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Democracy Works  Foundation commits to connect party leaders and MPs to enhance trust and democratic values

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By Dean Chisambo

Democracy Works Foundation has committed to connect  political party leaders and members of parliament in order to improve public trust and legislative function  ahead of commencement of August house for budget session on Friday.

Democracy Works Foundation Deputy director Funny Nthakomwa said this during the workshop  on parliamentary oversight on budget scrutiny which brought together  political parties leaders and members of parliament on Wednesday in Lilongwe.

Nthakomwa lamented that the study which they did highlight some of the issues like lack of coordination in the mainstream parties between party leaders that might be outside parliament and leaders that are in parliament.

Members of different political parties pose a group photograph

She further said members of parliament  need to balance their own interests, the interests of the party as well as that of the nation which is one of the challenges.
 
Nthakomwa also mentioned other issues that came out of the study  such as members of parliament not being free to deliberate or  to contribute their agenda as they are preparing for the parliamentary agenda.

She said : “political parties  do have a role that they can play in influencing the legislative and oversight function, for  instance; they are issues that would want parties to stand on or a position, if the party leaders are gagging their members,It means they will affect how they will perform in parliament.”

In his  remarks United Democratic Front (UDF) secretary general, Kandi Padambo said the workshop was very important for all political parties to be together and to collaborate on how they are going to ensure oversight on the budget that government is going to present which is  not just important for political parties but the nation as whole.

In her sentiments ,United Transformation Movement (UTM) secretary general  Patricia Kaliati said  the members of parliament are supposed to coordinate with their leadership when they are representing the political parties in parliament on issues of budget and the appropriate bills from the budget .

The Workshop which was  aiming at strengthening or empowering  the leadership of political parties was held when parliament is expected to commence on Friday for the nation budget allocation which brought together political parties coacarse and members of parliament from various parties like Malawi Congress Party(MCP) ,Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Transformation Movement (UTM) ,  United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Party (PP) and Alliance For Democracy (AFORD).

Mthakomwa – the study highlights the lack of coordination

Information Minister Kunkuyu says Government not engaged in new contract with Sattar

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By Roselyn Phiri

Minister of Information and digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has said the Government has not engaged in any new contract with Zuneith Sattar related business and there are no plans to sign any contract with him.

This was disclosed on Wednesday in Lilongwe during a media briefing where the Government was clarifying on issues that appeared in the Daily Times Newspaper of Monday January 29, 2024 titled ‘Government, Sattar in U$19 Million (over K31 billion) Arms Deal.

Speaking during the briefing, Kunkuyu said all Sattar related contracts were terminated by Government in line with section 46 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets (PPDA) Act on public convenience.

Kunkuyu and Defense Minister Harry Mkandawire


“There is no new contract that has been signed with any of the company’s belonging to Sattar, Government as a procuring entity is under an obligation to pay for goods supplied, delivered or goods that were under production at the time of the termination.

“At the termination Government through the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) had several contracts with Sattar, among them was the contract with Malachite FZE for the supply of 32 Armoured Personnel Carriers(APC) signed on 24th May 2021,” He said.

The Minister further explained that Government wrote Malachite FZE on the 11th January 2022 informing them that Contract for the supply of APCs had been terminated.

He also said that the Government is concerned with how some members of the Media in the country conduct themselves when dealing with matters of national importance.

He advised members of the press to first verify any allegation before publishing any security related matters to avoid misleading the public.

“Government is always ready to clarify any issues when necessary, if approached in good faith with a common vision to develop Malawi,” Kunkuyu Said.

Also speaking during the press briefing, Minister of Defense Harry Mkandawire refuted allegations that the MDF is looking for a Journalist who published the article concerning government being involve in a contract with Sattar.

“It is not true that there are any plans to arrest any Journalist on this matter, we respect media freedom here Malawi,” Said Mkandawire.

