A Lilongwe based business woman , Monica Saidi Mataka, has donated maize flour in his area as one way of helping people who are suffering from food shortages following the natural weather patterns that have been hitting the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, Monica Saidi she decided to make such a donation after hearing reports of hunger.
Monica Saidi Mataka
Monica has since appealed to other well and meaningful Malawians to do the same.
“We do have people out there who do have surplus maize. Let me urge them to come to Machinga and help these people to access the very basic food supplies,” she said.
During the function , Machinga chiefs hailed Monica Saidi for feeding the hungry people in the district.
Traditional Authority in the area , Saidi Mataka commended Monica for assistance.
A beneficiary in the area Zainab Mandala commended Monica for the swift response in the time of calamities.
This is not the first time for Monica to help people in her area since Monica has been coming frequently to help people suffering from food shortages.
Speaking during the function, Councillor Simplex Diwa commended Monica for the food assistance, saying she should not stop there but to continue.
Diwa, who is also the Machinga Council chair, urged other people to do likewise and serve people.
Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula applauds President Lazarus Chakwera for fulfilling his promise to establish Commission of Inquiry into Malawi Defense Force Aircraft MAF-T03 accident that claimed the lives of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
In a statement released on 26th October, 2024 Mwakasungula said President Chakwera assured the nation that such a body would be set up to investigate the matter in question and now despite the delays, he has honoured that promise.
“While it is understandable that as a nation we were growing impatient, it is important to recognize that the President has now delivered on this important task,” he said.
He further said this is a sign of commitment to transparency and accountability, even though some Malawians may have doubted the process due to the delays.
Mwakasungula also commends how President Chakwera has set up the Commission saying the members chosen are credible individuals with track records in their respective fields.
Exceptionally, Mwakasungula mentioned of human rights activists Sylvester Namiwa’s inclusion into the Commission highlighting that Namiwa has been most vocal critics regarding the delay in setting up the Commission adding it is now a great opportunity for him to present any information he may have gathered concerning the aircraft tragedy.
He has since encouraged public participation in the inquiry as many people expressed views and claims to have information regarding the incident.
He therefore admit that his hopes are that President Chakwera will take on board recommendations from this Commission accordingly.
Mwakasungula also hopes that recommendations of the Commission will provide both clarity as well as serving as a tool for healing and unity of this nation.
Two first half goals from Ronald Chitiyo and Babatunde Adepoju were enough to give FCB Nyasa Big Bullets a 2-1 win over Blantyre derby rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in a TNM Super League match played at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Bullets were the more aggressive team early on and created the first chance in the fifth minute through Wongani Lungu but it was well defended by the Nomads.
Two minutes later Chitiyo opened the scoring for the People’s team with a brilliant finish inside the penalty box after receiving an assist from Nixon Nyasulu.
Babatunde Adepoju after the second goal. Photo Credit: Bullets Media team
Later on Wanderers started dominating possession but Bullets defence proved to be two good for the Nomads’ attackers.
Maxwell Phodo had a chance to increase the for the People’s team in the 23rd minute but his shot was beautifully saved by Wanderers’ goalkeeper William Thole.
Babatunde Adepoju doubled the lead for the People’s team in the 40th with a simple tap-in after receiving a pass from Wongani Lungu.
In the second half, Wanderers substituted the experienced legs of Isaac Kaliati and Stanley Sanudi for Gaddie Chirwa and Francisco Madinga and later on Bullets brought in Lloyd Aaron and Stanley Billiati for Wongani Lungu and Ronald Chitiyo.
The Nomads also substituted Felix Zulu and Wallace Adam for Balikihno Mwakanyangu and Clement Nyondo in the 72nd minute.
Ronald Chitiyo after the first goal. Photo Credit: Bullets Media team
Wanderers captain Lawrence Chaziya was shown a yellow card in the 83rd minute after making a deliberate handball before protesting by pushing referee David Chinoko who later flashed a red card for the Nomads to finish with ten men.
Thierry Tajong Samar pulled one back for the Nomads in the 87th minute after a communication breakdown between defender Gomezgani Chirwa and goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.
Wanderers continued to search for an equaliser and substitute Clement Nyondo almost registered his name on the score-sheet but goalkeeper Chimbamba made a crucial save to ensure victory for the defending champions.
After the match, Bullets player Chrispin Mapemba was voted man of the match.
Elsewhere, it ended 2-all between Chitipa United and Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium as the Mzuzu derby between Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Hammers ended goalless.
Silver Strikers who are playing City-rivals, Civil Service United on Sunday remain top on the log table with 50 points followed by Wanderers who are perched on second position with 44 points.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are now third on the log table with 40 points, four points behind Wanderers and both teams have so far played 23 games.
On Friday 25 October 2024, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) delivered a pointed criticism of what it described as unconstitutional and unlawful practices by the Malawi Police Service (MPS) in handling arrests. The MHRC expressed deep concern over the trend of detaining suspects without gathering adequate evidence and criticized the unlawful seizure of personal property, such as mobile phones, without a court order.
