Wednesday, September 23, 2015

GOVERNMENT ACKNOWLEDGES SYNOD OF LIVINGSTONIA STATEMENT

Republic of Malawi



For immediate release
Ministry of Information, Tourism and Civic Education
September 23, 2015


The Government has taken note of the statement by the the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia on the current socio-economic and political development processes in Malawi.
The statement, which was issued at the end of the General Administrative Committee meeting held from 21st  24th August 2015 at Phwezi in Rumphi notes with appreciation positive developments that Government has registered since the State President, His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika came to power in Malawi in 2014.
It also highlights some gaps that should be addressed by all, including government, traditional and religious institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Government wishes to acknowledge the balanced and sober approach that the Synod has taken to highlight the issues, giving credit where it due and rallying the efforts of all Malawians to address, through concerted efforts, the challenges that the country is currently facing.
Government acknowledges the gaps that the Synod has highlighted, and wishes to assure the people of Malawi that it is doing everything possible to address them.
However, Government wishes to join the Synod in inviting all Malawians, including all political parties, religious institutions, traditional leaders, the private sector and civil society, to work together to support its efforts in this regard.

HON. JAPPIE MHANGO, MP.
MINISTER OF INFORMATION, TOURISM AND CIVIC EDUCATION

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

People’s Party’s moment of madness

To neutral observers, former president Joyce Banda and her People’s Party’s lot has been a hard one since that expected moment of Tripartite Elections when Malawians unexpectedly showed them the traditional burning log and shoved them out of the way.
Many have cited Cashgate, the infamous distribution of public resources without the consent of taxpayers, as the principal architect behind voters’ decision to give Banda and her PP the matching orders.
It must have been the manner the issue was handled, and the contradicting statements emanating from Banda after the shooting of former national budget director Paul Mpwiyo, that might have convinced Malawians that the nation did not have enough stocks of patience and hope to cling to the ruling party’s boat. It was like, through Cashgate, the PP administration had torn the traditional last fig from its branch and the last coconut from its bole.
For starters, Banda said at a public rally addressed in Blantyre [Lunzu Township] that she had a clue as to who had shot at Mpwiyo, only to backtrack later, saying she was equally in the dark. By claiming that she knew who had shot Mpwiyo, Banda cast herself as the all-knowing president who was on top of things, and the pronouncement was politically correct.
However, when she changed tune, the impression she gave was that she was, like the rest of us, equally in the dark. In that very moment, she must have given Malawians the impression that she was as clueless as them, they had no leader [torch-bearer]. Therefore, Malawians waited for the May 2014 Tripartite Elections with abated breath so that they could elect a leader who could hold the torch for them, and show them the path in the often dark sphere of public life.
And, again, Banda and PP’s causes have not been helped by the conspicuous absence of the former president from the political scene. Her physical absence since the tragedy that was last year’s elections could be equated to her Lunzu statement that she had a clue about who might have shot at Mpwiyo, and for what purposes: Both cases profess the absence of her physical torch to guide her party towards the path of revitalisation!
There have been suggestions that her conspicuous absence when some of the suspects in Cashgate trials have fingered her name is spoiling her, otherwise, good image, and that it would be good for her to fly back home and clear her name. One eminent law professor, Danwood Chirwa, has even suggested that the state could summon her back home if it feels that it has a good case against her.
But PP’s publicity and administrative secretary, Ken Msonda, is on record to have said that the former president seems to have overstayed her welcome outside the country because she wants to pave way for the incumbent president, Peter Mutharika, to have a smooth run in politics. In other words, she does not want her ‘magnetic’ presence to distract Mutharika from his goal of steering the national ship towards the port of sustainable development.
Whatever the case, both Banda and the PP know that the status quo may not be the best situation going. For instance, it is clear that her followers as well as those of the party are starving. Once they lose hope that she will ever fly back home, it will be another typical case of tearing the traditional last fig from its branch and the last coconut from its bole. Nobody recovers fully from the starvation-of-trust that follows.
This brings us to the squabbles [read, so-called squabbles] that have rocked the PP in its Northern Province. To an untrained eye, these are signs of a party struggling to stay afoot in the murky waters of politics.
But I see mature politics at play. Come to think of it, the water boiling in the PP is not without precedent, as other political parties have done it before. In fact, it is common parlance in the mature democracies that each political grouping should have its ‘moment of madness’. This moment [of madness] takes the centre-stage when political parties, as well as public leaders, want to destruct citizens from something that is more costly than the consequences of the actions employed in the course of the moment of madness.
For example, the current Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration was at it a few months ago. One of Mutharika’s aides, Ben Phiri, announced that he had tendered his resignation to the President ostensibly because some people were accusing him of becoming filthily rich. According to Phiri, his resignation was meant to pave the way for investigators to probe him because, as far as he was concerned, his plate was as clean as the pants of a Tonga!
As expected, the issue stirred debate. However, observers said the DPP administration had planted the noose on the neck of Phiri in order to distract Malawians from the issue of another Cashgate that unraveled under the first DPP administration’s feet.
The same could be said of the PP today. While it could be true that suspecting that the PP may deliberately be fuelling the debacle in the Northern Province could be forcing an intellectual cloak on an otherwise clueless party, we cannot conclusively say that events that marred last week’s party meeting convened by secretary general, Ibrahim Matola, unraveled on their own.
Matola failed to address the gathering because of a fracas that saw the party’s publicity and administrative secretary, Msonda, being roughed up. Matola’s delegation included deputy secretary general Ireen Chikuni, Msonda and national organising secretary Salim Bagus. Infuriated, Matola expelled PP Northern Province chairperson, Reverend Christopher Mzomera Ngwira and chairlady Cliffer Kondowe.
Before the dust settled, in came party leader, Banda, who reversed Matola’s decision and announced that the two had been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing [which was slated for yesterday]. So, finally, Banda’s torch has lit brighter than Matola’s, and it seems as if she is the leader Malawians wanted before Mpwiyo’s shooting.
As the fire rages on in the PP, people have forgotten about Banda’s physical absence in Malawi, PP’s precarious position as a party without a visible driver has somewhat been forgotten, and life goes on!
That’s the good thing about political moments of madness: They can go a short way in diverting people’s attention from ‘real’ things. Again, that’s why each and every party should have people who are willing to throw dust in the air and confuse opponents.


