malawi, with financial support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

    In his remarks at the event, Lawrent Kansinjiro, Deputy Director for Social Welfare (Social Cash Transfer Program) in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, highlighted a number of gaps hindering effective delivery of services to targeted beneficiaries of social protection programmes.

    Kansinjiro cited lack of coordination among players in the sector as one of the gaps the sector is facing.

    He therefore commended CSSPN for developing a guide, which will help standardize the approaches.

    Social protection stakeholders posing for a group photo outside Simama Hotel in Lilongwe

    “Having a guide that standardizes the approaches in social protection interventions is very important. As government, we welcome the guide,” he said.

    Kansinjiro said the government is particularly happy that the guide is coming at a time it is working towards increase coverage in the social protection interventions.

    He disclosed that only 10 percent of the deserving beneficiaries are currently accessing the support, leaving out around five percent.

    “We are working hard and collaborating with all the partners, including the ministries, departments and agencies that support us to explore mechanisms for making sure that we increase that coverage because what we have observed is that at the 10 percent, we still leave out a certain proportion that is deserving of cash transfers,” said Kansinjiro.

    CSSPN vice chairperson Caroline Mvalo said the Social Protection Advocacy Guide will help Malawians and the civil society institutions to adequately monitor and check the programs on social protection programmes and their gaps.

    Mvalo disclosed that previously, the government was implementing social protection programmes without monitoring mechanisms.

    “There was no one to check what was happening. You will also appreciate that if we put them like for example, to whatever is taking place There are quite a lot of complaints that come out. You will see that beneficiaries are complaining to say my name was missing. So as the network we noted such gaps and we thought it is important that we come up with a guiding tool that will help us to check these gaps,” she said.

  • Chakwera commends SACAU for supporting small-scale farmers in Malawi

    Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has commended Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) for including small scale farmers in its programs and empowering them to be part of the value chain and migrate from being subsistence farmers. 

    President Chakwera made the remarks on Tuesday 9th July 2024 at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when officials from SACAU, Ministry of Agriculture and National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM) briefed him on the SACAU Conference.

    The conference starts tomorrow at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe where the Head of State is expected to be the Guest of Honour.

    In his remarks, President Chakwera praised SACAU for inviting him to be guest of owner at the event saying his vision is to make Malawi self-reliant.

    “Agriculture is our lifeline. We want to be a self – reliant country. Africa has a lot of arable land,” said the Malawi leader, adding: “There was a time Africa served the world and we should continue serving the world.”

    President of SACAU Dr. Sinare Sinare said the regional grouping has a lot of interest in the smallholder farmers to make them grow.

    “We don’t want smallholder farmers to remain small forever,” emphasized Sinare Sinare.

    NASFAM Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Chinyamunyamu, said the SACAU Conference is an important platform to share lessons and experiences both good and bad in the agriculture sector.

    Chinyamunyamu also cherished the good working relationship that is there with the Ministry of Agriculture.

    “It is our responsibility to work with the government to transform agriculture,” she said.

    SACAU is a membership-based regional farmers’ organization representing the common interests of farmers in Southern Africa.

  • PayChangu paves the way for e-commerce growth in Malawi

    In a significant leap for Malawi’s digital economy, PayChangu is transforming the e-commerce landscape by providing businesses with a seamless and efficient online payment gateway. This innovative platform is not only streamlining transactions but also fueling the growth of digital products and services across the country.

    One standout example of PayChangu’s impact is Ntchito.com, Malawi’s first job vacancy website to integrate this cutting-edge payment solution. According to Samuel Zongoloti, the founder of Ntchito.com, the integration of PayChangu has revolutionized their operations.

    “With PayChangu, our customers can easily subscribe to our website and gain access to a wealth of opportunities, including jobs, tenders, grants, and scholarships. The simplicity of the PayChangu gateway enables us to operate 24/7, ensuring continuous service for our users,” Zongoloti remarked.

