The National Registration Bureau (NRB) Principal Secretary Mphatso Sambo has described as fake a communication in which he is alleged to have sought ministerial guidance on how to handle Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-affiliated NRB staff, which is to be deployed to the Southern Region.
In the alleged communication, which has been circulating on the social media since last week, Sambo is alleged to have informed that an unnamed minister that NRB had received instructions from OPC that it would be ideal if it deployed the newly recruited NRB staff to Southern Region.
The Purported Memo as seen in a WhatsApp group
But Sambo was expressing fear that the MCP-affiliated NRB registration officers would expose the issue because they are drunkards.
“As you are aware most of them are MCP members and some of them take liquor, are they not going to one day expose us that we are behind some rigging schemes after getting drunk? Please address my fears before I deploy them. As a matter of urgency, we also need additional 50 registration officers to beef up the Northern Region Team, please, you may liaise with the party leadership to give you the names. They are expected to undergo a one week training beginning Monday next week,” reads the purported communication to the unnamed minister.
But speaking to Nthanda Times in an interview on Monday, Sambo denied ever writing such a communication.
NRB PS, Mphatso Sambo
He also wondered why he would use unchartered communication channels to address his concerns to the minister.
Meanwhile, NRB has issued a statement advising Malawians to ignore the said communication.
“A misleading message has been circulating, purportedly from the Principal Secretary for NRB to a specific Minister. We kindly advise that you disregard this message entirely. We urge all stakeholders who have received it not to disseminate it further, as it is unfounded and inaccurate,” reads a statement from the NRB Public Relations Office.
Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has weighed in on the interim report on the plane crash that claimed the life of former State Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others, stressing the need for Malawians to exercise patience on the matter.
Mwakasungula said Malawians need to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the investigators and remain hopeful that the final report will provide the comprehensive answers that the families of the victims and the nation at large are seeking.
The revered governance and human rights defenders made the sentiments in a statement issued on Wednesday morning.
According to Mwakasungula, it is very unfortunate that many Malawians have been commenting on the interim report with preconceived opinions.
Mwakasungula: Let us be patient
He said while it is natural to seek answers and justice in the face of such a tragedy, the proliferation of uninformed opinions and premature conclusions has contributed to further confusion, anger, hatred and divisions within our nation.
“The tragedy did not only take lives but has also led to a divide in public opinion, fueled by speculation and misinformation. These personal opinions are greatly overshadowing the pursuit of truth and justice. While many have voiced their concerns about the interim report, it is important to remember that this report is preliminary and not conclusive. The investigation as indicated by BFU is still ongoing, and only the final report will provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the crash. Until then, it is wise that we exercise patience and refrain from making judgments based on incomplete information,” he said.
Mwakasungula further argued that the call for a Commission of Inquiry by some quarters, while well-intentioned, would be an unnecessary expenditure of tax payers.
Air crash site inside Chikangawa Forest
He noted that previous experiences showed that recommendations from such commissions are rarely implemented or followed up on, citing the Commissions of Inquiry into the deaths of Robert Chasowa and former President Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika, which yielded insightful recommendations, but were never acted upon.
“Establishing another commission without the commitment to act on its findings would be an exercise in futility and a disservice to the victims of this tragedy. The whole nation acknowledge the plane crash was indeed a notable tragedy for Malawi. However, it is important that we do not exploit this sorrowful event by turning everyone into an expert commentator, especially in areas where we lack the requisite knowledge. This has only served to promote anger, bitterness, and further division among us. We must respect the expertise of the investigators and allow them to complete their work without interference or undue pressure,” he stated.
“As we continue to seek answers, it is also a time for reflection. Let us use this painful experience as an opportunity to learn and implement measures that will prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. We owe it to the victims and their families to ensure that their loss is not in vain but serves as a lesson to improve safety standards and protocols in our aviation sector. In these trying times, our nation needs healing. We must come together, not as haters or party members with divergent opinions, but as a unified nation committed to finding the truth and preventing future tragedies. Let us channel our collective grief into a constructive force that promotes unity and understanding,” he added.
Mwakasungula has since urged Malawians to respect the ongoing investigation process and to avoid making speculative statements that are undermining the integrity of the inquiry, hoping that final report will provide the clarity needed and we will be able to move forward to prevent future tragedies.
Businesswoman and philanthropist Triephornia Thomson Mpinganjira has supported female crew Captain Yolanda Kaunda and senior first officer Lusekelo Mwenifumbo who flew State President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera to Johannesburg earlier this week.