University of Malawi Golden Jubilee on October 10, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

The University of Malawi wishes to inform the general public that the Golden Jubilee Celebrations will be held on Saturday, 10thOctober, 2015 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre from 7.00 a.m.

His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika the President of the Republic of Malawi and Chancellor of the University of Malawi will be the Guest of Honour

Five Parades by cohorts of graduates streamlined by a period of a decade from 1965 shall march to the tune of the Police and Malawi Defence Force Bands brass bands from the Blantyre Civic Centre to Kamuzu Stadium.



Activities at the Stadium shall inter-alia include the following:

(a) Confernment of honorary Degrees
(b) Floats of scholarly exhibitions by students and lecturers;
(c) Floats of UNIMA alumni symbolizing collaboration with society;
(d) Choral displays and traditional dances;
(e) Poetry recitals and drama performances;
(f) A documentary cataloguing the life journey of the University of
    Malawi in its 50 years of existence;
(g)Netball and football matches between UNIMA veterans and current
    students, and
(h) Launching of the UNIMA flag and University of Malawi Anthem.




To curtain-raise the climax of the UNIMA Golden Jubilee celebrations, an International Conference and Gala Ball will take place atHotel Victoria from 24th - 25th September, 2015 and a Thought Leadership Dialogue will be held at Chancellor College from 30th - 1st October, 2015


All alumni who expressed their interest to parade have accordingly been listed. Alumni who did not submit their names but are interested to parade should send an SMS to 0888 120 194 and /or email communication@unima.mw

Alumni taking part in the parade will do so while wearing T-Shirts and Golf Shirts of the colour of their cohort which will costK3,200.00  and K6,200.00 respectively, or a UNIMA cloth which is selling at K1,250 per meter.

The T Shirts and Golf Shirts are strictly for those taking part in the parade while the Golden Jubilee "Chitenje" is available in all colleges for all interested members of the public. The cloth can be bought at any of the University of Malawi constituent colleges as well as at the central office and Bunda Campus of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

The T-Shirts and Golf Shirts will be sold on 8th and 9th October, 2015 at the Blantyre City Assembly Civic Center to all members participating in the parade.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Chikhwawa District, Shire Valley ADD

PRESS RELEASE



The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and water Development would like to inform the general public that it has on 4th September,2015 confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in cattle at Mthumba dip tank , Mitole Extension Planning Area (EPA)in Chikhwawa District within Shire Valley ADD.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that mostly affects cattle and has very devastating socio-economic consequences if not timely controlled. Preliminary Investigation conducted by Veterinary experts from the Ministry indicate that a total number of 700 cattle are at immediate risk within the affected dip tank. However the investigations are still on going to establish the magnitude of spread and map the extent of the problem.