    The adoption of PayChangu has allowed Ntchito.com to enhance user experience and accessibility, providing uninterrupted service that meets the demands of a modern, digital-first audience. This is a crucial development for a country where digital products are becoming increasingly important in driving economic growth.

    Mwendo and his colleagues checking how the system works

    Joshua Mwendo, Chief Operations Officer of PayChangu, highlighted the broader significance of their platform.

    “Our mission at PayChangu is to empower businesses in the digital era. Ntchito.com exemplifies how our technology can drive growth and efficiency. We urge the public to explore Ntchito.com for the vast opportunities it offers,” Mwendo stated.

    The success of Ntchito.com underscores how PayChangu is setting a new standard for e-commerce in Malawi. By offering a reliable and user-friendly payment gateway, PayChangu simplifies transactions, enhances customer satisfaction, and allows businesses to focus on innovation and expansion.

    As more businesses in Malawi adopt PayChangu, the e-commerce industry is poised for substantial growth. The platform’s ability to handle payments seamlessly and ensure 24-hour operations is proving to be a game-changer. This transformation is not only helping individual businesses thrive but is also fostering a more dynamic and robust digital economy.

    For entrepreneurs and business owners looking to tap into the potential of e-commerce, PayChangu offers a powerful tool to drive success.

    The integration of PayChangu into digital platforms like Ntchito.com demonstrates the tangible benefits of embracing advanced payment solutions, paving the way for a more vibrant and prosperous business environment in Malawi.

  • Court orders MEC to pay ex-employee MK69.4m for unfair dismissal

    The Industrial Relations Court (IRC) in Blantyre has ordered the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to pay its former employee, George Khake, the sum of MK69, 361, 001.16 for unfair dismissal.

    The case dates back to 2017 when the electoral body fired Khaki, alongside the then Chief Elections Officer, Willie Kalonga, over allegations of financial abuse.

    Khaki was working as the Director of Administration and Human Resources at the pollster at the time of his firing in May 2017.

    Khaki, currently working as the Executive Director for Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), challenged their dismissals at the IRC, claiming damages for unfair/constructive dismissal, unfair labour practices, and payment of unpaid dues.

    George Khaki

    The court delivered its judgment on liability of October 3, 2023, when it awarded him general damages for unfair labour practices, payment in lieu of accrued leave days, loss of use of motor vehicle from March 2016 to July 2017, and damages for breach of contract by not selling him the motor vehicle when he became entitled.

    The court further ordered the payment of underpayment of salary from January 2017 to June 2017, salary from July 1-28, 2017, withheld gratuity, and unpaid pension dues at the rate of 14 percent of his salary.

    After analyzing the pieces of evidence tendered before him, the IRC Deputy Chairperson, Mrs. E. Bodole, agreed with the applicant that the respondent (MEC) was at fault.

    Bodole observed, among others, that MEC did not accord Khaki an opportunity to purchase the motor vehicle in issue. She therefore awarded him MK400 million as general damages.

    She also awarded Khaki the sum of MK2 million as general damages for unfair labour practices.

    In total, Bodole ordered that MEC should pay the applicant the sum of MK69, 361, 001.16 [within 10 days].

    Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Khaki said he was relieved that justice has finally been served.

  • DPHRP advocates for support for persons who use drugs

    Drug Policy and Harm Reduction Platform (DPHRP) Malawi  has expressed its strongest disapproval against what it describes as outdated laws, which were designed to punish persons who use drugs (PWUDs).

    The platform  has since asked the Government of Malawi to seriously consider repealing archaic laws that punish the PWUDs.

    Chairperson of the DPHRP Malawi Undule Mwakasungula, observed that the existing laws have exacerbated stigma, discrimination, human right violations and marginalization of the PWUDs community.

    Mwakasungula, in his remarks to commemorate this year’s World Drug Day, under Support- Don’t Punish stated that the current laws undermine efforts to increase and improve access to essential health services and support systems to the PWUDs community.

