MALAWI PRESS REVIEW december 2005
From Centre For Social Concern (see our house)

Special Edition:
Annual Review of the news
From the Major newspapers in Malawi

LIST OF NEWSPAPERS REVIEWED

Daily Times, Malawi News, The Nation, The Weekend Nation
The Dispatch, The Sunday Times, Weekend Democratus
Democratus, The Chronicle

PREVIEW

This issue is dedicated to a review of the whole year. Readers will notice that politics did take centre stage during the year. Surprises, unexpected moves by the different parties continued to capture the attention. Even so that some were speaking of uncharted waters. The rulebook of democracy was simply thrown out.

When looking at the economy and other areas we cover in this issue, it will be clear that this is not a helpful development. It could jeopardise the gains made so far during the 500 hundred and some days of the Mutharika government. It will also be clear how important a player the IMF is in a country like Malawi. If they give a negative verdict on Malawi's macro-economic performance, the rest of the donor community follows suit and suspends aid. The problem for Malawi is that the budget uses partly "promised only" funding. If for some reason, these promises are not kept, it leaves the government little chance to manoeuvre and they have to have recourse to borrowing on the local market. This again is not good for the private sector, because money becomes scarce and hence very expensive. So little growth, few jobs and little income for the government coffers because the tax base is being reduced all the time.

The press of course did devote attention to the food insecurity Malawi is coping with most of the time. The fact that some serious attention is being given to more permanent solutions, like irrigation, may help the nation to make hunger and famine things of the past. Fertilizer subsidies are also going to help in the short term to avoid a recurrence of the same in 2006. It is hoped that the resurrected ADMARC and the NFRA will buy up any surplus production (if there will be any) so as to keep the price attractive for those growing maize. At the same time NGOs and faith communities should raise awareness on the serious problem Malawi faces through its rather exclusive dependency on maize as a staple food. While the support received during the present famine shows that Malawi still enjoys the good will of the donors, it is good to remember that dependency is never a sustainable solution.

The civil society is continuing to grow in strength. Its watchdog functions (check and balances) are being exercised in various fields. But may be service delivery should balance out the advocacy work that is being done. At the moment the balance seems to go the way of advocacy. One could ask, what is happening to straight forward development work with grassroots communities?

Medical services in Malawi are still trying to cope with HIV and AIDS, Malaria and tuberculosis as some of the killer deceases responsible for many premature deaths. Shortage of medicines and surgical equipment combined with brain drain are not helping the nation towards greater health. The efforts made are courageous, but the odds are enormous.

Education which is to contribute greatly towards creating human capital is also trying to cope with enormous challenges. Here too it is the shortage of personnel, teaching and learning materials combined with poor infra-structure are making it difficult to create this human capital and thus ensure a better future for Malawi. While the budgetary allocation may have been increased, it is still far short of the 21% needed to make an impact.

Environment and gender are often mentioned as crosscutting issues. While the men have been assured of being part of the gender equation because they too do suffer gender violence, women and girls still bare the brunt. Cultural practices do contribute to this, as they have been recognised to contribute to the spread of HIV and AIDS. The land is the mother of the whole nation. It is under siege and being irreparably damaged. A fact, which has brought environmentalist to call on the president to call the state of the environment a state of emergency. While this has not happened, citizens are encouraged and programs are continuing to go beyond the traditional tree planting week and make the whole of the rainy season a tree planting time.

For Malawi to face the new year of 2006 with courage and determination there is need that all work together. As a faith based organisation the Centre For Social Concern would express this as a call to conversion, to change. If Malawi is to make true the statement that it is a God fearing nation, it should translate into action for change. Nothing but a true transformation can be seen as the way forward. It would mean that the fight against corruption continues without fail because corruption kills. It would mean that the struggle for justice, both locally and internationally needs to be stepped up. It would mean that the option for the poor has to be observed by all. It would mean that we share our successes and make them stepping stones for greater successes. It would mean that we have a creative and inspiring leadership at all levels, in government, faith communities and civil society. It would above all mean that people from rich to poor, from high to low change their mindset and combine efforts for a just Malawi.

With this in mind the centre For Social Concern wishes its friends, partners and readers of the press review a blessed new year.

POLITICS

When the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.

The year has surely been an exiting year. It opened with the alleged attempt by some UDF gurus on the president. They were arrested and soon released. The public was left wondering why? The story of the ghost in the New State House was blown up because of State House reaction. During the year the rules of democracy as we know them were suspended and rewritten. The real surprise was the dumping by president Bingu Wa Mutharika of the party that brought him to power. He claimed that he had to safeguard the honour of the presidency and his own integrity. Staying with a party that condoned corruption and cheating in elections he could not do. So Malawi had for a few months an independent president. Interesting and without precedent. But soon enough, the independent wanted more security as head of government, and started preparing the way for his own party. A development that some commentators deplored. Had Bingu been willing to be an independent president for five years, he would have been able to muster support through good policies, and turn the economy around. Going for his own party, attracted less desirable elements from UDF and other parties. It also left open possibilities of disgruntled members who came to be rewarded and felt that this did not happen soon enough. Or those who came with serious intentions for the benefit of the country and were not impressed with the new party's performance. In parliament all was uncertain and the opposition MPs flexed their muscles to show who is boss in a democracy. The first female head of police, Ms. Nangwale became the victim. There was the budget debacle and of course the impeachment of the incumbent. All this was spiced up with Anti Corruption Bureau antics, allegations, threats of arrests and arrest. Enough to keep you on the edge of your seat except for the knowledge that little in all this was to benefit of the common Malawian? Poverty, HIV and AIDS and disempowerment just continued.
A look at some of the more important issues during this year

Mutharika's surprise package

The manifesto of Bingu wa Mutharika read out during his inauguration as state president declaring war on corruption, vowing to separate state and party functions so as to keep fiscal discipline and eradicate poverty, can be evaluated as having been implemented in the first year of his government with reasonable success.. With the advent however of his own Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) there is more and more evidence of the use of state resources for party functions, one example being the transportation of DPP members by government vehicles, the dancing by DPP women at state functions and going so far as to fly party flags during the visit of Gebuza president of neighbouring Mozambique, all issues referred to by the press.
On the count of his anti-corruption stance, the score sheet is more positive. However, it is also clear from press comments that the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has its tentacles out mainly for opposition members and it seems not to recognise that in the present government there are people with cases to answer.
To pull the balance in a positive direction, one may however cite the case of Yusuf Mwawa, who was sacked from his ministerial post for using government money to fund some private function. But there remain questions on how it was

possible that the minister of education could open a bank account requiring only one signatory without the knowledge of others in government.
On another note, it remains difficult for the common citizen to understand why those who are implicated in big corruption scandals and have been in court, yes in prison have finally gotten off scot-free. May be the desire by the general public to see justice done, has urged the prosecutors to work too hastily? Whatever may be the cause it is not good for the sake of anti corruption if those who are guilty get off on technicalities of the law.

