By Jones Gadama
A review of facts and public records shows that allegations made by CDEDI Executive Director Silvester Namiwa against First Lady Madam Gertrude Mutharika lack legal basis and verifiable evidence.
Namiwa, speaking in Lilongwe, called for a forensic audit of BEAM Trust covering 2014 to 2020 and 2025 to June 2026, citing a Platform for Investigative Journalism article.
He also questioned some donors and alleged that the First Lady influences government appointments, comparing her role to that of former Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe.
Facts on the ground show a different picture. The First Lady has never influenced government appointments and does not interfere in such matters. Her focus has remained on running BEAM Trust, where she dedicates her time to charity work.
Through BEAM, she has chosen to serve Malawians by supporting education, health, and women’s empowerment, and she is satisfied with that role of giving back to communities.
Malawi has a long history of First Ladies running charities. During the Kamuzu era, Mama Cecilia Kadzamira led Chitukuko Cha Amai M’Malawi, (CCAM) which was funded from proceeds of party cards. No one questioned it. Since 1994, Mama Anne Muluzi championed HIV/AIDS through the Anne Muluzi Foundation, Lady Patricia Shanil Muluzi supported orphans via the Shanil Foundation, Callista Mutharika promoted maternal health through Mamma Cee Foundation, and most recently Monica Chakwera ran her foundation. Gertrude Mutharika has continued that same tradition with BEAM Trust.
Internationally, first ladies also run foundations funded by voluntary donations. This is a recognized humanitarian role, not political interference.
BEAM Trust is registered as a charitable organization with an independent board.
Like other charities, it receives voluntary donations. Contributing to charity does not in itself constitute evidence of political patronage.
Instead of offering solutions, CDEDI appears driven by jealousy and politics.
Namiwa has failed Malawians by barking on matters he has no evidence for. While CDEDI has a right to call for accountability, any forensic audit would fall under institutions such as the Office of the Auditor General and must follow due process.
Allegations linking some donors to court cases remain before the courts and are subject to innocent until proven guilty.
Malawians deserve debate based on evidence. As of now, what is documented is charitable work and a constitutional system where executive power remains with the President.
