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Frustrated civil service pensioners demand overdue payments

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Frustrated civil service pensioners demand overdue payments

By Chisomo Phiri

A group of civil service pensioners on Tuesday begun a vigil at the Accountant General’s offices, demanding the government pay their long-overdue pension arrears.

The retirees claim the government has been making promises since 2021 without fulfillment, leaving them in dire financial situations.

According to the group’s Publicity Secretary Beni Mitochi, the pensioners have suffered for far too long and felt compelled to take drastic action.



Said Maotcha:”We have been waiting patiently for years, but nothing has come.

“The government keeps promising us payments, yet we see no results. People are struggling to survive, and some have even passed on while waiting for their money.”

Responding to the matter,Accountant General Henry Mphasa acknowledged the pensioners’ plight and assured them that progress is being made to resolve the issue.

He said the government has secured K70 billion from local banks to clear the pension arrears, with K16 billion already disbursed and another K8 billion to be released soon.

The pensioners’ demands come amid concerns over the management of civil service pensions in the country.

MEC announces phase three preliminary voter registration figures

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MEC announces phase three preliminary voter registration figures

By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has released the preliminary voter registration figures for the third phase of the ongoing voter registration exercise. In a statement issued by Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, the Commission cautioned stakeholders against drawing definitive conclusions from the figures, as they remain provisional until the final voters’ register is finalized.

The announcement marks another step in MEC’s preparations for the 2025 General Elections. The third phase of voter registration included new voter enrollments and updates to existing voter information. However, Mwafulirwa emphasized that the released data is subject to further verification and adjustments.

Sangwani



“The figures remain preliminary until the final voters’ register is ready. Stakeholders are therefore advised to exercise caution when using or interpreting the data,” Mwafulirwa said.

MEC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accuracy throughout the voter registration process. This approach aims to ensure that the final voters’ register reflects the true number of eligible voters and strengthens confidence in the electoral process.

As the Commission moves closer to finalizing the registration process, stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and the general public, are urged to support MEC in addressing any challenges to ensure a credible and inclusive election.

Prison Warder interdicted over alleged kidnapping of Indian National

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Prison Warder interdicted over alleged kidnapping of Indian National



By Burnett Munthali

A prison warder identified as Thoko Mwale has been interdicted following allegations of kidnapping an Indian national and demanding a ransom of MWK 20 million. The interdiction, confirmed by prison sources, is pending further investigations into the matter.

Mwale, who is now in custody, was apprehended in Blantyre alongside an accomplice, Lisa Utonga Bleya. The duo is accused of orchestrating the abduction in what appears to be a calculated attempt to extort money from the victim’s family.

Details of the incident remain unclear, but authorities have indicated that Mwale’s actions have tarnished the image of the Malawi Prison Service, leading to his suspension from duty while investigations proceed. The involvement of a prison officer in such a high-profile criminal act has raised serious concerns about ethics and discipline within the service.

Thoko Mwale

The police have yet to release an official statement, but sources suggest that the Indian national was rescued unharmed. The swift arrest of Mwale and Bleya underscores law enforcement’s commitment to cracking down on criminal activities, regardless of the perpetrator’s professional background.

This incident has sparked public outrage, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent law enforcement officers from engaging in criminal activities. Analysts warn that such cases undermine public trust in the security sector, particularly when officials sworn to uphold the law are implicated in serious offenses.

As the investigation unfolds, the Malawi Prison Service is expected to conduct an internal review to assess the circumstances surrounding Mwale’s alleged involvement in the crime.

The case also brings to light the broader issue of economic pressures that may lead individuals, including those in trusted positions, to commit crimes. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

PCL partners with ESCOM to bring renewable energy to Malawi

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PCL partners with ESCOM to bring renewable energy to Malawi

By Chisomo Phiri

Press Corporation Limited (PCL) Plc on Tuesday signed the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM ) that will see its 50 megawatts solar project added into national grid in two years.

The solar project is based in Nkhoma, Lilongwe.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Mount Soche hotel in Blantyre, PCL Plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ronald Mangani said the $55.1 million (K96.4 billion) investment through its new subsidiary, Press Energy Limited, demonstrates that domestic capital can play a meaningful role in developing the country.

Mangani who said PCL solar project will have battery technology to ensure stable supply, said their electricity would be ready in two years from now if everything goes according to plan.

On his part, ESCOM CEO Kamkwamba Kumwenda, without divulging more, said PCL tariff proposals are reasonable and doable as he commended the group for being the first local company to venture into energy sector as an Independent Power Producer.

Officials from the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) witnessed the signing of the agreement.

Malawi launches COMESA e-CO to boost trade

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Malawi launches COMESA e-CO to boost trade

By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi Government on Tuesday launched the COMESA Electronic Certificate of Origin(e-CO),a digital platform aimed at streamlining trade processes in the country.

The initiative is part of the country’s efforts to facilitate trade and improve the business environment.

Speaking at the launch in Blantyre, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Christina Zakeyo, emphasized the importance of the digital platform in reducing delays and increasing efficiency in trade processes.

Christina Zakeyo

Said Zakeyo:”With this electronic certificate, traders can now process their documentation online, eliminating the need for manual processing and reducing the risk of fraud.”

She said the e-CO is a digital document that certifies the origin of goods being exported or imported.

“This platform is expected to benefit the private sector by reducing the time and cost associated with manual processing,” added the PS.

On his part, Executive Director for Corporate Services at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) Douglas Katchomoza said the e-CO is expected to enhance revenue collection and reduce origin fraud.

According to  Katchomoza, the new system will simplify customs procedures and facilitate trade.

He said:”Origin fraud occurs when a product or consignment is falsely claimed to originate from a beneficiary company within the COMESA region, resulting in lost revenue.

“The e-CO will enable easier verification of the actual origin of goods, eliminating fraud and benefiting the MRA.

“The new system will also expedite customs clearance, allowing importers to quickly verify the authenticity of certificates.

“This will reduce delays and increase confidence among importers.”

Malawi is the second country in the COMESA region to implement the e-CO system, after Eswatini.

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