    Mwakasungula (second from left) and the youths in Karonga hoisting a placard with message ‘Support, Don’t Punish’

    “As DPHRP, we are advocating for policies that prioritize the health and human rights of PWUID, recognizing that drug use as a complex issue that requires comprehensive, evidence-based solutions rather than punitive measures. We need a fundamental move in drug policy from punitive measures to harm reduction strategies,” he said.

    World Drug Day, also known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is observed annually on June 26. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. The day aims to strengthen global action and cooperation towards achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.

    In Malawi, however, the commemoration of the day was delayed because the country was observing a 21-day mourning period in honour of the departed Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima who died in a plane crash together with eight others.

    The 2024 theme is: “Expanding our Ecosystems of Change”. Mwakasungula said the theme is a call to action for a more inclusive, engagement, awareness, advocacy, partnership/and collaborative approach to drug policy and harm reduction.

    He said the theme encourages nations to look beyond traditional methods and to build a comprehensive ecosystem that supports individuals and communities in meaningful and sustainable ways.

    “World Drug Day plays a very important role in mobilizing support and inspiring action against drug abuse.  It brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, and individuals to confront the challenges posed by illicit drugs. By promoting dialogue and cooperation, the day helps to promote a healthier and safer world for all, free from the harms associated with drug abuse and trafficking,” said the advocate.

    Mwakasungula emphasized the need for policymakers to heed the growing global and local calls for drug policy reform by adopting legislative changes that move away from outdated and harmful practices of  punishment towards policies that are informed by evidence and focused on harm reduction.

    “We call for a move in focus from punishment to support.  The war on drugs and the current punitive drug policies have led to widespread human rights violations against PWUIDs. Punishing drug users has increased stigma, discrimination, human right violations and marginalization, undermining access to essential health services and support systems. This approach should give priority to treatment, rehabilitation, and harm reduction services, ensuring that individuals receive the care and support they need rather than facing arrests and punitive measures.

    “Support! Don’t Punish Campaign is facilitated and supported by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC).

  • NICE, Kanengo Senior Politicians against violence

    The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) and Kanengo Senior Politicians Against Violence (KASEPAV) have agreed to intensify civic engagement in an effort to prevent and mitigate electoral-related violence before, during and after the September 2025 General Elections.

    NICE is a public trust while KASEPAV is an initiative facilitated by NICE and Kanengo Police Station following increased reports of political violence at the station.

    NICE provides capacity building on democratic principles to this special committee whose membership is drawn from six major political parties in Malawi.

    Last week, the two institutions held an interface meeting at Kanengo Police Station to devise measures for preventing violence as Malawians prepare for the September 2025 General Elections.

    Speaking in an interview after the interface, the NICE District Programmes Officer for Lilongwe Rural, Hajira Ali, said electoral support networks have a crucial role in promoting robust civic engagement  to create a more democratic and inclusive society.

    “Civic participation is not just a concept; it is a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy. So the aim of these interface meetings is to consolidate our efforts to ensure there is peace and order as we prepare for the next elections. Basically, the message we are disseminating to the public is that diversity in politics is not a crime and should not warrant one group to incite violence,” she said.

    Ali expressed excitement with the large turnouts the trust registers wherever it holds its civic education activities, saying this is crucial in information dissemination.

    Henrod Mamba, one of the senior politicians who attended the meeting, commended efforts by NICE to promote peace by promoting a culture of tolerance and inclusivity among Malawians.

    Mamba observed that such efforts have helped reduce frictions among supporters of different political parties.

    In her remarks, KASEPAV president Fyness Mtemwende acknowledged that maintaining peace and order essential for security, social harmony, economic stability as well as achieving social progress in the society.

    Mtemwende said it is against this background that her committee agreed to collaborate with NICE in educating their supporters on the need to maintain peace and order during and after elections.