Sunbird Tourism plc, Malawi Stock Exchange(MSE) listed hotel chain, has donated K18 million to the Ministry of Tourism in support of the 2024 Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE).
The money will go towards support for hospitality requirements for international and regional buyers.
A donation to the Ministry of Tourism
Speaking when receiving cheque on Thursday, Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule said the MITE which will be held from 26-27 April will be used to market Malawi to the world in relation to tourism and culture visibility.
“This is the largest gathering of tourism players in the country. We want to build a brand through the MITE. We will have guests from all over so that they can experience the beauty of Malawi and market the country globally.,” she said.
Kamtulkule added that just last year they received 18900 international guests through a similar event.
On her part, Head of Sales, Marketing and Distribution for Sunbird Tourism plc Temwa Kanjadza said the donation demonstrates and underscores the company’s commitment to the growth of the tourism sector.
“Sunbird Tourism plc, remains committed to supporting government efforts towards destination marketing in order to position Malawi as a key tourist destination in the region,” she said.
Malawi has a variety of tourist attraction sites including Lake Malawi, several national parks, game reserves, and Mulanje Mountain.
The Malawi High Commissioner to the UK Dr Thomas Bisika has officially presented his letters of Credence to Finland. He was welcomed by Finland President Dr Alexander Stubb
The UK Malawi Mission is accredited not only to The United Kingdom but also to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. It also covers international organisations based in the United Kingdom and the other countries of accreditation.
President Stubb and Ambassador of Malawi Mr Thomas John Bisika. Photo: Juhani Kandell/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
According to the Statement from the office for the president in Finland ,it read;
“President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb received credentials from seven new ambassadors to Finland at the Presidential Palace on Thursday 11 April 2024.
The following non-resident ambassadors presented their credentials:
Ambassador of Malawi Mr Thomas John Bisika (resident in London) Ambassador of Oman Ms Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi (resident in Berlin) Ambassador of Angola Ms Cecília Caldeira da Conceiҫão Rosário (resident in Stockholm) Ambassador of Zambia Ms Gladys Neven Lundwe (resident in Stockholm) Ambassador of Australia Ms Frances Sagala (resident in Stockholm) Ambassador of Guinea Mr Niankoye Haba (resident in Moscow) Ambassador of Mauritania Mr Mohamed Mahmoud Brahim Khlil (resident in Brussels)
A consortium of 11 civil society organizations (CSOs) established to advance good governance have spoken in support of purported refusal by the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) to renew the contract for the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Ms Martha Chizuma.
The concerned CSOs include National Advocacy Platform (NAP), Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Youth and Society (YAS), Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT), National Alliance Against Corruption (NAAC), Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Centre for Civil Society Strengthening(CSS), Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and the Civil Society Coalition on Accountability and Transparency.
Others are Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRC), Nyika Institute (NI), NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO GCN), Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), Citizen Alliance (CA), Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) and NGO Coalition on Child Rights (NGO CCR).
Chizuma contract towards the end
In May 2021, President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera appointed Chizuma as Malawi’s first DG for the graft-busting body. Her appointment came at the height of her impressive performance at the Office of the Ombudsman.
However, her directorship at the ACB has been mired with controversies to the extent that, more than once, some non-governmental organizations and activists called for her removal.
But President Chakwera saved her by appealing to Malawians to give her time to demonstrate her prowess.
And as her contract comes to an end, Chizuma is reported to have applied for an extension, which the government has rejected.
Reacting to the development, the above mentioned CSOs have defended the move by the government, stressing that Malawi needs an ACB Director General who has integrity.
In a press release issued on Thursday and signed by NAP Board Chairperson, Benedicto Kondowe, the organizations say the pending expiry of Chizuma’s contract presents an opportunity for reflection and strategic decision-making.
“As Malawi approaches a pivotal moment with the impending expiry of the contract of the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on 31st May, 2024, the nation stands at a crossroads. The tenure of the current Director General, appointed in 2021, has seen notable strides in the fight against corruption. From finalizing lifestyle audit guidelines to prosecuting some high-profile cases and bolstering institutional capacities, significant groundwork has been laid to foster a culture of transparency and accountability. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, we have also had a backlog of unconcluded investigation of cases during the tenure of Democratic Progressive Party. Therefore, as the nation contemplates the renewal or appointment of a successor, it is imperative to safeguard these hard-earned gains and ensure the continuity of anti-corruption efforts,” thus starts the release, which has been titled: “Safeguarding Progress: Ensuring Integrity in the Appointment of Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General”.
Kondowe and his colleagues in the CSO sector say it is critical to evaluate the achievements made during Chizuma’s tenure and consider how these milestones should inform the selection process for the next leader of the ACB.
This notwithstanding, the CSOs have patted Chizuma on the back for pursuing and prosecuting, albeit without concluding them, high-profile cases, such as those involving Batatawala and Sattar.
They say this sends a strong message that impunity will not be tolerated. They have also commended the current administration for providing adequate resources to the ACB, stressing that this is key to the success in corruption fight.
“Institutional strengthening is paramount for the long-term efficacy of anti-corruption efforts. Investing in human capital and fostering a culture of integrity within the ACB are essential for sustainable progress. Additionally, maintaining a positive donor image is crucial for securing the necessary resources to support anti-corruption initiatives. Donors are more likely to invest in countries with credible anti-corruption mechanisms in place, underscoring the importance of maintaining a robust ACB,” continues the statement.
Kondowe have therefore recommended that the decision-making process regarding the renewal or replacement of the Director General’s contract must be shielded from political interference, fearing that politicization would undermine the credibility of anti-corruption institutions and erodes public trust.
