Centre For Social Concern Kanengo Malawi/ revue de Presse

Unexpectedly the Malawi nation received the news that cabinet approved Vice President Casssim Chilumpha's 'constructive' resignation with mixed reactions. President Bingu Wa Mutharika announced that he had accepted Chilumpha's resignation amid reports that their relationship was becoming better.

Malawi's economy seems to be on the right track according to press reports in the month under review. The fact that the International Monetary Fund IMF has given Malawi K957 million is evidence that Malawi's improved economic policies has met with approval in the eyes of the donor community. It now remains in the hands of Malawians to continue improving their fiscal discipline so that the relations continue to improve.

Despite some predictions that Malawi is to experience bumper yields this year, the developments in some districts have thrown some doubts on this. It might be true that some districts in the south received good rains but the same did not apply in some areas in the Central and Northern region. This might mean that some areas that have been hit by dry spell will still not have enough food.

The civil society and religious groups this month attacked the Anti-Corruption Bureau ACB for favouring top government officials. The groups feel there are some top officials who are equally accused of corruption but the ACB has always remained quiet only to make a lot of noise when the opposition is involved. The body still needs to do more to convince the masses that it aims at ending corruption in the entire Malawi and not on a few individuals.

The revelations of an alleged lowered passing percentage rate have dented the ministry of education's image. It is no longer a secret that education standards have completely gone down and as the ministry is fighting hard to improve its sector, such allegations are a shame as they only add salt to the wound.

The health sector seems to be on the right track as regards eliminating the brain drain. Although this is the case the sector came under attack for failing to have adequate supply of drugs in its government hospitals. It came as a surprise to some people that hospitals had no drugs despite parliament approving K2.3 billion for the purchase of drugs.

The absence of domestic laws in the land has resulted in an increase in gender-based violence. This has forced women parliamentarians to lobby for their male counterparts' help in tabling and passing the bill. With such laws in Malawi perhaps cases of gender-based violence will be a story of the past.

The press coverage on politics centred on the 'resignation' of Dr Cassim Chilumpha as the vice president of the Republic of Malawi. Reports in the month disclosed that President Bingu wa Mutharika and the cabinet accepted Chilumpha's 'constructive' resignation expressed through his conduct. Despite the fact that Chilumpha did not write any resignation letter President Mutharika wrote the Vice president a letter accepting his resignation. Chilumpha who had not been attending cabinet meetings and was shunning government functions surprised people when he showed up at the Anti Corruption Day Celebrations in Blantyre.

There have been mixed reactions to the news of Chilumpha's 'dismissal'. To begin with some political experts have said Mutharika has violated the constitution by firing his deputy. They say a vice president's position can fall vacant only if he dies, is impeached or if he resigns. But to say that because he was absenting himself from work means he has voluntarily resigned is just not on. On the other hand some quarters have greatly welcomed the development as they deplore Chilumpha's failure to do his work as Vice President. Recent media reports have revealed that President Mutharika intends to replace Chilumpha with Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe.

The announcement by government that the National Assembly will meet in April did not go well with some Members of Parliament. The legislators feel, as one important arm of government the legislature should also be given a chance to do its work. Mainly the opposition MPs feel it is unfair not to have the sitting when parliament approved money for a number of sittings. Government announced that parliament could not meet in the month under review because it was in the middle of dealing with the food shortage situation.

The month also saw the conviction of former education minister Yusuf Mwawa. Mwawa was found guilty of misusing public funds to pay for his wedding. The former minister is now serving a 5-year jail term. While some appreciated the move by government in the fight against corruption, it is very hard to believe that there is zero tolerance against corruption and if at all it will be fulfilled. This comes against a background of some high profile people who are allegedly involved in some corruption scandals but have not been taken to task.

Just like in any other party the month witnessed some problems in Malawi's oldest party the Malawi Congress Party MCP. Reports have shown that some members of parliament in the party want to have someone other than Tembo as their president. The MPs proposed that John Tembo should pave way for some young blood to take over leadership in the party. Although there have been reports of misunderstandings on the issue the MCP denied that the party is facing problems.

With just three years to the next general elections some United Democratic Front UDF gurus have shown interest in the party's most top position. Among the gurus is former sports minister Mosses Dossi, Friday Jumbe and Leonard Mangulama. The heavy weights have shown keen interest to lead the party in the next general elections. However all these could be just dreams because the party has not yet done its convention.