In conformity with the Control and Animal Diseases Act (Cap 66:02), and the World Animal Health organisation guidelines, the Ministry would therefore like to inform the general public that it has with immediate effect instituted the following measures within and around the affected area (Mthumba dip tank):

  • The temporary suspension of all livestock (cattle, goats, sheep and pigs) markets
  • Temporary ban of All livestock (cattle, goats, sheep and pigs) slaughters

  • Restriction of livestock and livestock products movement.

  • Ban of issuance of livestock permits

The Ministry is currently working tirelessly to contain the disease and will continue updating the general public on the situation from time to time. The Ministry is therefore urging the livestock farmers and the general public to cooperate with its officials and the police during the implementation of these measures.

For more information and clarification, please contact the following officers: Dr. B. Chimera on 0999315766, Dr P. Chikungwa on 0888371509, and Dr G. Njunga on 0999449731.

Signed
Erica Maganga (Mrs)
SECRETARY FOR AGRICULTURE, IRRIGATION AND WATER DEVELOPMENT
17/09/2015

MATENDA A NG’OMBE A ZILONDA MMAPAZI NDI MKAMWA (FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE) MBOMA LA CHIKHWAWA, KU SHIRE VALLEY ADD

Unduna wa Malimidwe, Ulimi Othirira ndi Chitukuko cha Madzi

CHIDZIWITSO




Unduna wa Malimidwe, Ulimi wa mthirira ndi chitukuko cha madzi ukudziwitsa anthu onse kuti kwagwa matenda a ng’ombe a zilonda m’ mapazi ndi m’mkamwa (omwe pa chizungu amatchedwa ‘Foot and Mouth’ )kudera la dipi ya Mthumba , Ku Mitole EPA, m’boma la Chikhwawa ku Shire Valley ADD.

Matenda a zilonda m’ mapazi ndi m’mkamwa a ng’ombewa ndi oopsya kwambiri chifukwa ndiopatsirana (Ziweto zokha-zokha) ndipo amagwira ziweto makamaka ng’ombe.  Ziweto zina zomwe zikhoza kukhuzidwa ndi monga mbuzi, nkhumba, nkhosa ndi ziweto za kutchire monga Njati.  Matendawa amabwezeretsa chitukuko mmbuyo ngati ziweto sizitetezedwa ndi kuthana ndi vutoli mwa msanga. Akuluakulu a mu Dipatimenti yoona za ziweto akuyesetsa kupeza njira zotetezera ziweto ndi kuthana ndi matendawa.

Mogwirizana ndi lamulo lokhudza katetezedwe ka matenda a ziweto omwe ali m’ndime 66.02 ya malamulo a dziko lino komanso ndondomeko ya m’bungwe loona za ziweto padziko lonse lapansi lotchedwa ‘World Animal Health Organisation’, Undunawu ukudziwitsa anthu onse kuti wayika njira zoyenera izi zothana ndi vutoli m’dera la Mthumba dipi thanki:

  • Kuletsa kugulitsa ziweto monga ngombe, mbuzi, nkhosa ndi nkhumba kwa kanthawi kochepa.
  • Kuletsa kupha  ziweto monga ngombe, mbuzi, nkhosa ndi nkhumba kwa kanthawi kochepa.
  • Kuletsa kuyenda ndi ziweto kapena zakudya za ziweto kuchokera kudera lokhudzidwali kupita ku madera ena.
  • Kuyimitsa kupereka ziphaso zovomerezeka kuyenda ndi ziweto.

Pomaliza Undunawu ukupempha anthu onse kuti agwirizane ndi ogwira ntchito ku Dipatiment yoona za ziweto ndi a Polisi potsatira njira zalembedwazi kuti matendawa asapitirire kufala.

Mukafuna kudziwa zambiri za mliriwu, lumikizanani ndi anthu awa: Dr B. Chimera, Dr P. Chikungwa ndi Dr G. Njunga pa manambala awa: 0999315766, 0888371509 ndi 0995910460.

signed

Erica Maganga (Mrs)

Mlembi Wamkulu mu Unduna wa Malimidwe, Ulimi Othirira ndi Chitukuko cha Madzi

17/09/2015

The Project for Improvement of Blantyre City Roads (Phase III)

BLANTYRE CITY COUNCIL

PRESS RELEASE

The Project for Improvement of Blantyre City Roads (Phase III)

September 18, 2015: Blantyre City Council wishes to inform the general public that major works on The Project for Improvement of Blantyre City Roads (Phase III) in Limbe have so far been executed by the Contractor, World Kaihatsu Kogyo Company Limited.  The Contractor is currently approaching the critical finishing stage of placing asphalt surface.

