Blessings Tambala

Communities surrounding Serengeti Solar Energy Nkhotakota Limited have commended the company for initiating various programmes aimed at improving their social and economic livelihoods.

The company, which is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power in Malawi and beyond, has, among others, built modern and decent houses for vulnerable individuals and sponsors school-going children as a crucial step in livelihood restoration.

On Wednesday, the company handed over 60 mattresses to Kasamba Community Day Secondary and modern houses to two poor women from Alikanyenda and Liwewe II villages in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Malengachanzi.

In her expression of gratitude, village head Alikanyenda said the communities appreciate the role Serengeti Solar Energy has taken to improve and restore the livelihoods of the communities that were affected by the project.

“It’s very rare for an investor to give back to the communities like Serengeti Solar Energy. Other companies end their relationship with communities immediately after paying the compensations,” said the traditional leader.

One of the beneficiaries of the housing project, Hajat Amidu, could not resist, but to dance as an expression of her joy and gratitude for the gift.

“For three years, I have had no structure I could call a house. I was literally sleeping outside. I am very grateful to the company for this precious gift,” said Amidu, who lives with four dependents.

In his remarks, the company’s Plant Manager, Paul Mhango, said construction of the modern houses and donation to Kasamba CDSS are a demonstration of their ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Mhango assured the communities that Serengeti Solar Energy will continue providing support to them as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has defended President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s stance against the travel restrictions the United States of America (USA) has imposed on four corruption suspects.

Mwakasungula feared that the travel ban will have a dampening effect on foreign investment and collaboration with other countries.

Five days ago, the US Government announced travel ban on former Anti-Corruption Bureau Director, Reyneck Matemba, former Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) board chairperson, John Suzi-Banda, former Malawi Police Service lawyer Mwabi Kaluba and former Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service George Kainja.

A statement from the USA Department of State says the four are “generally ineligible for entry into the United States, due to their involvement in significant corruption”.

“Matemba, Suzi-Banda, Kaluba and Kainja abused their public positions by accepting bribes and other articles of value from a private businessperson,” it says, adding that the ban extends to suspects’ spouses.

But reacting to the development, Mwakasungula feared that the sanctions will create personal and professional hardships for not only the suspects, but the country as well.

“The potential benefits of this action by the US are not without concerns. The worry of this action is the potential dampening effect on foreign investment and collaboration.  For sure if Malawi will be perceived as a corrupt environment due to the US action, foreign capital and expertise might be deterred, hindering the country’s economic progress,” he said in an interview on Tuesday.

Mwakasungula therefore defended Chakwera for speaking against the ban, arguing the sanctions might undermine Malawi’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts hence it was important for the US to have taken a different approach. 

In his remarks at the opening of the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) week, President Chakwera emphasized on the fundamental principle of law, the accused being innocent until proven guilty. The sanctions by restricting their movements, could be seen as pre-judging the legal process.

Mwakasungula said it is also paramount that the US and other partners should remind themselves that Malawi, like any nation, has the right to govern itself, including handling corruption investigations and prosecutions independently.

“External intervention such as through sanctions or travel bans could be perceived as an infringement on Malawi’s sovereignty and a challenge to the autonomy of its legal system. The timing and manner of the US sanctions might raise further questions. The timing of the sanctions, coinciding with ongoing Malawian investigation, might fuel perceptions of interference.

“It could be seen as a “Big Brother” tactic, pressuring Malawi rather than collaborating.  If the US action will therefore be viewed as pre-empting Malawian judicial proceedings, it could be seen as an attempt to influence or by-pass the legal system, creating tension and potentially delaying justice,” he said.

“However, the President’s remarks towards the US were bold, inspiring and patriotic, though carrying some potential risks.  The remarks might bring strained relations with the US  that could affect crucial aid programs and diplomatic cooperation. This could somehow hinder Malawi’s access to resources and international support. On the other hand, corruption  being a  transnational issue often requires international cooperation to address effectively. In this context, the US action could be viewed on the other side as part of broader efforts and international support to combat corruption globally and hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their location or nationality,” added Mwakasungula.

The revered governance and human rights advocate has, however, concluded by observing that the US sanctions and Chakwera’s response indicates the delicate balance between international cooperation and national sovereignty in the fight against corruption. 