Peter Chisi, the MHRC’s Director of Political Affairs and Civil Rights, emphasized the need for law enforcement to operate within the bounds of the Constitution, noting that arbitrary seizure of personal belongings, such as phones, is not only intrusive but also illegal without proper judicial authorization. “It is unconstitutional to grab someone’s phone without court orders,” Chisi stated, underscoring the critical importance of respecting due process.
Chisi further expressed dismay at the police’s failure to comply with the legal requirement to present suspects in court within 48 hours, as outlined in the Constitution. Detaining individuals beyond this period without court appearances is a violation of their right to due process and fair treatment. “It is mindboggling to see police failing to take suspects to court within the stipulated legal timelines,” Chisi added, stressing that such actions amount to serious human rights violations.
The MHRC has shown its commitment to addressing these concerns by visiting the police station in Area 3, where suspect Kaliati is currently being held. This on-site visit underscores the Commission’s determination to ensure that the rights of detained individuals are not infringed upon and that proper legal protocols are observed.
In addition to visiting Kaliati, the MHRC has pledged to engage Kaliati’s legal team, offering support to ensure that the suspect’s rights are upheld. By working directly with the defense team, the MHRC hopes to expedite the legal process and address any grievances arising from the police’s conduct.
This intervention by the MHRC highlights a growing need for the MPS to reassess its arrest procedures to align with the principles of justice and the Constitution. Arbitrary arrests and delays in presenting suspects in court undermine public trust in the legal system and raise concerns over the protection of civil rights in Malawi.
The MHRC’s active role in advocating for due process is a reminder of the importance of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring that justice is served fairly and transparently for all Malawians.
The establishment of a commission of inquiry after a tragic incident, such as a plane crash, serves multiple essential purposes. It is not only a step toward unraveling the causes and circumstances surrounding the tragedy but also a mechanism to provide accountability, ensure transparency, and offer some closure to those affected. The commission’s effectiveness, however, lies heavily in its composition. When examining a commission like the one established for the Chikangawa plane crash, which took the life of former vice president Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others, it becomes crucial to assess whether the appointed members bring the required expertise, represent key interests, and inspire public confidence.
The primary expectation from a commission investigating a plane crash is that it includes members with technical knowledge and relevant investigative experience. In this case, the inclusion of retired Brigadier Cosgrove Mituka and legal minds such as Justice Jabbar Alide points toward an understanding of investigative processes and critical analysis. However, an inquiry into a technical event like a plane crash ideally demands aviation and engineering professionals who understand the complexities of flight operations, maintenance, and accident investigation. Without such expertise, the commission might face limitations in thoroughly analyzing technical evidence and providing accurate conclusions.
A well-balanced commission needs to incorporate representatives from various sectors and regions affected by the tragedy. The inclusion of community leaders like Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa V and Senior Chief Makwangwala offers cultural representation, which is particularly significant in Malawian society. Their involvement signals respect for traditional authority and aims to address concerns from grassroots communities. Additionally, religious figures like Monsignor Patrick Thawale and Bishop Mary Nkosi symbolize moral authority, expected to uphold ethical considerations throughout the investigation.
Legal professionals, such as Allan Chinula SC, are vital for interpreting and upholding the rule of law in commission inquiries. Their role is to ensure that the investigation remains within legal frameworks and respects the rights of all individuals involved, including the victims and the government. In this commission, Mrs. Emma Kaliya, a renowned gender and human rights advocate, can further provide insights into issues like the rights of survivors and families, fostering a human-centric approach to the inquiry.
The appointment of high-profile individuals like Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise and Mr. Sylvester Namiwa is intended to reinforce public confidence and add a level of transparency to the process. However, some voices question the suitability of specific members, with concerns that political affiliations or previous roles could influence the inquiry’s objectivity. Addressing these concerns early on is critical to avoid undermining the commission’s credibility.
5. Representation of Affected Families Perhaps the most discussed issue is the absence of a direct representative from the families impacted by the crash. This omission has raised concerns among the public and the families themselves, who believe they deserve a voice in a process that directly affects them. A commission that fails to be consider the experiences and insights of those who lost loved ones risks appearing disconnected from the very people it aims to support. Including family representatives or appointed advocates can bridge this gap, ensuring the commission remains people-centered.
The Commission’s Mandate: Clarity and Scope
While the composition of a commission is fundamental, so is the clarity of its mandate. This particular inquiry is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the president by November 30, 2024. With such a limited timeframe, there is an urgent need for the commission to define a clear scope and prioritize areas that will provide the most significant insights and accountability.
The mandate likely includes identifying potential negligence, examining systemic issues within the aviation sector, and making recommendations for future prevention. If the commission’s structure does not support these objectives due to insufficient technical expertise, a reliance on third-party consultants or external technical experts may be necessary.
Public Expectations and the Road Ahead
This commission was long-awaited, and its delay until October 25, 2024—nearly four and a half months after the crash—has created a cloud of skepticism. The public’s patience is now wearing thin, and the commission must work effectively and transparently to restore confidence. Each member’s conduct, the rigor of their findings, and their final recommendations will be under public scrutiny.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of this commission lies in its ability to rise above political influences, maintain transparency, and deliver findings that resonate with both the technical and emotional complexities of this tragedy. For the families, for the country, and for the aviation sector, this is a test of Malawi’s commitment to truth, accountability, and, most importantly, respect for the lives lost.