A sample strip of asphalt placement will be carried out soon from 17/09/2015.  Upon satisfactory results, the main activity will commence immediately starting with approach stretches adjoining the main road alignment.

During this activity, the whole road section will be temporarily closed to pave way for smooth execution of works.  In this regard, motorists are kindly requested to use alternative routes to access services within the vicinity by observing mounted road signs for traffic diversion.

The Contractor endeavors to complete the project within the contract period hence Blantyre City Council would like to appeal to the general public and motorists to exercise patience for any inconvenience this exercise may cause.

For further details please contact Mr. Grant M.Z. Sichali on 0991554169 or Mr. Stone Nkhondodwe on 0881843595


MANAGEMENT

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Nissan’s ‘King of the Off-Road’ On Safari in Majete Wildlife Reserve

For Immediate Release



Nissan’s ‘King of the Off-Road’  On Safari in Majete Wildlife Reserve

  • Iconic Patrol  NissanKing of the Off-Road - to showcase its extreme capabilities in Majete Wildlife Reserve driving event

  • Built for Africa, Patrol embodies Nissan's 4x4 heritage and is the ultimate expression of innovative technology and engineering prowess

  • Nissan committed to continue developing and launching all-new models for African customers over the next three years


MALAWI, Blantyre(07 September 2015)–Nissan's legendary Patrol will prove why it's known as the 'King of the Off-Road' in Africa during a challenging two-day driving and discovery event in Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi.

The event, which will feature popular TV host and 'Big Brother Africa' star Masuzgo Msiska, is being held to strengthen the Nissan brand in an important sub-Saharan market and let Malawians experience one of the most iconic models from Nissan's global portfolio.

On September 14, potential customers and members of the Malawi community will set off from the Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre to put the Patrol through its paces on safari and experience first-hand the superior performance that has earned the 4x4its ultra-dependablereputation spanning more than six decades.

The second trip on September 15th will give membersof the media greater understanding about the all-round capabilities and benefits of Nissan's flagship SUV, as well as the many roles it can play – both on and off-road.

“The seventh generation Patrolis the greatest advancement in 4x4 history - a formidable presence in the African off-road vehicle landscape with the intelligence to adapt to any terrain and instant power on command,” says Ian Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Malawi.

“From the very beginning, the Nissan Patrol has been synonymous with power, with each new model employing advanced technologies that enhance both on and off-road performance to unsurpassable levels.”

Travelling in Africa presents a diverse range of challenging landscapes and Nissan Malawi will show how well-equipped the Patrol is to tackle any terrain with performance, stability and control.

“The Nissan Patrol is built for Africa -the hero of all terrains. It’s a vehicle that showcases Nissan’s innovative technology and engineering capabilities with surprising fuel efficiency,” says Bartlett.

Designed for people who have achieved success in life, enlivening the status they deserve and living the lifestyle they prefer, the Patrol combines performance and ruggedness with meticulously crafted luxury.

The 5.6l V8 engine offers the ultimate power trip. Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) technologies, improve power and torque with lower emissions.

The 7-speed VVEL automatic transmission with manual mode, offers seamless acceleration with 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque that delivers a drive of unmatched performance and dynamic control.

The ALL MODE 4x4 system utilises advanced electronics to ensure that no matter how severe the driving conditions, the Patrol will be able to grip the road at all times by transferring drive between wheels and axles.

Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) system offers 4-wheel independent suspension. Working with the chassis and body frame the system maximises the suspension stroke on off-road running and prevents roll angle, to maintain flat riding with high damping force at cornering, “Which gives it superb stability on rugged and sandy terrain, while also delivering a comfortable ride in the city,” Bartlett says.

Bartlett says he is eager to showcase what the Patrol can do, particularly in sandy or gravel slopes and steep inclines while still driving in supreme comfort.

“With the Patrol’s technology, the driver will feel secure in any situation, even down a slippery slope without the need for braking, or through deep water, keeping the driverin perfect control with confidence.”

By combining functionality, versatility and powerful performance with an attractive design, superior styling and refinement, the Patrol takes sophistication and capability to a whole new level.

In Africa’s diverse population, products require new configurations to suit the distinctive needs of a young, increasingly more urban populationwhich aspires to more sophisticated products and services.

“Nissan develops products to fulfil this trend and will introduce new models into Africa during the next three years,” adds Bartlett.