The press in the month under review revealed that International Monetary Fund IMF officials postponed their planned visit to Malawi, which was scheduled for February. They were supposed to come and make an assessment of the performance of the country and determine if it is eligible to have its debt cancelled. The IMF announced that it was going to come in March. With the current administration's fiscal discipline there might be some good news when the IMF people come. Recent reports have revealed that IMF has given Malawi over K951 million after being impressed with the country's budgetary performance.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi in the month made quite a few announcements on monetary issues. Reports have revealed that in its bid to control forex in Malawi it has planned to make K10 and K5 coins. Currently there are no coins of these denominations and making these coins will also ease the troubles that some traders cause by refusing smaller denominated coins from the buyers. The bank indicates that making the coins will help save the forex that is used to have the notes printer outside the country. This will also boost forex circulation, as less will be used in making the notes.

The economic watchdog organisations this month blamed the president's external and internal travels as one of the reasons for the devaluation of the kwacha. The Malawi Economic Justice Network MEJN noted that President Mutharika involved himself in some unnecessary but expensive trips both in and outside the country. MEJN reveals that on such trips a lot of money is used for the president and his entourage. On international trips a lot of forex is used. However the Reserve Bank of Malawi refuted this allegation as they say all currency is subjected to demand and supply.

The World Bank warned President Bingu wa Mutharika to avoid being satisfied with the current fiscal discipline. Mutharika's government has managed to put the economy back on track and that should not be cause for complacency because Malawi is still poor. The majority of Malawians are living in dire poverty despite the good fiscal policies that Malawi is currently following. The country is still among the poorest nations in the world. Some organisations have commended the advice as they say it has come at the right time.

The central bank also disclosed that it was wrong for traders to quote their prices in foreign currency. The bank's warning comes after the Consumer Association of Malawi CAMA expressed concern over the trend. However some of the business people involved in the practice have said there is no problem in quoting prices in foreign currency because people will be paying in Malawian Kwacha. The Reserve Bank of Malawi notes that there is an increase in the practice because there is no specific charge when one is caught.

Despite experiencing a dry spell in some of the major tobacco growing districts, experts have predicted good sales on the gold leaf. Reports have shown that good rains in some areas and the availability of affordable fertilizers have contributed greatly to the good quality of tobacco. The press have again indicated that there is an increase in the quantity of tobacco. With good prices Malawi might realise good sums of money from the sales.

Although the first crop estimates predicted bumper yields for the whole country, recent predictions have chosen to differ with such announcements. Last month's media reports have revealed that about 12 districts have experienced a prolonged dry spell. The time the crops need more rains is the time that some districts are not receiving any. Such dry weather has withered the crops. Press reports have disclosed that Kasungu, Rumphi, Karonga, Lilongwe, Mchinji, Dowa, Zomba and Nsanje are some of the affected districts. However there are also some districts that are partly affected by the dry spell.

Recent media reports have revealed that many ADMARC depots do not have maize. Such a scenario has tempted traders to sell the grain at very exaggerated prices. This means that those who cannot afford the exorbitant prices are now facing acute hunger. Against this background some Members of Parliament have queried government over the shortage of the grain in the country. The MPs feel there should not be maize shortages because they authorised K5.6 billion for the purchase of maize. It makes no sense to have no maize in the country when all that money is there. The scarcity of maize in ADMARC depots this time of the year should give government a lesson on how next time they are going to deal with the food shortage.

Press reports in the month under review have also revealed that President Mutharika plans to revive the crop inspection tours. The tours that were formerly done by former president the late Dr Kamuzu Banda are meant to help the president assess the situation in the fields. This will later on help the president determine the state of food security in Malawi. However some quarters of society have not commended these ideas, as they fear national crop inspection tours will be waste of money if the president is involved. Some people have suggested that the task should be left to the Minister of Agriculture to minimise costs. On the other hand there are worries that the national tours might eventually turn into political rallies for the president's Democratic Progressive Party.

President Mutharika in the month under review announced that he would make sure the agricultural sector gets a lion's share in the 2006/ 2007 budget. Mutharika who has always preached about turning Malawi into a producing and exporting country, believes giving the sector the largest allocation of money will help realise his dream. It is believed that with a lot of funds Malawi will be producing a lot more food than it consumes. It will also assist in the attaining food security for Malawi.

