The Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has expressed optimism that the financial terrorism assessment on NGOs will enhance good governance on the use of resources in the country; thereby contributing to national development.
Chief Executive Officer for NGORA, Edward Chileka Banda made the remarks on Friday in Lilongwe during an interface meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the suppression of terrorist financing and proliferation within NGOs.
Banda said the assignment is of great importance as it will safeguard organizations from acts of corruption.
“We also wanted to alert NGOs of requirements that are present in the interest of ensuring that resources are utilized properly in the sector. Internationally, there is an issue of financing terrorism, and we are asking NGOs to ensure they don’t get involved in any acts prohibited by law,” Banda said.
Banda then urged organizations to get a license if they were operating without proper documentation, saying this will help to sustain interventions that NGORA undertakes in boosting capacity building.
Country Director for Amref Health Africa in Malawi, Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu described the assessment put forward by NGORA as a positive development and called upon every organization wishing to create an environment where there is no room for terrorism to take part.
“We are looking forward to the plans that NGORA has put through; for instance, the issue of capacity building and assessment of organizations. For us as NGOs, the assessment is a welcome development because financing terrorism is not good.
“I am encouraging other organizations to take part in the exercise because together we can create an environment free from terrorists in our sector,” said Nyasulu.
The interface meeting was graced by representatives from Amref Health Africa, Save the Children, Christian Aid as well as representatives from Ministry of Gender.
It has been discovered that through Reaching Every Child (REC) project which is being implemented by Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), there is now tremendous progress in the work of increasing vaccine immunisation uptake among the under five children in the country.
Mother Care Groups (MCGs),in areas around Lilongwe district commended the project saying people are complementing what the project is targeting as mothers and guardians are now willingly taking their children to health facilities in large numbers and many are making sure that children are taking all necessary vaccines in time.
This was disclosed by Eliza Benjamin chairperson of Mtchitanjiru MCG at Senior Chief Chiwoza headquarters during refresher trainings which MHEN is conducting in Lilongwe concerning the project.
“At first situation was not impressive as mothers were not taking it serious when it comes to vaccinating children but when we started conducting door to door visits mothers and guardians are now able to understand importance of taking their children to health facilities for proper vaccination and the messages are now well received and am assuring you that we will reach out to the intended purpose of this project,” She said.
She added that the refresher trainings are timely as they have been well reminded their crucial roles and responsibilities as they voluntarily continue with the work.
She said:”For the new members in the groups they have been able to grab first hand information from the facilitators of the project.”
30 member MCGs were established in 2019 in districts which were not well complementing to vaccine immunisation uptake including Lilongwe district in order to senstize on vaccine uptake among under five children.
MHEN is conducting these refresher trainings with support from Global Alliance on Vaccination and Immunisation (GAVI) with technical support from ministry of health.
In a surprising turn of events, former expelled Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Presidential Advisor, Kondwani Nankhumwa, has taken a bold step forward by forming his own party called Democratic Party (DP).
The news of this venture has created ripples in the political landscape as it marks a significant shift in the power dynamics within the ruling party, the DPP.
Our sources have revealed that meetings have been actively taking place at Nankhumwa’s residence in Lutchenza, where key decisions have been made regarding the formation of the party.
Kondwani Nankhumwa
The newly established political entity has already begun formulating its identity.
Our insider, who was present at one of their meetings, disclosed that the party has chosen a maize cob as their emblematic symbol.
This choice underlines their commitment to representing the interests of the agricultural sector and rural communities, which remain the backbone of Malawi’s economy.
Prominent figures who were previously expelled from the DPP, such as Nicholas Dausi, Bottoman, and Grezelda Geoffrey, were reportedly attending these pivotal meetings.
Organizational support for the nascent party also extends to influential figures like Joyce Chitsulo, who although absent from the meetings, expresses her backing for the forthcoming party.
Surprisingly, our sources reveal the unexpected involvement of a senior Malawi Congress Party (MCP) official who serves as a minister in Chakwera’s government.
Although their specific role remains unclear, their presence indicates potential cross-party alliances or a shared ideological alignment between Nankhumwa’s Democratic Party and the MCP.