Joining the Nissan Malawi team on day two is the celebrated local TV presenter and host – Mr. Masuzgo Msiska who is also the current holder of the coveted title of Mr Malawi. Mr Msiska - known to the locals as Mr 265 - earned continental popularity when he took part in the widely broadcast reality TV show – Big Brother Africa.

As part of Nissan’s wider ambition to grow significantly in the continent, the company's sub-Saharan operation has partnered with strong, local distributors such as Nissan Malawi, which is committed to evolve and play an important part in the growth story of Africa by exerting more influence in local markets.

Malawi is a key market for Nissan in Africa as itrepresents opportunities for business growth, trade and investment.

Nissan Malawi remains committed to provide a world-class automotive experience with quality customer engagement, and ongoing focus on sales and aftersales service.

It is well-positioned to meet the needs of Malawian customers with a showroom in Blantyreand sub-dealerships in Lilongwe and Mzuzu, and is confident of becoming the number one car dealership in Malawi - delivering the products and services the new generation of Africans expect and deserve.

The Nissan Malawi showroom is opposite the Wenela Bus Depot in Blantyre Malawi.

Join Nissan Malawi Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nissanmalawi


ILLEGAL DEVELOPMENTS: OCCUPATION OF PREMISES WITHOUT CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPATION, UNAPPROVED EXTENSION OF HOUSES AND ENCROACHMENT OF PUBLIC LAND

Blantyre City Council
For immediate release:

It has come to the attention of Blantyre City Council that people are occupying premises (houses, offices, shops, warehouses and factories) without getting the necessary statutory approvals for the issuance of Certificate of Occupation.
Many developers are also extending their buildings without first seeking the approval of the Council and a lot more are building houses and structures on illegal land.
The general public should note that it is illegal under Section 44 of the Town and Country Planning Act to carry out any development in the City without first obtaining the necessary approvals from the Council’s Town Planning Committee.
The Council is reminding all those that have occupied these premises and also those that have made extensions to their structures without the necessary approvals as well as those that have illegally built structures on any land to immediately contact the City Council’s Town Planning Department for the way forward.
The Council shall conduct a verification exercise from 1st October, 2015 and all those found not to have adhered to this notice shall be heavily penalized and proper enforcement action shall be carried out.


Dr. Alfred W.D. Chanza
Acting Chief Executive Officer

15th September 2015

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Cashgate: Did Malawians Miss The Cues in Osward Lutepo's 'Angry' Generosity



Slumped in his wheel-chair, Cashgate convict Osward Lutepo's lowered physical position fits the hat of his diluted societal status.
Yet, before April 2013, Lutepo, who stares at an eleven-year jail term sentence stacked in his face by the Zomba High Court, was a man whose face brought a new consciousness.
Indeed, he was someone whose shadow one would dive head-first to hug. Yes, here is a man whose human countenance was more shiny than perceptible realities.
Now, nobody knows whether it is former president, Joyce Banda, or the well-known business magnet, who attracted who-to-who.
What is known, though, is the fact that, when Lutepo announced his intention to control the kitty in the then ruling People's Party of Joyce Banda, Banda did not raise any qualms. In fact, Lutepo got his desired position quicker than he came.
And, soon, spotting that new-consciousness smile, he would be donating vehicles to the People's Party through its president, Joyce Banda. And Lutepo and Banda could do this in broad daylight.
Ah! Perhaps Malawians were foolish!
Ah! Perhaps Malawians are foolish!
Nobody cared about the countenance of Lutepo and Banda as they exchanged the keys in public, the donated vehicles behind them, but visible- very visible- to the media and members of the general public.
And, ah!, always Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Radio and Television would cover the events live!

