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NICE Trust geared to mobilise many youths to cast their vote in the 2025 elections

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By Memory Khutuliwa


National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has set up mechanisms that will make youths come out in their large number to vote in 2025 local government, parliamentary and presidential elections.

In an interview, NICE Trust Executive Director Gray Kalindekafe said the Trust is aware that youth constitute a larger percentage of the Malawi population but fail to register to cast their vote in elections.

“We are aware of the hurdles that lie in the path of our youth and this is why we are planning to reach out to them through pyramid approaches,” he said.

Gray Kalindekafe



Kalindekafe said the trust intends to mainstream youth in all interventions in different projects lined up prior to the elections citing two projects namely Boma Lathu funded by the European Union (EU) and Nthawi Yao funded by the United Nation Development Fund (UNDP).

“As we promote women participation in politics, we will reach out and mobilise numerous youths that aspire to become representatives as councilors or members of parliament. In these initiatives, NICE will be able to share with the youth reasons why they should be the first to believe in the power to vote,” Kalindekafe explained.

He said the projects were meant to increase participation for women, youth and disadvantaged groups in the democratic and good governance processes that include local accountability systems as well as ensuring credibility of electoral processes through their participation.

“We intend to make youth participation in electoral processes meaningful, especially considering that elections are about power and authority that they are highly contentious hence emotive to the extent that violence is used to some extent,” Kalindekafe added.

He observed that political violence frustrates citizen participation in elections adding that, among others, NICE Trust will engage the youth in political parties and other organised group like faith community to discourage youth participation in acts of political violence.

Kalindekafe expressed hope that direct youth engagement will certainly encourage youth participation in the electoral process including casting their vote.

“Through voter and civic education mandate, NICE Trust will use its unique traditional approaches that are anchored in the 360 degrees Civic Education Model for civic and voter education that seeks to address challenges in democracy and good governance.

“We will embark on various approaches and methodologies through trainings or orientations workshops, mass awareness and mobilisation, community level meetings and shows, village caravans, youth centric interventions like sports bonanzas and brief talks in video show,” Kalindekafe added.

Through Area Civic Education Coordinators and other volunteers, NICE Trust also intends to target mobile youths through road shows around mobile markers, public debates and panel discussions on community radio stations to ensure that most youth are reached out.

Lilongwe’s State-of-the-Art Data Centre to Improve E-Government Services

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By Paul Madise and Gift Chiponde

Director of E-government, Paul Katema has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art Data Centre in Lilongwe saying it will advance Malawi’s digital transformation.

Speaking during a tour of the construction site, he said the Data Centre will centralise hosting services for various Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) digital systems and data thereby ensuring the security of government information, and efficiency of e-government services, a key enabler for Malawi 2063 vision.



Katema highlighted that the Data Centre being constructed under the Digital Malawi Project (DIGMAP), aims to improve access to critical ICT infrastructure, enhance digital governance, reduce infrastructure costs and optimise the provision of automated services.

In his remarks, Paul Kanthambi, the Data Centre Technical Project Manager, emphasized that integrating ICT across all sectors will enhance government efficiency and transparency in line with the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II (MGDS II).

He said DIGMAP leverages digital technology for economic growth, innovation, job creation, improved service access, information flow, and market accessibility.

The project is being implemented by Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) and financed by World Bank.

Malawi’s Unprecedented Financial Catastrophe: Alliance Capital Faces Liquidation

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By Twink Jones Gadama


In a stunning turn of events, the High Court Commercial Division has issued a groundbreaking order that Alliance Capital Limited be liquidated, following a colossal financial scandal that has rocked the nation. With billions of Kwachas, an estimated total of K60 billion, lost by countless investors, including prominent government entities and individuals, Malawi finds itself in the midst of one of the largest financial crises in its history.

Led by its managers, Christian Majavinq, and directors Tom Daniel, Dean Lungu, and Kassam Okhai, Alliance Capital was once a promising investment company, attracting funds from various entities and individuals seeking financial growth and stability. However, recent discoveries have revealed a web of deceit, as it appears that the key players behind Alliance Capital have absconded to South Africa, the United States, and India, leaving a trail of financial ruin in their wake.

Government entities have been particularly hard-hit, with hundreds of millions of Kwachas lost by prominent organizations. Among these are the Malawi Police SACCO, losing a staggering K1 billion, while both the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) face losses of K500 million each. Meanwhile, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is grappling with a colossal loss of K1 billion.