He said while sanctions aim to deter corruption, they could also create friction with our national sovereignty and judicial processes. 

“It is important therefore for the US and Malawi Government to encourage open communication to understand the sanctions and explore more collaborative efforts in addressing corruption,” said Mwakasungula.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has cut short the freedom Chiradzulu South lawmaker, Joseph Mwanamvekha, secured when the High Court discharged him in a case in which the State is accusing him of falsifying information to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) between 2018 and 2019.

Mwanamvekha – the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker and one time presidential aspirant – served as Minister of Finance during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime.

Alongside former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Government, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and Henry Mathanga, they were arrested for misrepresentating figures purportedly to make the IMF believe that the Government of Malawi was meeting conditions of the then $108 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

But when the matter came to the court in January this year, High Court Judge Redson Kapindu observed that the State conceded having no requisite evidence against Mwanamvekha and that based on the same, chances of a conviction against him were “unrealistic”.

Kapindo therefore discharged him from the case.

But just as the lawmaker started focusing on how to strategize for the next General Elections in 2025, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions today, April 22 2024, decided to restore charges against him.

The State, through Director of Criminal Litigation, Dzikondianthu Malunda, has since asked the magistrate court to commit the accused to the High Court where he will be charged with offences relating to financial misreporting to IMF between 2018 and 2020 when he was minister of Finance under the DPP administration.

It is reported that lawyer Mercy Chijere Chirwa earlier on applied for an adjournment indicating that defence lawyer Kalekeni Kaphale, SC, intended to oppose the committal proceedings.

The court, however, proceeded to commit the matter to the High Court, Financial Crimes Division.

“When the DPP files a committal certificate, the duty of this court is to simply inform the accused persons that their matter will be heard at the High Court and, thereafter, transmit the file to the High Court,” said Chief Resident Magistrate Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza.

Apart from Mwanamvekha, there were two others who were joined to the case, Samuel Maliton who was Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) General Counsel at the material time and Cliff Chiunda.

They join Henry Mathanga and Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, former RBM Governor, to answer charges of conspiracy, making misleading statements and money laundering.

Malawi’s former President Dr. Joyce Banda has led campaigners in calling for urgent and massive investments in renewable energy access to provide electricity to millions in sub-Saharan Africa—as the world enters the last five years of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The call follows revelation that around 630 million people in the region lack electricity, and almost a billion still use solid biomass for cooking and heating, making Sub-Saharan Africa the most energy-impoverished part of the world.

The absence of modern energy services perpetuates poverty, limits economic opportunities, affects overall well-being and heightens climate change vulnerability, especially among women and young girls, said Dr Banda, who launched the campaign dubbed Six30 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 22 April.

Multiple factors account for the low access to sustainable energy services, but all are linked to or exacerbated by a lack of substantial and adequate financing. Despite one of the highest potentials for renewable energy, the region receives only 2% of global investments.

The Six30 Campaign is an ambitious initiative to spur public and private donors in and out of Africa to substantially increase funding and investments for renewable energy projects across the continent that prioritise access.

Driven by the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA), the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), and several other partners, the campaign will run from 2024 to 2030, coinciding with the end of the SDGs.

The goal is to spur investments upwards of $630 billion to bring electricity to 630 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement and Africa Agenda 2063.

Dr Agustine Njmamnshi, executive director of the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access, said bridging the energy gap in Sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for promoting broader socioeconomic development and tackling climate change.

“Energy poverty is not just a material problem; it’s a silent crisis that suffocates hope and stifles human potential,” he said. “The Six30 Campaign is much more than a mere initiative. It is a rallying cry, a call to action, a symbol of hope for millions living in darkness. Together, we can reach unprecedented heights. Together, we can transform lives and build a future without anyone being left behind. We can achieve the impossible through solidarity and determination and push back the boundaries of injustice and deprivation.”

Dr Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, said the Six-30 Campaign calls for a global partnership to address Africa’s current energy access crisis.

“This campaign is a call to action for international cooperation and solidarity. It is a call to all nations, all organisations and all individuals who believe in a sustainable and equitable future,” he said.