Media reports in the month under review have also revealed that Sable farming in Mapanga in Blantyre donated K2 million to the Feed the Nation Fund (FNF). The treasurer of the fund had late last year announced that FNF has not been receiving some of the money and goods that people and organisations pledged. President Bingu wa Mutharika launched the fund in 2005 to instil a spirit of helping one another among Malawians.

With the story of Vice president Chilumpha 'constructive resignation' lingering in people's minds, the civil society and religious groups have also commented on the issue. Some members of the clergy have sided with Chilumpha against his 'dismissal'. Some reports have actually shown that the members of clergy met Chilumpha to hear his side of the story. At the same time they have tried to meet Mutharika but they have not succeeded.

Still on the Chilumpha issue the Moslem community this month condemned government for firing the Veep who is also a Moslem. Against this background the community planned to stage a peaceful demonstration to show that they are not happy with the turn of events. However the community backtracked and announced that they wanted to demonstrate against the cartoons that depicted the Prophet that appeared in Danish newspapers. Muslims do not allow any pictures of the Prophet at all, let alone pictures that express irreverence.

The Anti- Corruption Bureau ACB in the month under review came under attack for favouring the government. As it was commemorating the Anti Corruption Day, the opposition and some quarters of the society blamed the body for favouring government. Reports have disclosed that the anti-graft body is failing to probe high profile government officials but instead it is pouncing heavily on the opposition. It is supposed to do its work without fear or favour but such a conduct if it continues will not fulfil the whole purpose of zero tolerance on corruption. However Director of the bureau Gustavu Kaliwo denied such accusations.

As cases of gender-based violence continue to increase the Malawi Human Rights Commission has set up a commission of inquiry. The commission wants to find out why there has been such a sharp increase in gender-based violence. Press reports have disclosed some inhuman acts by some husbands and wives: a thing that has raised shivers among Malawians who are known for their peace loving culture. Despite talks to eliminate all forms of abuse completely, it seems very little has been done by the people involved.

The wrangle between two sister branches of the CCAP church of Nkhoma Synod and the Livingstonia Synod seems to be far from over. After a series of misunderstandings on the boundaries of their synods in the past months, the two were at it again as they criticised one another for going beyond their boundaries. Some experts have said that the involved parties could easily solve such conflicts through dialogue. But to have Christian bodies fighting over boundaries is a very shameful act.
Some civil society organisations have criticised the 50% increase in cabinet ministers' allowances. The announcement comes at the time when government is putting on hold some other equally important issues because of the hunger situation. Finance minister Goodall Gondwe justified the increment because of the rising prices of goods. However some civil society organisations have condemned the acts by the minister because the complaints by the civil servants on their salary increments have not been attended to.

Bishop Felix Mkhori of Lilongwe Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church retired at the age of 75. Mkhori who was ordained priest in 1961 hails from Thyolo district. In 1979 Mkhori was consecrated Bishop. Dedza Diocese bishop Remi Joseph Gustav Ste-Marie has since succeeded Mkhori.

Media reports on social and cultural life disclosed some disturbing news of discrimination against black people in some working places. Although for quite some time there have been reports of racism at the Blantyre Sports Club, not much has been done to stop the malpractice. Staffs at the Club are reported to be victims of racism and have so far staged a strike that sought the removal of their boss. In the same line some teachers at Central High School are also victims of racism as their bosses refuse to raise their salaries but have done that for teachers of Asian origin. Against this background government has asked to prosecute racists. It is only after some are brought to book that they can stop such ungodly behaviours.

With the costs of living going up almost everyday there has been talk of proposed salary increment to the civil servants. Although reports had shown that there would be a salary increase in the civil service, press reports have at the same time shown that there would be no arrears. Against this background the World Bank advised government to trim the size of the Civil service. The World Bank observed that Malawi has a large population of civil servants, and to raise the money for salaries there is need to trim the size of the civil service. The Bank notes that if the size is trimmed it will help government in reviewing the workers' salaries. However some quarters have disagreed with this suggestion, because they claim Malawi already has a shortfall in the civil service.