A deepening rift between the UDF and the government of Bingu

Some have claimed that the anti corruption drive has been the cause for the rift between Bingu and the party, which put him power. The people being investigated and prosecuted are those belonging to the last UDF run government. It has led to a race who can get their first: the present government using the ACB trying to convict those guilty of corruption or the opposition feeling the heat, using the instrument of impeachment to hit back? The cartoon appearing in papers says it well: it shows Bingu with a dog going after Muluzi: the dog being the ACB. It also shows Muluzi with a dog going after Bingu: this dog is called impeachment.
All these matters have also influenced the public discourse of both Muluzi and Mutharika. The language used has not been contributing to reconciliation. While it started by words as 'leave me alone', 'it is my time to rule', it grew into words which the press condemned as inciting people to disobedience. The press has continued throughout the year to call on both but more specially the state president, to refrain from using language, which may even incite to violence.

The impeachment of the incumbent president.

While the government is pursuing it zero tolerance to corruption stance, the opposition has been mooting the impeachment plan. It has been a carefully conceived strategy. As a precursor in Parliament, the opposition moved a bill to change the section 65 of the constitution to include as having "crossed the floor" those parliamentarians who have been voted into parliament on a party ticket and have become independent. To become an independent has been used as a loophole by some to cross the floor without forfeiting their seat. To effect this, it means changing the constitution which needs a two thirds majority in parliament. The opposition lost this move, it was thrown out. This in turn shows that the opposition has not yet the required number of votes to bring an impeachment process to a full ending. Because for this a two thirds majority is needed.
After this preamble, the first item in the impeachment plan is to have impeachment procedures developed and approved by parliament. Once this is done the next step is to summon the president. For these first steps only a simple majority is needed. Of course not a problem in a parliament, where the opposition has a large majority. So the plan was hatched, and it came to completion in the month of October. The impeachment procedures were made part of the standing orders of parliament.

The budget session

It needs to be said that the impeachment plan overrode the budget. Since the majority in parliament belongs to the opposition, they mooted the impeachment to the neglect of the budget. It was a tense time in June, when the motion to introduce impeachment procedures in the standing orders of parliament led to pandemonium and the untimely death of the much lamented speaker of the house, the honourable Munyenyembe. His death seemed to the sacrifice needed to bring some calm to the heat of the issues and personalities.
Churches and civil society joined the chorus condemning the opposition for not putting their attention to the budget but on such matters as the impeachment procedures. According to them it showed a lack of care for the common folk. The question commentators asked, why such a hurry? Was it because the ACB came too close to the opposition big wigs for comfort?
The donor community joined in too. It expressed its displeasure of working with a National Governing Council. It reminded all: Without budget no aid, no support from the IMF, no Poverty Reduction Growth funding, No budget support, no chance for debt cancellation and so on. Most observers and commentators found it impossible to understand such short-sightedness by the opposition members of parliament especially in view of the looming famine.
After the short time out for the funeral of the speaker and for tempers to quieten down, well into the month of July, parliament resumed the budget session, and without much of a hitch completed the discussions and approved the budget. But not without having won the concession of universal fertilizer subsidies.

Elephants fighting

Once the budget was passed, impeachment put up its ugly head again. The chair of the legal committee in parliament, Atupele Muluzi, surprised us by urging that time be taken to consult. No hasty work. Looking back over the year, this advice seems to want to lull the government side into a false sense of security. Because when parliament resumed sitting, in October the matter of impeachment was ready to be advanced. And before anybody had a sufficient chance to fully understand, impeachment became part of the standing orders in parliament. The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) took out a court injunction. Their reason is that the voted impeachment procedures go against natural justice, the same people being the accusers, the prosecutors, the judges and the jury. The net result is that we now have poor procedures in order to impeach the incumbent and a process that most probably cannot reach a conclusion, because the reasons for impeachment have been judged to be flimsy, insufficient. Furthermore it is not sure whether the required number of votes can be raised in parliament.
Lucius Banda is going into our history books with the doubtful honour to have mooted these procedures, while Stanilas Milanzi moved that the incumbent be indicted and impeached. Wily politicians like Brown Mpinganjira are reputed to have refused this honour. (Ab)use was made of the inexperience of young lawmakers.
Elephants indeed did fight and as will be clear also from other parts of this year end press review report, the grass was trampled.

The hunger Crisis

Especially in the south of the country the situation in most villages is hard to describe. People are going hungry. The parliamentary committee for agriculture ahs demanded that government declare a state of disaster since the month of April. But the attention was taken away from the people who really should count, the constituents, to matters that have been described as the self interests of a few. The Feed the Nation Fund, started by the State President in an effort that the nation help
itself, while a good gesture, is like a drop of water on huge fire. Much more is needed. It took till October before the president declared a state of disaster. A move criticized as being too late.
Much of what is happening is reminiscent of the third term bid, the open terms bid, by Bakili Muluzi. Then too the nation was paralysed not doing what it should be doing: looking after its most needy and oppressed citizens. Now under the guise impeachment, the opposition wants to come into power, a power it has been judged to have abused, witness the way in which the international community did in those days suspend its support to Malawi.

Can the rift be healed? Reconciliation

As mentioned above, the language spoken by the political opponents does not help to bring them together. The rift between the state president and his vice president is another problem that aggravates the situation. Many among which churches, PAC and others have urged to get the parties to the conflict to talk and reconcile. But may be we should ask the question: Is it possible to reconcile these opposing sides? If it possible only by suspending the truth (e.g. the anti corruption drive) should the truth be sacrificed? In the discourse around the issue of reconciling and bringing to dialogue the two opposing sides, the question is never raised. At what cost should reconciliation come? Can it be promoted at the cost of the truth? Or should we move for a Truth and Reconciliation commission after the model of South Africa? Go back from the first days of independence to now?

The role of Gwanda, Tembo, Zikhale Ng'oma

The press has exposed both as being self interested: one wanting his status as MG 3 going with the BMW X5 class vehicle, while Tembo only wants impeachment to go ahead if the National Governing Council is established and he is its first president. Selfish demands by veteran politicians, not surprising to those who knew them in the past.
Muluzi is from the old guard. But so are many in Bingu's government. Zikhale Ng'oma complained he should have been made a minister in the latest reshuffle of cabinet. But even without him joining voices went up condemning a ballooning cabinet. All this begs the question: Where is the 'new guard', young politicians, who have the welfare of Malawi at heart?? The beautiful ones aren't born yet?

Finally

In spite of Bingu's alleged dictatorial style, his alleged rich lifestyle and all other complaints, the voters gave him and his DPP party a surprise gift. In the December 6th by elections, all seats have gone to the DPP. The electoral commission officially published the results of first five of the six by-elections and later the sixth. All six were taken by DPP. Some of these constituencies were strongholds for the opposition. The voters have given their verdict. They do not seem interested in impeachment, but in food and development to break the cycle of poverty.

ECONOMY

During the year 2005, the Malawi's economy has shown signs of recovery despite the dry spell that affected most of the maize harvest during the early months causing a potential humanitarian crisis. The country's GDP grew by 3.7% in 2004, and expected to dampen to 2.0% in 2005. The slow growth projection is attributed to the dry spell the country has experienced during the last rainy season, which has severely devastated our agricultural production. However, within the dismal overall economic performance, the economy has enjoyed some successes attributed to improved fiscal management, which has led to low interest rates, stable exchange rates and a higher investment ratio as a result of a large capital expenditure that has been planned in 2005/2006 budget.

The inflation rate by the end of the year 2005 is projected at 16.9% compared to 13.7% in 2004. Most of the inflationary pressures are expected from scarcity of food items as is reflected in the relatively higher food inflation rate of 19.4% by the end of the year. However, the core inflation that excludes food is estimated at 13.7% by the end of 2005. Due to high inflation rate, the nominal exchange rate is expected to adjust somewhat. In this respect therefore, the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) put in place informal administrative procedures to tightly manage the exchange rate and safeguard resources for possible food crisis. This move resulted into temporarily shortage of foreign exchange during the months of March, April and May 2005.