The pair, which is Malawi’s first female air crew to operate scheduled flights, is also behind the recent idea of airshows in Malawi under ‘Phantom Aviation’ in partnership with Puma Energy Malawi.
In appreciation of the sponsorship, Kaunda and Mwenifumbo described the assistance as unexpected and overwhelming as they met Mrs Mpinganjira on one of their scheduled passenger flights and had invited her to the flight deck to greet her.
Mpinganjira (right) presenting a dummy cheque
“She was very warm, kind and was humble to come and greet us. We engaged in conversation about charity work under African children and the importance of not forgetting the boy child in our charity work. A few days later after the flight she pledged to sponsor the airshow with MWK7 million to help with our preparations,” said Mwenifumbo.
Captain Yolanda, who is Malawi’s first female captain, applauded Mrs Mpinganjira’s contribution to the show, not just as one with the generosity to do so, but one willing to support other women for such a positive platform.
She said this is rare among women in Malawi.
On her part, Mrs Mpinganjira said she was sponsoring the show for underprivileged children to experience something other than what was known to them.
Growing up, children in Neno ran to seek refuge when they saw aeroplanes fly past them due to lack of exposure.
After this sponsorship, Phantom Aviation seeks to give underprivileged children a chance for flight, the call has been given to two children from every district in Malawi among the 1, 000 children that will be attending for free from several orphanages and government schools in Lilongwe to come and attend this word class event.
The Puma Energy Airshow will be held on the 26th October 2024 at the Lilongwe Air Force base.
Performers such as the neighboring air force, among other aerobatic teams the most daring “flying lions by puma are set to perform”.
Main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has announced new appointments to fill a number of positions in the party.
According to a statement signed by DPP Presidential Spokesperson and National Publicity Secretary, Shadric Namalomba, the party has appointed Dr. Clement Mwale as Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Dr. George Chaponda as Presidential Advisor on Policy Development, Chimwemwe Chipungu as Presidential Advisor on Organization, Jean Mathanga as Presidential Advisor on Elections Management.
Chimulirenji, appointed as Presidential Advisor on Campaign
Other appointees are Charles Mhango who has been appointed as Presidential Advisor on Legal Affairs, Dyton Mussa as Presidential Advisor on Youth, Aaron Sangala who has been designated the position of Presidential Advisor on Operations and Everton Chimulirenji who is Presidential Advisor on Campaign.
“These appointments are with immediate effect. The party extends its heartfelt congratulations to all members for their well-deserved appointments,” says Namalomba in a statement issued on Sunday.
Members of Parliament (MPs) under the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Wednesday walked out of the National Assembly in protest to a proposal to raise prices of fuel.
The proposal follows a recommendation from the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change that pump prices be adjusted upwards.
The Committee made the recommendation after meeting the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA).
But DPP lawmakers did not agree with this, arguing that this is not the right time to raise fuel prices because Malawians are already burdened with the high cost of living.
But when they saw that the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Madalitso Kazombo, was not giving them a chance to express their contrary views, they walked out in protest.
Speaking to journalists outside parliament, Leader of Opposition in Parliament George Chaponda accused the government side of bulldozing.
Chaponda: Govt is bulldozing
“What we noted is that they wanted everyone to endorse the fuel price adjustment. We did not come into this House to rubber stamp issues but to make decisions which are for the interest of Malawians,” he said.
In his contribution before walking out, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, who is also a member of the Natural Resources and Climate Change Committee, raised fears that raising fuel prices will have a negative impact on the lives of people.
Namalomba said as a party that cares about the people, DPP would not want to be party to resolutions that would end in burdening poor Malawians even further
Civic spaces are set to improve in Malawi, Colombia, Indonesia and the occupied Palestinian territory following the implementation of a five-year-governance project by Hivos.
The international non-governmental organization (NGO) has announced the rolling out of the project titled “Connect, Defend, Act!”, which aims to combat shrinking civic space in the four countries.
Hivos Global Project Manager Tisungane Nanthoka confirmed the development in an interview las week, saying the project kicked off in April this year and will run until 2029.
Nanthoka said the project underscores the vital role of a robust civil society in promoting truly democratic governance, human rights, and sustainable development.
Additionally, the Hivos Global Project Manager stated that the project aims to tackle shrinking civic space by engaging with civil society actors from the grassroots to the top and providing the strategic resources they need to respond effectively to challenges both online and on the ground.