@Malawi Online News

Overcoming Discrimination and Physical Challenges: Natasha’s Journey to a Transformed Life

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By Twink Jones Gadama

At just 15 years old, Natasha had already faced more challenges than most people experience in a lifetime. Born with bowed legs, Natasha developed the condition at the young age of 8, making it difficult for her to walk and causing her immense pain. The physical challenges were tough enough to bear, but what was perhaps even more heartbreaking was the discrimination she faced from her peers at school.

“I have been living with the condition for years. I feel pain when I walk long distances and many times, I don’t feel confident being in a group setting because, at times, my friends laugh at me, saying, “Olumala iwe” (disabled). It pains me a lot, and there is nothing I can do, so I just let it be,” Natasha bravely shared.

The words of her classmates cut deep, leaving Natasha feeling isolated and alone. The laughter and taunts echoed in her mind, creating a sense of shame and inadequacy that weighed heavily on her young shoulders. It seemed as though there was no escape from the pain, both physical and emotional, that she was forced to endure on a daily basis.



But amidst the darkness and despair, a glimmer of hope shone through when Natasha was identified by CURE Malawi during a mobile clinic. The organization recognized her need for treatment and offered her a lifeline to a better future. Natasha’s journey to transformation had begun.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Natasha was greeted with warmth and compassion by the staff at CURE Malawi. They understood the gravity of her situation and were determined to help her overcome the obstacles that had plagued her for so long. Through a series of surgeries and rehabilitative therapies, Natasha’s bowed legs were corrected, and she was able to walk without pain for the first time in years.

The physical transformation was miraculous, but the emotional healing that Natasha experienced was equally profound. As she regained her confidence and self-esteem, she found the strength to confront the stigma and discrimination that had haunted her for so long. With the support of her caregivers and newfound friends at CURE Malawi, Natasha was able to overcome her past traumas and embrace a brighter future.

Today, Natasha is a shining example of resilience and perseverance. She no longer hides in the shadows or allows the cruel words of others to dictate her worth. Instead, she stands tall and proud, a beacon of hope for others who may be facing similar challenges. Natasha’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and support, anything is possible.

As she looks towards the future, Natasha dreams of a life filled with opportunities and possibilities. She plans to return to school and pursue her education, determined to make a difference in the world. Her days of feeling isolated and alone are behind her, replaced by a sense of purpose and belonging that fills her heart with joy.

Natasha’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love, compassion, and healing. Through the kindness of strangers and the dedication of medical professionals, she was able to rise above her circumstances and create a new reality for herself. Natasha’s journey is a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable, and that with the right support, anything is possible.

Chiefs in Thyolo Take Matters Into Their Own Hands to Ensure Fertilizer Distribution for AIP Beneficiaries

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In Thyolo, the determination to ensure that every beneficiary of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) receives their much-needed fertilizer is palpable. At least 19 Group Village Headmen from lower Mphuka have taken matters into their own hands by resolving to submit all 980 national IDs of AIP beneficiaries who have not yet received fertilizer to the district council. This proactive approach comes after unsuccessful attempts to obtain fertilizer from nearby centers, despite the crucial stage of maize tasseling.

The decision was made during a chiefs’ meeting, with Senior Chief Mphuka leading the charge. Starting tomorrow, the Group Village Headmen will collect the IDs and deliver them to the council next Monday. This proactive step will enable officials to facilitate fertilizer purchases on behalf of the beneficiaries, ensuring that their maize crops receive the necessary nutrients to thrive.

Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga, confirmed that all obstacles have been resolved, and fertilizer dispatch is scheduled to begin tomorrow. This development comes as a relief to the Group Village Headmen and the AIP beneficiaries who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the crucial input.

The determination of the chiefs and district officials to overcome challenges and ensure that the AIP beneficiaries receive their fertilizer highlights the importance of the program in supporting smallholder farmers. The AIP aims to provide affordable inputs to farmers across the country, enabling them to increase their agricultural productivity and improve food security in their communities.

SFFRFM spokesperson Grace Thipa also provided reassurance that the AIP continues in most areas nationwide, including Thyolo. Additional stocks of fertilizer are expected to arrive in the area within the week, further enhancing the prospects of a successful maize harvest for the beneficiaries.