The media reports have expressed concern over the continued rise in the cost of living during 2005. The frequent revisions of fuel prices and depreciation of the local currency have had a major impact on the consumer to face transport and food price increases that have not been matched by similar salary increases over the period under review. During the year under review, petrol prices have increased twice from MK115.20 to MK130.40 per litre representing an increase of 13%. Diesel was increased by 11.2% from MK112.60 to MK125.15 per litre while paraffin jumped from MK74.45 to MK102 per litre representing a 37% increase. The Petroleum Pricing Committee (PPC) attributed the price adjustment to depreciation of the kwacha and increase of fuel prices on the international market. However, some economic watchdogs condemned the move by the oil industry to increase the fuel prices when many Malawians are finding it difficult to cope with economic realities. With the recent fuel price adjustments, both food and non-food essential items have increased significantly during the year under review. The survey on basic needs by the Centre for Social Concern (CFSC) has revealed that commodity prices have gone up while very little has been done to raise people's income. Most Malawians continue to live in dire poverty and cannot afford their basic needs. Media reports have indicated that southern region is worst hit by poverty with one person living on less than K68.00 per day.

During the year under review, the budget enjoyed more press coverage than was the case before. According to media reports, the outturn for the 2004/05 overall budget was said to be one of the best as far as the levels of the overall deficit is concerned. However, the question that is more pertinent was to know whether the quality of the

expenditure has been as good as not to deny Malawians essential services. However, the general perception including that of the international community, particularly

World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) is that the performance of 2004/2005 revised budget was quite satisfactory. During the 2005/2006 financial year, the government projected to spend MK118.8 billion against projected total revenues of MK116.2 billion. One unique aspect of the 2005/2006 budget is that the government is intending to spend MK2.2 billion on a fertilizer subsidy scheme which was never there before. Following the intense budget deliberations in the National Assembly, the proposed 2005/2006 budget was revised from MK118.8 billion to MK119.5 billion. The increase has been from demands from a number of parliamentarians including the leader of opposition John Tembo for a universal fertilizer subsidy scheme.

On the availability of foreign exchange on the local financial market, media reports in the year under review have mentioned a slight increase in the country's imports cover from 1.24 months in February 2005 to 3.52 months in September 2005. The current improvement in the import cover is attributed to resumption of aid flow from donors following the approval of the new Poverty Reduction Growth Facility PRGF by the IMF in August 2005. The improvement in the foreign reserves means Malawi can now afford to import raw materials to boost its economic growth. However some commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaux have dismissed the claims that the foreign exchange situation has improved in the country. They partly blame Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) for holding on to the foreign reserves.

In reaction to these accusations, RBM officials confirmed that the foreign exchange situation has indeed improved but has not adequately trickled down fairly to the commercial banks and foreign exchange bureau for the simple reason that the reserves have been earmarked for importation of maize and fuel. It is therefore expected that once the importation of maize is completed, the foreign exchange availability is expected to return to normal.

The press has highlighted that a lack of competition at the auction floors combined with low prices, are crippling the tobacco industry in Malawi. The Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) and Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA) have expressed these sentiments. During the year under review, the average prices have remained significantly low averaging at 80 cents per kg for burley tobacco and U$1.40 per kg for flue cured tobacco. According to media reports, farmers have been protesting vehemently over the low tobacco prices this season. This development in the tobacco industry has left people wondering what exactly is to become of the gold leaf. Amid numerous accusations from various corners of society on tobacco pricing, it is alleged that tobacco buyers fix the prices to dupe the poor farmers. Some interested parties have commissioned a study in order to clear the air surrounding the tobacco industry. The author has concluded the study and the report is out, but has left many including the media wondering why government and TAMA are refusing to make the results available to the public. One thing that remains very clear in the whole episode is that tobacco growers are being exploited. Despite all the controversy surrounding the tobacco industry, exports of the unprocessed tobacco have doubled from K8 billion in 2004 to K15 billion in 2005 representing an increase of 86 per cent. The doubling of the tobacco proceeds is largely attributed to high export prices at the international level. Despite the tension among the stakeholders in the tobacco industry, tobacco remains a major foreign exchange earner for Malawi accounting for more than 60 per cent.

According to media reports during 2005, the IMF has approved a three year Poverty Reduction Growth Facility, which was suspended some three years ago due to economic mismanagement by the previous regime. In its statement posted on the IMF website, the IMF Executive Board has approved a total sum of U$55 million which is approximately MK7.9 billion to promote sound macroeconomic policies and private sector development. The opposition has welcomed IMF's decision but warned government to use the resources prudently. The government was urged to continue maintain fiscal discipline and promote good governance in order to attract more donor confidence. Economic experts have also welcomed the new development. With the resumption of aid, some of the macroeconomic fundamentals are expected to stabilize. This development has come at a time when the country's foreign exchange cover dwindled quite significantly. With the resumption of aid, the level of foreign exchange import cover was expected to raise and instil confidence to the business community. However, the economic experts indicated that the aid resumption should not be taken as an immediate answer to Malawi's economic problems.

On the international front there was a lot of media coverage on the meeting of the G8 countries, which was held in Scotland during the period under review. Among other things, the meeting considered the possibilities of debt cancellation for the poorest nations. Contrary to what the government and civil society groups have been vigorously campaigning for since Jubilee 2000, the G8 recently announced the exclusion of Malawi on debt relief list because it was still under the IMF Staff Monitored Program (SMP). The Minister of Finance has reported that Malawi could be considered for debt cancellation in the next 6 months if the current administration maintains the fiscal discipline it has so far demonstrated since it took over the government. On a similar note the preparations for the World Trade Organization's (WTO) ministerial meeting to be held in Hong Kong are underway by the government and civil society. The Civil Society produced a strong statement blaming trade injustice for many of Malawi's economic ills. It will remain to be seen what impact Malawi and other developing countries will have in the forthcoming World Trade Organization scheduled for December 2005 in Hong Kong.

FOOD SECURITY

The year 2005 has been a terrible one to many Malawians. In fact, food insecurity has been the talk of the media throughout the year. It seems Malawi is fast becoming food insecure despite having good land and plenty water. Indeed food shortage in the country is a recurrent phenomenon. Why is this happening in Malawi? What plans does government have to ensure food security? What are we doing to avert food shortage? Media reports this year have unveiled some of the factors and solutions to the problem.

In the month of January, there was a serious concern about the scarcity of fertilizer in the country. Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) condemned government for the scarcity of the commodity. Experts blamed government for poor planning as it failed to make proper arrangements for the procurement of fertilizers in time. The shortage of fertilizers happened at the most important time of the growing season.

Apart from the shortage of fertilizers, the country also experienced erratic rains. The Department of Meteorological Services MET warned that the dry spell that had hit the country would persist. Reacting to the warning, the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture also warned the government that there would be a devastating food shortage in the country like the one experienced in 2002. It was an open secret therefore that there would be shortage of food in the country.