Missed cues?
Now that Lutepo has received the sentence he deserves, I see how foolish the media and Malawians have been!
Look, Lutepo was a smiling gentleman wherever he went. No wonder, people scrambled to kiss his shadow. After all, he was a business magnet of sorts. A man who forsook formal employment  for self-employment.
Banda, too, was a smiling woman  whenever members of the diplomatic corps paid her a visit. Didn't she woo the British back, after former president Bingu wa Mutharika showed British Ambassador Fergus Cochrane-Dyet  the exit?
The truth is that she did.
In fact, Malawi was a replica of Zimbabwe before Banda wooed the world with her cosmetic smile: No diesel, petrol and paraffin in service stations; no sugar in shops, including reputable ones such as Shoprite, People's Trading Centre, Chipiku-Plus; and no hope among the citizens!
Malawi was suffering from a public crisis.
Coincidentally, this was the time the Democratic Progressive Party, on whose ticket Banda run as running mate to Bingu wa Mutharika, and Mutharika himself, had booted Joyce Banda out of the party, and sidelines her as Vice President.
Then, just in the nick of time, Bingu fell down in his office- at the New State House in Lilongwe- the type of fall one never wakes up from, and Banda became the president.
As the say, the struggles that followed her ascendancy, and the efforts to thwart her rise behind the scene, are common folder now.
From the blues [I mean, after the blue party- the Democratic Progressive Party] had embraced the exit door with qualms, Banda wooed everything in her path.
And she seems to have wooed the erstwhile business magnet, Lutepo, too. 
And when Lutepo started donating vehicles to Banda's People's Party in full view of the public, the media, and the nation, missed the cues.
What cues? One may ask!
The non-verbal cues.
On the faces of both figures.
The figure of Banda and the figure of Lutepo.
I mean the face of Banda and the face of Lutepo.
The two never smiled!
Maybe they knew what this was all about. Behind the scenes, of course.
Maybe Lutepo was being forced. Maybe Banda was forced Lutepo to donate the vehicles.
Only Banda knows. Wherever she is. Outside the country.


DPP’s foreign relations agenda: more words, less action


Nothing prepares any nation state for the moment diplomatic relations end.
However, when the nation state’s actions lead to the thawing of the relations, nothing prepares it for the mammoth task of shielding itself from the barrage of criticism that follows when the childlike excitement of crossing a historical divide dissipates, and it turns out that a wrong choice was made.
This is the exact situation post-1994 Malawi finds herself in, after making two crucial decisions that have defined its diplomatic position in the past seven years.  The first defining decision was made in January 2008, when the country’s leadership decided that its 42-year-old relationship with Taiwan had run out of steam.
As expected, the Republic of China (Taiwan) felt hard-done by, and accused Malawi of being lured by a US$6 billion package in aid and other inducements offered by the People’s Republic of China.
The second defining moment came when the late President Bingu wa Mutharika expelled British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet, in a row over a leaked diplomatic cable that purported that Mutharika was "becoming ever more autocratic and intolerant of criticism". The development sent shockwaves across the country- as happens when relations thaw, and continuity of development initiatives descend into trepidation. 
These two remarkable developments put a full stop to the traditional friendly attitude attributed to Malawians. Today, these developments stand like a glittering pile of Malawi’s unpredictability, diplomacy-wise, and may even act as a fortress and frontier in the eyes of would-be diplomatic friends.
More so because, even though the British Government and its Malawian counterpart have sorted their “differences” and re-posted envoys to each other’s Capital cities, memories that land-locked Malawi, despite being poor, is steeped in its own order- an order somewhat condemned for posing as self-sufficient while the majority of the population wallows in poverty- still linger across the borders.
Coincidentally, the two defining diplomatic moments came under the tutorage of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Coincidentally, too, the decision to expel Cochrane-Dyet came when former president, People’s Party leader Joyce Banda, was serving as Foreign Affairs Minister.
Now that the DPP, albeit under the new leadership of President Peter Mutharika, has come back into power, questions inevitably linger over its foreign policy.
From the look of things, however, the DPP regime seems to have something up its sleeve, in terms of foreign relations. A good case in point is President Peter Mutharika’s decision to place the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation- under the political headship of George Thapatula Chaponda- forth on the pecking order of ministerial protocol.
In fact, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, Chaponda, is forth only to the President, Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima, and Finance Minister Goodall Edward Gondwe.
This notwithstanding, Institute for Policy Interaction executive director, Rafiq Hajat, says it is too early to fathom Malawi’s foreign relations policy.
He is, however, quick to point out that it will not come as a surprise to see Malawi establishing diplomatic relations with countries that may help her in the areas of technical and infrastructural development.
“In the end, every country looks at what is in it (the relationship) for it,” says Hajat.
While Chaponda has not come out clearly on what democratic path the country plans to tread on,   President Mutharika has hinted that, while his administration plans to nurture the relationships (bilateral/multilateral) that already exist, it also seeks to extend its friends’ net and ‘fish’ in the Bric- the acronym for the combined economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China -countries.
“We (Malawi) plan to take advantage of the economic rivalry that exists between the US and Bric countries to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the country. A number of countries in the world are recognising the economic viability of the Bric countries,” the President is quoted as saying on his return from the US/Africa Summit in August.
While other commentators say it is too early to pronounce judgement on Mutharika’s foreign relations intentions within 100 days, others, such as human rights activist Billy Mayaya, say the current administration has no choice but to play ‘Good Girl’ to the development partners.
Mayaya cited the issue of Cashgate, saying it has made donors jittery, and that the current administration just has to learn to play it nice in the hope that the aid taps will be let loose again. He says one of the instruments being used by the current administration to sooth donor egos is austerity measures.
In the wake of donors’ reluctance to open the aid taps, enthuses Mayaya, “initial signs are that the President is sensitive about public scrutiny and commitments he made towards austerity given the increasingly faltering economy”.
Whether this state of affairs would hold once the donors play game remains to be seen, though.
What is clear, however, is that, so far, it has been more pronouncements of intent with no real action on the ground.
It is also clear that the current administration might have learned that solitude invites an uncomfortable feeling of vulnerability to others, and that only diplomacy- which is a group endeavour-ensures that leaders of a nation state are encased by their own people, and friends of good will.
And that, only then, do nations cease to be ‘lonely’ in a crowded world.