Leaders from the region have welcomed the campaign, which comes amid a growing consensus that energy access is an “immediate and absolute priority” for the region.

“The Six30 campaign is timely”, said Hon. Jaqueline Amongin, member of parliament of Uganda and the East African Legislative Assembly, citing the scale of the problem in Uganda, where roughly 55% of the population has no electricity. “There can be no better time to launch such an initiative.”

The Six30 Campaign is an ambitious initiative to address the energy access challenge in SubSaharan Africa. The campaign seeks to spur donors to mobilise $630 billion in investments to bring electricity to 630 million people by 2030. For more information, visit: www.six30.acsea54.org

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Regional Chairman for the Eastern Region, Foster Mtandama, has assured the people in Machinga and Blantyre that President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his administration are determined to construct the Machinga-Chingale-Lirangwe Road.

Failure by the previous government to construct the Machinga-Chingale-Lirangwe Road recently prompted the people living along this road to conduct peaceful protests outside the National Assembly in Lilongwe.

The protesters accused the former administrations of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) of using the road to get their free votes.

But speaking at a political rally held at Chingale Trading Centre on Saturday, Mtandama said President Chakwera and his government value the Machinga-Chingale-Lirangwe Road as being vital in uplifting people’s lives as well as in developing this country.

He said this is why the current government is determined to construct and complete the road so that people in the area are also well served.

“Our Servant Leadership His Excellency State president, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, prioritises the welfare of the people of this country, and he understands how crucial this road will be to the people of Chingale and the country as a whole since Chingale is one of the food basks of this country that has been left unattended for such a long time. I would like to assure you that the government has already put in place the resources that are required for the completion of this project,” explained Mtandama.

Commenting on the same, Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita said there is a need to support the Chakwera-led government to benefit fully from the developments this government is implementing.

“We are supporting this government so that it can continue developing our area; currently, this government has constructed two big irrigation schemes that will transform the area in terms of agriculture development,” said Nkapita.

During the rally, MCP welcomed 180 new converts who were once members of the DPP and UDF parties, respectively.

Target Security (TSG) – a Malawian company with international certification – on Sunday presented a MK1 million donation to a feeding programme a charitable organization, Children of The Nations (COTN), is implementing in the outskirts of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.

The donation to COTN comes barely a few weeks after the company made another monetary donation to elderly people in Kuliyani and Mwambakanthu Villages in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Chitukula in Lilongwe.

Speaking when he presented the donation at COTN National Office at Njewa in Lilongwe, TSG Chief Executive Officer, Davie Kavinya, said the donation demonstrates the company’s shared commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the people around it.

“It is with great joy and humility that we announce our donation to Children of Nations, an organization that embodies compassion, resilience, and hope. At Target Security Group, we firmly believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting those in need. We recognize the invaluable work that Children of Nations does every day, providing love, care, and support to children who deserve nothing but the best. It is our honor to stand alongside them in their mission to create a brighter future for these young souls,” he said.

Kavinya added that the donation today is a testament to the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its belief in the transformative power of kindness.

He expressed optimism that the donation will serve as a beacon of hope for the children at COTN, and remind them that they are not alone and that there are people who care deeply about their well-being.

“As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that even the smallest act of kindness can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond what we can imagine. Let us continue to sow seeds of love, compassion, and generosity wherever we go, knowing that together, we can make the world a better place for all,” he said.

In her acceptance remarks, COTN Country Director Lilian Khofi said the donation had come at the right time when the organization is intending to expand its feeding programme beyond the 470 underprivileged children it fed during the first month of implementation.

Khofi said the feeding programme was initiated to respond to the growing food insecurity concerns as a result of extended dry spells the country experienced between February and March this year.

“With your support, we can continue our vital work of providing holistic, Christ-centred care for the children, enabling them to create positive and lasting change in their lives. We will extend the temporary feeding programme in the villages we serve and make a lasting difference in the lives of children facing hunger,” she said.

Khofi assured TSG that her organization will use the resources prudently and efficiently to maximize its impact and delivering tangible benefits to those in need.

Presidential aspirant and leader of the newly registered Liberation for Economic Freedom, Prophet David Mbewe, has proposed that the government should create a fully-fledged ministry to regulate activities and affairs of religion in Malawi.