There were calls to declare Malawi a state of disaster before things got out of hand by Honourable Makala Ngozo and Honourable Dzoole Mwale who are members of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture. On its part government at first was reluctant to do so and instead called for the inter-ministerial meeting to chart the way forward on the looming food crisis. Realizing the danger, Government through the initiative of President Bingu wa Mutharika launched the 'Feed the Nation Fund'. This fund was set up to instil a spirit of self-help among Malawians against the background of depending on external aid in time of crisis. The aim of the fund is to purchase food for poor Malawians.

Though the fund received popular support, the hunger crisis in the country was that far reaching that parliament forced President Bingu wa Mutharika to declare Malawi a state of Disaster in October. While some people applauded the move, others criticized government for taking its time in making its decision. Indeed, this was just a replica of what happened in 2002 when the former president, Bakili Muluzi was in government. Already when the president was declaring Malawi a state of Disaster, media reports indicated that 29 lives were lost in Nsanje alone and many people were feeding on leaves and some tubers like in Chikwawa, Lilongwe, Salima, Balaka and Mangochi.

In a related development, the European Union in a bid to find a lasting solution to the problem indicated the need to intensify irrigation farming rather than depending on rain fed agriculture. Irrigation would make it possible for winter cropping thereby improving food security in the country. The European Union therefore advocated the use of treadle pumps for irrigation. There were fears among the people on the effectiveness of treadle pump irrigation, as most people could not afford to buy and maintain treadle pumps.

Government acknowledged its failure to invest in irrigation and that this has contributed greatly to the shortage of food in the country. There were calls for collective efforts from all stakeholders to find lasting solutions for achieving food sufficiency in the country.

Realizing the potentiality of treadle pump irrigation, President Bingu wa Mutharika pledged to source 400 treadle pumps for each parliamentarian to distribute among constituents in a bid to fight hunger and boost food security in the country. This move by the head of state was commended as it is both a short term and a long-term solution to solve the food insecurity crisis in the country. This in fact was the concern of the World Food Programme (WFP) as it said it was very difficult to understand why Malawi is food insecure despite the fact that it has plenty of fertile land and rivers. WFP joined the European Union and insisted that government should make a concerted effort to invest in irrigation to supplement rains that have proved to be very unpredictable.

The food crisis that has hit the country raised a heated debate in parliament. There were calls from various stakeholders like CAMA, chiefs and other civil society organisations that the members of parliament should discuss the hunger crisis in the country and find lasting solutions to avert the suffering of the people. The press highlighted the calls on the legislators to stick to food shortage in the country rather than the proposed impeachment of the president, as Malawi needed a quick solution to the food crisis. The honourable members did pay heed to the calls though reluctantly. The opposition demanded that government should incorporate a universal subsidy on fertilizer. In July, the media reported a lot on parliament deliberations, which among other things saw the universal fertilizer subsidy become a reality.

However, the move raised mixed reactions as some experts predicted more food would be harvested in the next growing season while others said that this will have a negative impact on the economy of the country and that there were fears that the subsidized fertilizer would cross boarders through unscrupulous traders. Though the government succumbed to the pressure to have a universal fertilizer subsidy, in a twist of tales, in order to control the abuse of the programme introduced the use of fertilizer subsidy coupons to be given to the poorest members of society and banned the exportation of the commodity and maize. The opposition cried foul but the government stood its ground that only those with the coupons could access the subsidized fertilizers.

On the other hand, parliament also approved the budget allocation of Mk 5.6 billion for the importation of maize to feed the nation in this year of food crisis. The Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe and the Minister of Agriculture Uladi Mussa assured all Malawians that measures had been put in place that the imported maize would reach the country on time before hunger struck the people hard. This they said in response to concerns throughout the year on the shortage of maize in the country. It had been reported that some depots for government's sole agricultural marketing body ADMARC were running without the grain.

The press revealed that such a scenario forced the authorities to ration the grain. People in most depots could only buy 25kg of maize per person and many slept on an empty stomach on the queue in order to access the grain. Another worrisome development the media highlighted was that some unscrupulous traders were buying many bags of the subsidized maize from some depots and then later sold the same maize at very high prices elsewhere. In reaction to this problem, the president ordered Malawi army to guard ADMARC depots and vehicles that were transporting the commodity.

It has also to be noted that Malawi in the year under review saw different donors coming in with aid to address hunger crisis in the country. Though United Nations plea for an $88 million hunger appeal for Malawi met with deaf ears, some governments and institutions came to the rescue of Malawians. Like in January it was reported that Malawi would benefit from a $12.3 million USA food aid to the World Food Programme WFP and the French Government in July donated Mk120 million. The UK government in September also made an Mk1.2 billion donation towards the food crisis in Malawi. On its part the European Union pumped in Mk435 million to help in Chiradzulu district in food security project.

In the year under review, the media also highlighted calls by various stakeholders on the need to change peoples eating habits. As many people do not have enough maize to feed themselves throughout the year, food diversification could solve the problem. Among other food crops, people have been encouraged to grow and eat are rice, potatoes, cassava, bananas. People in Malawi need to change their mindset that maize (nsima) is the only main food.

In a twist of events, women have also condemned some customary laws that bar them from owning land. This prevents them from effectively utilizing the land. Dr. Naomi Ngwira of the Institute of Policy Research said it was unfortunate that women had been ignored as the x-factor in the fight against hunger and in ensuring food security in the country. If Malawi is to be food secure, then it has to take the women on board.

Concisely, the year 2005 media reports indicate that it is still a dream that Malawi can achieve food security.

CIVIL SOCIETY AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS

The civil society and religious groups in the year 2005 maintained their role as watchdogs. In all the sectors of life the civil society were there to offer advice or criticism. In the economy, politics, health, education the civil society voiced their concern when there was that need. The religious groups were also involved in socio-economic issues that relate to human development on a daily basis. The year was a year of mixed feelings for both the civil society and religious groups.

Some Non Governmental Organisation NGOs in the year announced their intention to ask parliament to legalise homosexuality. The proposal met stiff resistance from other civil society organisations and some religious groups. For example some NGOs saw no reason for having such a practice among Malawians. The church also added its voice on the proposal. The church felt that such acts were ungodly and should not find their way into this country.

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) in the year noted that the government took advantage of the loopholes in the constitution and messed around with it. This is also an indication that the constitution itself is weak. Against this background the Civil Society and other stakeholders are advocating for a review of the constitution. Bearing this in mind the Malawi Law Commission held a series of meetings with various stakeholders from different sectors of life to consult on the possible constitutional review process. Reports have shown that some sections of the constitution are outdated.

In the just ended year Civil Society and religious groups acting as watchdogs kept on scrutinizing and commenting on political issues as they unfolded. For example they commented a great deal on the existing wrangle between president Bingu wa Mutharika and former president Bakili Muluzi. The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) early in the year advised the two sides to iron their differences for the betterment of the country. But such advices fell on deaf ears as the differences resulted in Mutharika leaving his own party, a development that did not go down well with United Democratic Front (UDF). Evidence has shown that a solution to their problem is far from sight as there has been no willingness by the two parties to meet and sort out their differences.

Talks about the notorious proposed impeachment of the president did not escape the civil society organisations' attention. Some organisations applauded parliament for the adoption of impeachment procedures but did not like the idea of using them on the incumbent president. Some opposition Members of Parliament wanted this to satisfy their political ambitions by using president Bingu wa Mutharika as a stepping stone!