“The project will work with CSOs in one of the most difficult contexts at present – the occupied Palestinian territory – an area where this intervention will be most critical. As different forms of government increasingly target activists and ratchet up the pressure on civil society, Connect, Defend, Act! aims to shore up civic resistance and continue the fight for people’s rights,” she said.
Nanthoka: The civic space is shrinking
Nanthoka stated that increasing restrictions on civic space poses significant challenges to communities worldwide; hence, the Connect, Defend, Act! initiative will strive to empower local civil society actors to effectively navigate and counteract these challenges.
She said the project will also support local civil society ownership, leadership, and knowledge in three areas: coalition building, knowledge production, and collective action. It will work particularly with marginalized groups such as women, youth, LGBTIQ+ persons, indigenous people, and displaced people, empowering them to build coalitions and undertake actions that lead to freer societies.
According to her, the Connect, Defend, Act! initiative is rooted in the diverse and complex contexts of its implementing regions:
Colombia: Following years of conflict, civil society remains essential in peacebuilding and promoting human rights yet faces threats from violence and stigmatization.
Indonesia: Thanks to its great diversity, civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability amid ongoing socio-political tensions.
Malawi: Despite strides in democratic governance, civil society faces ongoing challenges in advocating for marginalized groups, including women and youth.
Occupied Palestinian territory: Civil society’s efforts are integral in advocating for human rights and social justice amid complex geopolitical dynamics and restrictions on freedom of movement.
“We are deeply committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by civil society in each region,” added Nanthoka. “Through collaboration and evidence-based strategies, we aim to foster an environment where civil society can thrive and drive positive change.”
Connect, Defend, Act! will have its official launch in September 2024, marking the beginning of intensive activities to strengthen civil society resilience and capacity across the four regions. Key outputs include forming Communities of Action, strengthening digital security capacities, and allocating strategic funding for sustainable initiatives.
Nanthoka is optimistic about the project’s results. “We anticipate this initiative will have significant impact, including close collaboration among civil society actors and effective advocacy efforts. We invite all stakeholders committed to defending civic space to join us in this transformative journey.”
Connect, Defend, Act! is a collaborative initiative dedicated to safeguarding civic space and empowering civil society across Malawi, Colombia, Indonesia, and the occupied Palestinian territory. Through strategic partnerships and grassroots engagement, the initiative aims to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and promote inclusive development.
A grouping of civil rights activists, Concerned Citizens of Malawi, says it is opposed to the decision by the Government of Malawi to renew a contract for passport supplier, E-Techno Systems, arguing it does not have the capacity to deliver quality service to Malawians.
The Concerned Citizens are instead recommending that the government should recall Techno-Brain Limited, arguing it provided better service than the current supplier.
According to the grouping’s top leadership, comprising comrades Edwards Kambanje, Oliver Nakoma and Emerson Sam Navaya, they have intelligence suggesting that the government is in a process of procuring a new passport supplier that will reportedly cost about MK69 billion.
Kambanje, Nakoma and Navaya have since written the Attorney General, Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, demanding to stop the process.
The trio has further urged the Public procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) to resist any external pressure to award contract to any new supplier without thorough and transparent evaluation process.
“Under the current contract, Malawians have struggled with poor-quality passports that fail to meet international standards, causing significant issues for those traveling abroad. Renewing this contract without holding the company accountable would be irresponsible and harmful to citizens. The countries passport issuing system was reportedly hacked by digital mercenaries in January this year following a premature termination of contract with Techno brain in October 2022, resulting in suspension of passport printing until Government engaged a temporary supplier,” reads the statement in part.
The trio has further urged the Government of Malawi to consider alternative service providers that can offer reliable passports that comply with global requirements. It has also recommended Techno Brain as the best replacement.
“The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) and relevant stakeholders must ensure the next contract is awarded transparently, prioritizing quality and merit. Given these concerns, we recommend halting any renewal discussions with E-Techno Systems. It’s time to prioritize the needs and dignity of Malawians by securing a competent service provider,” concludes the statement.
Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Samson Mndolo, has urged Malawi to continue observing prevention measures, including avoiding physical contact, in an effort to prevent the spread of mpox (formerly known as Monkey Pox) disease into the country.
Mndolo’s sentiments follow a declaration by the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) on August 13, 2024, that mpox is a public health emergency of continental security and a public health emergency of international concern.
World Health Organization (WHO) also determined that the upsurge of mpox constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
The declaration was made following the recent increase in cases of mpox in several African countries. This declaration is a call to action to enhance the global response, mitigate the impact of the health threat and protect public health while minimizing disruptions to travel and trade.