The press in the month under review disclosed that there have been reports of men selling their own children in some parts of the country. It was disclosed that a man in Mangochi went to sell his own child to a Chinese national. Cases of human rights abuse have been in the press for some time now, but the case of selling one's own child is a first. Much as people have talked of men sleeping with their own daughters selling of children is rarely discussed. Perhaps if people are given stiffer sentences, there might be a change in these behaviours.

Reports in the month under review have disclosed that people in Kasungu district are now facing a dry spell in the district. As one of the major agricultural districts Kasungu now faces a possible drop in crop production if it continues. With this in mind reports have disclosed that some estate owners are laying off their tenants because they see no hope in their crops. To sum it all the current food shortage has forced some estate owners to lay off their tenants because of high costs of maize that they feed them. This leaves many tenants without any way out, since they don't have the resources to return to their homes and have no gardens there.

After chasing the minibus touts from the streets Police this month involved themselves in a street clean up campaign of vendors. Press reports have shown that there was a fracas in Lilongwe City when Police tried to force the vendors out of the streets so that they occupy a flea market. The vendors defied the order and can still be seen in the streets. Some quarters have welcomed government's position to chase them out of the streets and to pressurize them to occupy the flea market.

The 2005 Malawi Schools Certificate of Education MSCE examination released in January this year have led some quarters to spill the beans on what exactly happened in the exam result. The Malawi Nations Examinations Board MANEB is alleged to have lowered the passing mark so that many candidates could pass. The many candidates who scooped 6 points with one point in each subject evidence this. It is however not surprising that the Parliamentary Committee on Education summoned MANEB for questioning. On a similar issue reports have disclosed that MANEB started lowering the pass mark already in 2001. Again it is not only in MSCE examinations where the passing percentage was lowered but in Junior Certificate JC and Primary School Leaving Certificate PSLC examinations also.

Press reports show that there have been different opinions among education experts on the use of mother tongue language in schools. With the proposal of teaching children in primary schools using their mother tongue some experts have welcomed the idea as they feel children understand better their own language. It would be very easy for pupils in classes 1-4 to grasp what their teachers are trying to put across. On the other hand some education specialists have condemned the proposal. They have doubts this system of teaching pupils in different languages helps, as it would become difficult for them to understand teachings in English. Their argument is that it would be difficult for them to understand English, which would be introduced to them at a later stage.

For some time now people have pointed out poorly built structures as one of the reasons for dwindling education standards. Most schools are now a sorry sight because many contractors abandoned their projects despite getting their full pay. On the other hand some schools are very old and all they need is renovation. Although the ministry of education is aware of such a pathetic situation very little has been done. Such circumstances have led to some accidents that have resulted from these poor structures. Reports in the month under review have revealed that some pupils got injured after a roof of their class fell on them. Pupils at Kachere Primary School got the shock of their life when the roof of their school fell on them. Press reports indicate that 11 standard 1 pupils were injured.

The hunger situation that the country is currently facing has not affected households only but education institutions as well. Media reports disclosed that some boarding secondary school might close up early because of the maize shortage. With no maize at ADMARC depots some schools are finding it difficult to source maize for students. Some heads of schools admitted that although there was an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture so that easy access to the grain in ADMARC depots is possible the schools are failing to do so.

This month the press reminded the general public that government hospitals still face a lot of drug shortages despite considerable amounts of money that the Ministry received. Although the 2005/2006 budget approved K2.3 billion for the purchase of drugs, hospitals still run with an inadequate supply of drugs. This also saw the use of some expired drugs in some other hospitals just to make sure that at least patients had something to help ease their pain.

Malaria is one of the major killers in the country. This being the case experts have tried their best to find a drug that would help in curing malaria. Since many people have used Fansidar for such a long time that malaria strains have become resistant to the tablets. Reports have shown that Fansidar is now failing to cure many people. It is against this background that the ministry announced that it is going to replace Fansidar in December with another drug.

As we are in the rainy season reports on Cholera outbreaks did not cease to appear in the press. The health ministry disclosed that Cholera is now prevalent in some districts especially in the Southern region. Reports have shown that some 24 people have since died of the disease. About 2,265 people have already been infected. Presently the ministry is advising people to be extra careful in dealing with foodstuffs mainly to wash hands before preparing any foods.