The Civil Society spoke on several occasions on the conduct of parliamentarians as regards the impeachment of president Mutharika. Under late Speaker Rodwell Munyenyembe, some legislators wanted to do away with Bingu as quickly as possible a thing that led to commotion in parliament and later to the death of Munyenyembe. The late Speaker died after he had collapsed after a pandemonium broke loose. They also praised the nomination of Louise Chimango a lawyer by profession.

As new speaker of parliament Chimango, an opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament was however also cautioned for being biased with the way he handles deliberations in the house. The civil society feels Chimango should emulate his predecessor's professional way of dealing with parliamentary issues.

Having said a lot on politics and the economy the civil society did involve themselves in people's social welfare. The Civil Liberties Committee CILIC aired its concern over the country's existing child maintenance laws. Because the existing child maintenance law is very lenient, some people have taken advantage of this loophole to ignore their responsibilities. CILIC acknowledges that during the year it received a lot of cases against fathers and mothers who do not give maintenance to their children when their marriages break up and they split. Perhaps this would cease to happen if the child maintenance law is scrutinised and made tougher.

Some faith-based organisation sounded their concern over the delays in tabling the Labour Tenancy Bill. The Centre For Social Concern raised alarm over the delays that have seen tobacco tenants living in very pathetic conditions. CFSC noted in a survey it conducted that tobacco tenants who are responsible for Malawi's main foreign exchange earner, are getting almost nothing at the end of the day. It is against this background that the Centre feels that people, whose work contributes greatly in earning forex for this country (in this case the tobacco tenants) should be recognised. The centre is pushing for a quick tabling of the bill that will at least brighten the faces of the tenants and at the same time motivate them to work harder.

The year 2005 also witnessed some corruption scandals among some high profile people. But although we have the anti-graft body the Anti-Corruption Bureau it is not as efficient as could be because as it announced during the year, it is running short of lawyers. With the increasing need for lawyers the bureau finds it difficult to have its lawyers move from one place to another to do their work. Malawi needs to train more lawyers so that the public can access its rights more than is now the case. Several organisations criticised the bureau over the way it is dealing with corruption cases. Some opposition politicians have blamed the ACB for trying to prosecute members of the opposition but at the same time leaving out government officials who equally have cases to answer.

It has been a year of mourning in the Catholic community and the nation as whole. The Catholic Community mourned the death of Pope John Paul II. The Late Pope who was recognised by many as a world leader died at the age of 85. Following his death Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger from Germany was elected Pope Benedict XVI. We also mourned Bishops Luciano Nervi and Allessandro Assolari of Mangochi Diocese and Mathias Chimole, bishop Emeritus of Lilongwe Diocese. Late Chimole was popularly known for his participation in authoring the pastoral letter that brought change to Malawi politics. May their Souls Rest in Eternal Peace.

 

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LIFE

Social and cultural life reports in the year 2005 mainly revolved around the different cultures and customs that exist in our society. On several occasions reports in the just ended year portrayed certain customs that help in spreading the deadly HIV and AIDS but are still being practiced. Although by now HIV and AIDS are known to almost everybody, it is strange to see that such customs are still being followed in some villages. Does this indicate that messages on HIV and AIDS while being a daily occurrence have little impact? Is it because the messages do not reach the villages where such customs are in place?

Traditional leaders in the year took a new stand on customs that are viewed as a threat to people's lives. Chiefs from Mzimba district and some Chewa chiefs spoke of their wish to check on customs that fuel HIV and AIDS.

There were reports of such practices as Kuhara (wife inheritance) mainly in the Northern region of Malawi. It is a very disturbing situation where some relative marries a deceased man's wife so that he looks after the family and the wife as well. In some cases the two marry without knowing their HIV status. Such a scenario leads into more infections.

With increasing cases of HIV and AIDS among the youths, newspapers reported on the need for parents to talk about sex openly. It was reported that many youngsters have no knowledge about sex and as result they want to experiment and see it for themselves. Some quarters of the society have seen openness among families as vital so that children grow up with this information. At the same time children will grow up with information on how they can protect themselves from catching the virus. There is indeed need for people to open up in informing their children the dangers of promiscuity.

Newspapers in the year also took some time in reporting about some cultural practices that are seen to be a threat to people's lives. Circumcision issues came in the press in the year with some people siding with the practice as others blamed it for fuelling AIDS. This came because people felt the use of razor blades in circumcision could easily transmit the disease. However Traditional Authority chief Kuntumanji announced that in the district they use one blade per individual.

The press also brought to the attention of the nation a very soul breaking and strange behaviour among some men in Mangochi district. The nation was shocked with the news that some men in Mangochi were marrying their own daughters. Such news came as a shock to many because in a Malawian setting it is unheard of to have fathers sleeping with their own children with their wife's knowledge. Again because girls who fall victims to this immoral behaviour are so afraid to speak out, the men involved are left free and are not taken to task. At the same time the wives who are mothers to the abused children are also afraid to report these issues for fear of losing their marriages. This is pathetic because the girls who do these things are not aware that their fathers are violating their right to choose a sexual partner.

Another issue that attracted press coverage in 2005 was forced marriages. Some chiefs spoke a lot on the practice that has seen some children being forced to marry older men. A case was reported where a 40-year-old man married an 11-year old girl. Such things happen because the parents feel they do not have enough resources to look after their own children and as such resort to marrying them off. Such things have been frequently reported in the press with some more cases reported in Karonga district. The year witnessed these consequences of poverty in the northern region lakeshore district. Some parents who owed some rich men money paid with their daughters so as to square off their debt. The practice is called Kupimbira. Innocent children have fallen victims to this practice, as they cannot question their parents' decisions. Despite all the talk against these horrible acts people are still doing it. The girls in question will of course not finish their schooling.

It has further been noticed that child prostitution is on the increase. The suggestion of some traditional leaders that girls are checked 'for sleeping around' met with resistance from gender activists. It leaves the boys scot-free and cannot be tolerated.

Issues of human trafficking also took centre stage in the year with some foreigners involved in it. A Zambian was caught with a group of 15 children on the way to his country. To the disappointment of many the man was only told to pay a K24, 000 fine. People were shocked with such a lenient sentence by a magistrate's court in Mchinji. As if this case was not enough another Zambian was also caught in the same act. Perhaps these are not the only cases, as some offenders might have gone through the process without being caught. There is need for stiffer penalties for people who are found trafficking children so that the practice should become a story of the past. Another form of trafficking is the sex trade. This practice shows how people can exploit poverty and famine. It calls for concerted action by all stakeholders.

Conditions in many prisons in the country were also highlighted in the year. As the crime rate continues to accelerate the result has been congestion in prisons. Such things have made the prisons breeding places for some diseases. With so many people sleeping in one place and breathing the same air, airborne diseases have become the order of day in some prisons. In spite of the many problems that prisoners face, a few who sat for last year's Malawi Schools Certificate of Education examinations MSCE managed to pass with very good grades. This proves that with minimal resources a candidate can still pass examinations if he gets the chance and shows interest. In the year the president pardoned prisoners on several occasions including the celebration of Eid Mubarak.

Property grabbing also had wide press coverage in the year 2005. Cases were reported of some high profile people who were involved in property grabbing. Because people die without writing a will, relatives use this as a way of making riches when one dies. In the end people are found to involve themselves in property grabbing, as the laws are not tough enough on offenders. Although there was a cry from gender activists on the Wills and Inheritance Act, not much has been done to enforce it and this has fuelled property grabbing. It is women and children who suffer the consequences.