Speaking in an interview on Sunday, Mbewe argued that a Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs is not enough to deal with the chaos and lawlessness in the faith sector.

His proposal follows reports that a 74-year-old prophetess, Jessie Window, is in police custody in Chiradzulu for allegedly masterminded the wounding of an elderly man with disabilities in an attempt to straighten his legs after being prayed for healing.

Mbewe expressed dismay and displeasure with the chaos reigning highly in the faith sector, adding that this does not augur well with the teachings of the various religions.

“It’s against this background that I am proposing that the government should consider creating a full government ministry to regulate the activities of religious groupings. Religious groupings should act within the law. But this can only be possible if there is a government ministry to provide civic education to religious leaders,” he said.

Mbewe vowed that if given the mantle in the 2025 General Elections, his administration will strive to bring sanity in the religion sector.

“Bringing sanity in the religion sector will be one of the priorities of my government because I have observed that some faith leaders are deliberately misleading their followers. This must be put to a stop,” he said.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for the Police South East Region, Edward Kabango, has disclosed that the arrested prophetess was picked up from Chiradzulu district hospital last night, where she was cheering on the victim, who is currently admitted to the hospital.

Kabango said the incident happened earlier last week when Window went to the victim’s Mangilani village, Traditional Authority Ntchema in the district, for some overnight prayers.

National Advocacy Platform (NAP) – network of like-minded non-governmental and civil society organizations in Malawi – has demanded prosecution of political figures and former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their alleged involvement in abuse of finances at the Electricity Generating Company (EGENCO).

The demand follows revelations of pervasive financial and procurement mismanagement and the lack of accountability within crucial government’s institutions.

Addressing journalists in Lilongwe on Friday, a visibly concerned NAP Board Chairperson, Benedicto Kondowe, said these realities not only insult taxpayers, but also represent a deliberate omission on the part of government and its agencies.

“NAP continues to note with concern that the pervasive financial and procurement impropriety and lack of accountability not only undermine the trust of the Malawian people but also threaten the stability and integrity of our nation. Weak governance exacerbates the situation, lacking robust enforcement mechanisms and accountability for those entrusted with Malawi’s welfare,” said Kondowe.

An audit report by Mwenelupembe, Mhango & Company has revealed a staggering K6.7 billion procurement scandal at Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO), which non-state actors say is a testament to the rampant financial mismanagement and flagrant disregard for procurement regulations within government institutions.

According to Kondowe, who read the statement on behalf of his fellow CSO leaders, the audit findings expose a deeply entrenched culture of corruption and cronyism, resulting in substantial financial losses and systemic failures in oversight mechanisms.

He warned that failure to address these issues promptly risks further erosion of public trust and undermines the company’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

“NAP therefore demands immediate action to overhaul EGENCO procurement practices and hold those responsible for these irregularities to account. Those responsible for the mess in procurement mess at EGENCO as revealed by the audit findings must be severally and jointly liable to foster fiduciary responsibility of the institution as a public enterprise.

“Companies or entities and individuals, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) who unlawfully benefited from the fraud as contained in the audit findings be held accountable and compelled to repay the misappropriated funds with interest. EGENCO must undergo a comprehensive overhaul of its procurement practices, including the implementation of a robust procurement policy, adherence to regulatory frameworks, and enhanced oversight mechanisms,” he said.

Kondowe further demanded answers from the government on its decision to write off K11.3 billion loan under the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), arguing the decision to write off this loan is a grave injustice to Malawians.

He said the staggering loss, politicisation of the fund and escalating non-performing loans underscore systemic weaknesses within NEEF’s operations and a failure to uphold the principles of good governance.

“Immediate action is imperative to restore public trust and hold those responsible for these egregious mismanagement practices to account. Immediate release of a list of defaulters by NEEF, in accordance with Malawi’s laws, to uphold transparency and accountability. The Office of the President and Cabinet must provide a transparent statement outlining the rationale for the loan write-off, restoring public trust and accountability,” he said, further recommending that NEEF must undergo comprehensive reforms, including the enhancement of management systems and strengthening of credit management skills, to prevent future mismanagement.