This connection could lend credibility and support to the newly formed party, making it a formidable contender in future political engagements.
Planning for the future, Nankhumwa and his associates have decided to register the party after compiling a substantial number of signatures across the nation.
This process is expected to be completed within the next two weeks, signaling their commitment to a swift launch.
Our sources also divulge that the MCP official contributing MK12 million to support the party’s operations further solidifies their dedication to establishing a strong political presence.
Political analysts have speculated on the implications of Nankhumwa’s decision to form his own party.
Legal experts argue that despite accusations of crossing the floor in parliament, Nankhumwa will maintain his position, given that his party did not win parliamentary seats.
This legal interpretation brings the status and influence of the Democratic Party into question, as it may face challenges in achieving political representation in parliament.
Kondwani Nankhumwa has long harbored aspirations for the highest political office in Malawi.
In the past, he made his intentions clear, refusing to accept the role of Chief Whip in parliament and instead proclaiming his desire to lead the opposition.
Recently, Nankhumwa cryptically announced his appearance on the electoral ballot but chose not to disclose whether he would run for president or as a running mate.
But he said his dreams of becoming a president still linger in his minds.
Our insider asserts that Nankhumwa is likely to choose the latter option, indicating a shrewd political strategy to gain influence within the political landscape.
Further rumors suggest that Nankhumwa’s animosity towards his former boss, Peter Mutharika, has fueled his determination to prevent Mutharika’s candidacy in the 2025 tripartite elections.
Allegedly, Nankhumwa plans to present an age limit bill in parliament, targeting Mutharika and endeavoring to restrict his eligibility for presidency.
Political commentators caution against Nankhumwa’s confrontational tactics, deeming them anachronistic and potentially harmful to his political career.
As Kondwani Nankhumwa forges ahead with his vision for a new political party, he faces numerous challenges and uncertainties.
While his bold move has shaken the political establishment and garnered support from former DPP members, the path to establishing a successful political party remains arduous.
Critics emphasize the importance of contemporary political strategies and a focus on pertinent issues affecting Malawians’ daily lives.
Only time will reveal the true impact of Kondwani Nankhumwa’s decisions and whether his Democratic Party can create a significant shift in Malawi’s political landscape.
As the nation looks towards the future, the emergence of alternative political entities signals an evolving political climate where new voices and fresh perspectives may play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny.
If you cling to someone or something, you hold onto them tightly. In the recent political battle within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Kondwani Nankhumwa was fired from the party following disciplinary charges of insubordination. However, as DPP proposed Dr George Chaponda to take over as leader of opposition, Nankhumwa is refusing to let go of the position by sticking to his injunction which was given many months ago.
The argument
Most arguments suggest that politicians cling to power because they are old, they are male – and they don’t plan to leave anytime soon. Africa is quite familiar with leaders who regularly switch up the rules to stay in office. But when they overstay their term, how can Africans get their leaders to finally step down?
Unfortunately, we have a man in politics in Malawi today, who is clinging to power even after he was fired from his own party, yet he is not an old man. Does Nankhumwa reason to keep fighting this way? Something tells me this man is uncivilized and never went to school enough.
Kondwani Nankhumwa
He is not old, and he doesn’t plan to admit that he is not needed in the DPP anymore anytime soon. We have a politician who is quite surprising in the manner he handles himself in his politics. But if he continues to be leader of opposition who does he think he will be representing in the August House? How will Africans get their leaders to accept the rule of law within their parties?
The Leader of the Opposition is the parliamentary chairperson of the largest political party in their respective legislative chamber that is not in government. Kondwani Nankhumwa could not understand his job description instead he spent most of his time in court fighting meaningless legal battles that yielded nothing but his expulsion.
The Opposition’s main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. This also helps to fix the mistakes of the Ruling Party. The Opposition is equally responsible in upholding the best interests of the people of the country. The Opposition’s main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. This also helps to fix the mistakes of the Ruling Party. The former leader of Opposition upheld his own interests leaving the party and people of this country behind.
In politics, the opposition comprises one or more political parties or other organized groups that are opposed, primarily ideologically, to the government or the administration, party or group in political control of a city, region, state, country or other political body.