The year saw an outcry from the people with disabilities to the press for more coverage. It was reported that the media do not effectively report on disability issues. Although there is a full ministry that looks into these issues, not much has been said in the press. The few articles that the Press Review by the Centre For Social Concern commented on in the year 2005, is evidence that the ministry was right to ask for more press coverage.

Ever wondered as to why the newspapers in the year were never short of articles of people killing one another because of one reason or the other. Among other things cases were reported of husbands killing their wives on suspicion that they were having love affairs while some were murdered over land disputes. Does this mean that people are finding it so hard to resolve their differences amicably that the only solution that they see to their problems is killing one another?

 

EDUCATION

As the year draws to close, media reports have raised serious concerns surrounding the operations of the ministry of education conforming to expected standards. The year has seen the education sector sailing in problems because of rampant corruption that takes various forms. Government's efforts to eradicate the vice does not seem to make headway as the reality of corrupt practices continues to unfold at the ministry itself. As we come to the close of the year, media reports continue to describe the situation as worrisome. It is a home of corrupt tendencies that needs a complete overhaul. It is a ministry many of whose numerous accounts have been questionable.

In close scrutiny, the newspapers have managed to capture a good number of factors that have contributed to the dwindling standards of education to the displeasure of everyone. While corruption seems to be strong in the hands of top officials, the general trend is that it trickles down to the learning institutions where students get to secondary schools through backdoors. This undermines the importance of the standard eight examinations that are a gateway to a secondary school education. The development entails that schools that used to have manageable classes, have now double the numbers, thereby exerting more pressure on the teaching staff whose numbers have remained the same or in some cases, gone down due to resignations and death (HIV and AIDS) e.t.c.

The erosion of meaningful education has also been attributed to the introduction of the free primary school education. While everyone appreciates this initiative by the first multi-party government, one is compelled to think that the development was purely political. Investigative journalism has shown that children of richer Malawians do not attend these schools. Most of them are studying abroad, a situation that raises serious fundamental questions as to who should enrol in these schools. Regrettably, observation has indicated that the system does not have proper monitoring mechanisms set in place to check whether all that was strategically planned is being addressed. Statistics have shown that there are more dropouts now than when pupils used to pay for their education. The evident lack of learning materials and classrooms has shown that the free primary school system was hurriedly implemented. It is more perturbing during rainy season where pupils, learning under trees, abandon their classes to run for shelter. Therefore the 187 million Kwacha and other education scams needs to be pursued vigorously.

Poor conditions of service have led to acrimonious resignations by teachers to other jobs. Besides being the least paid among the entire civil service, teachers' salaries are often delayed due to unexplained circumstances. In general, the system has been described as negligent to look into the welfare of its teachers. There seems to be a general pattern of thinking by the ministry that things are going well with its employees while the opposite is true. Teachers work more and better in private schools than in their own schools because they are forced to cope with the situation where the cost of living continues to hike.

The issue of pension for civil servants has been very much part of the press throughout the year. The treasury announced that pension would be paid for only five years and not for the entire period one remains in alive. Those in the teaching profession have equally been affected by this development. The general belief is that teachers, whose salaries are meagre, are very much dependent on their pension. It is therefore inevitable that any changes to the package would cause unprecedented loss of morale.

The education sector recorded a drop in cases of cheating during examinations. This was all because of the cluster system of writing examinations. Because such a system allows for easy supervision the result of the exam reflects exactly the students level of performance. On the same note the civil society and the Malawi National Examinations Board differed on the amount of money that cheating students should pay as a fine. The civil society felt the amount was too much for students to pay but some education analysts observed that such an amount helps students to avoid cheating. It does however remain a cause for worry that about 30% of certificates are fake. This will negate the success booked in rooting out cheating.

Because many girls are dropping out of school, it looks as if Malawi will not reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2012 and 2015. A contribution giving extra support for girls' education through the US Ambassador's fund may help to move in the right direction. Parents are encouraged to make use of this.

While both Chancellor College and the Polytechnic have to cope with many problems such as poor infra-structure, need for renovation and debt, the National Resources College wants to upgrade to university level. Several churches are in the process of opening universities. While this seems to be taking too long, it is their hope to contribute not only to a greater number of students being able to train in tertiary institutions, but also to add value to training done in the present state run universities. Maybe this can also be an antidote to lack of discipline, which is sticking up its ugly head again and again as is reported below. Indiscipline is also tainting teachers themselves and expresses itself in immoral relationships with pupils. Looking after teachers' welfare should contribute to improvement of such a situation. Private schools can also be seen as a help to improve education but that all is not well in this sector is seen because some school directors swindle the students' exam fees.

After going through difficulties for quite some time, the education seems to have seen some hope to end some of its problems. One of its major problems, low standards of education, seems to have found some solutions. The Ministry is embarking on adopting some new teaching methods that will help primary school pupils to understand their lessons better. The system seeks to introduce lessons to pupils in their mother tongue.

In the just ended year, the ministry of education held a series of education review conferences that sought to find ways of improving education standards. Present at such conferences were various stakeholders including traditional leaders. Some conferences agreed that indeed education standards have plummeted. It was reported that government was partly to blame for not consulting with people at the grassroots before implementing the free education project in Primary Schools. They observed that the system has contributed to the low education standards as government was forced to employ under qualified teachers to cater for the large numbers of pupils who enrolled in primary schools.

The fact that in the year the Polytechnic withdrew some 120 students from various programmes is clear evidence that education standards are really dwindling. For the first time it was reported that over 400 students sat for supplementary examinations. Such a scenario calls for an immediate solution in finding out what the main cause of this problem is. It is reported that this was the first time that the college has faced the disaster.

Some nasty scenes were also witnessed in the year. One such incident is an issue of indiscipline among students in Colleges. Students at Mzuzu University are reported to have pulled down the Malawi national flag at the time president Bingu wa Mutharika was expected to preside over a graduation ceremony at the college. In the past it has always been the same colleges that got involved in indiscipline issues. Revelations were also made of a teacher who defiled his own pupil aged 10. He has since been jailed.

 

HEALTH

The year 2005 leaves much to be desired in the fight against deadly diseases such as HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is saddening to note Malawi, a country already losing 250 lives every hour because of the H.I.V pandemic, must breast itself against severe attacks by Malaria and Tuberculosis, which are refusing to be defeated. A couple of years ago TB was on the verge of being eradicated. But as of now it is one of the fiercest diseases. And Malaria is already claming at least 20 in every 100 deaths.

Bad news for citizens is the constant pilferage of drugs from government hospitals while private clinics have them in abundance. The government medical store is the sole source of drugs in the country, but private clinics have their own means to get them at the expense of the common Malawian citizen who cannot afford to pay for consultation fees let alone treatment fees. Malawi is also lacking surgical equipment and refrigeration facilities in its major hospitals according to media reports.

Malawi as one of the poorest countries in the world is not making great strides in its fight to improve the livelihood of its citizens. When qualified personnel take up their jobs as doctors or nurses, they soon lay down their equipment to take up similar jobs outside the country like in Britain where the pay packet is far more attractive. One media report revealed that there are more Malawian doctors and nurses in Manchester than in their native land of Malawi. The World Bank donated K1.6 billion to stem the brain drain. There is an acute shortage of specialised doctors to treat kidney and heart diseases and to carry out special surgery. Malawi has no single pathologist.

