The High Court Financial Crimes Division has ordered the seizure of land belonging to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Regional Governor for the Southern Region, Charles Mchacha.
The land is said to be situated in the Kanjedza Forest Reserve in Blantyre.
According to a statement issued today by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and signed by the bureau’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Egritta Ndala, the property is now under the custody, care, and control of the bureau until the finalisation of the case.
Mchacha
“Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is prosecuting Mr. Charles Mchacha for influencing public officers to perform their functions to process a lease of land in the name of Charles Mchacha for protected land situated at Kanjedza Forest Reserve,” reads part of the statement.
Mchacha’s case began when the ACB received a complaint on February 12, 2020, alleging that the Department of Lands had leased the plot to him without following proper procedures.
It has been ongoing, with the High Court in Lilongwe previously adjourning the hearing to December 12, 2022, to allow the defense to review documents presented by the state.
During the investigation, former Natural Resources Minister Binton Kumtsaira, who was the fourth state witness, denied granting Mchacha consent to acquire the land.
In the wake of a nationwide gemstone export ban that has rattled Malawi’s mining communities, I caught up with one of the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners (ASMs),Yamikani Jimusole,who is not only a seasoned miner but also one of the few accredited gemologists in the country and Africa.
With over a decade of experience in gemstone research ,exploration and mining, Jimusole provided critical insight into how this ban is affecting miners on the ground and what it could mean for the future of the industry.
THE GENESIS OF THE BAN
The gemstone export ban was imposed abruptly, barely a year after the Ministry of Mining accredited gemologist retired without a suitable replacement.
This sudden move has raised questions about the Ministry’s preparedness and ability to regulate the industry effectively.
Critics argue that the ban was implemented without adequate consultation with stakeholders, including ASMs, and lacks a clear justification.
The Ministry cited undervaluation concerns as the basis for the ban.
However, part of its mandate includes training miners and advising on market prices, which further raises questions about the timing and rationale behind the decision.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ASMs IN THE GLOBAL EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY
Artisanal Small-Scale Miners(ASMs) play a vital role in the global extractive industry, contributing significantly to local economies and global mineral supply chains.
ASMs are often the backbone of rural economies, providing livelihoods for millions of people worldwide.
In Malawi, the ASM sector is critical to the gemstone industry, with many miners relying on this activity as their primary source of income.
DIVERSITY WITHIN THE ASM SECTOR
The ASM sector is not homogeneous; it comprises different categories of miners, including:
MECHANIZED MINERS:
These miners use machinery and equipment to extract gemstones, often targeting high-value international markets.
MIXED MECHANIZED AND ARTISANAL MINERS:
This group combines traditional artisanal methods with some mechanization, catering to both local and export markets.
ARTISANAL MINERS:
These miners rely on traditional methods, typically supplying regional or informal markets.
Each group has distinct overheads, market orientations, and operational challenges—and the export ban impacts them differently.
CONTRASTING ACTIONS: MINISTRY’S PLANS FOR ASM INDABA
Despite the ongoing ban, the Ministry of Mining has announced plans to host an Artisanal Small-Scale Miners’ (ASM) Indaba later this year,Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma emphasized the importance of ASMs in transforming Malawi into a middle-income economy and acknowledged the need to create a conducive environment for their business.
The Indaba aims to provide a platform for ASMs to voice their concerns and map the way forward.
UNIFIED ACTION
Jimusole observed that there is an urgent need for ASMs to unite.
“At the moment, the sector seems disorganized.
“To attract serious investors, we must demonstrate that we are serious ourselves—and one way to do that is by formalizing our operations,” said Jimusole.
He emphasized that Malawi possesses some of the world’s most valuable and underexploited gemstones, including aquamarine, tourmaline, garnets, and rubies.
“If properly managed,these resources could generate the much-needed foreign exchange, potentially surpassing the revenue we get from tobacco,” he said.
POTENTIAL CLAIMS AGAINST THE MINISTRY
Several potential legal claims could be brought against the Ministry of Mining, including:
UNLAWFUL ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION:
ASMs could argue that the Ministry’s imposition of the ban without adequate notice, consultation, or justification constitutes unlawful administrative action.
LACK OF DUE PROCESS:
ASMs may claim that the Ministry failed to provide due process by not specifying a timeline for lifting the ban or engaging in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders.
UNREASONABLE DELAY:
With the ban having been in effect for an extended period, ASMs could argue that the Ministry’s inaction is unreasonable and has caused significant operational harm.
LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD/BUSINESS:
ASMs may seek compensation for financial losses incurred as a result of the ban, arguing that the Ministry’s decision directly affected their ability to conduct business and earn a living.
NAVIGATING THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE
To effectively navigate the legal implications of the gemstone export ban, ASMs may consider seeking legal counsel with expertise in administrative or business law.
By carefully examining the Ministry’s actions and the resulting impact on their operations, ASMs can identify the most appropriate legal strategies to challenge the ban and protect their interests.
CONCLUSION
The Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining sector is a vital part of Malawi’s economic development.
It holds vast potential not only to alleviate poverty but also to transform the country’s mineral economy.
The government must take this sector seriously—by collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including banks, training institutions, and investors.
Only through a collective and inclusive approach can we unlock the full potential of Malawi’s gemstones and position the ASM sector as a powerful driver of sustainable development.
The Association of Regulators of Information and Communications in Eastern and Southern Africa (ARICEA) has launched its 30th Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting and 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
The two-day event, scheduled for June 12-13, brings together key stakeholders and ICT regulatory authorities from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.
The meeting aims to deliberate on strategic and operational issues crucial to ARICEA’s future, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing harmonization of ICT regulatory frameworks among member states.
Malawi’s Minister of Information and Digitisation, Honourable Moses Kunkuyu, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving inclusive digital transformation across the region in his opening remarks as Guest of Honour.
As a pivotal organization within COMESA, ARICEA provides a dynamic platform for policy dialogue, experience sharing, and regulatory consensus-building. Its active membership includes Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
By championing the harmonization of ICT regulations, ARICEA enables member states to effectively respond to shared challenges in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The outcomes of the AGM are expected to significantly influence the region’s ICT regulatory trajectory and bolster the digital economy agenda across Eastern and Southern Africa.
With its rich discussions and strategic planning, the meeting underscores the importance of collective action in shaping the future of ICT development in the region.
The BICC, a premier conference venue in Malawi, provides an ideal setting for this significant gathering. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, the centre has hosted numerous high-profile events, including international conferences and summits.
The venue’s capacity to accommodate large gatherings and its proximity to Lilongwe Wildlife Centre make it an attractive destination for both local and international events.
As the ARICEA meeting progresses, participants will engage in fruitful discussions, sharing insights and expertise to shape the future of ICT development in the region.
The meeting’s conclusions are anticipated to have a lasting impact on the digital landscape of Eastern and Southern Africa.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has held a district-level media briefing in Blantyre to orient aspiring candidates for the 2025 General Elections on the nomination process.
The briefing, attended by both independent and party-affiliated aspirants, aimed to ensure that candidates fully understand the nomination requirements and electoral laws.
Blantyre District Commissioner and MEC Returning Officer, Alex Mdoko, emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating that it provided a platform for aspirants to grasp the core message on nomination procedures and electoral laws.
Mdoko expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and the quality of questions posed during the session, indicating that participants had understood the key issues.
Mdoko reminded aspirants that MEC operates within legal frameworks and urged them to follow the laws governing elections.
He also stressed the need for peace and tolerance, cautioning against violence in wards or constituencies.
Additionally, he encouraged continued engagement with electoral authorities throughout the election period.
To facilitate voter verification, Mdoko informed aspirants and attendees about the MEC verification code, which can be accessed by dialing *2501# on their phones.
The briefing was part of MEC’s nationwide initiative to ensure a transparent and well-coordinated nomination process ahead of the 2025 tripartite elections.
The Zomba City Council has announced plans to reconstruct the Mpondabwino Bridge on the Likangala River, which was recently closed due to structural damage.
The council is currently awaiting expert assessment reports from the Malawi Engineering Institute and MUBAS Polytechnic Lab before commencing the reconstruction work.
According to the Council’s Public Relations Officer, Aubrey Moses, plans are underway to ensure the bridge is completely impassable until the reconstruction is complete.
The closure of the bridge has caused inconvenience to motorists and business people, who are currently using alternative routes.
The bridge is a crucial route for taxis and other vehicles, connecting areas such as Thundu, Mitekete, Thabwani, and Ulumba. Its closure has affected business operations, with traders like Adam Mtendere, a grain maize seller, expressing hope for a quick reconstruction to resume normal business activities.
Drivers, including George Chilipo, have also expressed frustration with the closure, but remain hopeful that the reconstruction will bring lasting improvements.
The council’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by the community and restore normalcy to the area.
The bridge’s structural damage was first noticed in December 2024, prompting the council to close it for traffic.