A patient with mpox
Mpox disease is a viral infection caused by the mpox virus. The disease is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as beddings.
Mpox presents with fever, an extensive characteristic rash and usually swollen lymph nodes. Various animal species have been identified as susceptible to the mpox virus. Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals, contact with exposed persons and travel to affected areas are possible risk factors for acquiring the infection.
A total of 17,541cases and 517 deaths have been recorded in 13 African countries in 2024. The majority of cases have been recorded in the SADC region with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accounting for over 90% of cases and deaths.
A new variant has been identified in the DRC that has spread to neighbouring countries. Of note is that the Republic of South Africa has reported 24 cases and 3 deaths to date. In the past one week alone 2,542 new cases and 56 deaths were reported in Africa.
Ministry of Health PS Samson Mndolo
In a statement released a few days ago, Mndolo said Malawi has not reported any confirmed cases of mpox.
He, however, said Malawi is at great risk as mpox is now a global threat.
“The Ministry of Health commits to the Africa CDC and the WHO call for action and would like to assure the public that it is on high alert and vigilantly conducting surveillance to prevent the disease or to timely detect and respond to any case that may occur. In addition the Ministry in collaboration with partners is implementing preparedness measures including surveillance and detection, risk communication and community engagement and logistics mobilization,” reads his statement in part.
Mndolo therefore advised Malawians to avoid being contact with someone who has the disease or contaminated materials.
He also urged Malawians to observe regular handwashing with soap and reporting early to the nearest health facility if one experiences early symptoms of any disease including mpox (flue, fever, chills and body aches).
“Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment approved specifically for mpox, but certain antivirals developed for smallpox have been used. Early supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Vaccination can help prevent infection and is recommended for people at high risk especially during an outbreak. There are no mpox vaccines currently available in country, however the Ministry is working to secure vaccines for high risk groups,” he said.
Sr. Dr. JaneFrances Nnantamu has stressed the need for the formation of sisters that integrates values and actual needs of the candidates in the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) region.
Nnantamu made the sentiments during her presentation at the ACWECA Conference currently underway in Lilongwe, Malawi.
She observed that formees gain more inner self-esteem and gradually grown more effectively when they feel integrated.
“By looking at their reality and accepting it, the formees gain more inner self-esteem and gradually grow more effectively free. This in turn reinforces their ability to trust themselves, others and God,” said Sr. Nnantamu.
Sister Dr. Nnantamu making her presentation at the ACWECA Conference in Lilongwe
She said formation in the ACWECA region faces challenges that include the scarcity of appropriately trained formators and training institutions without a complete and updated formation programme.
She added that some formation houses do have overwhelming numbers of formees against few formators.
“When formators have too many candidates for personal accompaniment there is a likelihood of candidates passing through the system of formation like going through a tunnel…as a result the formees may end up committing themselves to live their vocation without being known by their formators let alone being helped to know themselves,” she said.
Sr. Nnantamu made a presentation on transformative holistic formation for authentic living towards deeper evangelization in the ACWECA region and beyond.
She is a psychologist by profession with a Doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.
The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has called for media collaboration in sensitizing masses on the recently enacted electoral laws.
NICE District Programmes Officer for Dedza and Lilongwe Urban, Daniel Malango, observed that majority of the eligible voters are ignorant about the new laws, especially those living in rural areas.
Malango made the remarks when he engaged journalists from Lilongwe on Sunday.
During the engagement, the journalists had the opportunity to learn about their responsibilities and appropriate pre-election preparations, advising them what the public wants to gain from the media, suggesting the timeframe for media to discuss elections and suggesting recommendations.
Malango emphasizing a point during the engagement with the media on Sunday
Malango advised journalists to be always alert, engaged, proactive, and not afraid to ask the tough questions on a matter pertaining to the operational conduct of an election.
“The media should inform and engage the potential voter. It is along this line that NICE would like to collaborate with you to ensure potential voters get the best of the information on the forthcoming elections,” he said, further stressing that the media needs to present the citizen alternative proposals of each candidate, form a balanced viewpoint, without taking a viewpoint for or against a particular candidate or party.
“The media should be a tool for promoting transparency and credibility of elections. But prior to the election, NICE acknowledges the need for the media to familiarize itself with electoral laws, and that is why we decided to have this engagement,” said Malango.
One of the participants and a reporter for Times Group, Pemphero Malimba, commended NICE for the engagement.
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