The fact that HIV has no established cure is leading local herbalists to make money while the pandemic rages on. One such acclaimed, "doctor" was George Kumbuyo. According to newspaper reports after he had made lots of money and fraudently encouraged HIV patients to say they had been cured by his Chambe concoction, Kumbuyo silently slipped out of the country. Despite his apparent deceitful success the Ministry of health stood by its word that HIV and AIDS still has no cure.

This year's World Health Day theme on April 7 was "Make Every Mother and Child count." The maternal mortality ratio shows that out of 100,000 live births, 1120 die. Some contributing factors are lack of transport in emergency cases, lack of civic education among the mothers and insufficient trained personnel to man the hospitals.

This is a sad development because Malawi is already struggling to fulfil its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs}. Bad cultural practices and lack of civic education are some of the major reasons for such alarming loss of life. Surely some lives could have been saved with a minimum effort. 5000 women die every year due to pregnancy related causes. The year's reports also disclosed that 16000 newborn babies die every year.

There was relief among Malawians when government embarked on free distribution of Anti Retroviral Drugs (ARV) but the hurdle is for the people to go for Voluntary Counselling and Test (VCT). Most civil servants are unwilling to do so for fear of being stigmatised.

It was also reported in the media that a U.K based organisation run by Malawi Health Care Support (Mahecas) donated assorted medical and surgical supplies worth K2.5 million to Kamuzu Central Hospital, Mua Mission Hospital and Salima Hospital. This is to be applauded because poverty is at the centre of most problems in Malawi, be they political, educational, food insecurity and others.

However Malawi seems to be winning the war against infant mortality. According to figures published in the media infant deaths continued to decline from 157 per 1000 live births in the 80s to 104 in the 90s down to 76 in 2004 and the prospects of doing better are abundant. The under five-mortality rate has dropped from 258 per 1000 births in the 80s to 189 in the 90s to 133 in 2004. 2005 medical report is expected to publish more encouraging figures.

As Malawi sinks deeper in HIV related diseases, maternal mortality and gender-based violence are on the increase. According to media reports Malawi is rated fifth from the bottom amongst countries with high rates of maternal mortality with some others like Afghanistan, Angola and Sierra Leone. As for violence against women, at least one woman in every three has been beaten, abused and forced into having unwanted sex. Quite alarming indeed!

Latest media reports have revealed that women in urban areas are at more risk of contracting HIV than those in the rural areas. The report says this is so because urban women do not practise safe sex unlike their rural counterparts. It is said HIV is mostly transmitted through casual sex, which is often done with non-regular partners, and this practice is common among the women in town. The findings reveal that having sex with non-regular partners was two times higher among urban females at 14% compared to their rural counterparts at 7%. But the same report has indicated that the number of males having sex with non-regular partners has dropped considerably, while more men practising safe sex like consistent use of condoms when having sex with non-regular partners. The number of male youths of between 15-24 years having sex with non-regular partners has slightly increased. Since 1985 when HIV and AIDS was known 1 million people have contracted the disease.

Malawi has only three referral hospitals, one in each region. These are not enough in a country that has poor road infrastructure, few medical personnel and depends on foreign aid to subsidise its economy. And as if this is not enough, illiteracy is rampant. All these facts directly contribute to poor health of a nation.

While the government is doing all it can to combat deadly diseases, such as HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis, some chiefs in Mzimba must be congratulated for taking a leading role to eradicate cultural practices that encourage the spread of HIV and AIDS. An advocacy campaign meeting on cultural practices and HIV and AIDS organised by Tovwirane organisation targeted 10 traditional authorities in Mzimba district and the response was enormous. Most tribes in Malawi follow cultural practices, which encourage unsafe sex and messages sent by an organisation like Tovwirane can prove effective. Many more such organisations are required. The churches too can prove effective tools of spreading messages against traditional customs that have for a long time been a source of sex attraction.

Linthipe III Bridge in Dedza has continued to claim lives due to careless driving. According to press reports 27 people lost their lives in 2004 in a single accident while in 2005 35 people died in a minibus on the same spot. Recent reports had shown that the driver is now mentally unstable and cannot remember anything about the accident. However the figure increased with two more victims of the accident dying at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Many Malawians question why Dedza district has become a death trap. That being the case recent media reports indicate that many accidents occur because of drivers (most of whom are under 35 years of age) either drive carelessly or drive under the influence of alcohol.

Another disturbing media report in the year 2005 is the revelation that some hospital staff were demanding payment from patients in need of blood transfusion. Blood is a priceless ingredient of life so that it is criminal to deny supply to those in need of it. Such a practice should be looked into with haste. It is such trends that ruin hospital administration's reputation. This trend also calls strong action to ensure that such corrupt practices are stopped completely and immediately.

The rainy season in Malawi is always associated with the arrival of waterborne diseases such as Cholera and Diarrhoea. The ministry of health took extra strides in making sure that the masses are well informed about the dangers of drinking polluted water. But as newspapers say illiteracy, poverty and lack of good roads contribute to unnecessary deaths. The Lower Shire districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje are the two of the most affected areas every year.

ENVIRONMENT

Reading different articles in January 2005 the news is mostly concentrating on the loss of forests. But though important, Environment is the interaction of all creation, and we humans are part of it. Do we seriously think of doing something to make alternative Energy resources available to all the people who rely on forest products like poles, charcoal etc? Former Minister for Mines and Environment Davis Katsonga is quoted as saying." That the fight against deforestation is a far-fetched dream unless alternative resources are made available to people in the country."

waste paper and sawdust can be used to make briquettes and is possible but still needs a lot of encouragement. It is one way to protect the environment. An American Peace Corp volunteer Melva Steen says," I thought it was new. I thought it was unknown but it was not so." The community of Biriwiri in Ntcheu had the idea and only needed some help and encouragement to implement it.

Of interest is an article in March about the Malawi Environmental Endowment Trust (Meet) saying that Malawians need to adjust to the proper way of disposing of plastics to curb the littering problem that is worsening. The problem is seen especially in our cities: this has led to pollution of our environment. The habit of throwing waste anywhere makes it impossible for city authorities to collect garbage for proper disposal.

Vice President Cassim Chilumpha recently launched a community-based project at Chia lagoon near Nkhotakota that aims to address the management of Chia watershed. It is a response to people's concern over rising cases of waterborne diseases, food insecurity and dwindling species of fish. This project will run for three years and is being implemented under United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Despite receiving low media coverage, in April an interesting article on the importance of women having to join against the degradation of our environment was found in Midweek Chronicle. It is relating how women are being scoffed at because MASAF did not approve their forestation project.

The Nation wrote about GM Crops. "After completing the world's biggest study on the potential ecological impact of genetically engineered crops, British scientists have concluded that the technology harms wildlife".

Another bit of good news this month is, that Malawi will join the world in commemorating WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY. The slogan of the day will be "Plan for the Planet". It is aimed at keeping cities green through the preservation of the environment by avoiding deforestation and where possible to plant trees. In the city of Blantyre Coordination for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) together with the City Assembly had organized a clean up campaign. The World Environment Day is a United Nation event celebrated on June 5Th in more than 100 countries worldwide. It was established in 1972 to give a human face to environmental issues and empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development by promoting an understanding that communities are pivotal to change attitudes towards environmental issues.