In her contribution, Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) Executive Director, Bertha Phiri, called for the implementation of increased transparency and accountability measures to safeguard public funds and prevent future financial mismanagement.

Phiri also proposed that parliament should comprehensively discuss the activities of NEEF, including the write-off of K11.3 billion at its next sitting.

“The government must provide a comprehensive and transparent address to the nation on the arms deal, without compromising security protocols, to restore public trust and uphold the principles of good governance. The Anti-Corruption Bureau must conduct thorough investigations into the arms deal including prosecuting any possible corrupt conduct. The investigation should be extended to the alleged payment of US$4, 983, 4 00.00, which is part of a contract price of US$19, 993, 600.00. A joint parliamentary committee on defense, budget and finance, and legal affairs committee should conduct inquiries to address maladministration and irregularities,” she said.

Phiri challenged Malawians to remain vigilant and actively hold duty bearers accountable, emphasizing the necessity of collective action and steadfast resolve to combat state and agency impunity.

National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM) called for strengthened collaboration and coordination among major stakeholders in the groundnut sector, stressing that this is key in achieving sustainability goals by leveraging the resources, expertise, and networks of different actors in the value chain.

NASFAM Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Chinyamunyamu, made the sentiments on Thursday during a panel discussion held on the sidelines of the 2024 Groundnut Tour in Malawi. The panel discussion was themed: “How the groundnut industry is driving innovation and building export potential.”

The Groundnut Tour in Malawi is a high-profile event showcasing Malawi’s emerging groundnut sector and business opportunities in the value chain.

Key objectives of the event were to exhibit the investments throughout the value chain that are enabling Malawi to produce high-quality, low-price groundnuts for international and regional markets; raise awareness among Malawian farmers of opportunities in groundnut, including new varieties and technologies; and provide opportunities for networking among key value chain players.

Among others, the participants challenged local groundnut farmers to produce one million metric tons whose market has been secured outside Malawi.

This prompted Chinyamunyamu to emphasize the need for all the players, which include smallholder farmers, processors, regulators, researchers, government, non-governmental organizations and local communities, to work collaboratively in order achieve this goal.

At this point, Dr. Chinyamunyamu CEO proposed the establishment of what she termed as a Groundnut Council or Groundnut Community to oversee the production and pricing of the crop.

“It is very important that for us to develop the groundnut industry, there must be support provided across the entire value chain. All the way from the seed exchange, to extension [services], agronomic practices, pricing even markets. And in order for that kind of collaboration to be well grounded, it is important that there are systems and structures in place that can support that. There are many places that are working in the groundnut sector, and if there is no platform where there can be collaboration, it is possible that instead of building, you will find that you are working against each other because you are not aware of what others are doing,” she said.

Dr. Chinyamunyamu further challenged policymakers to fast-track research on climate-resilient groundnut varieties to mitigate effects of climate change.

She said with weather patterns changing every now and then, it is important that farmers are provided with varieties that can endure dry spells and other adverse effects of climate change.

The 2024 Ground Tour in Malawi also created a platform to launch a groundnut industry community in Malawi and to galvanize commitment to improving the enabling environment for the industry.

And during the four days of the tour, participants inspected operations along all points in the Malawi Groundnut value chain, including research and development, seed production, and processing; attended presentations and conversations on the future of groundnut in Malawi.

Civil servants can now afford a smile following the decision by the government to increase their salaries in compliance with a directive by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

When he presided over the graduation of new police recruits at Limbe Police Training School in Blantyre on Friday last week, Chakwera instructed the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to look into the salaries of civil servants to ensure they are consistent with the current cost of living.

And barely five days after the directive, the government has announced adjustments to the salaries effective April 2024.

The upward revision to the salaries is certainly a timely relief for civil servants who have been complaining about the rise in the cost of living, which was triggered by the recent devaluation of the Malawi kwacha against major trading currencies.

And in his circular dated April 15, 2024, Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development, Mr. B.G. Chilabade, has advised the controlling officers to implement the new salaries [for the civil servants] from April 1, 2024.

“These salaries have been approved after thorough consultations with the Civil Servants Trade Union and the Teachers Union of Malawi. Controlling officers are advised that the new salaries should be paid from the provision under Personal Emoluments,” reads the circular in part.