Gauging the gelling powers of blue


Political harmony is a very tricky thing and only the rare ‘hostess’ can successfully carry it off.
But, from the look of things, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seems to be wearing the tag of hostess well, despite facing the tricky situation of smothering the egos of political parties who profess advancing different ideologies.
Political Scientists Association of Malawi secretary general, Ernest Thindwa, observed that, in the first place, Malawians should realise that achieving political harmony in the Malawian context is not as simple as it sounds. More so when, in the case of Malawi, party ideologies are similar-sounding at best and non-existent at worst.
“In the first place, our political parties seem not to follow a specific set of ideologies. This emanates from our political culture- a culture that has contributed to the weakening of democratic institutions,” said Thindwa.
However, Thindwa noted that the political parties can still work together by focusing on national interest issues, and not necessarily their ideologies.
And, in tandem with his observation, we have seen the DPP work with United Democratic Front (UDF) president and May 20 tripartite elections presidential candidate, Atupele Muluzi, even though the Limbe-headquartered UDF maintains that it has no formal working relationship with the ruling party. Muluzi is the Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining in President Peter Mutharika’s administration.
While a working relationship between the DPP and a top UDF official was something unheard of before the tripartite elections, due to different ideologies and political motivations, some analysts said that party ideologies were the last thing that could stand in the way of political harmony.
For example, political and social commentator based at The Polytechnic, Simbarashe Mungoshi, said almost all the political parties in Malawi are united by one thing: Elitist ideologies, owing to the way they negotiate their way to the pinnacle of power.
“In the first place, let me dispel the notion that our political parties have no ideologies. A proper analysis reveals that party leaders subscribe to elitist ideologies because they rise through the ranks (of their political parties) through their financial muscle, political acumen or education background,” said Mungoshi, adding:
“That is why it is so easy to say that such a political party belongs to so-so. Almost all the political parties have members of the elite who own them.”


Shifting the goals?
While it is too early to say, with certainty, how the DPP administration plans to toy around with other political parties in its bid to create cosmetic or real working relationships with other parties, social commentator Edward Chaka said, so far, the current administration has shown willingness to set its differences with other parties aside and promote national development.
Chaka, who is the executive director for the People’s Federation for National Peace and Development, said by not antagonising other political parties, the President could be sending the message that he is ready to work with all Malawians.
“We are yet to see the acrimony that has characterised Malawi politics since (the re-advent of multiparty politics in) 1994. Peace, which is a prerequisite for national development, can only come in an environment where national interests take precedence, and that is what we have seen, so far,” said Chaka.
And, so far, Malawians have seen a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) that was nothing but combative after the declaration of the elections’ results 100 days ago ‘eat’ the mellow meal of ‘political sanity’.
For instance, MCP publicity secretary Jessie Kabwila has toned down a bit- hushing her sentiments that the DPP rigged the May elections to conceding that the MCP could have lost because “We did not feature members of Parliament in some constituencies”, especially in the Southern Region.
Just recently, she was seen disembarking from a presidential chartered plane at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. Mutharika had just relinquished his position as Southern African Development Community chairperson to Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, in August and ‘happened’ to have invited Kabwila to Zimbabwe.
The sight of Kabwila disembarking from a presidential plane raised eyebrows among some people, but Kabwila was quick to say her trip would not hush the MCP into praise singing.
“We will continue to play our role of providing checks and balances,” said Kabwila.
On his part, Mutharika was uncharacteristically appreciative.
“I am happy that when we invited her, she accepted our invitation. We are one party, and our interest is to develop the nation,” said Mutharika at the post-trip press briefing.
What this means, therefore, is that the DPP has set out to work with other political parties, where need be.
This can best be summed up in the President’s words, thus: “Campaign (time) is over”.