The financial havoc extends beyond government institutions, as private companies and individuals have also suffered substantial losses. Nico Assett Managers, a well-respected investment firm, has reportedly lost K3 billion, while Zamara Pension Fund and Open Connect are reeling from the loss of K2 billion each. Other notable entities, including Britam and Reunion, have also seen their investments evaporate into thin air, with losses of K500 million each. Prominent individuals like Jimmy Korea Mpatsa and Zondiwe Mbano reportedly lost K2 billion and K500 million, respectively.

Adding further tragedy to the already harrowing circumstances, numerous families and individuals, who had entrusted their life savings to Alliance Capital, are now left devastated. The Nseula family, for instance, has lost K200 million, while the Kahumbe family is struggling to cope with a loss of K500 million. The heart-wrenching reality is that these losses are not isolated incidents; there are countless others facing financial ruin due to this fraudulent scheme.

It is crucial to note that the money lost was not simply invested with Alliance Capital, but rather borrowed from various financial institutions and individuals. Among the prominent borrowers are Bright Malopa, who allegedly borrowed an exorbitant K7 billion, while Mike Chilewe Jnr and Transglobe acquired K500 million and K5 billion, respectively. Stansfield Motors’ debt stands at a staggering K5 billion. Shockingly, not a single Tambala of these borrowed funds has been repaid, exacerbating the financial crisis and crippling the lenders.

The catastrophic fallout from this scandal is far-reaching, transcending mere monetary losses. Investors’ trust in financial institutions has been severely damaged, with some now questioning the effectiveness of regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing investment activities. The implications for the overall economic landscape of Malawi are dire, as the loss of billions of Kwachas will undoubtedly result in stagnant growth, reduced investments, and a general decline in investor confidence.

The Alliance Capital scandal has now become the focal point of intense public outrage, demanding answers, accountability, and justice. The affected individuals and entities, who were lured in by the prospect of financial growth, now find themselves victims of an audacious Ponzi-like scheme. Many eagerly await the court’s decisions and subsequent legal actions to ensure that those responsible for this financial catastrophe are held accountable for their actions.

In response to this monumental crisis, the Malawian government, along with regulatory bodies, must work tirelessly to restore faith and trust in the financial sector. Immediate and comprehensive investigations are necessary to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As victims continue to face the aftermath of shattered dreams and financial devastation, it is imperative that support networks and resources are established to help those most affected rebuild their lives and recover from this immense setback.

The Alliance Capital scandal has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Malawi’s financial landscape. The billions of Kwachas lost have reverberated throughout society, from government institutions to private individuals, leaving a trail of despair in its wake. As the investigations unfold and efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice intensify, the Malawian people are left grappling with profound questions about the security of their financial future. The scars of this catastrophic event will undoubtedly endure, serving as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, transparency, and robust regulations within the financial sector to safeguard the interests and well-being of all Malawians.

Opposition DPP demands Government let students take examinations for free

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By Vincent Gunde

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says it is shocked by the news that about 29,817 students will not sit their MANEB examinations this year due to non-payment of examination fees describing this development as very sad.

The DPP says it is sad that the MCP led Tonse Alliance government is not concerned observing that these students have been working hard in school and denying them the opportunity to sit the examinations because they are poor, is a very sad development that the DPP is condemning this.

Free primary education not aligning with paying for PSLCE- Std 8 examinations



It says the Tonse Alliance government should know that education is a basic human right that would take the Malawian youth out of poverty level, in equality and ensure sustainable development demanding the MCP led government to allow the 29,817 students who have failed to pay examinations fees sit their examinations.

In a statement dated 10th January, 2024 signed by its Presidential and Party Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, the DPP has demanded the MCP led government to abolish Primary School Leaving Certificate (PSLCE) of fees to align in the concept of free primary education.

The DPP has also demanded government to take over the cost of preparations and admission of examinations as a way of providing relief to parents and guardians who are trying to recover from all sorts of economic hardships.

It expressed hope that the MCP led Tonse Alliance government will take heed of this free advice from a party that has vast experience in running government reminding it that the party is coming back in 2025 to restore what belongs to Malawians.

The DPP says it is further shocked to learn that this number of 29,817 students has been increasing since the Tonse Alliance government came into power lamenting that this year alone, about 29,817 students will fail to sit for the examinations.

“The figure is double from last year when 15,000 students failed to sit for the examinations, this is an indication that the Tonse Alliance government has left the education system to manage itself and indirectly infringing the rights of the Malawian youth,” reads part of the statement.

