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Malawi Parliament Speaker defends Amaryllis Hotel Inquiry amidst pressure and criticism

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By Burnett Munthali

Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman has told critics to stop pressuring Parliament over the Amaryllis Hotel inquiry, saying the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) knows its job and will not be directed from outside.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 2026/27 National Budget Implementation, Tracking and Oversight Forum at Bingu International Convention Centre, Suleman said he has heard cries from other sectors suggesting the inquiry may not produce a report, but he dismissed the concerns.

“Don’t come and tell us what to do.

Leave us to do our job. We know what to do. It is up to us to decide whether the inquiry has reached the stage.

Don’t come and tell us what to do.

Let us produce a report and follow up on those recommendations as well.

That’s how we are going to work,” he said.

Suleman



Suleman added that he will not take any influence, whatever it is. “Nothing will change. The integrity of that committee is in your hands.

As a speaker, it is in the interest of government to have the truth, nothing else, but the truth about what we are inquiring.”

His remarks come amid scrutiny of PAC’s probe into the K128.7 billion purchase of Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF).

The deal has been controversial, with earlier valuations placing the property at around K47 billion in 2023.

PAC closed its investigation on March 30, 2026, but faced criticism after key figures like former secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba and the seller, Yusuf Investments Limited, were not interviewed.

Zamba failed to appear, with her lawyers saying she was receiving medical treatment abroad.

The government has since described the resulting report as “incomplete” and “flawed”.

Suleman also said this is the first inquiry under Parliament’s new leadership and the environment is different from past probes where over 90 percent never produced a report.

“This cohort is totally different from what we’ve been having.

You can see the level of commitment from our chairs, the level of interest from our members of parliament,” he said.

He also disclosed that he has secured special funding for parliamentary inquiries and investigations following a meeting with the Minister of Finance last week.

Navicha urges parents to protect girls from abuse

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By Burnett Munthali

Minister of Gender, Mary Navicha, has appealed to parents to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of girls in Malawi.

Speaking in Parliament, Navicha presented a report highlighting the challenges faced by girls in the country, particularly with regards to abuse.

Navicha cited the example of girls being vulnerable to abuse while riding bicycles to school, emphasizing the need for parents to take action.

Navicha



The Minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the safety of girls in Malawi, with many facing threats of violence and exploitation.

During the parliamentary session, Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, MP for Mulanje Central, asked Navicha if the National Commission for Children had been established.

In response, Navicha confirmed that the commission had received funding in the current financial year and was set to begin its work.

The establishment of the commission is seen as a crucial step towards protecting the rights of children in Malawi.

Navicha’s appeal to parents highlights the need for a collective effort to address the issue of child abuse in Malawi.

The Minister’s report underscores the vulnerability of girls in the country, emphasizing the need for urgent action to ensure their safety and protection.

The issue of child abuse is a pressing concern in Malawi, with many children facing threats to their well-being and safety.

The government is under pressure to take concrete steps to address the issue and ensure that children are protected from abuse.

Meanwhile, stakeholders are calling for increased efforts to raise awareness about the importance of protecting girls and ensuring their safety.

The safety of girls is a critical issue that requires a concerted effort from parents, communities, and the government.

By working together, Malawians can help create a safer environment for girls to grow and thrive.

The government has a crucial role to play in ensuring the protection of girls and addressing the issue of child abuse in Malawi.

Civil society organizations are also playing a vital role in advocating for the rights of children and pushing for action to address the issue.

Ultimately, the protection of girls is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of all stakeholders.

By taking action, Malawians can help create a brighter future for girls and ensure that they are able to reach their full potential.

Power outage hits Malawi Parliament Building

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By Burnett Munthali

A power outage struck the Malawi Parliament building earlier today, plunging the premises into darkness.

The outage, which lasted for several minutes, disrupted proceedings in the chamber, but did not bring discussions to a complete halt.

Despite the lack of electricity, lawmakers continued to engage in debates, with some expressing concern over the frequent power cuts affecting the building.

In the dark: Malawi Parliament



The power outage comes amid growing frustration among parliamentarians over the state of infrastructure in the country.

Lawmakers have been vocal about the need for improved facilities and services, including reliable electricity, to support their work.

The parliamentary authorities have been urged to address the issue to prevent future disruptions.

The incident has raised questions about the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and provide basic services to institutions.

Malawi has been experiencing frequent power outages in recent months, sparking concerns about the country’s energy crisis.

The situation has affected businesses, households, and public institutions, including the parliament building.

Efforts to address the power crisis are ongoing, with the government exploring ways to increase energy production and stabilize the grid.

In the meantime, parliamentarians are calling for measures to mitigate the impact of power outages on their work.

The incident has highlighted the need for investment in infrastructure to support the country’s development.

As the country grapples with the energy crisis, citizens are watching with interest to see how the government will address the issue.

The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The power outage has caused inconvenience to lawmakers and staff, but proceedings have resumed, with efforts to restore electricity underway.

Celebrating the enduring partnership

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By Linda Kwanjana

NBS Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malawi’s military veterans through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) for a 10-year sponsorship agreement of the MDF Veterans Golf Tournament.

The MDF Veterans Golf Tournament, also known as the “Thanksgiving Golf Tournament,” is an annual initiative organized by the Malawi Defence Force to honour and support military veterans who served the nation with distinction. Over the years, the tournament has evolved into a key national platform that brings together the corporate sector, government, and the public to recognise the sacrifices of veterans while mobilising resources to support their welfare.



Proceeds from the tournament are channelled towards improving the livelihoods of veterans, including support for housing, daily needs, and general welfare.  

Speaking during the signing ceremony, NBS Bank Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Temwani Simwaka emphasised that the partnership reflects the Bank’s long-standing commitment to recognising and supporting those who have contributed to the country’s peace and stability.

“As a proudly Malawian bank, we recognise that the peace and progress we enjoy today are built on the sacrifices of our veterans. This partnership is about honouring that service and playing our part in supporting their well-being,” said Mrs. Simwaka.

The MDF Veterans Golf Tournament has grown significantly in recent years, attracting participation from corporate organisations, government leaders, and golfers from across the country. Beyond sport, it serves as a unifying platform that promotes patriotism, camaraderie, and collective responsibility towards veterans.  

MDF highlighted that the initiative not only celebrates the legacy of service men and women but also raises awareness of the challenges faced by veterans, while fostering continued support from stakeholders.

This tournament is more than a sporting event, it is a reminder that service to the nation does not end at retirement and that as a nation, and we have a responsibility to support those who served.  

Through this Memorandum of Understanding, NBS Bank and the Malawi Defence Force aim to further strengthen their partnership and ensure the sustainability and growth of the tournament as a meaningful platform for honouring veterans and supporting their welfare.

DPP members fight over land at the Ministry Headquarters

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By Linda Kwanjana

A fierce fight erupted in Minister’s office at the ministry of Lands over a dispute bordering on access to Land

Two supporters of DPP who met at the Minister’s office fought fiercely because they were accusing each other that some have already benefited from the minister and hindering colleagues’access to the minister.

It has been a custom that long queues are always visible at the minister’s office on a daily basis.

Ministry of Lands offices



Some people spend almost the whole day waiting for either the Minister or the Commissioner for Lands

Since DPP bounced back to power they have been long queues in these two offices

The ministry has silently
Been distributing land it snatched from those who were given land during the previous regime

Those who were given land specifically on June 23 2025 they land offers were declared invalid because they exceeded their due date.