The proactive stance taken by the Group Village Headmen in lower Mphuka showcases their commitment to supporting their communities and ensuring that every farmer receives the support they need to enhance their agricultural productivity. By working together with district officials and committing to finding solutions to challenges, they are setting an example of effective leadership and community engagement.

As the maize crops in Thyolo enter the crucial tasseling stage, the timely distribution of fertilizer is critical to ensuring a bountiful harvest for the AIP beneficiaries. The efforts of the chiefs and district officials to expedite the process of fertilizer distribution demonstrate their dedication to the well-being of farmers in the region and their commitment to the success of agricultural programs like the AIP.

In conclusion, the proactive approach taken by the Group Village Headmen in Thyolo is a testament to their leadership and determination to support their communities. By submitting the national IDs of AIP beneficiaries to the district council for fertilizer purchases, they are ensuring that farmers receive the crucial inputs they need to enhance their agricultural productivity. This collaborative effort between chiefs, district officials, and program stakeholders exemplifies the spirit of community engagement and collective action towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development in Thyolo and beyond.

The court’s role in Malawi’s political tension: A ticking time bomb

By Twink Jones Gadama

In the turbulent realm of Malawian politics, the courts wield a double-edged sword that threatens to slice through the fragile fabric of society. At the center of this tempest lies the enigmatic figure of Kondwani Nankhumwa, a man whose mere presence has ignited a powder keg of political unrest. As the embattled former DPP presidential advisor and leader of the opposition, Nankhumwa’s expulsion from his party has set off a chain reaction of legal battles that threaten to engulf the nation in flames.

At the heart of this tumultuous saga lies the fundamental question of justice versus politics. In a democracy, the rule of law should be the bedrock upon which the nation stands. Yet, in Malawi, the courts have become the arena for a dangerous game of political brinkmanship, where the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. The court’s decision to grant Nankhumwa an injunction against his expulsion has only served to fan the flames of discord within the DPP and beyond.

The High Court in Blantyre

The implications of the court’s actions are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. By intervening in a purely political matter, the courts have opened a Pandora’s box of uncertainty and unrest. The very foundation of democracy is built upon the separation of powers, with each branch of government fulfilling its own role without encroaching on the domain of another. Yet, in Malawi, the lines between politics and justice have become dangerously blurred, threatening to tear the nation apart at its seams.

The court’s decision to wade into the murky waters of party politics has sown the seeds of discontent and division within the DPP. Members who were once united in their support for Nankhumwa’s expulsion are now seething with anger and resentment at the perceived interference of the judiciary in their internal affairs. This betrayal of trust has left many feeling betrayed and disenfranchised, fueling a sense of injustice and righteous anger that simmers just beneath the surface.

In the court of public opinion, the judges are seen as puppet masters pulling the strings of fate, manipulating the course of events to suit their own agendas. The perception of bias and corruption within the judiciary has only served to deepen the rift between the people and their government, eroding the very foundation of trust upon which a healthy democracy depends. The courts, once revered as bastions of justice, have now become symbols of oppression and tyranny, casting a dark shadow over the nation.

The specter of civil war looms large on the horizon, a dark cloud gathering strength and momentum with each passing day. The court’s decision to grant Nankhumwa an injunction has set off a domino effect of violence and unrest that threatens to spiral out of control. The people of Malawi, once united in their aspirations for a better future, are now divided along political lines, with brother turning against brother in a brutal struggle for power and control.

As the nation teeters on the brink of collapse, the court’s role in fueling this dangerous escalation cannot be ignored. The judges must tread carefully, weighing their decisions with the utmost care and consideration for the consequences that may follow. The fate of Malawi hangs in the balance, a fragile thread that threatens to snap under the weight of political turmoil and social upheaval.

In the end, the court’s actions will determine the course of history for Malawi. Will they serve as champions of justice and defenders of democracy, or will they become pawns in a dangerous game of political manipulation? The choice is theirs to make, but the consequences will be felt by all. The time bomb is ticking, and only time will tell if the courts can defuse the volatile mixture of politics and justice that threatens to blow Malawi apart at the seams.