The DPP has expressed a concern that the Tonse Alliance government has allowed parents and guardians who are trying to recover from the devastating effects of the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha as well as Cyclone Freddy.

It says it is also sad that Government has allowed schools to increase school fees by margins of their own choices observing that some schools have increased school fees by a margin of 100 percent while government is just watching.

Meanwhile, in reaction to the DPP statement, there is a message circulating in various social media platforms that if there’s standard 8 pupils struggling to pay examination fees, let their names and invoice numbers be sent to Mr. Joe Chalera on 0881478676 as soon as possible.
“Let all Standard 8 pupils write their examinations, Mwana aliyense alembe mayeso basi,” reads the message.

The sender of the message is encouraging all to share the information to all schools and anyone concerned as soon as possible before MANEB closes receiving payments.

Former Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka Acquitted in Alleged False Information Case Leading to IMF Loan Cancellation

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In a significant development, Joseph Mwanamveka, the former finance minister of Malawi, has been cleared of all charges by the High Court in Lilongwe concerning allegations of providing false information to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The case, which also involved former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Dalitso Kabambe and Henry Mathanga, focused on accusations that they had misled the IMF, resulting in the cancellation of a $108 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF) agreement.

After carefully reviewing the evidence, Judge Redson Kapindu concluded on Tuesday that there was insufficient proof to convict Mwanamveka and therefore it would be unrealistic to pursue charges against him. This ruling comes as a resounding victory for the former finance minister, who maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.

Mwanamveka



Mwanamveka’s defense argued that he was not employed at the RBM during the period in question, but instead held the position of Minister of Agriculture. This assertion supports the claim that he had no involvement in the alleged offenses related to the false information provided to the IMF.

In his ruling, Judge Kapindu cited the State’s acknowledgment that there was a lack of evidence to convict Mwanamveka. He noted that the prosecutor (the State) had demonstrated an inability and unwillingness to proceed with the case against the former finance minister, as stipulated in section 247(1) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code.

The allegations made against Mwanamveka, Kabambe, and Mathanga were serious in nature. It was claimed that they knowingly provided the IMF with misleading information, leading to the cancellation of the $108 million ECF agreement. Such allegations carried significant repercussions, not only for the individuals involved but also for the reputation and economic stability of the nation.

The cancellation of the ECF had adverse effects on Malawi’s economy, as it eliminated the financial support that could have facilitated various developmental projects. Moreover, the credibility of the nation’s financial institutions and their ability to ensure transparency and accountability came under scrutiny as a result of these allegations.

The ruling by the High Court has far-reaching implications, not only for Mwanamveka but for the broader discussion regarding the handling of financial matters in Malawi. It highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for concrete evidence when pursuing such cases, particularly when the consequences can have a significant impact on the nation’s economy.

The acquittal of Mwanamveka has brought relief to his supporters, who have stood by him throughout the legal ordeal. They have maintained that he possesses an impeccable reputation and unwavering dedication to serving the nation. Mwanamveka’s tenure as finance minister was marked by numerous achievements and reforms that played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and stability in Malawi.

His supporters argue that the allegations against Mwanamveka were politically motivated, aiming to tarnish his image and undermine his accomplishments in his position as finance minister. The acquittal not only vindicates Mwanamveka but also raises questions regarding the legitimacy of the accusations and the motivations behind them.

As the nation moves forward, it is crucial for Malawi to restore faith in its financial institutions and leaders, ensuring that transparency and accountability remain at the forefront of their operations. The legal case against Mwanamveka, Kabambe, and Mathanga served as a wake-up call, prompting a reevaluation of existing procedures and leading to stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The case has also shed light on the importance of effective communication and coordination between institutions such as the RBM and the Ministry of Finance. It emphasizes the need for a seamless flow of accurate information to uphold the credibility of Malawi’s financial sector, ultimately restoring the faith of international partners and investors.

Moving ahead, it is imperative for the State to learn from this case and strengthen its investigative processes to prevent baseless accusations from tarnishing the reputation of individuals and undermining the progress of the nation. The ruling by the High Court serves as a reminder that justice must prevail in the pursuit of truth, and individuals should not be falsely implicated in cases lacking substantial evidence.

In conclusion, former Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka’s acquittal by the High Court in Lilongwe marks a significant moment in Malawi’s legal history. The ruling validates Mwanamveka’s claims of innocence and highlights the importance of solid evidence in pursuing charges of false information. This case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and thoroughness in the country’s financial sector, and the role these elements play in ensuring economic stability and growth.