Thousands of Malawians on Sunday lined up the streets of Blantyre to welcome President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera who is in the Southern Region for various engagements.
Among the engagements on the cards are, Chilembwe Day commemoration and National Tree Planting Day.
In his welcoming speech, MCP’s Southern Region chairman Hon Peter Simbi said President’s visit to the south is very timely.
Chakwera being greeted in Blantyre
Simbi said people of the Southern Region want Chakwera to physically appreciate the current hunger status in the region and progress of interventions such as food distribution.
The chair said the President has demonstrated true statesmanship.
National director of campaign in the ruling Malawi Congress Party who is also Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, described Chakwera as the only person with solutions towards challenges which Malawians are facing.
The President addressed people on whistle stops at Chirimba, Mbayani and Chemusa.
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called on Malawians to continue uniting regardless of social, economic and political affiliations saying this is the only way of bringing solutions to challenges facing the country.
Addressing the gathering on Sunday at Chirimba and Chemusa Trading Centres during a whistle tour in Blantyre City, Chakwera said he is ready to meet different groupings with an aim of discussing, appreciating the situation and together develop the country.
Chakwera being welcomed in Blantyre
The Malawi leader also encouraged people not to lose hope rather remain resilient just like they have shown over the past years.
“When passing difficult times, do not lose hope rather trust in God for there is a reward for it. Currently, some things have already started ticking and very soon other things will completely turn around for our good,” he said.
The Malawi leader also cautioned people in authority to desist from misappropriating resources meant to support social protection programmes for vulnerable households.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) National Campaign Director, Moses Kunkuyu thanked the president for visiting people in Blantyre.
Kunkuyu, who is also the Minister of Information and Digitalisation, said people are grateful for government support rendered to them including creation of job opportunities for the youths in Israel, construction of security houses and also provision of maize to hunger stricken families.
Group Village Head Magasa of Traditional Authority (TA) Kapeni hailed the Chakwera administration for cushioning vulnerable households with different social protection programmes.
Truck drivers in Malawi are once again threatening to stage a nationwide strike unless the government fulfills its commitment to implement a minimum wage of K300,000. This latest development follows allegations that the Ministry of Labour has reneged on its promises made during negotiations last year. The Truck Drivers Association and the Professional Drivers Union claim that despite engaging with presidential advisor Ephraim Chivunde, no progress has been made. With tensions mounting, the drivers are fervently demanding fair wages and accountability from the government.
Truck drivers in Malawi have long been grappling with the issue of low wages. The demanding nature of their occupation, coupled with poor working conditions and extended hours on the road, has compelled them to advocate for improved compensation. The current minimum wage, currently at K40,000, falls significantly short of meeting their livelihood needs and fails to adequately address inflationary pressures.
According to Francis Mkandawire, Vice President of the Truck Drivers Association, the Ministry of Labour has continuously failed to honor the agreed-upon minimum wage. Despite assurances made during negotiations, government officials have not taken any concrete steps to implement the desired wage increase. The drivers have voiced their disappointment and frustration with the lack of progress, and their plea for fair compensation has fallen on deaf ears.
Meetings with Ephraim Chivunde, presidential advisor on politics, were expected to yield positive outcomes, as both associations held discussions to find a satisfactory resolution to the ongoing wage dispute. However, the drivers claim that none of the agreed-upon resolutions have materialized, leaving them disillusioned. This breach of trust has only intensified their resolve to take action, potentially resorting to a nationwide strike to amplify their demands.
The Ministry of Labour spokesperson, Nellie Kapatuka, told Maravi Post that she didn’t have more information and requested for more time. “Kindly give me additional time so that I give you valid information not speculative,” said Kapatuka before hanged up the phone. This response from the ministry further fuels the truckers’ frustrations, as it seemingly indicates a lack of urgency and concern for their plight.