The current Official Opposition is the caucus of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), assuming the role following the 2020 fresh presidential election. The Opposition must be led by someone chosen by the opposition from opposition. As for Nankhumwa, he cannot continue leading a party in Parliament whose membership has been scraped off.
The composition of Parliament also determines who will form the official opposition. The party (or coalition of parties) which has the most non-government Members in the House of Representatives becomes the opposition party and its leader becomes the Leader of the Opposition.
The Leader of the Opposition is a member of parliament who is in charge of the opposition – the largest party, or coalition of parties, that is not in government. The Leader of the Opposition is chosen by members of their party. By convention – tradition – the Leader of the Opposition is a member of Parliament. I will not hesitate to say that the former leader of opposition was not in charge of the opposition, instead he wined and dined with the government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Leader of the Opposition is responsible for managing the way the opposition, develops policies, scrutinises the government and acts in Parliament. Their duties include:
Acting as the main opposition spokesperson, selecting members of their party or coalition to be shadow ministers, running party meetings and shadow Cabinet meetings where the opposition discusses policies and examines bills – ideas for new laws, leading the opposition’s election campaigns, presenting the opposition as an alternative government. Suffice to say that I haven’t seen a leader of opposition in Parliament from 2020 up to 2024 and Kondwani Nankhumwa has been a let down to millions of people. It’s time the DPP elected a leader of opposition !
The Minister of Transport, Jacob Hara, has expressed a commitment to ensuring quality work in all projects undertaken by history ministry.
Speaking at the UNICEF Ground during a development rally hosted by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, Hara reassured the President that concerns about the quality of work are now alleviated.
President and Madam Chakwera with Hon Jacob Hara
He announced the removal of companies engaged in substandard road construction, emphasizing a new era of prioritizing excellence.
Hara outlined the ministry’s current focus on promoting the capabilities of Malawian construction companies, aiming to equip them for both local and international projects.
He acknowledged President Chakwera’s efforts in rehabilitating the M1 road, emphasizing the positive economic impact of such initiatives.
Addressing the ongoing construction of the K37 billion Lilongwe River bridge, Hara highlighted its role in facilitating smoother traffic flow between Bwalo la Njobvu and Area 3.
“Previously when motorists were traveling from either direction, they were being blocked at this location. The good news is that the delays that occurred on the bridge will no longer be a concern,” ” he said.
The bridge will have total of eight lanes, designed to facilitate smooth traffic movement in both directions.
Among these, five lanes will be dedicated to vehicles, while an additional two lanes will be allocated for pedestrians, with an extra lane designated specifically for cyclists.
The Minister disclosed upcoming projects, citing examples such as the Chigwirizano-Malingunde Road, signaling a proactive approach to further infrastructural development. President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera lauded the Lilongwe bridge and road project, stating its significance in transforming the city’s appearance.
He noted that upon completion, the new infrastructure will boast three times the width of the previous one, securing its position as the largest bridge in the nation.
In a show of appreciation, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera extended gratitude to the Japanese government for their financial backing in the rehabilitation of a segment of the M1 road.
He underlined their confidence in significantly transforming the city’s image through this endeavor, emphasizing that the enduring impact of their support will last for generations to come.
In his address, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera articulated that the rehabilitation of a road of this nature fosters the integration of local and international markets.
This, in turn, enhences productivity, ultimately contributing to wealth creation and facilitating the alleviation of individuals from poverty.
Seizing the moment, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera issued a directive to the Minister of Transport, Jacob Hara, urging vigilance over ongoing road projects. Emphasizing the importance of both speed and quality in project execution, the President provided insight into forthcoming road projects that have secured financing.
He instructed the minister to initiate the work promptly within the current year, stressing that he will not tolerate procrastination in the excecution of projects by contractors.
Concluding his remarks, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera issued a stern warning to the government departments tasked with project approvals, urging them to expedite the process. He stressed the urgency, noting that the people of Malawi are eager for developmental initiatives to progress swiftly while maintaining a focus on quality in alignment with the national agenda outlined in Malawi Vision 2063.