Mixed signals  
So, while chastening the opposition has traditionally been considered a ‘privilege’ of the ruling elite, the DPP administration seems to have other ideas other than keeping the opposition on its toes all the time.
And, while opposing has emerged as a tool for survival in the opposition jungles, the slight change has been observed by other political parties. For example, Umodzi Party president John Chisi said the intensity of opposition has slackened somewhat in the 100 days.
“This notwithstanding, we still have problems. For example, the ruling DPP has not incorporated some of the ideas that were part of other political parties’ manifestos in the run up to the elections. I thought the DPP would have incorporated them,” said Chisi.
Chisi cites the issue of ploughing more resources into agriculture than other sectors as a dark spot.
“All the previous budgets allocated more resources to agriculture than areas such as health and industrialisation and this hasn’t helped. The current administration should have prioritised industrialisation,” said Chisi.
This, he said, pointed to the fact that 100 days were not a “significant litmus test” for us to gauge if the DPP is prepared to “work with others for the long haul”.
And the “long haul”, in Malawi’s political and legal speak, is five years.  


Cashgate: Did Malawians Miss the Cues on Joyce Banda, Osward Lutepo's Faces?




Slumped in his wheel-chair, Cashgate convict Osward Lutepo's lowered physical positions fits the hat of his diluted societal status.
Yet, before April 2013, Lutepo, who stares at an eleven-year jail term sentence stacked in his face by the Zomba High Court, was a man whose face brought a new consciousness.
Indeed, he was someone whose shadow one would dive head-first to hug. Yes, here is a man whose human countenance was more shiny than perceptible realities.
Now, nobody knows whether it is former president, Joyce Banda, or the well-known business magnet, who attracted who-to-who.
What is known, though, is the fact that, when Lutepo announced his intention to control the kitty in the then ruling People's Party of Joyce Banda, Banda did not raise any qualms. In fact, Lutepo got his desired position quicker than he came.
And, soon, spotting that he would be donating vehicles to the People's Party through its president, Joyce Banda. And Lutepo and Banda could do this in broad daylight.
Ah! Perhaps Malawians were foolish!
Ah! Perhaps Malawians are foolish!
Nobody cared about the countenance of Lutepo and Banda as they exchanged the keys in public, the donated vehicles behind them, but visible- very visible- to the media and members of the general public.
And, ah!, always Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Radio and Television would cover the events live!

Missed cues
Now that Lutepo has received the sentence he deserves, I see how foolish the media and Malawians have been!
Look, Lutepo was a smiling gentleman wherever he went. No wonder, people scrambled to kiss his shadow. After all, he was a business magnet of sorts. A man who forsook formal employment  for self-employment.
Banda, too, was a smiling woman  whenever members of the diplomatic corps paid her a visit. Didn't she woo the British back, after former president Bingu wa Mutharika showed British Ambassador Fergus Cochrane-Dyet  the exit?
The truth is that she did.
In fact, Malawi was a replica of Zimbabwe before Banda wooed the world with her cosmetic smile: No diesel, petrol and paraffin in service stations; no sugar in shops, including reputable ones such as Shoprite, People's Trading Centre, Chipiku-Plus; and no hope among the citizens!
Malawi was suffering from a public crisis.
Coincidentally, this was the time the Democratic Progressive Party, on whose ticket Banda run as running mate to Bingu wa Mutharika, and Mutharika himself, had booted Joyce Banda out of the party, and sidelines her as Vice President.
Then, just in the nick of time, Bingu fell down in his office- at the New State House in Lilongwe- the type of fall one never wakes up from, and Banda became the president.
As the say, the struggles that followed her ascendancy, and the efforts to thwart her rise behind the scene, are common folder now.
From the blues [I mean, after the blue party- the Democratic Progressive Party] had embraced the exit door with qualms, Banda wooed everything in her path.
And she seems to have wooed the erstwhile business magnet, Lutepo, too.    
And when Lutepo started donating vehicles to Banda's People's Party in full view of the public, the media, and the nation, missed the cues.
What cues? One may ask!
The non-verbal cues.
On the faces of both figures.
The figure of Banda and the figure of Lutepo.
I mean the face of Banda and the face of Lutepo.
The two never smiled!
Maybe they knew what this was all about. Behind the scenes, of course.
Maybe Lutepo was being forced. Maybe Banda was forced Lutepo to donate the vehicles.
Only Banda knows. Wherever she is. Outside the country.