The truck drivers of Malawi find themselves at a critical crossroad, highlighting the precariousness of their livelihoods. Their demands for a fair and livable wage reflect a fundamental desire for improved working conditions and dignified treatment. The ongoing battle for higher wages not only affects individual drivers but also has broader implications for the transportation sector and the nation’s economy. As the government contemplates its response, it must recognize the significance of addressing these legitimate concerns to avoid potential disruptions that could impact essential supply chains, trade, and economic growth.
Malawi National Council of Sports(MNCS) says it requires about K120 million for it to organize the 2023 Malawi Sport Awards slated for February 6,2024 at Bingu International Convention Centre(BICC) in Lilongwe.
MNCS Board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise said this during a media briefing in Blantyre on Friday.
MNCS officials
Madise said they expect to raise the money through selling the event in various packages.
“We have four packages through which various stakeholders can partner us. These are platinum, gold, silver and bronze.
“The packages range from K20 million to K5 million in value. This is a big event and a platform that the corporate world should use to market their products. It will be better and bigger than last year,” he said.
Madise said they had already sent an invitation to president Lazarus Chakwera to grace the black-tie event.
“The nomination process for this edition will scrutinize the nominees to ensure that deserved people are nominated and recognized,” added Madise.
On his part, MNCS Chairperson for Marketing Gladson Kuyeri urged the corporate world to establish partnerships with the council.
The sports awards which were introduced in 2017 are aimed at recognizing outstanding athletes, sports administrators and institutions that have contributed to sports development.
This year, the winners at the event will receive a trophy and K700,000 prize money while second and third positions will get K150,000.
In a major breakthrough for the Fiscal Police in Lilongwe, a new wave of arrests has taken place at the Accountant General’s office, further unraveling the intricacies of the government allowances scandal that has sent shockwaves across Malawi.
The scandal, which first came to light two months ago with the initial arrests, has now ensnared 17 more individuals, including high-ranking officials, marking a significant escalation in the investigation.
The arrested individuals include Jane Zimba, Mr. Chilimampunga, Nitta Mtuwa Vashi, Catherine Chigowo, Mrs. Mfuyeni, Richard Shuko, George P. Banda, Mr. Kantchewa, Dumping Kathyole, Mrs. Montero, Willy Chambwinja, Mwayiwawo Chingson binali, Catherine Mapulanga, Mr. Jack Batani, Atuhokele Chitete, Kondwani Thomson Chimwala, and Rose Mwalwimba.
According to a reliable police source, these arrests are just the tip of the iceberg, as senior officers from other Ministries and Departments, including the National Audit Office (NAO), are also expected to face the same fate in the forthcoming days.
The wide scale of the investigation demonstrates the depth of the scandal and the determination of law enforcement to hold all responsible parties accountable.
When approached for comment, National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya requested more time to provide detailed information about the ongoing investigations.
“I currently don’t have enough information on that. Once I have, I will confirm,” he stated.
However, Maravi Post has independently confirmed the arrests and the involvement of these individuals in the allowances scandal.
The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated, as this scandal has the potential to severely damage the public’s trust in the government’s handling of finances.
The misappropriation of funds meant for public servants’ allowances is an egregious violation of the trust placed in these officials to execute their duties diligently and honestly.
As the investigations continue to unfold, it is essential for the authorities to conduct their operations with transparency and impartiality.
The nation eagerly awaits the outcomes of these investigations, as the swift and just resolution of this scandal will be crucial in preserving public confidence and ensuring that those responsible face the appropriate consequences.
These recent arrests serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how high their position may be.
It is a clear message to all public officials that the era of corruption and financial malfeasance is coming to an end and that they will be held accountable for their actions.
Moving forward, it is imperative for the government to institute robust measures and reforms to strengthen financial oversight and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to sound governance practices must be the pillars on which the government rebuilds trust with its citizens.
The nation anticipates further updates on the investigations, hoping that swift justice will prevail and those responsible for squandering public funds will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