“The appointment of the Director General as well as the Deputy Director General should be based on merit, integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to combating corruption, rather than political affiliations. Implications of politicization extend beyond the realm of anti-corruption efforts, affecting the overall governance and democratic fabric of the nation. A politicized ACB risks becoming a tool for partisan agendas rather than a bastion of justice and accountability. Therefore, it is imperative to insulate anti-corruption institutions from political influence and ensure their independence and autonomy,” they say.
Kondowe said in an interview later that as civil society actors working in the democratic governance space in Malawi, they will always emphasize the importance of safeguarding progress that has been made in the fight against corruption.
He said by prioritizing merit over political considerations and investing in the institutional strength of the ACB, Malawi can lay the groundwork for a future free from the scourge of corruption.
“The fight against corruption is an ongoing battle that requires unwavering commitment, vigilance, and integrity. As Malawi stands on the brink of a new chapter in its anti-corruption journey, it is imperative to build upon the progress made thus far and chart a course towards a more transparent, accountable, and equitable society,” he said.
In the face of a worsening hunger crisis in Malawi, former president and leader of the opposition DPP, Arthur Peter Mutharika, has taken a stand to help those in need. Mutharika, who is scheduled to give relief flour to hunger-stricken households in Balaka on Saturday, has stated that he cannot bear to see his fellow Malawians suffering while he is still alive.
“I won’t allow to see people starving while I am still alive,” Mutharika declared, emphasizing his commitment to providing assistance to those in need. Despite no longer holding the presidency, Mutharika has vowed to do whatever he can to help alleviate the suffering of starving Malawians.
Mutharika handing out relief items
Described as the only hope for Malawi by many, Mutharika has been praised for his leadership during his time as president, where basic necessities such as sugar, soap, and flour were more affordable for the average citizen. In contrast, current President Chakwera has been criticized for his lack of action in addressing the pressing needs of the Malawian people.
Last week, Mutharika made a significant donation of flour to thousands of people in Mangochi, and he is continuing his efforts to assist those in need on Saturday in Balaka. His actions have not gone unnoticed, with many Malawians expressing gratitude for his efforts to provide relief during this challenging time.
In response to the growing calls from the Malawian populace, Mutharika has announced his intention to contest in next year’s elections, citing the urgent need to rebuild the country’s damaged economy. With his track record of leadership and commitment to the well-being of the Malawian people, many see Mutharika as the key figure to usher in positive change and prosperity for the nation.
As Malawi grapples with a severe hunger crisis exacerbated by adverse weather conditions and economic challenges, Mutharika’s actions serve as a beacon of hope for those struggling to make ends meet. While the current administration under President Chakwera has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, Mutharika’s proactive approach to providing relief offers a glimmer of hope for those in need.
As Mutharika continues his efforts to assist those impacted by hunger and poverty, his dedication to serving the people of Malawi shines through. With widespread support for his return to a position of leadership, Mutharika’s presence in the political arena offers a ray of hope for a brighter future for the nation.
In a time of great adversity, Arthur Peter Mutharika stands as a beacon of compassion and leadership, striving to make a difference in the lives of those in need. With his ongoing efforts to provide relief and support to the hungry and vulnerable, Mutharika’s commitment to the well-being of the Malawian people is a testament to his enduring dedication to serving his country.
Political activist Bon Elias Kalindo, has described the state of affairs in the Malawi Prisons as deathtraps saying the country’s prisons were not built for inmates to reform their behaviors but to rot and die while they are still alive.
Kalindo said people are being beaten while they are in prison making one to wonder if Malawi indeed attain democracy, the toilets and where inmates are sleeping, are not conducive to a living person but animals.
Kalindo during his recent court appearance
He expressed his sadness that those who are being sent to prison are those who stole bulbs, 3 maize cobs, 6 sugarcanes claiming that those that are rich, they don’t sleep under those conditions, there are special rooms like rest houses for them.
Speaking through an audio clip circulating in various social media platforms, Kalindo has thanked Malawians for their love shown after hearing of his arrests by the police and sent to Maula Prison in Lilongwe.
Kalindo has also thanked his team of lawyers for their tireless job and MPs from opposition UDF, AFORD and DPP for coming to the court led by DPPs Leader of Opposition Mary Navicha advising them not be tired, the police are on his feet cooking up cases against him.
He said he would have loved if police built a house for him inside prison so that they should not find it difficult to arrest him but to go to the house and charge him there assuring the police that he has no fear, Malawi is a democratic country.
Kalindo said if politicians were loving this country just the same Malawians are loving Kalindo, Malawi would have by now develop, but politicians in Malawi have proved themselves that they don’t love their country, they love themselves, their families, and relatives.
He said Malawians are following to wherever the police have kept him to make sure that he is safe and there is no harm on him assuring Malawians that he will not retreat that even if the police arrest him one million times, he will not be shaken.
The activist said he has suffered through arrests and rearrests but has not developed Blood Pressure (BP) because he sacrificed his heart to be arrested, prosecuted, and die for Malawians so that one day Malawi is liberated from the shackles of MCP dictatorship.
“I know many Malawians wants to know the truth of Kalindo possessing a gun in 2021, where is it and who is the owner of the said gun,” said Kalindo.
He said time of keeping secrets are over, Parliament passed the access to information bill observing that Malawians have the right to know about the claimed gun by the police and has vowed to do so on a special day where he will speak to Malawians for the truth to prevail.
On a sad note, Kalindo has lamented that people from Kasiya in Lilongwe, and Dowa are being ferried in trucks to Lilongwe to claim K750,000 each while others are pocketing K150,000 each via their mobile phones describing Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) as a tool for campaigning for the Chewas to massively vote for President Chakwera and his MCP in 2025