In June the Ministry of Mines Natural Resources and Environment urged us to implement policies to curtail degradation of our surroundings. We seem to have well formulated environmental policies, but we have not done a good job in stewardship of our natural resources. When we look around we see our mountains getting bare because of wanton cutting of trees." We see a lot of soil erosion and loss of soil fertility. We see destruction of habitats, dwindling fish catches, build up of refuse in our cities, and pollution of rivers." Let us improve the lives of ordinary people, so that they have the courage to help themselves.

Thirty years ago there were forests in about 50% of the land. Today only 28% of which 21% are forest reserves remain. It is very important that environmental education is supported through our local education. Let us plant more indigenous trees around our schools.

In August, The Dispatch reported that Malawi loses 20 tonnes of soil yearly. We think it might be closer to 200 mills, tonnes or even more. Average deforestation rate is at 28%. So if we do not change our wanton habits, the last few patches of real natural forest will be gone. We harm our surroundings and ourselves by not respecting all creation. By reading through the national news we find extremely fine articles on environmental issues, though they are not as evident as the well covered political articles, but if I do want a healthy world, I have to act by omitting certain things and doing some other things and above all not to forget GOD created all for a purpose. In the Bible we read in Genesis 1, 14-31 God saw all he had made and found it very good.

World Ozone Day was commemorated on September 16th. The government has done a good job in phasing out the use of Methyl Bromide that depletes the ozone layer. Malawi has been a dumping place for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) banned in other countries. Methyl Bromide has been extensively used in the tobacco sector.
MRA has started to impound refrigerators, which also use banned substances.

Towards the end of the year there are more and more articles in our newspapers on conservation and the rallying cry that it is everyone's responsibility.

What do I do to cure our sick mother earth?
It is everybody's responsibility.

 

GENDER

The year 2005 witnessed many cases of gender-based violence as evidenced by the press reports throughout the year. Surprisingly its not only women who are facing violence but men as well. The year's media reports gave out a number of examples of gender based violence with among them cases of men who are having their rights violated. Such cases only tell us that when activists are teaching the masses about these issues, they should also include violence against men. The fight against gender-based violence will be incomplete if men are sidelined.

Gender activists in the year noted that there was an increase in reported gender-based violence cases. According to the activists this meant that both men and women now are able to report such issues. This however does not mean that the reported cases are the only ones; there are indeed some people who are still suffering silently. Because some women are dependent on men, it becomes difficult to report their cases as that can mean the end of their marriages their only means of survival.

Early in the year under review reports disclosed that some women were mistreating men in the name of gender equity. This as reports indicated caused some shake-ups in some marriages. The Gender Ministry noted with great concern and disclosed that most people do not understand the gender concept. In Malawi where gender is a new concept there is need for sensitisation so that people from all walks of life are aware of it. A more clear approach when civic educating the masses on the concept should be administered in the coming year so that such cases are reduced in number or avoided altogether.

In a bid to be in line with 1997 SADC declaration that stipulates that member states should have 30% of women representation in decision making positions, the year saw some female legislators asking for some nominated, free seats for women. They are asking for an amendment of electoral laws so that they access some seats as members of Parliament, for Malawi to reach the required percentage. However some have questioned the integrity of giving free seats to women. Some of them do not have the capacity and therefore are not fit for such positions. To sum it all up the Commonwealth increased the deadline for countries to achieve the 30% from 2010 to 2015. Even so, it is going to be difficult for Malawi to reach this goal by the year 2015. In Malawi where the majority are women it is very rare to see women empowering each other. The perception that most women have is that men are natural leaders and as such deserve all the decision-making positions. It will take a lot of time to change people's minds on this subject. Earlier reports in the year also disclosed that Malawi is not ready for a female leader. The rejection of Mrs Mary Nangwale by female Members of parliament as Inspector General of Police shows how far Malawi is from gender equality. As we enter the New Year we expect Malawi to borrow a leaf from the Liberians who have chosen Mrs Ellen Sirleaf Johnson as the first female president in the country and Africa as well.

The year 2005 also saw gender activists fighting for a change in gender violence laws. It was observed that some women and men continue to physically abuse one another because the laws are too soft on them. Such people tend to do this because they know they can always get away with it. It is against this background that gender activists are asking government for tougher laws against gender violence. Perhaps if the abusers were aware of laws with stiffer penalties, gender violence would be a thing of the past.

Gender reports in the year just ended also centred on some customs practised by various societies that burden women. The practices that press reports revealed are victimising women only and this calls for a more serious approach in dealing with such customs. There were reports of girls that were being sexually abused by chiefs in Rumphi district. According to the Catholic Commission For Justice and Peace CCJP a chief can choose a girl to sleep with him on an installation night. The practice is totally inhuman and it is also gender insensitive as only girls are the ones that are forced into such actions. Therefore an end to such a practice should be advocated for. On a similar note reports indicate that 1 in every 3 women is being abused, beaten or forced into sex. Such statistics are worrisome as they reveal that there are many men that deliberately violate women's human rights.

Similarly practices like wife inheritances have also been observed as cultural practices that a good number of women are experiencing. Although there might be some other cases that are not reported but the fact is more and more cases of Chokolo, Kuhara are being practised. Women who have lost their husbands are forced to marry a relative of their late husband so that he looks after the deceased property and children. In this case a woman has little choice but to agree for the sake of her children and their property as well.

The above-mentioned scenarios are the ones that have caused some women to contract HIV. Because women are raised to be very submissive, they most times agree to a man's advances even though they are aware of his numerous love affairs with other women and the risk that they put themselves into if they attend to such husbands. Reports in the year show that all this puts a woman in a very difficult situation where she has to choose between her life and her marriage. As evidence shows that the majority of women is not educated and is dependent they resort to remain in such marriages. It is against this background that some organisations are lobbying for women empowerment through macro finance initiatives. It is only after women are economically empowered that they can be self-reliant.

The year witnessed critics from several quarters about gender activists. Reports had shown that the activists voiced out the support when there was an issue concerning Mary Nagwale. Nangwale who president Bingu wa Mutharika appointed as Inspector General of Police was rejected by the Public Appointments Committee of Parliament. A lot of gender activists made a lot of noise with marches made just for her. But surprisingly the activists never made so much noise when some low profile woman had fallen victim of police brutality in Ngabu in Chikwawa district. Much as people were happy with the way the women organisations had supported Nangwale but then the same efforts should have gone to the poor little known woman.

Reports in the year also disclosed that just as women are victims of wife battering some men are also suffering husband battering. Society has made people to believe that men are stronger than women and the above-mentioned cases are non-starters. But the fact remains some women beat their husbands. Because the men are ashamed to face the world with their stories they resolve to keep them to themselves. Bearing this in mind it is rare to see such stories in the press. But in the year 2005 the Gender Talk in the Malawi News revealed that battered men won't tell. This is evidence that husband battery is among us.

Earlier this year gender reports centred on the need to educate more girls so that they become independent women in future. This observation came after a series of reports had revealed that some parents still look down upon their female children and as such do not send them to school. However reports have shown that such children cling to their husbands despite facing abuse. If the girls are educated and are independent they would not be forced to remain in marriages they themselves do not want.

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR 2006

Compiled by the
Center for Social Concern (CFSC)
Box 40049 Lilongwe 4
Area 25
Next to St. Francis Parish
Tel: 01 715 632
jkuppens@malawi.net -