Some quarters of the society have asked government to sack health minister honourable Hetherwick Ntaba. According to the concerned quarters they believe the ministry is failing its duties because of Ntaba. Some of the people are accusing government of appointing Ntaba as health minister when he had failed his duties in the same ministry during Kamuzu's era. Some have actually asked Ntaba to leave the ministry so that other more capable people can deal with the problems that it is currently facing. However Ntaba has refused to leave his job as he claims he is doing it so well that the World Health Organisation praised Malawi's health sector.

Reports disclosed that health personnel at Salima District Hospital threatened to close down because of poor sanitation. It was reported that for quite some time the hospital's important facilities have not been repaired and this has led to ineffective services for the patients. With the shortage of toilets, guardians and some patients have resorted to using bushes close to the hospitals when they want to relieve themselves. Some organisations have commended the nurses' stand because they are putting the welfare of the patients first.

Malawi press in the month under review had little to report on the environment. It seems the people in media industry did not spare enough time on environmental issues. Reports in the month under review have shown that the fight against the use of ozone depleting substances continues. Although it was highly publicised that Methyl Bromide should be phased out in tobacco farming, some agricultural experts feel there is still need to intensify the promotion of alternatives to the chemical. With chemicals that can be use instead of methyl bromide, the Agricultural Research and Extension Trust ARET wants to have a complete end to the use of the chemical so that the ozone layer is saved.

Press reports in the month have disclosed that the species of Mulanje Cedar is now endangered. Reports have shown that despite all the intensive campaign on the need to jealously guard the Mulanje Cedar, which is only found in Mulanje Mountain, the tree continues to be cut. The Cedar is rarely found, therefore communities where the trees are found should guard the forests with pride.

In a related development Illovo sugar company asked people living around the company estates in Nchalo to conserve their forests. Reports have shown that despite efforts to plant trees so that they have all the bare grounds covered, there is till need for more civic education. Some of the people leave their domestic animals to roam around freely thereby destroying trees that have just been planted. If people in such areas are civic educated on the need to guard their animals so that they do not damage trees, there reforestation may have a chance of succeeding.

Although Lake Malawi is known for its fresh waters and beauty, press reports in the month under review have revealed that the lake is under threat as the Anamasupuni are chocking it. The presence of the weed on the surface of the lake makes it difficult for fish to grow in such water. The fish find it difficult to breathe in water whose surface is covered by the weed. It is also difficult to have enough light in the lake for the fish to thrive.

In the wake of daily reports on gender-based violence, it becomes sadly clear that a lot of women are victims because they are not empowered. Press reports have shown that it is very easy for an independent woman to walk out on a husband who physically abuses his wife. On the other hand women who are not financially independent find it very hard to leave abusive husbands because they have nowhere to go. Against this background government is planning to empower more women so that they do not fall into the present scenario. Government is said to believe that there are going to be less cases of gender-based violence when more women become self-reliant.

With the increase of gender based violence reports, women parliamentarians announced in the month under review that they were going to lobby male legislators in support of the passing of the domestic violence bill. The bill, which has been tabled in parliament if passed, will at least give the Malawi press time to give attention to some other stories. It might also give a chance to some would be abusers to think twice before they abuse their spouses or children.

Some women organisations have recommended that the non confirmed Police Inspector General Mary Nangwale should the reappointed to fill the vacant position. Nangwale who was the first female boss in the Malawi Police Service was rejected by parliament a move that some believe is political. Reports disclosed that the opposition deliberately rejected Nangwale to frustrate president Mutharika. Now that the position of Inspector General of Police is still vacant some women organisations are lobbying for the reappointment of Nangwale into the Malawi Police Service's most senior position. Recent media reports have disclosed that some Members of parliament are now in support of government and can therefore support Nangwale.

With only a few months to the Local Assembly elections some organisations are geared to make sure that a lot of women participate in the race. Pan African Civic education network PACENET an organisation that also helped female aspiring Members of Parliament in the 2004 general election is here again for the same cause. Although such organisations put their weight behind women in elections, the women themselves need to do a lot in marketing themselves. In a Malawian setting it is very difficult for an aspiring woman leader to change people's minds to vote for her. The general believe is that politics is a male dominated field hence the women find problems to achieve their goals. With this in mind PACENET has planned to attract more women to participate in the coming Local Government Assembly elections.

Center for Social Concern (CFSC)
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